Softball bats

[HomerSapien]

Finally started playing softball again and I am thinking of getting a new bat. I have 2 dead bats, an easton trishell and a walmart special. Its been several years and I have no idea about the companys that make these anymore or even where to get good deals on them. Any recommendations on bats or websites? I like heavier bats, preferably 34" 28-30 ozs.

I would like to stay around $100-$150 (which is really low for a bat, I know) but after the trishell lasted one season its hard to drop much money into them.

BTW, I can hit with power, but I prefer placement hitting for singles as I can place it pretty much anywhere and get on base every time. I pop the ball up like crazy when I try to crush it.

Any suggestions?

 

[PetunZ]

Are you playing in a league that allows double walled bats?? I don't have that much experience purchasing bats, but I hear people like DiMarinis (spelling?). I personally like Eastons from my baseball days. Just make sure you check the ASA certified list from your league so you don't get a banned bat. Not really sure about the prices of either brand.

Note: Mens leagues normally allow double walled, while coed leagues typically only allow single walled from my experience.

 

[joesmoke]

pretty much what PetunZ said. make sure the one you get is allowed in the league, and if a double-walled is allowed then it makes a world of difference. youll find it hard to compete if every team you play is using double-wall and youve got single.

 

[ciba]

Do you prefer an end-loaded or balanced bat? Metal or composite? What sanction (NSA/U-Trip/ASA)?

How long do you want your bat to last? There could be some compromise between performance and durability, especially at your price point.

 

[HomerSapien]

I will need to check the league rules, but I believe double walls are allowed.

I prefer balanced bats. I tend to hit pop ups with end loaded bats as I usually try to kill the ball with those. No opinion on metal or composite. I would like to get a few seasons out of it, so I would give up some performance since I prefer to be more of a contact/placement hitter.

Any recommendations for online stores?

 

[ciba]

I've had no problems with Kelly's Ultimate Sports, cheapbats.com or softballfans.com - I always check each of those before I order a new stick.

For research, go to softballfans.com. They have a great review section where you can see the top rated bats by category (durability, pop, sweet spot, etc). You can drill down to individual reviews that include comments as well as reviewer information (play level, location/game temperature, reviewer body weight). The forums will have discussion filed under each manufacturer.

I would recommend you modify your budget to $200. You can get a good, durable bat in that price range without having to keep an eye on the web for a long time.

Based on your comments, I'd recommend a Miken Freak Plus (assuming your league is USSA or NSA - it's not legal in ASA) - You should be able to find one for about $185 and it's a tank of a bat. It's a slightly end loaded bat, but not anywhere near my Juice or Virus FL. You could also look for a Lousiville Slugger Catalyst - The Yellow ones are expensive, but you could find a used ASA model for $150-175.

 

[HomerSapien]

Ciba: Thanks for the suggestions. Those kind of sites are what I was looking for.