Softball Bat Information
Slow Pitch Softball Bat Characteristics and Rules
Bat Ratings. There are different ratings for bats from different authorities, such as ASA and USSSA. In general, an ASA bat is approved for all leagues that Trilogy plays in. The ASA rating is also associated with the "1.20" designation. The other main rating is "1.21", often referred to as a "hot" bat or a senior bat. These ratings are generally stamped on the bat. The important thing to know for a given league is what bats are legal for that league. So when purchasing a bat, make sure that the bat will have the proper rating stamped on the bat.
NOTE: Different leagues have different restrictions on bat use:
Suggestion: before buying a bat, try the bats of some other players and talk to them about why they chose their bats. To look for deals on line, try www.justbats.com, www.cheapbats.com, www.closeoutbats.com and kellysultimatesports.com.
Bat features and variations
Bat Ratings. There are different ratings for bats from different authorities, such as ASA and USSSA. In general, an ASA bat is approved for all leagues that Trilogy plays in. The ASA rating is also associated with the "1.20" designation. The other main rating is "1.21", often referred to as a "hot" bat or a senior bat. These ratings are generally stamped on the bat. The important thing to know for a given league is what bats are legal for that league. So when purchasing a bat, make sure that the bat will have the proper rating stamped on the bat.
NOTE: Different leagues have different restrictions on bat use:
- Trilogy (TCL) and Traditions require the ASA or 1.20 bats, except for players that are rated C+ or C and are 70 years old or older (however no A players may use a "hot bat".
- Sun City Festival (WVSSL): allows all bats, including 1.21 "hot bats"
Suggestion: before buying a bat, try the bats of some other players and talk to them about why they chose their bats. To look for deals on line, try www.justbats.com, www.cheapbats.com, www.closeoutbats.com and kellysultimatesports.com.
Bat features and variations
- Bat materials. Today's best bats are made of composite materials, generally double-walled. (Gone are the days of aluminum bats).
- Weight and length. Virtually all bats are 34 inches long. Weights are between 25 and 30 oz., with the lighter bats becoming more and more common.
- Balance vs. End-loaded: There are two types of "weight distribution" in a bat. The balanced bat has it's center of weight closer to the middle of the bat, while the end-loaded or max-load bats have more weight out near the end of the bat. Some believe that more power an be created with the end-loaded bats, but it comes down to personal preference. (Two bats can be tested for the amount of end-loading by placing them on a counter, and pulling them by the handle off the edge of the counter.
- One piece vs. two piece bats: you can find bats of either type, but it probably doesn't make any difference.
- Accessories: two common accessories are an extra grip/wrap to make the bat handle thicker, which may be more comfortable for big hands and long fingers; and a tapered knob, which easily allows a finger or two to be off the end of the bat. The theory is if the fingers are further down the handle, more leverage is created.