16-inch softball (some of the time called cherry on top, mushball, cabbage ball, puffball, blooperball, smushball and Chicago ball) is a variation of softball, however utilizing a bigger, milder ball without any gloves or gloves on the defenders. It all the more intently takes after the first game as evolved in Chicago in the nineteenth century by George Hancock, and today it stays generally well known in Chicago, New Orleans, Portland, Oregon, where associations have existed since the 1960s, and Atlanta, Georgia. It additionally saw some notoriety in Nashville, Tennessee, in the mid 1980s.
Game play for 16-inch softball is for the most part predictable with standard softball match-up play. As opposed to standard, or 12-inch softball, it is played with a ball 16 crawls in boundaries. Associations might shape co-ed, all-male, or every single female group. Also, groups might pick serious or sporting associations. There might be rule varieties related to the particular field or class of play. When playing in a co-ed association, there might be different principles that identify with the male-to-female proportion of colleagues and batting requests. The National Softball Association (NSA) additionally has a distributed arrangement of rules administering 16-inch softball play.
Many local organizations host regular season play, typically weekly games, as well as their own playoff systems. National organizations, like the NSA, have an assortment of competitions. By setting admirably in NSA competitions, groups can qualify and vie for the 16-inch softball world series. Because nearby associations might have slight varieties in rules, the NSA world series is played by its own arrangement of world series rules. One remarkable change is that Chicago region players, who regularly are not permitted to wear gloves, may decide to wear gloves in world series games.
Best 5 Bats for 16-inch Softball
1. DeMarini Windy City Single Wall Slow Pitch Softball Bat
DeMarini slowpitch softball bats are industry pioneers on purpose. With game-changing innovation and eye-getting beauty care products, each model is lightyears in front of the opposition. The Windy City series was intended for the genuine 16-inch softball Chicago style players. This one-piece, single divider configuration is produced along with DeMarini’s SC4 combination which furnishes brilliant life span with an end-stacked swing weight. Suggested for use with mush balls, this lethargic pitch bat is destined to be one of the principal bats you snatch out of your pack. Each DeMarini softball bat is made proudly here in the USA.
This DeMarini Windy City Single Wall Slow Pitch Softball Bat features a standard 2 ¼” barrel diameter, a 12.5” barrel length, and the demonstrated RCK handle that fits impeccably into any player’s base hand. Overwhelm the Windy City and get one of these DeMarini slow pitch bats today.
Key Features
- Made In The USA
- One-Piece, Alloy Softball Bat
- Single Wall Barrel Design
- End Loaded Swing Weight
- SC4 Alloy Construction: Provides Unbeatable Longevity
- Intended For: More Restrictive Tournaments & Leagues
- RCK Knob: It is Anatomically Designed To Fit Perfectly Into Any Player’s Bottom Hand
- Recommended For: Use With 16 Inch Mushballs
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: One Year
- Approved For: USSSA, ASA, NSA, & ISA
Specifications
- Barrel Diameter: 2 ¼”
- Barrel Length: 12 ½”
- Material: Aluminum
- Bat Type: Slowpitch Softball
- Bat Construction: One-Piece
- Swing Weight: End Loaded
- Color: Black, Purple
- Series: Windy City
- Brand: Demarini
Pros
- Huge sweet spot
- Lightweight
- Great pop
Cons
- Batters grip is ripping 100-200 swings in.
Recommendations
You could certainly still utilize this in customary slowpitch associations, and still get great bat speed in case you are sufficiently able to deal with the significant weight of this bat. DeMarini just designed this bat with mushball players in mind.
2. DeBeer Clincher Slowpitch Softball Bat
The new DeBeer Clincher is extraordinarily intended for 12″, 14″, and 16″ mushball Softballs. It is made with 7046 composite. The Clincher offers a high recoil power attachment to give you the best exhibition. This bat has a 40% more slender shell than single divider technology giving you the most ideal presentation contrasted with the single divider market. The smooth new blue and grey will truly make your bat stand apart at the plate or in the enclosure. As usual, DeBeer has put forth an extraordinary attempt to keep their bats first in class and has indeed done as such. Assuming you need to expand your exhibition and yield in your Clincher association, this is certainly a decision for you. To maximize Clincher execution requires thin walled, extreme end loaded bats and DeBeer delivers with the new Clincher. The Clincher is approved for play in ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, and ISF.
Key Features
- 7046 Alloy
- ProTAC Grip
- BPF 1.20
- Polished Finish
- End Load Design
- High Recoil Power Plug
- Designed for 12”, 14” & 16” Clincher Balls
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: One Year
- Approved For Play In: ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISF and ISA
Specifications
- Handle: 34/36” oz, 34/38” oz
- Barrel: 2 ¼”
- Material: Aluminum
- Bat Type: Slowpitch Softball
- Color: White, Blue,Grey
- Deals: Bundle & Save
- Brand: DeBeer
Pros
- It’s a Monster
- It will destroy the mush ball
Cons
- It feels much heavier then it is
- It takes a little while to get used to
Recommendations
These bats are really designed for the use of 12″, 14″ and 16″ Clincher softballs or “mushballs”. If your league uses these balls, you could very well see some improvements by using this bat. Whatever bat you go for, make sure you can handle the weight and still generate enough bat speed. This bat is recommended to be used with anything other than those particular balls.
3. Louisville Slugger TPS Chicago Wood Slow Pitch Softball Bat
Louisville Slugger knows some things about wood bats, and that is the reason they attempt to create bats for each player’s requirements. The Louisville Slugger Chicago 16 wood softball bat is explicitly intended for use in Clincher associations and associations that utilize 16″ softballs. It is produced using lightweight, solid, and adaptable Northern White Ash wood that gives players a really sympathetic perfect balance. This bat includes an enormous 2 5/8″ barrel distance across, which is a large portion of an inch bigger than customary lethargic pitch bats. Therefore, the Louisville Slugger Chicago isn’t ASA Approved. In the event that you play ASA ball, you can in any case utilize this bat for training rather than your high dollar metal bat. Utilizing a wood softball bat won’t just assist you with hitting better in the game, it will save your metal bat from taking swings in batting practice.
The mileage of BP and hitting heavier enclosure balls can harm costly metal bats, which is the reason practice with a wood bat has demonstrated to be exceptionally helpful. Swinging a wood softball bat will foster a superior sense for the perfect balance, more grounded wrists, and a superior eye by taking batting practice. The Chicago wood bat has a taped hold that gives players incredible control whether it be practically speaking or games.
Key Features
- Taped Grip
- Black Finish
- Non-Cupped End
- Great Practice Tool
- Northern White Ash Wood
- Recommended For: Use With 16 Inch Mushballs and In Clincher Leagues
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: One Year
- Approved For: NOT ASA Approved
Specifications
- Handle: 34/31” oz, 35/32” oz, 36/33” oz
- Barrel Diameter: 2 ⅝”
- Drop: -3
- Material: Wood
- Bat Type: Slowpitch Softball
- Deals: Bundle & Save
- Color: Black, White
- Series: Chicago
- Brand: Louisville Slugger
Pros
- Solid Line Drive Base Hit Bat.
- Has sweet spot
- Too expensive metal bats
Cons
- Normal softball leagues do not permit this bat because the diameter of the barrel is too big.
Recommendations
Normally players don’t have an issue utilizing wood softball bats in ASA competitions or association games. However, There are a few umpires who have tossed out wood bats since they don’t have the ASA stamp. This bat doesn’t have an ASA stamp, however odds are it will be endorsed. In case you are searching for a slowpitch wood bat you can use it.
4. DeMarini Juggy End Loaded Senior Slow Pitch Softball Bat
The recently upgraded DeMarini Juggy is hanging around for the 16 season. This senior slowpitch softball bat is a two-piece, completely composite design composed of DeMarini’s. 4.One composite material to give you incredible pop and enduring sturdiness. With a 0.6mm bat hold and the licensed RCK handle that fits impeccably into your hand, you will not track down a more lavish softball bat accessible. This 2016 DeMarini Juggy Senior Slowpitch Softball Bat includes a 2 ¼” barrel width, a 12” barrel length, and an end-stacked swing weight for more force at the plate. With the 1.21 BPF associations, this softball bat is supported for play in SSUSA and other senior softball associations. But, it does NOT come with a warranty.
Key Features
- 100% Composite Design
- 0.6mm Bat Grip
- End Loaded Swing Weight
- SSUSA 1.21 BPF Certification
- Two-Piece, Fully Composite Construction
- RCK Knob: Perfectly Fits In Bottom Hand For A Comfortable Grip
- Big D End Cap: Absorbs Vibration While Keeping Swing Weight Low
- 4.One Composite Material: Provides Insane Pop With Long Lasting Performance
- Recommended For: Use With 16 Inch Mushballs
- Approved For: SSUSA & Other Senior Softball Organizations
Specifications
- Barrel Length: 12”
- Barrel Diameter: 2 ¼”
- Material: Composite
- Bat Type: Slowpitch Softball
- Deals: Bundle & Save, Closeout Bats
- Bat Construction: Two Piece
- Swing Weight: End Loaded
- Color: White, Red, Gold
- Series: Juggy
- Brand: Demarini
Pros
- Good pop
- Long lasting performance
- Lightweight
Cons
- No manufacturer Warranty
Recommendations
Extra the Big D end cap that retains vibration while keeping the swing weight low; the DeMarini Juggy is the grand slam slowpitch softball bat you’ve been searching for. Upgrade your swing and request a DeMarini slowpitch softball bat today.
5. DeMarini ONE Balanced Senior Slow Pitch Softball Bat
The recently redesigned DeMarini One is hanging around for the 2015-16 season. This senior slowpitch softball bat is a two-piece, completely composite plan composed of DeMarini’s 4.One composite material to give you amazing pop and enduring strength. With a 0.6mm bat hold and the protected RCK handle that fits impeccably into your hand, you will not track down a more rich softball bat elsewhere. Extra the Big D end cap that ingests vibration while as yet keeping the swing weight low; the DeMarini One is the homer bat you’ve been searching for.
This DeMarini ONE Senior Slowpitch Softball Bat includes a 2 1/4″ barrel length, a 13-inch barrel diameter, and a very balanced swing weight. With the 1.21 BPF confirmation, this softball bat is supported for play in SSUSA and other senior softball associations. Be that as it may, it doesn’t accompany a guarantee. Take care of business with most extreme certainty and purchase your DeMarini slowpitch softball bat today.
Key Features
- Balanced Swing Weight
- Thin, 0.6mm Bat Grip
- SSUSA 1.21 BPF Certification
- Two-Piece, Fully Composite Construction
- Big D End Cap: Absorbs Vibration While Keeping Swing Weight Low
- RCK Knob: Perfectly Fits In Bottom Hand For A Comfortable Grip
- 4.One Composite Material: Provides Insane Pop With Long Lasting Performance
- Recommended For: Use With 16 Inch Mushballs
- Approved For: SSUSA & Other Senior Softball Organizations
Specifications
- Handle: 26” oz, 27” oz, 28” oz, 29” oz, 30” oz
- Barrel Length: 13”
- Barrel Diameter: 2 ¼”
- Material: Composite
- Bat Type: Slowpitch Softball
- Deals: Bundle & Save, Closeout Bats
- Bat Construction: Two Piece
- Swing Weight: Balanced
- Color: White, Black, Blue
- Series: ONE
- Brand: Demarini
Pros
- Grip feels good
- Good pop
- Greater sweet spot
- Reasonable price
Cons
- No manufacturer Warranty
Recommendations
We’ve heard the saying, “I ain’t as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was.” The truth is that time can wear on you, but that should in no way stop you from doing what you love. DeMarini is proud to be able to offer the senior softball player a slowpitch bat that helps them competitively stay in a game they’re passionate about, and perform at a level as good as they once were at. All the old dogs will be fighting their way to the top of the leagues stats page thanks to this new bone that DeMarini is tossing their way.
6. Miken Freak Primo Balanced ASA Slowpitch Softball Bat
Miken Freak Primo Balanced USA Softball Bat. The Freak Primo balanced USA bat offers a superior feel and unmatched pop. It features our breakthrough Tetra-Core technology which increases compression for greater responsiveness off the barrel. As a result, you’ll feel the ball jump off the barrel every swing. In addition, it combines a balanced end load with our sensi-flex handle to provide the perfect flex to generate optimal swing speed through the zone.
Key Features
- Made in the USA
- 4-Piece composite construction
- 100% carbon fiber barrel
- Sensi-flex Handle: Provides the perfect flex to generate optimal swing speed through the zone
- F2P Barrel Flex Technology & Revolutionary 100 COMP Composite Fibers: Delivers legendary performance and durability
- Breakthrough Tetra-Core Technology: Increases compression for greater responsiveness off the barrel
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: One Year
- Approved For Play In: All ASA Leagues
Specifications
- Bat Weight: 26” oz
- Barrel Length: 12”
- Barrel Diameter: 2 ¼”
- Material: Composite
- Bat Type: Slowpitch Softball
- Color: Black, Red
- Swing Weight: Balanced
- Age Group: Unisex-Adult
- Series: Freak
- Brand: Miken
Pros
- Balanced
- It has great pop
- Great swing feel
Cons
- As per a few users, It isn’t long lasting.
Recommendations
This Freak Primo bat is sure to help you dominate your USA leagues from the moment you pick it up. The bat is made in the USA & made from composite material. You can use it.
Final Words
Softball bats are designed to hit slower and heavier balls. Therefore, the bats that you choose should be highly durable and should have enough strength to send the heavy softball flying. Every bat for 16 inch softball mentioned in this article is highly efficient and comes under top-rated softball bats.
Softball hitters can pick any of these bats to improve their performance and gain an advantage on the field. These bats are approved for play in almost every softball league and are well recommended for professional as well as recreational players. This softball bats review is genuine and strongly promotes 16 inch softball.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a 16-inch softball used for?
Game play for 16-inch softball is mostly consistent with standard softball game play. In contrast to standard, or 12-inch softball, it is played with a ball 16 inches in circumference. Leagues may form co-ed, all-male, or all-female teams.
2. What does compression mean for softball bats?
Compression testing measures the amount of pressure it takes to compress the barrel of a bat 1/4″. The less pressure it takes to compress the bat, the easier it is to achieve maximum trampoline effect when the ball makes contact with the bat. Composite barrel bats will get easier to compress the more they are used.
3. Do softball bats make a difference?
At the youth level there is no difference in bats for softball and baseball. You could use a slow-pitch bat in a fast-pitch softball game without damaging it but the larger weight (actually, larger moment-of-inertia) makes the slow-pitch bat more difficult to swing quickly and you would probably not hit as well.
4. What makes a good softball bat?
The key to finding a good Fastpitch bat is getting the perfect size and weight that fits you. Fastpitch softball bats range from 26 – 34” long. Fastpitch softball bats have a drop weight ranging from -8 to -13. The drop weight indicates the length to weight ratio.
5. Do you need a glove for 16 inch softballs?
16-inch softball (sometimes called clincher, mushball, cabbage ball, puffball, blooperball, smushball and Chicago ball) is a variant of softball, but using a larger, softer ball with no gloves or mitts on the fielders.
