I know – softball isn’t about power-hitting. With a short distance from the mound and fast pitches, simply hitting a softball is pretty difficult. So, softballers prefer contact-hitting over going for homers. But – not everyone is meant for contact-hitting. I wasn’t. More often than not, I went all in and tried for a homer. I failed a LOT – but when I did win, it was all worth it.
Anyways, power-hitting in softball is tough. Apart from mastering the basics and honing your skills to fine-tune the advanced moves, you need the best fastpitch softball bat for power hitters.
Now, I’m not saying that a bat will make you Dot Richardson. But a good bat can be your best bud when you’re locked in a crucial face-off against the pitcher.
Again, most fastpitch softball bats are for contact hitters because that’s the dominant style. That’s why I’ve carefully selected a handful of bats that are made specifically for power hitters. So, once you’re in the field and you need a homer, you can fall back on your trusty bat.
Top 7 Best Fastpitch Softball Bat for Power Hitters
While making this list, I took a number of important categories into consideration. Instead of going with the generic factors that you can find in any top-tier fastpitch bat, I focused on the pop, weight distribution, and barrel style. These aspects determine the power of a bat. So, the list is based on – my experience + performance according to the categories mentioned above. If you’re looking for a quick recommendation, the “details” section should have you covered. But people who want to get into the thick of things jump right in because it’s going to get interesting!
1. Easton Ghost Advanced
Easton is not a name you just walk past unless you’ve never been to a fastpitch game. The brand has been a beacon of quality for newbie and veteran softballers alike.
And the new Easton 2022 Ghost Advanced is another addition to their already spectacular series of fastpitch bats.
However, before I take you through the features and you invest your precious focus here, you should know that the Easton 2022 Ghost Advanced is a double-edged sword.
Let me explain how. This fastpitch bat has P-O-W-E-R. If your hitting game is strong, you can hit deep into the outfield or homers.
But there’s a catch. The biggest problem – and to some people, it’s a complete dealbreaker – is durability. I know. Nobody wants their $400+ bat to break after a couple of games.
So, it’s kind of scary. I never had any issue with Easton 2022 Ghost Advanced. If you can maintain it, use it carefully, this bat is a beast (and I’m not exaggerating).
For starters, this fastpitch bat is a two-piece. I know one-piece bats have more power in general.
But with the CONNEXION EVOLUTION tech of this bat, it stands up to most power-hitting one-piece bats. Plus, the two-piece construction adds more flex.
That’s why your contact rate will be much higher.
Besides, the Easton Ghost 2022 Advanced has a double-barrel design. The outer barrel is sturdy, whereas the inner barrel is thin and light.
I think this is the standout feature of this fastpitch bat. The strong outer + thin inner barrel combo gives you the best of both worlds, meaning you get – more power + more flex.
The increased flex reduces the vibrational sting you feel without compromising the exit speed. Most balanced bats lack power. The added flex hurt a bat’s power. But that’s not the case with Easton Ghost Advanced.
And yes – it’s a composite bat. So, there’ll be a greater trampoline effect than an alloy bat. More importantly, it’s an end-loaded bat. The end cap is heavier.
If you don’t know what it means – end-loaded bats always have the upper hand when it comes to power. The added weight on the end cap helps hitters nail the incoming fastball and turn it into a homer.
Plus, the SOFT KNOB of this bat increases grip strength. I never felt a terrible vibrational sting even after exerting a lot of power.
So, if you’re a power hitter, grip MATTERS. The better grip you have, the more control you have, and the more power you can put into your shots.
However, not everyone can spare the green for an Easton Ghost 2022 Advanced. I must admit. It’s really expensive. The price point is at least $75-$100 than most other high-end fastpitch bats.
So, if you’re someone who is still trying to hone your swings & posture, you shouldn’t spend a lot of dough on the Easton Ghost Advanced.
Instead, I suggest you look into the Easton Ghost Youth Fastpitch Softball Bat. It’s a super cheap alloy bat. While it doesn’t have the same oomph as you’d get from the composite Ghost Advanced, it does hold up.
Youth softballers or even adults who are trying to beat the learning curve can get used to the different pitch styles, speeds, and variations with this bat.
Once your fundamentals are strong and you’ve mastered a few advanced moves as well, you can move on to the Easton Ghost Advanced.
Finally, the Easton Ghost Advanced is definitely one of the best fastpitch bats for power hitters UNLESS you break it. Durability is one issue with this bat.
And players who are experienced at using hot bats with a lot of pop and power will get the most out of it.
Details
- Drop: -8 – -11
- Construction: Two-piece
- Barrel Type: Double barrel
- Handle Design: SOFT KNOB (Comfy & Good Grip)
2. Louisville Slugger LXT Fastpitch Softball Bat Series
When speed is the name of the game, it really does not get better than the Louisville Slugger LXT. With the new 2022 model, the brand stepped up and took the quality further than ever before.
Not that there was anything wrong with the 2021 model, but this one is just superbly made.
I’ll say this right away; this is not end-loaded. What that means is that it might not be able to deliver the level of strike power on demand that you would get with the Easton Ghost.
But the truth is, the best bats for power hitters require consistency and speed just as much as the bats that a contact hitter would use.
So my advice is before you disregard it because of its balanced design, at least try out a couple of swings with it. I promise you will love the feel.
Similar to the older LXT bats, the 2022 model has a three-piece composite design. The PBF Technology Speed Composite Barrel of this bat greatly reduces its weight, making it lighter, allowing you to swing through the strike zone with better speed.
This barrel technology also gives it a bigger sweet spot allowing you to get that sweet connection much easier than before.
It also gives you better pop, and the VCX2 Vibration Connection System minimizes stings to give you better feedback as you hit the ball.
Another great addition to the bat is the COPA Performance End Cap. Yes, I know that it is not exactly new with the LXT series, but the popularity of the End Cap is already so huge that without it, it just would not feel the same if the manufacturers decided to change it.
To sweeten the deal, it even features the LS Pro Comfort Grip, which is a premium grip that enhances the way the bat feels in your hand.
You will get better feedback when you get a hit and also have less sting or vibration to worry about.
The only major drawback of the Louisville Slugger LXT 2022 Softball Bat is its steep price tag. It costs around 400 to 600 dollars which frankly is a bit too much for recreational players. But for competitive games, this one is a clear winner.
If the price of the LXT 2022 is a bit too much for you, though, I will recommend giving the Louisville Slugger Quest Fastpitch Softball Bat a look. It is much more affordable for an entry-level player and performs pretty well for the price.
The LXT 2022 model is available in multiple sizes and drop weights, so pick out the one that feels best in your hands. It is an extremely versatile bat that should not disappoint you any time soon.
Details:
- Drop: -8 to -11
- Construction: Three-piece
- Barrel Type: Single disc Composite
- Handle Design: Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip
3. Rawlings Mantra Fastpitch Softball Bat Series | Multiple Lengths
One simply does not talk about the best fastpitch bat for power hitters; without mentioning the Mantra by Rawlings. This has been a favorite of mine for a long time.
Despite being primarily designed for contact hitters, this bat packs a massive punch making it a worth pickup for power hitters also.
The Mantra comes with a light blue and white color combination that gives it a subtle yet stylish look. It is a balanced weight that allows you to swing through the strike zone with high precision. You will be able to get a good connection with the ball every time you swing it.
However, since it is not end-loaded, you need to put in some extra effort to send the ball flying to the stands. This should not be a major issue for any skilled hitters, though.
The real challenge in softball is always making contact. And with this bat, that should not be too difficult, even for a rookie.
It comes with a two-piece composite frame and is available in either -9 or -10 drop weights. While your options in drop weights may seem limited on paper, in practice, though, you do not need any other choices as it will feel quite well balanced in your hands.
The bat features a three-step inner barrel and a thin outer barrel making for a devastating combo. Because of the thinner outer barrel, you will get more pop and better audio feedback when you hit the ball.
Furthermore, the F2 Collar connecting design dampens vibrations and stings from impact to the barrel.
To go along with the overall lightweight and balanced vibe, the manufacturers used the UltraLight End Cap with the bat.
Sure, it takes away some of the power from the bat, but it allows you to swing faster and translate more of your physical strength behind the swing.
As for the grip, Rawlings decided to go with the LizardSkins Grip, which I prefer more than the LS Premium Comfort Grip.
Some might disagree with me, I know, but I never felt any vibrations or discomfort while handling the bat with this grip.
The true highlight of this bat is its balanced design. If you are playing at the college or high school level, this bat will get you noticed the moment you take your turn at the plate.
Sure, it is pricey, coming in at around 400 dollars, but most bats of this quality can cost a whole lot more.
As a cheaper alternative to the Mantra, I would recommend going with the Rawlings Ombre Fastpitch Bat.
But then again, that is an aluminum bat and has a bit of stinging issue that I am not a big fan of. However, it costs under 50 dollars which is great for rookies playing in the little league.
Details:
- Drop: -9 and -10
- Construction: Two-piece
- Barrel Type: Three-step inner barrel and thin outer barrel
- Handle Design: LizardSkins Grip
4. DeMarini CF Fastpitch Softball Bat Series
DeMarini has always been a favorite brand for many youth hitters, and I think I know the reason.
Ray Demarini, the founder of the brand, was not only a businessman and critical thinker but was also a hitter himself who was obsessed with the sport.
His scientific approach to bat-making led to the making of some of the best softball bats for power hitters to this day.
Among their bats, the DeMarini CF 2022 model is a massive fan favorite and one of my go-to bats for any big game. Let me tell you why this is such a great pick-up.
First of all, the construction of the bat is a two-piece composite. You might be thinking; this is nothing new; many bats have it, after all.
But what makes it truly special is the Paraflex Plus Composite Barrel. Compared to other composite designs, this one stands out quite a bit.
This design allows the bat to have a bigger sweet spot and better barrel control for the hitter. In other words, this bat will instantly respond to your every command and help you hit homers like it’s nobody’s business.
In addition, the bat uses Type V connection technology which enhances energy transfer from the handle to the barrel.
It also eliminates a lot of the stings that you might feel with lesser bats on a mis-hit.
The manufacturers also went with the Tracer End Cap, which is a lightweight composite cap that further enhances your swing speed and barrel control.
Does it have the most power? No. But it does offer a better connection which, in my opinion, is the most important thing for a hitter.
Yes, it is expensive, and yes, many youth hitters might have a hard time affording it. But for serious players, this is a small price to pay for top-tier hitting performance.
If you are still worried about the price, you might consider going with the DeMarini Zenith Fastpitch Bat, which is a pretty formidable choice on its own.
The Zenith is also a two-piece bat, but the barrel is made of aluminum alloy. While it does pack a good bit of power because of the Big D End Cap, the aluminum construction is an immediate downer for me.
If you do decide to go with the CF 2022, though, you will have a lot of size and weight options to choose from. So you can pick out whichever bat feels right at home in your hands.
Details:
- Drop: -8 to -11
- Construction: Two-piece
- Barrel Type: Paraflex Plus Composite
- Handle Design: LizardSkins grip
5. Louisville Slugger Meta Fastpitch Bat
When the Louisville Slugger Meta first came out back in 2018, it took the softball world by storm. In a realm dominated by the likes of Easton and Rawlings, suddenly, it became the hottest new thing.
And even in 2022, the Meta shows no signs of slowing down.
Why do I love it? Well, first of all, I used to be a sole believer that the best softball bat for power hitters needed to be end-loaded. This is the first bat that showed me otherwise.
In fact, this bat is the reason why I do not consider the barrel type of a bat to be the be all, end-all of my decisions.
This bat comes with two-piece, all-composite construction. Connecting the two pieces together is their VTX connection technology that boasts a more efficient energy transfer from the handle to the barrel.
What that means is that you will be able to put every bit of power you have behind your swings to hit breakneck homers.
The Mash composite barrel features dual-wall construction to further enhance performance and maximize power.
While you may think that its balanced swing weight will put you at a disadvantage as a power hitter, you will think otherwise when you make amazing hits because of its larger sweet spot.
Another great thing about the bat that often gets overlooked is its high-performance F2X End Cap. It maximizes the barrel profile and gives it a stiffer feel.
This is also the reason why I recommend trying it out at least once if you are a power hitter. The end cap has a dash of weight behind it which allows you to transfer more energy behind your swings.
So despite being a balanced bat, it will let you deliver swing power on par with end-loaded bats.
Finally, the handle comes with the Premium LS Comfort grip which is pretty common with Louisville Slugger bats. This is a great handle grip that eliminates vibrations on missed hits and gives you proper control over your swings.
The Meta 2022 model is available in three drops, -8, -9, and -10. While I personally prefer the -10 option, if you are a power hitter, I would recommend going with the other two options.
It will give you more “oomph” behind your swings. It also comes in all sizes, and you can pick up whichever one feels better in your hands.
While it might cost a lot, going as high as 600 dollars in some places, it is well worth the investment if you are trying to go pro. If you train hard and do your due diligence in the training pitch, this bat will help you take your skills to the next level.
Details:
- Drop: -8 to -10
- Construction: Two-piece
- Barrel Type: Dual wall
- Handle Design: Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip
6. DeMarini FP Prism+
From the brand that brought you the Amethyst, the CF, the Zenith, and many other memorable softball bats comes another equally great, if not better, option.
The DeMarini FP Prism+ is a fantastic pickup if you are trying to get a strong and powerful hit every time you swing.
The first thing that I love about this softball bat is the artwork.
I know it’s not the most important thing for most players, but you have to admit, the psychedelic design of this bat does give it a unique and impressive look and makes you stand out whenever you take your turn at the plate.
But that’s not the only thing that it has going for itself. It features a Continuous Fiber Barrel design which in essence means that each sheet of composite material is rolled onto itself.
What that does is that it gives the barrel a better pop, makes the sweet spot bigger, and makes it extremely durable.
It also boasts a Double-Walled Gapped Barrel Technology for the top, which improves the pitch sound and makes it easier for you to hit the ball with the bat’s sweet spot.
This two-piece composite bat is a fantastic addition to any hitter’s arsenal.
DeMarini decided to go with their Type V Connection technology to blend the two pieces of the bat together, which is the perfect way to compliment the responsiveness and feel of its continuous fiber barrel.
It facilitates efficient energy transfer without compromising even a bit in terms of speed and balance.
The ReFract End Cap of the bat is another element that makes for a good talking point. It helps the hitter generate better swing speed without the cost of control.
So whenever you make good contact with the ball, you will send it flying to the stands.
It comes with a synthetic non-insulated grip, which might not be the best out there, but is definitely not the worst.
The grip feels comfy enough and dampens vibrations pretty well. But I would prefer to change to something better. Thankfully replacing the grip tape is not all that difficult.
At around 400 dollars, this is a pretty sweet deal, in my opinion. You can pick it up with either -11 or -10 drops. In addition, the size options are quite varied, giving you plenty of options when you are buying it for yourself
Details:
- Drop: -10 and -11
- Construction: Two-piece
- Barrel Type: Dual-wall Gapped barrel
- Handle Design: Synthetic
7. Marucci ECHO CONNECT Composite Fastpitch Bat
When I was planning to put the Marucci Echo Connect on this list, I knew that it would meet a lot of criticism.
But the truth is, even if this is not the best bat for power hitters, for beginner hitters who are still not sure whether they will focus on power or accuracy, this is a fantastic pickup.
Yes, it is not end-loaded, and yes, it does not have that on-demand power that you will get with the Easton Ghost or Louisville Slugger Meta, but what you will get is swing consistency, speed, and control.
And if you have a decent bit of power behind your swing, this bat will complement it quite well.
The Echo Connect offers a significant improvement over the vanilla Echo giving you an overall better feel and build quality.
It comes with a two-piece composite construction which, compared to the single-piece design of the Echo, feels miles ahead in terms of durability and performance.
The Connect also comes with an MDX composite construction barrel that features a multi-directional design.
In other words, the barrel feels extremely responsive to your swing, has a stronger sound, and gives you a bigger sweet spot to work with. Its 2-1/4 inches ring-free barrel design further enhances the flex giving you better performance each time you swing.
Furthermore, the handle is also made of carbon composite material which is pretty durable and resists vibration on mis-hits.
Nobody likes a rattling softball bat, and to make sure you do not have to face this issue, the manufacturers went with the SDX EXT connection. It essentially eliminates any unwanted vibrations from the bat.
This bat comes in multiple sizes, and your drop options range from -8 to -11. For contact hitters, the -10 and -11 drop weights might be the better choice.
However, for power hitters, I would recommend going with either the -8 or -9 model, as it would pack more power behind each swing.
Its handle is nothing special, though, which is pretty understandable considering its price. Don’t get me wrong, it still feels good. But compared to LizardSkins or LS Comfort Pro grips, it just cannot compete well.
The overall design and visuals of the bat are also quite attractive. It has a blend of black, red, and white with a big Marucci Logo on the barrel, giving it a superb look.
And the best part is, it costs at least 50 to 100 dollars less than the other options I showcased on this list.
Details:
- Drop: -8 and -11
- Construction: Two-piece
- Barrel Type: 2-1/4 inches ring-free MDX
- Handle Design: Synthetic
Pro Tips on Buying the Best Fastpitch Softball Bat for Power Hitters
Softball hitters are often struggling to find that RIGHT bat. A bat that simply fits their playstyle. That’s why I’ve included a lot of options here – for beginner and seasoned veterans alike. Usually, power hitter bats are different from balanced bats. Balanced hitters – also known as contact hitters – want to move around from base to base. However, power hitters go for the BIG SWINGS. I’ve outlined the core features that you want to be on the lookout for when you’re searching for the best fastpitch softball bat for power hitters.
· End-load vs. Balanced Bats
The equation is pretty simple. End-load bats have more power than balanced bats. That’s it. An end-load fastpitch bat has a heavier end-cap. So, these are top-heavy bats. That’s why if you swing an end-load fastpitch bat, the weight of the end cap adds some extra power to the swing, giving you a better hit.
So, people who are specifically looking for bats for power hitters should always go for end-load bats.
However, it doesn’t mean that balanced bats don’t have any power in them at all. They do. End-load bats just have the upper hand. Still, it takes time to get used to an end-load bat. If you’re having trouble mastering the top-heavy power hitter bat (end-load), just go for a balanced bat that has good pop.
· One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Bats
Again, it’s all really straightforward.
- One-piece fastpitch bats > two-piece fastpitch bats (when it comes to power)
- One-piece bats are made with a single metal (alloy, metal, wood).
- Two-piece or three-piece bats are made with two or more materials (carbon fiber + alloy, carbon fiber + wood).
Usually, a lot of people prefer two-piece bats because these bats have more flex. Now, what does it mean to have more flex? It means that the vibrational sting you get from a power hit is minimal. So, two-piece fastpitch bats will have very little vibration.
On the other hand, one-piece fastpitch bats have more power. But the sting can be BAD (with a capital B). So, softballers with strong forearms or considerable upper-body strength have the capacity to handle a one-piece fastpitch bat. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
Think carefully before you just go headfirst to get yourself a one-piece bat. Sometimes, it’s better to get a two-piece or even a three-piece softball bat just to minimize the sting. However, if you’re confident and you feel like your arms can take the beating, go ahead.
· Material Matters
The material of a softball bat also determines power. Softball bats are made from three primary materials –
- Wood
- Alloy/Metal
- Composite
Now, I’m not going to go into a lot of details. But just know that – composite bats have more power because of an increased trampoline effect. Composite bats have a lot of different features embedded into them. That’s why the exit speeds of a composite softball bat are much higher.
· Exit Velocity & Batted Ball Speed (Know the Terms)
These terms are somewhat technical. So, a lot of new softball players who have little to no experience in their bag are likely to get caught off-guard by this. New and nice people who don’t know the terms can get duped by some fancy sales talk. Right after the bat comes in contact with the bat, the speed as it comes off is known as exit velocity.
Batted ball speed is a combination of different speeds (exit velocity included). So, in the simplest terms, the pitch speed from the plate, exit velocity, sweet spot impact, ball construction, and bat composition.
- Long story short – higher exit velocity = greater power.
If you can find the numbers, that’s great. But most of the time, you won’t be able to find the exact numbers. So, don’t let the terms get to your head.
· The Budget Expectations
If you’ve read through the insights I’ve provided here, you can clearly see that I have a high-end and a budget option. Usually, the high-end fastpitch bats are for seasoned softball hitters who know what they’re doing. And the budget bats are for newcomers who still have to fix their fundamentals.
Anyways, a Top-Rated fastpitch softball bat for power hitters can cost around $350-$500+. Each model, depending on the size and weight drop, has a different price point. So, it’s hard to give an accurate number.
On the flip side, a budget fastpitch softball bat for power hitters costs around $50-$200. If you are looking for budget-friendly bats, I would recommend going for something that costs around $100-$150. While $50 bats are also good, a $100-$150 bat will last and give you a decent performance.
Common Questions You Might Have About Fastpitch Bat for Power Hitters
Although I’ve tried to cover everything and anything in the breakdowns + tips, you still probably have some questions. So, I decided to answer a few questions that I kept (keep) getting on repeat.
Should You Buy Used Fastpitch Bats?
If it’s a wooden or composite fastpitch bat, you shouldn’t. And power hitters should definitely avoid used bats. Wooden and composite fastpitch bats have a lifespan. If these are bats for power hitters, it’s even worse. The longer you use a power-hitting bat, the faster it loses potency. So, always avoid using fastpitch bats if you want to power. But contact hitters can try out good used fastpitch bats.
What Is the Hottest Bat in Fastpitch Softball?
End-load composite bats from the Easton lineup are the hottest. So, whether you get an Easton Ghost Advanced or Easton Ghost 2022, the difference doesn’t matter much. Most Easton composite end-loaded bats are hot and ready out of the box. These bats require little to no break-in.
What Softball Bats Have the Most Pop?
Composite softball bats have the most pop. While wooden and alloy bats are also decent, they don’t have the same trampoline effect or pop as a composite bat.
Does a heavier softball bat hit farther?
Yes, heavier softball bats hit farther.
- Force = mass X acceleration
- So, more mass = more power.
A softball hit by a heavy bat will have better exit speed and momentum.
What Bat is Hotter ASA or USSSA Stamped Bats?
The ASA/USA or USSSA stamps have nothing to do with how hot a bat is/can be. It depends on the make, model, construction, and material of a bat. So, these two league stamps have little to no bearing on the bat’s performance.
Power Hitters Assemble
Power-hitting is hard. While hitting homers in back-to-back games is a dream for many, it’s a difficult mountain to climb. So, not only do you need the skills to knock the softball out of the park, but you also need the best fastpitch bat for power hitters.
Don’t think that a bat will make you the next Dot Richardson. It’s not the bat. Never the bat. It’s the skill – yes. But a good softball bat can bring out your potential. It’s not just you who hunts down pitchers and smashes everything they throw at you. It’s YOU and YOUR BAT – partners in crime!
Anyways, enough coach-speak.
If you want a hot bat that’s ready to hit the ground running, go for the Easton 2022 Ghost Advanced. It’s an end-load composite powerhouse. The only issue is – durability. You need to know how to use the bat, make full use of the sweet spots, and keep it in great condition.
However, not everyone is a skilled hitter. And if that’s the case, try out the Louisville Slugger 2022 LXT. It’s not an end-load bat. So, there is a lack of power. But it’s extremely balanced and durable. You won’t have to worry about breaking the softball bat. And if you can hit the sweet spots, you’ll get a lot of home runs as well.
But both these bats are money-hungry sharks. So, these last two recommendations are for budget hunters.
If you want a sturdy alloy bat, go for the Easton GHOST Fastpitch Softball Bat Aluminum. But people who want to board the Louisville Slugger train should take a look into the Louisville Slugger 2022 Quest Fastpitch Softball Bat.
So, get your weapon in order. Practice your swings and mechanics. And go GET.THAT. HOME RUN! Cheers!
