Softball Bats Revisited (1 Viewer)

[zamboni]

I see there are a few old threads on softball bats, but starting a new one.

I'm looking to buy my team (slow pitch league) a few bats, but the usual $200 range of the DeMarinis. etc. of the world is probably more than the team will want to spend.

At the other end of the spectrum, I don't want to go for those $30 ones that have no pop whatsoever.

Any recommendations for bats that are in the middle range - i.e., maybe not as good as the higher end guys, but still decent? Needs to be ASA approved.

TIA

 

[Tuco]

I'm using an Eastern Synergy (Green one piece). Love it.

Saw one on Cheap bats for 199.99. Mine is an older version, but they say the new ones are made "with the exact specifications".

 

[E-Z Glider]

Sorry, no help, but Im also looking for softball bats for my girls.

Where is a good place to buy kids softball bats? Something lightweight (29"-16oz). Any recommendations?

 

[zamboni]

I'm using an Eastern Synergy (Green one piece). Love it.Saw one on Cheap bats for 199.99. Mine is an older version, but they say the new ones are made "with the exact specifications".

Thanks - I see several folks using that one.

 

[GloryDaze]

I'm using an Eastern Synergy (Green one piece). Love it.Saw one on Cheap bats for 199.99. Mine is an older version, but they say the new ones are made "with the exact specifications".

Thanks - I see several folks using that one.

And well under the $200 limit!

 

[zamboni]

I'm using an Eastern Synergy (Green one piece). Love it.Saw one on Cheap bats for 199.99. Mine is an older version, but they say the new ones are made "with the exact specifications".

Thanks - I see several folks using that one.

And well under the $200 limit!

Not with tax and shipping/handling though.

 

[Megla]

Try here

http://usedsoftballbat.com/

Also try Anaconda Sports

 

[zamboni]

Try here

http://usedsoftballbat.com/

Thanks - have you ever bought a used bat from here before?

 

[Megla]

Try here

http://usedsoftballbat.com/

Thanks - have you ever bought a used bat from here before?

No, we have local reps that we use to get bats and seveal Play it Again Sports stores in town.I do know seveal other players that have used the site and recomend it.

 

[jon_mx]

Try here

http://usedsoftballbat.com/

Thanks - have you ever bought a used bat from here before?

The good is that the bat is probably already broken in and is already hot. The bad is that bats have limited lifetime, and if you are using it for a team bat probably won't make it through the season. There are good bats you can get new for $179 or so and you would probably get two good seasons out of them. When it gets too cold like below 40, it is a good idea not to use them.

 

[gmbacm]

I got a couple of new bats for my team last year. You will unfortunately be hard pressed to find new, decent bats, if you arent willing to look in the $200 range. Might be able to find something on sale for a bit less, but if thats all the money you have Id buy one "better" bat.

 

[Commish77]

http://www.softballfans.com

click on the Forums. Members there selling New in the Wrapper and used bats at 25-50% less cost of retail.

 

[Todem]

I just picked up an Easton Reflex....$90 and it has plenty of pop.

I felt it was a very good mid level bat without killing your wallet. A guy on our team has a higher end Easton (the yellow one I forget the name) that runs $299 and I felt the Reflex was just as good.

 

[zamboni]

Thanks for all the tips, folks. Keep 'em coming.

 

[Commish77]

I just picked up an Easton Reflex....$90 and it has plenty of pop.I felt it was a very good mid level bat without killing your wallet. A guy on our team has a higher end Easton (the yellow one I forget the name) that runs $299 and I felt the Reflex was just as good.

Not to rain on your parade, but an Easton Reflex is not a mid level bat. It's a single wall metal bat. If you play in a single wall metal bat league, then you have a good bat, but if you play anywhere that allows composite bats or double wall bats, you are going to see balls hit a lot harder and further than your Reflex hits them.

 

[brewer]

It's creeping up on your $200 range, but for a bat that is approved in all leagues and is a good choice for all types of hitters is the DeMarini White Steel:

Cheap Bats DeMarini White Steel

 

[zamboni]

I just picked up an Easton Reflex....$90 and it has plenty of pop.I felt it was a very good mid level bat without killing your wallet. A guy on our team has a higher end Easton (the yellow one I forget the name) that runs $299 and I felt the Reflex was just as good.

Not to rain on your parade, but an Easton Reflex is not a mid level bat. It's a single wall metal bat. If you play in a single wall metal bat league, then you have a good bat, but if you play anywhere that allows composite bats or double wall bats, you are going to see balls hit a lot harder and further than your Reflex hits them.

Pardon my ignorance: what's the difference between single and double wall bats? Are double wall bats generally ASA approved?

 

[Zow]

Nice thread, I literally was going to start something just like this today.

You gotta buy used for the best deals. Get some older models. I bought a 2000 Original Mizuno Crush that I absolutely love for 150 (and the only 100 mph bat grandfathered into ASA). Back in the day it was a top bat and it was used mostly by a guy who knew what he was doing and how to break it in. Try softballfans.com. Great site where people trade and sell used bats. I'm never buying anything new after learning of that site.

 

[Zow]

I just picked up an Easton Reflex....$90 and it has plenty of pop.I felt it was a very good mid level bat without killing your wallet. A guy on our team has a higher end Easton (the yellow one I forget the name) that runs $299 and I felt the Reflex was just as good.

Not to rain on your parade, but an Easton Reflex is not a mid level bat. It's a single wall metal bat. If you play in a single wall metal bat league, then you have a good bat, but if you play anywhere that allows composite bats or double wall bats, you are going to see balls hit a lot harder and further than your Reflex hits them.

Not nearly the same pop as the Synergy or Stealth.

 

[E-Z Glider]

Ive been checking the sites listed and Im finding stuff cheaper at either epicsports or ebay.

 

[Zow]

BTW if anyone finds a nice deal on a 26 ounce ASA bat during his search please do me a favor and post it here.

 

[Zow]

Ive been checking the sites listed and Im finding stuff cheaper at either epicsports or ebay.

The nice thing about softballfans.com is that the sellers on their usually have very strong reputations for selling only good bats. On ebay I'd be too hesitant about the ease of hiding a dent or some other defect on the bat.

 

[Megla]

I just picked up an Easton Reflex....$90 and it has plenty of pop.I felt it was a very good mid level bat without killing your wallet. A guy on our team has a higher end Easton (the yellow one I forget the name) that runs $299 and I felt the Reflex was just as good.

Not to rain on your parade, but an Easton Reflex is not a mid level bat. It's a single wall metal bat. If you play in a single wall metal bat league, then you have a good bat, but if you play anywhere that allows composite bats or double wall bats, you are going to see balls hit a lot harder and further than your Reflex hits them.

Pardon my ignorance: what's the difference between single and double wall bats? Are double wall bats generally ASA approved?

Doublewall technology employs two independent walls to create a springboard hitting surface, extending the center of percussion along the length of the barrel. There are many ASA appoved double wall bats, most in the 225 to 375 dollar range

 

[Commish77]

I just picked up an Easton Reflex....$90 and it has plenty of pop.I felt it was a very good mid level bat without killing your wallet. A guy on our team has a higher end Easton (the yellow one I forget the name) that runs $299 and I felt the Reflex was just as good.

Not to rain on your parade, but an Easton Reflex is not a mid level bat. It's a single wall metal bat. If you play in a single wall metal bat league, then you have a good bat, but if you play anywhere that allows composite bats or double wall bats, you are going to see balls hit a lot harder and further than your Reflex hits them.

Pardon my ignorance: what's the difference between single and double wall bats? Are double wall bats generally ASA approved?

Doublewall technology employs two independent walls to create a springboard hitting surface, extending the center of percussion along the length of the barrel. There are many ASA appoved double wall bats, most in the 225 to 375 dollar range

Yes, plenty of doublewall or composite bats are ASA approved. If you check softballfans.com you won't spend more than $175 on any bat. I have 3 bats that are all good ASA doublewall or composite bats that cost me less than $300 combined.

 

[GroveDiesel]

You could probably get a used Combat Anti-Virus or Miken NRG 500 for $130-150 pretty easily. Both are pretty good bats. The Anti-Virus is an excellent bat, but not quite as durable as the NRG. The NRG is a good bat, not as much pop in it, but it's a tank as far as durability. You may even be able to find a Miken Recoil for $150-160. Great pop and awesome durability. Just make sure it's the red ASA one and not the orange USSSA one.

 

[strykerpks]

You could probably get a used Combat Anti-Virus or Miken NRG 500 for $130-150 pretty easily. Both are pretty good bats. The Anti-Virus is an excellent bat, but not quite as durable as the NRG. The NRG is a good bat, not as much pop in it, but it's a tank as far as durability. You may even be able to find a Miken Recoil for $150-160. Great pop and awesome durability. Just make sure it's the red ASA one and not the orange USSSA one.

I love my NRG. Had it for 2 years now and it doesn't show any signs of slowing down. I think they're in the $250 range brand new but I'm sure it would be much cheaper used.

 

[jon_mx]

Just buy a Miken Ultra II. Turn every single hitter into a potential HR hitter. Just buy some fake label. Just kidding, but that was the sickest bat ever made.

 

[Kirby]

You could probably get a used Combat Anti-Virus or Miken NRG 500 for $130-150 pretty easily. Both are pretty good bats. The Anti-Virus is an excellent bat, but not quite as durable as the NRG. The NRG is a good bat, not as much pop in it, but it's a tank as far as durability. You may even be able to find a Miken Recoil for $150-160. Great pop and awesome durability. Just make sure it's the red ASA one and not the orange USSSA one.

I love my NRG. Had it for 2 years now and it doesn't show any signs of slowing down. I think they're in the $250 range brand new but I'm sure it would be much cheaper used.

I love my NRG... got it last year after I split my PST. :( We play in a big ASA tourny that's strict on the bats... I kept getting it tested before every game because it was so hot. Just got it out last weekend for some BP... hit one shot 400+ :( You can probably find a used one on softball fans for $150-170.

 

[zamboni]

Good tips on the used ones, folks.

I'm a bit skeptical on buying used from a total stranger - has anyone had a bad experience in doing so?

 

[GroveDiesel]

Good tips on the used ones, folks.

I'm a bit skeptical on buying used from a total stranger - has anyone had a bad experience in doing so?

I haven't personally, but people have definitely been burned. At Softballfans though they keep a pretty detailed feedback area going where you can check out feedback on people. You can easily look for deals with guys selling that have lots of positive feedback. Some guys on there have bought/sold/traded dozens or hundreds of bats.

 

[Zow]

Anyone looking to sell a good 26 ounce?

 

[fasteddie_21]

MSBL >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Softball. Just sayin'

 

[Ripley]

Just buy a Miken Ultra II. Turn every single hitter into a potential HR hitter. Just buy some fake label. Just kidding, but that was the sickest bat ever made.

this. I've used one. It feels like cheating.

 

[zamboni]

Just buy a Miken Ultra II. Turn every single hitter into a potential HR hitter. Just buy some fake label. Just kidding, but that was the sickest bat ever made.

this. I've used one. It feels like cheating.

Agreed - one of my teammates has one and I've used it. Has incredible pop to it.Unfortunately, it's not ASA approved so I can't use it in my league that has that stipulation.

 

[Zow]

MSBL >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Softball. Just sayin'

Open amateur baseball>>>>>>>>MSBL

 

[fasteddie_21]

MSBL >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Softball. Just sayin'

Open amateur baseball>>>>>>>>MSBL

MSBL is men's amateur baseball. What am I missing here?

 

[jon_mx]

Just buy a Miken Ultra II. Turn every single hitter into a potential HR hitter. Just buy some fake label. Just kidding, but that was the sickest bat ever made.

this. I've used one. It feels like cheating.

Because it is cheating. I am not sure I would want to play in a league that allowed them. Makes playing infield too dangerous, especially 3rd base.

 

[Todem]

I just picked up an Easton Reflex....$90 and it has plenty of pop.I felt it was a very good mid level bat without killing your wallet. A guy on our team has a higher end Easton (the yellow one I forget the name) that runs $299 and I felt the Reflex was just as good.

Not to rain on your parade, but an Easton Reflex is not a mid level bat. It's a single wall metal bat. If you play in a single wall metal bat league, then you have a good bat, but if you play anywhere that allows composite bats or double wall bats, you are going to see balls hit a lot harder and further than your Reflex hits them.

Actually double walled are allowed......but this bat keeps up for the most part. Only ASA approved allowed.

 

[Commish77]

I just picked up an Easton Reflex....$90 and it has plenty of pop.I felt it was a very good mid level bat without killing your wallet. A guy on our team has a higher end Easton (the yellow one I forget the name) that runs $299 and I felt the Reflex was just as good.

Not to rain on your parade, but an Easton Reflex is not a mid level bat. It's a single wall metal bat. If you play in a single wall metal bat league, then you have a good bat, but if you play anywhere that allows composite bats or double wall bats, you are going to see balls hit a lot harder and further than your Reflex hits them.

Single wall only in our league. And we get them out there with those. No Composite or double walls allowed.

The Reflex is a great singlewall bat. I wish my league would go to singlewall bats.

 

[zamboni]

Finally decided on the Miken Recoil and Mizuno Frenzy 98 from softballguys.com - not too thrilled going with used ones.

Seem to have reasonably good reviews/ratings at a decent price.

Miken Recoil

Mizuno Frenzy 98

 

[Todem]

I just picked up an Easton Reflex....$90 and it has plenty of pop.I felt it was a very good mid level bat without killing your wallet. A guy on our team has a higher end Easton (the yellow one I forget the name) that runs $299 and I felt the Reflex was just as good.

Not to rain on your parade, but an Easton Reflex is not a mid level bat. It's a single wall metal bat. If you play in a single wall metal bat league, then you have a good bat, but if you play anywhere that allows composite bats or double wall bats, you are going to see balls hit a lot harder and further than your Reflex hits them.

Single wall only in our league. And we get them out there with those. No Composite or double walls allowed.

The Reflex is a great singlewall bat. I wish my league would go to singlewall bats.

Yeah I edited my post....double walled as well are allowed.....but i got to tell ya...I seem to hit the crap out of the ball with the reflex...Now I am not a HR hitter (over the fence and our lines are 305ft). I am a classic doubles hitter and if I do scorch one in the gap I can leg it out for a triple or a HR....so with that this bat suits me well. I have hit a couple over the fence over the last 6 months but I did need a double walled bat to do it. Closest I have come with the relfex is 5-7 feet shy of the fence.

 

[DCN12586]

The freak

 

[gmbacm]

Finally decided on the Miken Recoil and Mizuno Frenzy 98 from softballguys.com - not too thrilled going with used ones.

Seem to have reasonably good reviews/ratings at a decent price.

Miken Recoil

Mizuno Frenzy 98

did you get them? Im looking for a new ASA team bat too. We currently have a miken vicious and nemesis. had a recoil and nrg500 but both were sent back under warranty. What else is good out there?

 

[gmbacm]

You could probably get a used Combat Anti-Virus or Miken NRG 500 for $130-150 pretty easily. Both are pretty good bats. The Anti-Virus is an excellent bat, but not quite as durable as the NRG. The NRG is a good bat, not as much pop in it, but it's a tank as far as durability. You may even be able to find a Miken Recoil for $150-160. Great pop and awesome durability. Just make sure it's the red ASA one and not the orange USSSA one.

I love my NRG. Had it for 2 years now and it doesn't show any signs of slowing down. I think they're in the $250 range brand new but I'm sure it would be much cheaper used.

I assume its just you using the NRG? Loved the one we had but it didnt seem to hold up well as a team bat.

 

[zamboni]

Finally decided on the Miken Recoil and Mizuno Frenzy 98 from softballguys.com - not too thrilled going with used ones.

Seem to have reasonably good reviews/ratings at a decent price.

Miken Recoil

Mizuno Frenzy 98

did you get them?

Yeah, we got them, although we got the Rusty Baumgartner Frenzy instead of the Frenzy 98 since softballfans were out of the Frenzy 98. Turns out the Rusty is better anyway based on reviews.No issues with it so far, although it's only been a few games and I've only taken a few swings with it as I use my own bat (Worth Launch 510).

 

[Commish77]

Finally decided on the Miken Recoil and Mizuno Frenzy 98 from softballguys.com - not too thrilled going with used ones.

Seem to have reasonably good reviews/ratings at a decent price.

Miken Recoil

Mizuno Frenzy 98

did you get them?

Yeah, we got them, although we got the Rusty Baumgartner Frenzy instead of the Frenzy 98 since softballfans were out of the Frenzy 98. Turns out the Rusty is better anyway based on reviews.No issues with it so far, although it's only been a few games and I've only taken a few swings with it as I use my own bat (Worth Launch 510).

Are you a senior citizen?

 

[zamboni]

Finally decided on the Miken Recoil and Mizuno Frenzy 98 from softballguys.com - not too thrilled going with used ones.

Seem to have reasonably good reviews/ratings at a decent price.

Miken Recoil

Mizuno Frenzy 98

did you get them?

Yeah, we got them, although we got the Rusty Baumgartner Frenzy instead of the Frenzy 98 since softballfans were out of the Frenzy 98. Turns out the Rusty is better anyway based on reviews.No issues with it so far, although it's only been a few games and I've only taken a few swings with it as I use my own bat (Worth Launch 510).

Are you a senior citizen?

Feel like one after I play.I play in a "senior" league, which we define as 35 and older.

 

[Commish77]

Finally decided on the Miken Recoil and Mizuno Frenzy 98 from softballguys.com - not too thrilled going with used ones.

Seem to have reasonably good reviews/ratings at a decent price.

Miken Recoil

Mizuno Frenzy 98

did you get them?

Yeah, we got them, although we got the Rusty Baumgartner Frenzy instead of the Frenzy 98 since softballfans were out of the Frenzy 98. Turns out the Rusty is better anyway based on reviews.No issues with it so far, although it's only been a few games and I've only taken a few swings with it as I use my own bat (Worth Launch 510).

Are you a senior citizen?

Feel like one after I play.I play in a "senior" league, which we define as 35 and older.

That Launch by Worth is ridiculous. It's as close to cheating as you can get.

 

[Zow]

Contemplating buying the new ASA Easton Synergy SpeedBH as a 26 ounce for tournaments (still gonna use my 27 OG Crush for league). Anyone swung it yet?

 

[eoMMan]

So I'm guessing something like the Easton Hammer is bad?

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Easton-SK4-HAMME...4-30oz/13073985

Another thing I was wondering, in slow pitch softball, wouldn't you want a heavy bat? I would think so because the ball is coming slower and you need to as as much force as possible. I think the very slight decrease in bat speed is worth it in slow pitch. Thoughts?