It can be challenging to find the best composite softball bats for an 8-year-old child who is just starting to play the game. Softball is a popular sport among kids, but without the proper equipment, it can become boring quickly. A good softball bat is essential for your child to enjoy the game and have fun. To help you choose the best softball bat for your 8-year-old kid in 2020, we’ve compiled a list of top options.
Contents Inside
Top Composite Softball Bats for 8 Year Old
1. DeMarini Prism Fastpitch Softball Bat
DeMarini understands that there are various types of players who use their bats, and therefore, they equip the DeMarini Prism Fastpitch Softball Bat with premium materials. They construct the barrel with a Continuous Fiber Material that deliberately adds weight in specific segments of the barrel to build the force capability of the player. Be that as it may, with the vital addition of weight they don’t get carried away and make the bat end stacked. This bat will be really balanced. Also, to help the Continuous Fiber Material, DeMarini has the Gapped Barrel Tech on this bat that guarantees an internal and external barrel are working as one to give a little extra spring in contact with a softball.
Key Features
- Balanced Swing Feel
- Two-Piece, All-Composite Fastpitch Bat
- NEW Refract End Cap: Helps Batters Generate Excellent Bat Speed
- NEW Type V Connection: Specifically Designed To Compliment The Gapped Barrel. Assists With Maximizing Barrel Performance & Creating The Best Feel In Fastpitch.
- NEW Continuous Fiber Composite Barrel: This Composite Allows For Weight To Be Strategically Added To Parts Of The Barrel For Increased Power. However, This Material Maintains A Balanced Feel.
- Gapped Wall Technology: Low Compression Outer Wall To Work Hand-In-Hand With The Even Lower-Compression Inner Wall, Giving You A Progressive Spring On Contact.
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: One Year
- Approved For Play In: USSSA, USA, ASA, NSA, ISA & WBSC
Bat Specifications
- Handle: 29/18” oz, 32/21” oz, 33/22” oz
- Barrel: 2 ¼”
- Drop: -11
- Type: Fastpitch Softball
- Color: Black, Grey
- Material: Composite
- Bat Construction: Two-Piece
- Hitting Style: Slap Hitter
- Swing Weight: Balanced
- Age Group: Youth
- Deals: Used
- Series: Prism
- Brand: Demarini
Pros
- Balanced
- Lightweight
- Lots of pop
- Little time to break in
Cons
- Very pricey
Recommendations
The DeMarini Fastpitch Softball Bat is designed as a two-piece bat with a lightweight drop 11. This bat is ideal for young and developing softball players who want to make the transition to a high-quality fastpitch bat at a younger age.
Additionally, it very well may be utilized by a little more established player who needs something somewhat lighter at the plate to make up for a lost time to the speed of the pitches being tossed. And furthermore, remember about the slap hitters out there. Some of them need a truly adjusted and simple to-swing bat with the goal that they have max control of the barrel as they move and swing at the same time.
Related Product: Best Slowpitch Softball Bats For Cold Weather
2. Louisville Slugger RXT X20 Fastpitch Softball Bat
The Louisville Slugger RXT X20 Fastpitch Softball Bat boasts a unique COPA Performance end cap that complements the full composite HVR-1 barrel, providing a larger sweet spot and ideal balance, making it a great choice for power hitters. This bat additionally has a Springload Connection System that conveys a hardened vibe for hitting the ball further and harder.
Key Features
- 100% Composite Design
- Balanced Swing Weight
- Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip
- Two-Piece, Fully Composite Softball Bat
- Ultimate Results Across The Entire Barrel Guaranteed
- New Patented HVR-1 Technology: Deliver Maximum Pop
- New Springload Connect System: Creates The Ultimate Feel
- Copa Performance End Cap: Maximizes Sweet Spot
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: One Year
- Approved For Play In USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, & ISF
Bat Specifications
- Handle: 30/20” oz, 31/21” oz, 32/22” oz, 33/23” oz, 34/24” oz
- Barrel: 2 ¼”
- Drop: -10
- Type: Fastpitch Softball
- Color: Black, Orange
- Material: Composite
- Bat Construction: Two-Piece
- Hitting Style: Contact Hitter, Power Hitter
- Swing Weight: Balanced
- Age Group: Youth
- Deals: Personalization Eligible, Closeout Bats
- Series: RXT
- Brand: Louisville Slugger
Pros
- Lots of pop
- Big sweet spot
- Balanced
- Limitation of the vibration
Cons
- Very pricey
Recommendations
Improve your performance at the plate with the Louisville Slugger RXT X20 fastpitch softball bat. Featuring a perfect balance and a full composite HVR-1 barrel, this bat is designed to give power hitters the extra edge they need. With its innovative COPA Performance end cap, the RXT X20 provides an ultimate feel, performance, and sound that make it an ideal piece of equipment for all pitch speeds. It is composite, so we recommend taking some time to break it in. We suggest about 150 swings off a tee or soft toss, starting at 50% power and rotating the barrel 2 ¼” with each swing.
Softball Bats Best Slowpitch Softball Bats For Cold Weather
3. Miken Freak Primo 14″ Maxload USA Slow Pitch Softball Bat
Miken’s Freak Primo 14″ Maxload USA Slow Pitch Softball Bat showcases their innovative Tetra Core technology, which allows the internal and external cylinders of the 14″ barrel to work together for maximum performance. The consequence of the cylinders cooperating is that performance and sturdiness will be expanded on this bat. Also, the Sensi-Flex Technology is added to help the association where the handle and barrel are intertwined. Sensi-Flex permits the bat head speed to be wonderful while additionally restricting the negative vibrations that can get down to a player’s hands on a miss-hit.
Key Features
- Slightly End Loaded Swing Feel
- Four-Piece, All-Composite Slow Pitch Bat
- Sensi-Flex Technology: Maximizes Energy Transfer From Handle To Barrel. This Energy Transfer Increases Bat Head Speed Through The Hitting Zone. It Also Limits Vibration From Getting To The Batter’s Hands.
- Tetra Core Technology: An Inner Core Barrel Tube & Outer Core Barrel Tube Work Together To Create Ultimate Compression & Barrel Response PLUS Improve Sweetspot & Durability.
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: One Year
- Approved For Play In USA Softball, ASA
Bat Specifications
- Handle: 34/26” oz, 34/27” oz, 34/28” oz,
- Barrel Length: 14”
- Barrel Diameter: 2 ¼”
- Type: Slowpitch Softball
- Color: Black, Orange, Red Graphics
- Material: Composite
- Bat Construction: Four-Piece
- Hitting Style: Power Hitter
- Swing Weight: Slightly End Loaded
- Age Group: Youth
- Deals: Personalization Eligible
- Series: Freak
- Brand: Miken
Pros
- Excellent pop
- Limitation of the vibration
Cons
- Handle too skinny
- Very expensive
Recommendations
The Miken Freak Primo 14″ Maxload USA Slow Pitch Softball Bat is designed with the Maxload Slightly End Load, which is favored by many power hitters. It features a “four-piece” construction where the barrel and handle sections are fused together, utilizing Miken’s Tetra Core technology to allow the inner and outer barrel to work together. With a longer barrel and certification from USA Softball (ASA), the Freak Primo is an excellent choice for players looking for a high-performing bat.
Related Product: Best Non Composite Softball Bats
4. Easton Ronin Flex 12″ Loaded Dual Stamp Slow Pitch Softball Bat
Prepare for a successful slow pitch season with the Easton Ronin Flex 12″ Loaded Dual Stamp Softball Bat. This bat features an attractive color scheme in red, white, black, and gray, with sleek graphics and branding that catches the eye. Plus, it’s approved for both ASA and USSSA play. This is a double-stepped bat, so it’s endorsed for play in ASA, USSSA, and ISF associations. This Ronin Flex feels hot right out of the covering and is adequately tough to fill in as your weapon of decision for a large number of seasons.
For this model Ronin, Easton joins a work of art, single-piece plan with its top-notch Flex barrel innovation. The barrel is created with TCT thermo-composite which has a milder pressure than some other composite materials and along these lines offers predominant feel and control with less break on schedule. It’s a stacked barrel plan, so this bat is great for power hitters that can create a smidgen of serious swing speed without forfeiting control. With a solitary piece plan and 12″ barrel, this bat gives a smoothed-out feel that is made for slugging yet in addition quick turning enough for hitters anyplace in your group’s setup.
Key Features
- One-Piece, All-Composite Slow Pitch Bat
- Easton’s Player Optimized Loaded Swing Weight (Slight End Load)
- Flex Barrel With Thermo Composite Technology
- Softer Compression: For Hot Out Of The Wrapper Performance
- Thermo Composite Technology (TCT): On The Barrel & Sic Black Carbon Material On The Handle
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: One Year
- Approved For Play In ASA (USA Softball) & USSSA Stamps. Also Features NSA, ISA & ISF (WBSC) Stamps
Bat Specifications
- Handle: 34/28” oz
- Barrel Length: 12”
- Barrel Diameter: 2 ¼”
- Type: Slowpitch Softball
- Color: White, Red
- Material: Composite
- Bat Construction: One-Piece
- Hitting Style: Power Hitter
- Swing Weight: Slightly End Loaded
- Age Group: Youth
- Deals: Personalization Eligible
- Series: Ronin Flex
- Brand: Easton
Pros
- Great pop
- Nice sweet spot
- Dual stamped and works excellent with .52 COR / 300 Comp softballs.
Cons
- A little bit pricey
Recommendations
The Easton Ronin Flex 12″ Loaded ASA/USSSA Slowpitch Softball bat comes with a 1-year limited warranty from Easton. This warranty covers defects in materials and manufacturing, as well as damages incurred during normal gameplay. Examples of such damages include severe structural dents, cracking, loose or detached end caps, broken knobs, rattling, and other forms of breakage.
Related Product: Best Slowpitch Softball Bats For 52 Core Balls
5. Worth Krecher Ryan Harvey 13.5″ XL USA Slow Pitch Softball Bat
According to Worth, their Krecher Ryan Harvey 13.5″ XL USA slow-pitch softball bat features a three-piece design along with a 13.5″ barrel length and a slight end load (1/2 oz load). They built this ASA model with some unique innovations when contrasted with Ryan Harvey’s USSSA bat. This one component the Quad Comp innovation to it. Quad Comp inserts a polyurethane joint into the bat to hold the barrel and handle together. This plan ought to take into consideration the ideal measure of handle-to-barrel flex on contact. That innovation likewise guarantees that the bat’s internal barrel is influencing the general exhibition. The internal barrel ought to expand the size of the perfect balance and increment distance on hits.
Key Features
- Slightly End Loaded Swing Feel
- Three-Piece, All-Composite Slow Pitch Bat
- Signature Slow Pitch Bat Of Worth Professional Player, Ryan Harvey
- Flex 50 Handle: Ultra Thin Handle To Help With Better Whip & Feel Through The Hitting Zone
- Quad Comp Tech: Implements A Polyurethane Joint To Hold The Bat Together.
- Allows For Perfect Amount Of Handle: To-Barrel Flex On Contact. Also, Ensures That the Inner Barrel Plays A Big Part To Maximize Sweet Spot & Distance On Hits.
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: One Year
- Approved For Play In ASA & USA Softball
Bat Specifications
- Handle: 34/25” oz, 34/26” oz, 34/27” oz,
- Barrel Length: 13.5”
- Barrel Diameter: 2 ¼”
- Type: Slowpitch Softball
- Color: Navy, Red, White
- Material: Composite
- Bat Construction: Three-Piece
- Hitting Style: Power Hitter
- Swing Weight: Slightly End Loaded
- Age Group: Youth
- Deals: Personalization Eligible
- Series: Krecher Ryan
- Brand: Worth
Pros
- Lots of pop
- Sweet spot makes you look a lot better
- The bat feels a tad more balanced
Cons
- Very pricey
Recommendations
Worth enhances the handle of the Krecher Ryan Harvey 13.5″ XL USA Slow Pitch Softball Bat by incorporating the Flex 50 design, which enables a slender handle for better whip and feel. Ryan Harvey, known for his powerful swings on slow pitch fields, endorses this bat model certified by USA Softball (ASA).
6. Rawlings Mantra -10 Fastpitch Softball Bat
In addition to its powerful knob, the Rawlings Mantra -10 fastpitch softball bat also features impressive barrel technology. There will be a 3-Step Inner Barrel that ought to expand execution and an Outer Barrel that will work connected at the hip with the Inner Barrel. What to note for the Outer Barrel is that it will be 15% more slender and will give top trampoline impact and pop.
Rawlings goes above and beyond with the Mantra -10 Fastpitch Softball Bat by incorporating top-of-the-line barrel technology and the powerful F2 Connector Piece to eliminate barrel drag. The Ultra-Light End Cap reduces the overall weight of the bat, allowing for faster swings and increased control. With all these features, the Mantra is one of the most advanced fastpitch bats on the market.
Key Features
- Balanced Swing Feel
- Two-Piece, All-Composite Fastpitch Bat
- Handle: It is Wrapped With A Lizard Skin Bat Grip
- 3-Step Inner Barrel: Helps Maximize Performance
- Outer Barrel: 15% Thinner For Unmatched Trampoline & Pop.
- Ultra-Light End Cap: Assists In Lightening Up The Feel Of The Bat
- F2 Collar: This Piece Connects The Barrel & Handle. It Helps Eliminate Barrel Drag Through The Hitting Zone
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: One Year
- Approved For Play In USSSA, USA Softball ASA, NSA, ISA, ISF & WBSC
Bat Specifications
- Handle: 30/20” oz
- Barrel: 2 ¼”
- Drop: -10
- Type: Fastpitch Softball
- Color: Light Blue
- Material: Composite
- Bat Construction: Two-Piece
- Hitting Style: Power Hitter, Contact Hitter
- Swing Weight: Balanced
- Age Group: Youth
- Deals: Personalization Eligible, Used
- Series: Mantra
- Brand: Rawlings
Pros
- Lots of sweet spots
- Good swing
- Well balanced
Cons
- Nothings as such
Recommendations
This Mantra bat from Rawlings introduces another time of fastpitch bats. This bat is the first fastpitch bat to handle innovation to hold a Blast Motion Sensor in it. As mentioned above, the Blast Motion Sensor can be handily added into the handle of this Rawlings Mantra bat. Furthermore, when you access the Blast Motion Sensor App on your cell phone, you will have quick and simple admittance to the nitty-gritty analytics of your swing.
7. Marucci CAT FX Connect -10 Fastpitch Softball Bat
Marucci softball bats have often gone unnoticed, but that is about to change with the release of the new CAT FX Connect -10 fastpitch softball bat. It has been a while since Marucci introduced a new fastpitch softball bat, but the wait was worth it. They’ve gone through the beyond two years idealizing their plan, their innovation, and their first-class level craftsmanship. The Marucci CAT FX. With better consideration than detail and quality, this series conveys the entire season’s durability, premium pop, and an extremely smooth feel at contact.
The Marucci CAT FX Connect -10 fastpitch softball bat features the innovative Shock Dissipating Connection (SDX) technology that minimizes negative vibrations, offering players a smooth and solid feel at the plate. This two-piece fully composite construction is carefully handcrafted, ensuring top-notch quality. The bat boasts ring-free barrel technology, guaranteeing no ‘dead’ spots across the entire hitting surface and providing exceptional performance during every at-bat. Marucci has also maximized the allowable barrel length, resulting in a massive sweet spot and perfect balance. With these cutting-edge features, the Marucci CAT FX Connect -10 is poised to become a game-changer in the world of fastpitch softball bats.
Key Features
- Balanced Swing Weight
- Two-Piece, Composite Softball Bat
- Custom Micro-Perforated Soft Touch Grip With Extra Tack
- Maximum Allowed Barrel Length: Offers A Large Sweet Spot
- Individually Handcrafted Construction: Delivers Superior Quality
- Shock Dissipating Connection (SDX) Technology: Provides A Smooth, Solid Feeling At Contact
- Ring Free Barrel Technology: Ensures Zero Dead Spots With Powerful Performance
- Sting Free Comfort Knob: Improves Both Comfort & Control With An Ergonomic Design
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: One Year
- Approved For Play In: USSSA, ASA & ISA
Bat Specifications
- Handle: 34/24” oz
- Barrel: 2 ¼”
- Drop: -10
- Type: Fastpitch Softball
- Color: White, Blue, Grey
- Material: Composite
- Bat Construction: Two-Piece
- Swing Weight: Balanced
- Age Group: Youth
- Deals: Personalization Eligible, Closeout Bats
- Series: CAT
- Brand: Marucci
Pros
- It’s properly balanced
- The knob reflects negative vibration
- The grip is very comfortable
Cons
- Maybe the white color gets dirty fast.
Recommendations
The comfort and control of this bat are further enhanced by Marucci’s sting-free comfort knob, which features an ergonomic design. A custom micro-perforated soft-touch grip with extra tack is placed above the knob to provide a comfortable and grippy feel, while the balanced swing weight makes it suitable for both contact and power hitters. Order one of these Marucci softball bats today and experience a new level of performance and comfort at the plate.
Final Words
This article highlights the benefits of composite bats over alloy barrel bats in terms of barrel length and sweet spot size. However, it also notes that overall performance can be equally good between the two materials. While composite bats provide a larger sweet spot, alloy barrel bats still have their advantages. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do composite bats break?
Composite bats need to be broken in before they can reach their maximum potential. This typically involves hitting a few hundred balls, rotating the bat a quarter-turn after each hit to evenly break in the barrel. It’s important to note that using a composite bat at speeds or temperatures outside of the manufacturer’s recommended range can cause damage to the bat and void the warranty. Therefore, it’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper use and care of the bat.
2. Which is better: Composite or Aluminum bat?
Both composite and aluminum bats have their own advantages and disadvantages, and which one is better depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the player.
Aluminum bats have been around for a long time and are still a popular choice among players. They are durable, require little to no break-in time, and are generally less expensive than composite bats. Aluminum bats also tend to have a larger sweet spot than wood bats, making it easier for players to make solid contact with the ball. Additionally, aluminum bats produce a distinctive “ping” sound upon contact, which some players prefer.
On the other hand, composite bats are made of a combination of materials, including carbon fiber, fiberglass, and resin. They tend to be lighter than aluminum bats and have a larger sweet spot, providing a larger hitting surface for players. Composite bats also reduce vibration upon contact, which can result in less hand fatigue and discomfort. However, composite bats can be more expensive than aluminum bats and require a break-in period to reach their maximum performance potential. Additionally, composite bats are more susceptible to damage if used at temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. What temperature is too cold for a composite bat?
Composite bats are sensitive to temperature and can experience performance issues or even become more prone to cracking in colder temperatures. It’s generally recommended to use composite bats in temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the bat. Aluminum bats, on the other hand, do not have this temperature sensitivity and can be used in a wider range of temperatures.
4. How long do composite bats last?
The break-in period helps to loosen up the fibers in the composite material, allowing it to perform at its best. However, it’s important to note that the lifespan of a composite bat can vary based on factors such as frequency of use, level of play, and care and maintenance. It’s always a good idea to regularly inspect your bat for signs of damage or wear and tear and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for care and storage.
Reference:
- Biesen, E. D., & Smith, L. M. (2007). Describing the plastic deformation of aluminium softball bats. Sports Engineering, 10(4), 185–193. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02933570
- Russell, D. W. (2010). Swing Weights of Baseball and Softball Bats. The Physics Teacher, 48(7), 471–474. https://aapt.scitation.org/doi/10.1119/1.3488193
- Smith, L. M. (2008). Progress in measuring the performance of baseball and softball bats. Sports Technology. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19346182.2008.9648486
- Smith, L. M., & Cruz, C. M. (2008). Identifying altered softball bats and their effect on performance. Sports Technology, 1(4–5), 196–201. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19346182.2008.9648473
