Slowpitch Bats vs Fastpitch Bats for Softball

Slowpitch Bats vs. Fastpitch Bats

MVP Athletics has been providing individuals and sports teams with softball, baseball, football supplies and related sports equipment since 1973. Supporting youth and adults has been a passion of ours, whether it be for leisure or professional sports needs. We have grown our knowledge over the years; learning came easy as the passion runs deep in the MVP Athletics family.

We believe in the highest quality products, as the quality reflects your play time on the field! For slowpitch bats, fastpitch bats and all other sports we strongly believe in the brands we showcase here at MVP Athletics. Brands such as Worth, Rawlings, Wilson, Mizuno and Easton. These brands have been trusted by many over the years for their softball, baseball and other sports related needs.

Differences Between Fastpitch and Slowpitch Bats

Although fastpitch bats and slowpitch bats have some similarities, they have traits that are very much different from one another. Softball is a variation of baseball that's enjoyed by people of all ages. It features most of the fundamental basics and rules of baseball, only with a larger, softer and heavier ball.

It's important to note, however, that there are two different types of softball: fastpitch and slowpitch. Although the basic concept for the game is the same in most instances, there are some key differences between them. That also means the equipment used to play each version of the sports can be different from one another. Let us demonstrate!

The main difference between the two softball types is the speed of the ball. Because the pitch speed is different in each type of softball, the bats are designed slightly differently. They vary in use as well as weight and size. Because they differ, it is important to use the right baseball bat for the right game as it will impact the way you play the game.

Take a look at our fastpitch bat collection!

Most likely you would be wondering what kind of bat would be better for a contact hitter. You may be wondering what kind of bat would be better for a power hitter. There are no black and white answers here, it’s all a matter of how the hitter really feels and that’s the really important part. Take a look below at a few key differences:

One-Piece Bats

One-piece bat has a much stiffer feel to it than your two-piece bat. One-piece bats are preferred by those who have a stronger hit, those who swing with force and speed.

Two-Piece Bats

Two-piece bats are designed with a separate handle and barrel, as opposed to the one-piece bats. They provide the player more flexibility when hitting the ball. Overall, an increase in bat speed will also result in an increase in power.

Now that we understand the difference in each version of fast pitch and slow pitch softball, let’s get to the exciting stuff: the bat itself. When deciding on what kind of bat you should be using, there are a few key components to take into consideration, before you make that final decision! Take a look below at what factors your should consider as most crucial.

Use

It is important to use the proper bat for the specific type of softball that you are playing. It is possible to use a fastpitch bat for slowpitch softball, but it is not advisable. Although fastpitch and slowpitch are both versions of softball, the pitching speed changes the game significantly. Slowpitch bats are designed to hit balls traveling around 25 mph. Fastpitch bats are designed to hit balls traveling in excessive speed. Consequently, fastpitch bats are designed for speed and quick reaction, while slow-pitch bats are designed for slugging the ball.

Softball Bat Sizes

Slowpitch bats are generally heavier, roughly 25 to 30 ounces. Since you have much more time to swing and react to pitches thrown at about 25 mph, you can use a bigger bat to hit the ball as hard as you can. Fast-pitch bats usually range from 23 to 28 ounces. You can swing a lighter bat faster, enabling you to get it around quicker to cope with pitching speeds that often top 60 mph.

Softball Bat Length

Fastpitch bats are typically measured by the drop weight. The weight of the bat is the difference between the length of the bat as well as the drop of the bat. The 30-inch bat with a drop weight of -10 will typically weigh around 20 oz. overall; the larger the drop, the lighter the bat will be.

These factors could entirely change the outcome of your play time performance depending on the kind of bat you are using. Slow-pitch and fast-pitch are two forms of softball. Browse our collection to find a bat that suits you best.

Take a look at our entire fast pitch collection and slow pitch collection!

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