Softball Bats Revisited (1 Viewer)

[sho nuff]

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.

I have bought and sold several bats there.

I don't have anything ASA left that is in a mid level range anymore or I would hook you up.

If anyone needs a nice U-trip bat I have one that was only used last season.

 

[zamboni]

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?

I wouldn't say those cheap Eastons are bad per se, it's just that they probably won't give you as much pop as some of the higher end composite bats. You often get what you pay for with these bats.As for bat weight, everyone is different - it all depends on how much speed you can generate through the strike zone. That's really what matters.

 

[Megla]

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?

Heavy no, end weighted yes, but it really a matter of preference, I prefer a balanced weight. With compsoites the way they are it does not really matter and you are only going to find a 4 ounce variance (26-30) that are legal.

 

[Kirby]

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?

I swing a 27... used to swing a 28. I'm hitting it harder and longer. Could be the drop in weight or the increase in strength from lifting last winter, but I like the 27 better.

My NRG 500 broke. Man... was that thing hot the last few weeks of it's life. I was getting intentionally walked because people thought I shaved it. Playing more utrip so I bought a 600. Found one for 143.39 after tax.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Getting to be that time again.

Anybody swing a Combat Gear Afflicted? I'm looking to trade my 27oz Miken Psycho for an ASA stick and got offered an Afflicted. I've swung an Anti-Virus FL and thought it was a great bat, but the reviews on the Afflicted aren't as great.

It's crazy to me that the Psycho just doesn't seem to have a great return on it. Mine is crazy hot with just about 500 swings on it. I guess the MV-1 and MV-3s that Miken came out with are just great bats or something.

 

[[icon]]

Getting to be that time again. Anybody swing a Combat Gear Afflicted? I'm looking to trade my 27oz Miken Psycho for an ASA stick and got offered an Afflicted. I've swung an Anti-Virus FL and thought it was a great bat, but the reviews on the Afflicted aren't as great. It's crazy to me that the Psycho just doesn't seem to have a great return on it. Mine is crazy hot with just about 500 swings on it. I guess the MV-1 and MV-3s that Miken came out with are just great bats or something.

Roll your bats. Breaks them in evently. Bats break when one section gets broken in much more than the other. It stresses the fibers at the point between the delam/firm section. If you roll it you break it in evenly through the whole sweetspot. If you do it right, you go straight to max bounce (broken in) plus it eliminates breakage from uneven wear-in.

 

[B Maverick]

Getting to be that time again. Anybody swing a Combat Gear Afflicted? I'm looking to trade my 27oz Miken Psycho for an ASA stick and got offered an Afflicted. I've swung an Anti-Virus FL and thought it was a great bat, but the reviews on the Afflicted aren't as great. It's crazy to me that the Psycho just doesn't seem to have a great return on it. Mine is crazy hot with just about 500 swings on it. I guess the MV-1 and MV-3s that Miken came out with are just great bats or something.

Roll your bats. Breaks them in evently. Bats break when one section gets broken in much more than the other. It stresses the fibers at the point between the delam/firm section. If you roll it you break it in evenly through the whole sweetspot. If you do it right, you go straight to max bounce (broken in) plus it eliminates breakage from uneven wear-in.

Plus its illegal and shortens the life span of the bat, but if you arent doing it (or shaving) you are the only 1!!! (of my 3 bats, 1 is rolled, 2 are just broken in over time)Love my Pyscho and for ASA have been swinging the Salvo. Never got a good feeling with the combats or anti-virus.

 

[jon_mx]

The illegal bats never bothered me until last year we were playing a team that had an ultra II wrapped as a legal bat, and then these 160 lbs. runts were ripping shots down third like they were some kind of 300 lb. moose and just missed busting my kneecap. It is one thing when you expect a ball hit that hard and are backed up, but when balls come off the bat that fast and you aren't expecting it, it is downright dangerous.

 

[GroveDiesel]

So ASA is changing the bat standards. Again. The final rules and bat lists will come out on May 15th, but it sounds like any bat tested before November 2008 are going to be placed on the banned list. Pretty ticked off that my Freak98 and Recoil could both be illegal next year. I understand that they want to make things safer, but why not just go to an even mushier ball than the .52 core they went to and make ALL bats legal? Instead, they soften the ball, move the bases and mound back, and then toss out a whole bunch of bats on top of that.

Looks like ASA is trying to drum up some more business by forcing people to buy new bats.

 

[jon_mx]

So ASA is changing the bat standards. Again. The final rules and bat lists will come out on May 15th, but it sounds like any bat tested before November 2008 are going to be placed on the banned list. Pretty ticked off that my Freak98 and Recoil could both be illegal next year. I understand that they want to make things safer, but why not just go to an even mushier ball than the .52 core they went to and make ALL bats legal? Instead, they soften the ball, move the bases and mound back, and then toss out a whole bunch of bats on top of that. Looks like ASA is trying to drum up some more business by forcing people to buy new bats.

All the bat banning in the world won't do anything to catch the cheaters.

 

[Zow]

So ASA is changing the bat standards. Again. The final rules and bat lists will come out on May 15th, but it sounds like any bat tested before November 2008 are going to be placed on the banned list. Pretty ticked off that my Freak98 and Recoil could both be illegal next year. I understand that they want to make things safer, but why not just go to an even mushier ball than the .52 core they went to and make ALL bats legal? Instead, they soften the ball, move the bases and mound back, and then toss out a whole bunch of bats on top of that. Looks like ASA is trying to drum up some more business by forcing people to buy new bats.

Yeah it sucks. My preferred bats are the Reaper, OG Crush, and Recoil in that order. Likely all banned. It's frustrating because they've all been naturally broken in. The Reaper is finally about perfect and it may be all for not. I agree with you that legitimately broken in bats don't seem to be the problem and that softening the ball and making the leagues crack down on bat testing (like ASA does in nationals) makes more sense. But I'm sure the bat companies/dealers have good connections and are pushing for this.

 

[Zow]

So ASA is changing the bat standards. Again. The final rules and bat lists will come out on May 15th, but it sounds like any bat tested before November 2008 are going to be placed on the banned list. Pretty ticked off that my Freak98 and Recoil could both be illegal next year. I understand that they want to make things safer, but why not just go to an even mushier ball than the .52 core they went to and make ALL bats legal? Instead, they soften the ball, move the bases and mound back, and then toss out a whole bunch of bats on top of that. Looks like ASA is trying to drum up some more business by forcing people to buy new bats.

All the bat banning in the world won't do anything to catch the cheaters.

Exactly. A shaved J2 or Clarity will still do the same damage as a shaved OG Synergy. Make leagues get testing machines and test after a HR or something.

 

[pittstownkiller]

Really, Crushes and Freaks; those bats are so suped-up that the game is unenjoyable with them in it.

 

[Big Petey]

So ASA is changing the bat standards. Again. The final rules and bat lists will come out on May 15th, but it sounds like any bat tested before November 2008 are going to be placed on the banned list. Pretty ticked off that my Freak98 and Recoil could both be illegal next year. I understand that they want to make things safer, but why not just go to an even mushier ball than the .52 core they went to and make ALL bats legal? Instead, they soften the ball, move the bases and mound back, and then toss out a whole bunch of bats on top of that. Looks like ASA is trying to drum up some more business by forcing people to buy new bats.

Apparently USSSA is as well. Our league just got a machine to test current bats. We had many bats that were simply broken-in fail.We were told this will be the last year we're allowed to use any current bats and starting next year, only bats with a 2013 stamp will be allowed.Rep at meeting said there were 10 deaths last year in USSSA games.

 

[GroveDiesel]

90% sure I'm going to try to sell my Recoil and buy an Easton SRV4 this week. Try to get what sounds like a great post-ABI bat while there's still some value on my Recoil and before the prices on post-ABI bats skyrocket soon.

 

[The Z Machine]

What are the technology stories that are being marketed in this area? I.e. why are some bats better than others? I don't play softball, but I do work for a sporting goods company.

 

[jon_mx]

What are the technology stories that are being marketed in this area? I.e. why are some bats better than others? I don't play softball, but I do work for a sporting goods company.

These aren't just pieces of aluminum or wood like in baseball, but they are high-tech composite materials which act like a springboard at a lighter weight which improves bat speed. They can design composite bats which can turn average hitters, into home run bombers. So they have come up with standards so that there is a limit on what can be done.

 

[GroveDiesel]

What are the technology stories that are being marketed in this area? I.e. why are some bats better than others? I don't play softball, but I do work for a sporting goods company.

The bats now are made by taking a composite of plastic threads, fusing them into sheets, and then fusing and molding those sheets into a softball bat. There are some bats that are made in just one piece, and some that are made as a handle and barrel independently and then connected together. The plastic composite walls of the bat are slightly flexible. This allows manufacturers not only to build different amounts of "whip" in the bat when you swing, but the ball then comes off the walls of the bat like a trampoline effect.

 

[GroveDiesel]

 

[the moops]

I love watching #### like this. Fascinating

 

[Short Corner]

So ASA is changing the bat standards. Again. The final rules and bat lists will come out on May 15th, but it sounds like any bat tested before November 2008 are going to be placed on the banned list. Pretty ticked off that my Freak98 and Recoil could both be illegal next year. I understand that they want to make things safer, but why not just go to an even mushier ball than the .52 core they went to and make ALL bats legal? Instead, they soften the ball, move the bases and mound back, and then toss out a whole bunch of bats on top of that. Looks like ASA is trying to drum up some more business by forcing people to buy new bats.

All the bat banning in the world won't do anything to catch the cheaters.

Exactly. A shaved J2 or Clarity will still do the same damage as a shaved OG Synergy. Make leagues get testing machines and test after a HR or something.

I don't play over here but used to pitch when I lived in the states. Eventually only played in leagues that provided bats or forced teams to share bats. Too many morons out there using illegal #### that can kill someone.

 

[zamboni]

Another bump:

Any thoughts as to the best bang for your buck on an ASA-approved bat?

My league has historically allowed non-ASA bats, but is cracking down to be fully ASA compliant.

Want to stay under $200 - obviously much lower if possible.

What bats in your experience have the most pop in that price range?

TIA

 

[GroveDiesel]

Any idea what ball your league is using?

 

[zamboni]

Any idea what ball your league is using?

We use the CF-12 Clincher Corker.Ball is jacked.

 

[[icon]]

What are the technology stories that are being marketed in this area? I.e. why are some bats better than others? I don't play softball, but I do work for a sporting goods company.

Pssst. We make bats too

 

[GroveDiesel]

Any idea what ball your league is using?

We use the CF-12 Clincher Corker.Ball is jacked.

Yikes, that is a crappy ball. I'm honestly not sure what's going to hit that the best. The new .52 core ASA ball hits way different than the old balls, but a cork core would be the opposite I would think.Depending on what weight you swing, you can find Easton SSR4s in 26oz for $180 or 27oz for $200. That's a very good bat for the older ASA balls.But the ball you use could be much softer on the outside. In that case, the newer bats may be better. You can find Louisville Slugger z1000s for $190. They hit the hard center core, soft covered newer balls great.

 

[zamboni]

Any idea what ball your league is using?

We use the CF-12 Clincher Corker.Ball is jacked.

Yikes, that is a crappy ball. I'm honestly not sure what's going to hit that the best. The new .52 core ASA ball hits way different than the old balls, but a cork core would be the opposite I would think.Depending on what weight you swing, you can find Easton SSR4s in 26oz for $180 or 27oz for $200. That's a very good bat for the older ASA balls.But the ball you use could be much softer on the outside. In that case, the newer bats may be better. You can find Louisville Slugger z1000s for $190. They hit the hard center core, soft covered newer balls great.

Thanks for the advice, GD. Will check those bats out - which sites have you found to be the best pricewise?As for the corker balls, I only use that and the F12 Clincher (limited flight) in another league. So I don't have much to compare to. Why are the corkers considered lousy balls?

 

[Kirby]

Any idea what ball your league is using?

We use the CF-12 Clincher Corker.Ball is jacked.

Yikes, that is a crappy ball. I'm honestly not sure what's going to hit that the best. The new .52 core ASA ball hits way different than the old balls, but a cork core would be the opposite I would think.Depending on what weight you swing, you can find Easton SSR4s in 26oz for $180 or 27oz for $200. That's a very good bat for the older ASA balls.But the ball you use could be much softer on the outside. In that case, the newer bats may be better. You can find Louisville Slugger z1000s for $190. They hit the hard center core, soft covered newer balls great.

x2 on the z1000... that's what a lot of people here are using and looks like the ball comes off of it pretty good.

 

[zamboni]

Any idea what ball your league is using?

We use the CF-12 Clincher Corker.Ball is jacked.

Yikes, that is a crappy ball. I'm honestly not sure what's going to hit that the best. The new .52 core ASA ball hits way different than the old balls, but a cork core would be the opposite I would think.Depending on what weight you swing, you can find Easton SSR4s in 26oz for $180 or 27oz for $200. That's a very good bat for the older ASA balls.But the ball you use could be much softer on the outside. In that case, the newer bats may be better. You can find Louisville Slugger z1000s for $190. They hit the hard center core, soft covered newer balls great.

x2 on the z1000... that's what a lot of people here are using and looks like the ball comes off of it pretty good.

Looks like the z1000 isn't ASA compliant - am I wrong on this?http://www.asasoftball.com/about/getManufacturerDetail.asp

 

[GroveDiesel]

Any idea what ball your league is using?

We use the CF-12 Clincher Corker.Ball is jacked.

Yikes, that is a crappy ball. I'm honestly not sure what's going to hit that the best. The new .52 core ASA ball hits way different than the old balls, but a cork core would be the opposite I would think.Depending on what weight you swing, you can find Easton SSR4s in 26oz for $180 or 27oz for $200. That's a very good bat for the older ASA balls.But the ball you use could be much softer on the outside. In that case, the newer bats may be better. You can find Louisville Slugger z1000s for $190. They hit the hard center core, soft covered newer balls great.

x2 on the z1000... that's what a lot of people here are using and looks like the ball comes off of it pretty good.

Looks like the z1000 isn't ASA compliant - am I wrong on this?http://www.asasoftball.com/about/getManufacturerDetail.asp

It's listed as the TPS Z-1000 or TPS Z1000. It's on there as being ASA certified. For the Z-1000, I'd probably buy it from Softballfans.com. Great company with a great reputation and nice price.For the Easton SSR4, I'd buy at either the Cheapbatsstore on eBay or at Closeoutbats.com depending on if you'd rather deal with eBay or not.

 

[GroveDiesel]

You should be aware that the Z-1000 is endloaded though. Not sure if they have a balanced model or not, but the one at Softballfans is endloaded. That will swing a little differently. Typically it feels a bit heavier than the stated weight, but the endloaded weight helps keep your bat speed up through the ball as it carries the bat through the zone better. I don't see any non-endloaded Z-1000s though in quickly searching. So if you're not comfortable with that, I'd say go with the SSR4.

 

[zamboni]

Thanks again, Grove - good stuff.

I've bought from softballfans before and live about a half hour from the Closeout Bats warehouse, so should have some options.

I'll do some research and may PM you if that is OK.

 

[The Z Machine]

What are the technology stories that are being marketed in this area? I.e. why are some bats better than others? I don't play softball, but I do work for a sporting goods company.

Pssst. We make bats too

(I know... I was trying to get the perspective from the lay customer in terms of performance marketing angle)

 

[[icon]]

So one guy on our team is dead set on using Trump Evil Balls....

Are they still the best around right now?

 

[Zow]

Really, Crushes and Freaks; those bats are so suped-up that the game is unenjoyable with them in it.

Those are nice bats but nothing crazy. I've hit both and an og crush was my main bat for about 6 months until it split. Theyre hot when they get broken in but compared to a standard usssa bat they're still weaker. Shaved bats and painted/stickered bats should be your worry.

 

[Zow]

Picked up last years model usssa psycho for 100 bucks last night. it's a 26 and has an ounce put into the end to make it end loaded. Feels great through the zone and the ball jumps off of it. Also swung an axe last night for the third time and I really just don't like the feel although I like the concept. I saw the z1000s mentioned above and gotta say those are a nice Asa option. Sound funny though when hit which seems to have the additional effect of messing up the outfielders.

Btw icon do you sell bats?

Btw icon

 

[[icon]]

Btw icon do you sell bats?Btw icon

Nope, we make em but we don't sell them direct. Most of our non-golf business isn't private label, but sold through other OEMs. Me make hockey sticks for CCM, lacrosse sticks for STX, bike tubing for trek, we're getting into bed with Element to make carbon fiber skateboard decks, etc....

 

[Zow]

Gotcha. Thought maybe I had found a new bat source.

 

[Bronx Bomber]

Sorry, late to the party. I work part time at a sporting goods shop and just checked our clearance rack. We have two Easton Synergy's and a Stealth. PM me if you want more details.

 

[pittstownkiller]

Really, Crushes and Freaks; those bats are so suped-up that the game is unenjoyable with them in it.

Those are nice bats but nothing crazy. I've hit both and an og crush was my main bat for about 6 months until it split. Theyre hot when they get broken in but compared to a standard usssa bat they're still weaker. Shaved bats and painted/stickered bats should be your worry.

I am a very good hitter with average power, if our league allowed these bats I would hit about .800 with 1HR and 2 doublesa game easy.

 

[zamboni]

Narrowed down my search to two Eastons:

Stealth SSR4 and Salvo SV98

Used a brand new Stealth yesterday (26 oz) and had nice pop, but seemed pretty end loaded (top heavy). Only air swung the Salvo though, but it seemed much lighter.

Anyone have experience with either or both, and have any recommendations?

TIA

 

[Samuel L Bronkowitz]

The Stealths are very popular in our leagues. I'll double check which version they're hitting but I think 5 people on my team alone own that SSR4 and swear by it. Though we're ASA and using the 52 cor ball.

I've also found pretty good deals on homerunmonkey.com ($180 for the SSR4 above)

 

[Kirby]

A lot of people swing Easton here, but one of the parks we play at are owned by Wegman and Helmer, so that might have some influence. I'll keep an eye out this week to see what model.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Narrowed down my search to two Eastons:

Stealth SSR4 and Salvo SV98

Used a brand new Stealth yesterday (26 oz) and had nice pop, but seemed pretty end loaded (top heavy). Only air swung the Salvo though, but it seemed much lighter.

Anyone have experience with either or both, and have any recommendations?

TIA

The Salvos are pretty good as well. I didn't personally care for the one I swung, but there are a number of guys in my league that use one and it seems to have decent pop. Not a ton of power to it, but the ball comes off fairly hot.

 

[Zow]

Narrowed down my search to two Eastons:

Stealth SSR4 and Salvo SV98

Used a brand new Stealth yesterday (26 oz) and had nice pop, but seemed pretty end loaded (top heavy). Only air swung the Salvo though, but it seemed much lighter.

Anyone have experience with either or both, and have any recommendations?

TIA

I've swung both and prefer the Stealths, but the majority of people prefer Salvos. Be careful there with the Salvo, I've been to several parks now where all Salvos have been banned because of how easily they can be shaved.

 

[zamboni]

Thanks, guys.

My league won't ban the Salvos as long as they are ASA approved.

Seems consistent that people like both the Stealth and Salvo, but prefer the Stealth a bit more due to a bit better pop.

Still, leaning towards the Salvo since I think I'll get better bat speed with it vs the Stealth, but would welcome any more thoughts.

 

[Zow]

Thanks, guys.My league won't ban the Salvos as long as they are ASA approved.Seems consistent that people like both the Stealth and Salvo, but prefer the Stealth a bit more due to a bit better pop.Still, leaning towards the Salvo since I think I'll get better bat speed with it vs the Stealth, but would welcome any more thoughts.

well, you could always take a half-ounce out of the Stealth if you don't mind "cheating" a bit.

 

[Bronx Bomber]

Not sure of its been mentioned yet or if you're trying to go less expensive, but the DeMarini The One should be a top choice. Awesome bat.

 

[Zow]

Not sure of its been mentioned yet or if you're trying to go less expensive, but the DeMarini The One should be a top choice. Awesome bat.

I like the original white and gray one, but not so much the new one.

 

[Samuel L Bronkowitz]

Thanks, guys.My league won't ban the Salvos as long as they are ASA approved.Seems consistent that people like both the Stealth and Salvo, but prefer the Stealth a bit more due to a bit better pop.Still, leaning towards the Salvo since I think I'll get better bat speed with it vs the Stealth, but would welcome any more thoughts.

well, you could always take a half-ounce out of the Stealth if you don't mind "cheating" a bit.

Thats the kind of #### that gets people hurt. Bush league if you have to do that. A GB of mine is finally recovering from a broken wrist, orbital and septum because of a shaved bat.