SIZING
BAT CHART
Success at the plate often comes down to this: making consistent hard contact against live pitching. To do this, it’s important to swing the right bat for you. That means a bat that’s long enough to cover the strike zone, light enough to swing with ease, heavy enough to generate power, and, of course, permitted in your league.
In order to find the ideal size for you, consider the following guidelines:
| Association | Age | Weight Drop |
|---|---|---|
| FASTPITCH | 16+ | -10, -9, -8 |
| 14+ | -10 or -9 | |
| 12+ | -10 | |
| 8 to 13 | -11 | |
| 8 to 12 | -12 |
| Most Popular Length by Age | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 5 to 7 | 8 to 9 | 10 | 11 to 12 | 13 to 14 | 15 to 16 |
| Length | 24"-26" | 26"-28" | 28"-29" | 30"-31" | 31"-32" | 32"-33" |
Best Sellers
LENGTH
Bat length is measured in inches from knob to end cap.
A longer bat gives you greater reach, allowing you to hit balls on the outside of the plate. However, longer bats also tend to have more mass toward the end of the barrel, requiring more power to swing them. We recommend swinging bats of different lengths to determine which option best suits your swing.
The right combination of length and weight will help you reach peak performance. Fastpitch bats are commonly found between 28 and 34 inches. Please check the size chart for examples of what length may be appropriate for you.
WEIGHT DROP
Bat Length - Bat Weight = Drop Weight
Figuring out weight drop is simple. For example, a 31-inch, 21-ounce bat carries a -10 drop weight. A general rule of thumb is the higher level of competition, the lower the drop weight, which means the bat feels heavier. A -8 fastpitch bat will feel much heavier than, for example, a -11 bat.
Players with more experience are more likely to have the strength required to not only swing, but control heavier bats. Younger players, meanwhile, often gravitate toward lighter-swinging bats that are easier to get through the zone and control.
Swing Weight
Swing weight is a determination of how a bat’s particular weight is distributed along the bat’s length—based on player preference
Bat weight is measured in ounces. A bat's weight is often referenced using the term 'drop weight' — the length minus its weight in ounces.
Depending on the specific bat, the weight distribution can be different, with some bat's weight distributed evenly throughout the barrel, while others tend to have a touch of added weight toward the end of the barrel - usually in designs crafted for elite power hitters.
Bat Tech
WHAT GOES INTO A BAT?
A fastpitch bat is more than just a hunk of metal. It is a carefully engineered tool that allows players to get the most out of every swing. Our fastpitch lineup features bats made from groundbreaking composite materials. Each component of the bat, from knob to end cap, is designed to maximize every ounce of performance. There are four main tech components you should understand when it comes to bats: material, barrel diameter, construction and weight balance.
Composite
Composite bats are made with a layered material (often carbon fiber) that is easy to distribute, giving our experts the ability to craft bats with a variety of swing weights, ranging from balanced to end-loaded.
CONSTRUCTION
Alloy bats are constructed from a mixture of two or more metals and has been a staple in baseball bat designs for decades. These bats offer a stiffer feel that often attracts elite power hitters at the high school and college level and are known for being among the most durable bats in the game.
BARREL DIAMETER
The barrel is the thickest and widest part of the bat. It's where you're looking to make contact with the ball when you step to the plate. Barrels come in a range of sizes and are measured by diameter. Almost exclusively, fastpitch bat barrels measure at 2 1/4".
LEAGUES
GOVERNING BODIES
Governing bodies set unique standards for bat performance. Bat manufacturers build to those specifications – in fastpitch, all of our Lousiville Slugger bats are approved by the five major governing bodies: Amateur Softball Association (ASA), United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), Independent Softball Association (ISA), National Softball Association (NSA) and International Softball Federation (ISF).
These logos are found on the bats and certify the bat is legal for those leagues and tournaments. If you’re looking for your specific league regulations and standards, we strongly recommend consulting your local league official or coach prior to purchasing a new bat.
