Bats 101

I was never interested in studying all of the latest and greatest fast pitch bats as far as composite, double wall, single wall, end loaded, balanced, etc, etc. And then you throw in all the different name brands and it all makes your head spin. I remember the days when the aircraft aluminum bottle bats were the best, I loved those bats. I was always old school that it’s not about the bat it’s who is swinging the bat, but I have witnessed how these new bats do make the ball go farther compared to the cheap bats. So I am looking for help buying a new bat for my 9th grade daughter who made her high school team. I know there are some people on this board that have solid knowledge on this subject and can recommend which route to go. Now she is a lefty slapper if that makes any difference. And, yes, I do want to keep it reasonable, like under $200. Any good advice is appreciated.

Under $200, I recommend looking at the used market (ebay, etc.) for a top-level bat from within the last couple of years LS Xeno, LS LXT, Demarini CF-series, Rawlings Quatro...

How tall is your DD? What's her body type?

For a lefty slapper, the first bat that comes to mind is a Demaini CF8 or CF9 "Slapper", but there are other options that might also a good fit depending on personal preferences.

Depending on her size and build, this is a possibility...CloseoutBats.com:Sale! Buy Rawlings Quatro Fastpitch FP7Q10 -10oz (2017) REVIEWS: FREE SHIPPING Drop Drop-10 inch/oz Material 4-Piece Composite Length/Weight 30/20 inch/oz 31/21 inch/oz 32/22 inch/oz 33/23 inch/oz 34/24 inch/oz Want Lizard Sk/ Grip I

She is almost 5’5” and weighs about 120. Definitely a 31 inch IMO, 32 I believe would be too long. I did not know there were “slapper” bats. What gives it that designation I wonder?

dmasterson said:

She is almost 5’5” and weighs about 120. Definitely a 31 inch IMO, 32 I believe would be too long. I did not know there were “slapper” bats. What gives it that designation I wonder?

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At 5'-5", I would definitely recommend a 32". For a stronger player, a 33" might be appropriate. 31" is too short, IMO. As a freshman, my older DD used a 32/21 (length/weight) Demarini. She's 5'-3". My younger DD - currently a strong 5'-6", 150lbs, 13yo - has been swinging a 33/23 for over a year.

The "Slapper" has the center of balance shifted slightly towards the handle to (theoretically) give the hitter more control for bunting and slapping. Demarini is the only one who makes a bat with these specific tweaks. I know a few girls who have had good success with this bat, and quite a few people have reported that is has surprisingly good "pop" for full swings.

What is your DD's level of experience...Rec ball? Travel ball?

Although we (the DFP collective) generally recommend a drop-10 weight* for girls 12U and up, there are always exceptions. I have seen quite a few smaller lefties do very well with drop-11s for bunting/slapping.


* The "drop" of a bat is the difference between length (in inches) and weight (in ounces). A 33"/22oz bat is a "drop-10. Drop-10 is kind of the standard for softball. Younger/smaller/weaker players may do better with a -11 or -12. Big power hitters will sometimes use a -9 or -8.

My 14 year old DD is 5'3" about 90 lbs and a lefty slapper who can also hit away. She uses a 32/22 Demarini Slapper. You can get a new one for $199 at justbats. DD loves hers! And she has had some nice big hits with it as well...including one that bounced off the LF fence last weekend - so yes - it does have good pop!

These guys pretty much have your bat info covered. The Slapper is a good bat. My DD has one and it's held up well and does have some pop. I think I paid maybe $160 for it. She hit her first over the fence home run with it last fall. For reference my DD is 5' 2" tall and 100 lbs and swings a 32/22. I don't think a 33" bat would be out of the question for your DD.