A slapper is generally a left-handed hitter or a right-handed player that has converted to left-handed. They often bunt and hit short as opposed to trying to hit the ball hard, and are a valuable weapon for coaches’ offensive arsenals. Among the best slappers use a bat that is designed for shorter hits infield, where the slap can also function as a surprise power stroke.
To think about this somewhat further, the slapper for the most part sits at the highest point of the arrangement card and goes about as a table setter in that they attempt to get on base however much as could be expected for when the power hitters go to the plate.
If you are a hitter, picking which bat to purchase is a vital choice. Be that as it may, tracking down the best fastpitch softball bat is anything but a simple errand. The determination of bats is immense, there are so many brands, models, styles.
There are many different aspects to think about. It is important to choose a bat that will help you get the most out of your game. We have come up with a guide that will help you make the best choice.
Contents Inside
Best 5 Fastpitch Bats for Slappers
1. Easton Ghost Double Barrel -10 Fastpitch Softball Bat
The most popular bat at Easton Ghost Double Barrel -20 Fastpitch Softball is utilized throughout the discipline. Equipped with both USSSA and ASA awards, the Easton Ghost Double Barrel is long-lasting. Easton’s patent-forthcoming twofold barrel innovation fuses a delicate, external barrel and no break-in period. A high-performing second internal barrel delivers a head-turning sound joined by strange execution on contact.
The Xtra Tough Resin Matrix Composite materials used to develop this fastpitch bat will fill in as the highest quality level in solidness for quite a long time to come. Acquisition of the Easton Ghost Double Barrel is speculation towards what’s to come. Ultimately, each bat will come standard with a Hyperskin Diamond Bat Grip to give wonderful bat control on each swing.
Key Features
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- Balanced Swing Weight
- Two-Piece, Composite Softball Bat
- Hot Out Of The Wrapper
- 1.2 mm HYPERSKIN Diamond Grip: Offers Unbeatable Comfort
- CONNEXION Technology: Enhances Feel By Eliminating Negative Vibration
- Double Barrel Design: It Provides Players With the Best Possible Feel, Sound, & Pop
- Soft Outer Barrel: Allows For Absolutely No Break-In Period
- Xtra Tough Resin Matrix (XTX): Delivers Unbelievable Durability
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: Full Twelve (12) Months
- Approved For: ASA, ISA, NSA, USA, USSSA, WBSC, ISF
Specifications
- Handle: 29/32″
- Barrel: 2 ¼”
- Weight Ratio: -10
- Material: Composite
- Bat Type: Fastpitch Softball
- Bat Construction: Two-Piece
- Hitting Style: Contact Hitter, Power Hitter
- Swing Weight: Balanced
- Color: White, Grey
- Deals: Personalization Eligible
- Series: Ghost
- Brand: Easton
Pros
- Great pop.
- Very balanced.
- Ultra Thin Handle.
- Durable
Cons
- A little bit pricey.
Recommendations
Most new composite bats are going to be “game ready” but we would still recommend a slight break-in period for the Easton Ghost Double Barrel -10 Fastpitch Softball Bat. This should help eliminate some of the common spider-web cracking that occurs with composite bats. To break this bat in, tee work, front side toss, and soft toss are excellent drills. The hitter will want to turn the barrel a 1/4 turn after a round of 10 swings or so and only needs to apply about 70% of max swing effort.
Learn More: Best Fastpitch Softball Bats
2. Demarini FP CFZen Fastpitch Bat (-11)
This Demarini model is great for the slapper, especially for their line of CFZen bats, like the one shown on our best fastpitch softball bats page. A slapper needs a long barrel, weighted more to the hands than the barrel to give ideal barrel control and control. The 2020 DeMarini CFZen possesses a great deal of that with a 14″ barrel giving most extreme plate inclusion. The stacked barrel development gives 2 autonomous dividers making a sublimely responsive hitting surface which expands the perfect balance further along the barrel than any time in recent memory.
Key Features
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- Balanced Swing Feel
- Two-Piece, All-Composite Fastpitch Bat
- 3Fusion Connection: Allows For Top Energy Transfer To The Barrel And Mitigates Vibration That Goes Down to Hands
- Paraflex Plus Composite: Creates Massive Sweet Spot And Also A Barrel That Can Be Handled By All Hitters.
- Reaction End Cap: Made With a Blend Of Light-Weight And Strong Materials. Increases Barrel Performance While Not Sacrificing Swing Speed.
- Player Suggestion: Built For Hitters Wanting To Maximize Swing Speed While Not Sacrificing Power
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: Full Twelve (12) Months
- Approved For: ASA, ISA, NSA, USA, USSSA, WBSC
Specifications
- Handle 30”
- Barrel: 2 ¼”
- Weight Ratio: -11
- Material: Composite
- Bat Type: Fastpitch Softball
- Bat Construction: Two-Piece
- Hitting Style: Slap Hitter
- Swing Weight: Balanced
- Age Group: Women
- Color: White, Blue, Orange
- Deals: Closeout Bats
- Series: CFZen
- Brand: Demarini
Pros
- Very balanced.
- Lightweight.
- Huge sweet spot.
- Amazing pop.
- Break-in time is almost nil.
Cons
- Some customers aren’t satisfied with the look.
Recommendations
The low master end cap and – 11 length-to-weight ratio permit the hitter to step in with power rather than a light drop and change up the safeguards procedure in a very small space. Finally, the DeMarini CF has reversed the grip for longer-lasting, better control.
Learn More: Best Fastpitch Softball Bats For 8 Year Old
3. Louisville Slugger LXT X20 Fastpitch Softball Bat (-11)
Louisville Slugger LXT X20 Fastpitch Softball Bat (-11) Reach for this bat when comfort, control, and soft contact are what is most important. The LXTX20 bat is the highest-ranking Louisville bat for reduced shockwaves. It offers youth hitters the opportunity to swing through the ball unhesitatingly yet has a lot of force for school players and rising aces. Louisville’s protected PBF barrel innovation guarantees the most extreme pop and solidity without broadened break-in occasions. Eye-getting computerized illustrations give a remarkable hope to coordinate with your own strut venturing into the player’s case.
This bat is developed with Louisville’s exclusive VCX vibration control framework for industry-driving force control. It’s a three-section framework permitting free development between the barrel and handle. They are obtained together with an elastomeric association for sublime contact reaction with insignificant vibration moved into the hands and arms. The all-composite PFB barrel offers remarkable pop and an enormous perfect balance that you’ll both feel and hear. Like Louisville’s favorable to stock homerun sticks, the LXT X20 has a work of art, fulfilling sound that tells you when you’ve connected.
Key Features
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- Three-Piece, Fully Composite Softball Bat
- Patented PBF Barrel Technology: Maximum Pop Right Out Of The Wrapper
- Single Disk PBF Technology: Creates Huge Sweet Spot & Unbelievable Sound On Contact
- VCX Connection Technology: Creates A Feel Unique To Each Sport And Player Type
- Ultra Lightweight X-Cap: Increases Swing Speed While Maximizing Barrel Length
- LS Pro Comfort Grip: Locks Hands Into The Grip For Better Control And Feel
- Ultra-Balanced Swing Weight: Perfect For Extreme Control And Maximum Swing Speed
- End Cap: New Copa Performance End Cap Works With The Barrel To Maximize The Sweet Spot.
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: Full Twelve (12) Months
- Approved For: ASA, ISA, NSA, USSSA, ISF
Specifications
- Handle: ⅞”
- Barrel: 2 ¼”
- Weight Ratio: -11
- Material: Composite
- Bat Type: Fastpitch Softball
- Bat Construction: Three-Piece
- Swing Weight: Balanced
- Age Group: Women
- Color: Black, Yellow
- Deals: Personalization Eligible, Bundle and Save, Closeout Bats
- Series: LTX
- Brand: Louisville Slugger
Pros
- Great pop after break-in
- Nice balanced
- Easy to swing
- Feels excellent on contact
- Very impressing performance
Cons
- A few customers complained that it has some weight.
Recommendations
Last year the LXT was constructed utilizing TRU3 innovation clarified in the connection. This year that has been moved up to a pristine VCX2 framework. This framework is named Vibration Control Connection and lives in the bat pointed toward decreasing vibration and ball sting in the handle while giving the barrel greater strength so you can utilize it for a considerable length of time. From the hints of things the handle and barrel and completely independent. Overall, the LXT looks like a great bat and might be a good alternative if you aren’t a fan of the Demarini Slapper.
Learn More: Best Fastpitch Softball Bats Under $200
4. Wilson Demarini FP Prism+ Fastpitch Bat(-10, -11)
Wilson Mitchell DeMarini FP Prism Fastpitch Bat(-10, -11) Afterward, DeMarini released an upgraded Prism fastpitch and was declared a success by the reception of the new (M2020) model. DeMarini liked the original Prism, which had an impressive plot of reception, so DeMarini could do very little but (improve) the product. What’s more, they most likely did.
The new Prism+ has a refreshed, lighter barrel with a greater perfect balance on account of the redesigned Continuous Fiber barrel. This bat’s sound is simply hypnotizing and is only an immense bliss to hit with. The Prism+ is considerably lighter than its archetype, which was certifiably not something simple to achieve.
Key Features
- Type V Connection: Designed to maximize the feel and responsiveness of Prism’s Continuous Fiber Double Wall Barrel
- Double Wall Gapped Barrel Technology: Two separate walls work in conjunction with each other to deliver a massive sweet spot, and create a unique performance, sound and feel across the widest range of pitch speeds.
- ReFract End Cap: Optimized to work with our Continuous Fiber Gapped Wall Barrel, the Refract End Cap helps players generate extreme bat speed to take full advantage of the elite performance of the Prism.
- Continuous Fiber Composite Barrel: Built with longer strands of composite that add weight throughout the barrel, improving barrel performance
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: Full Twelve (12) Months
- Approved for: ASA (USA), NSA, USSSA, ISA, ISF
Specifications
- Handle: 28”, 29”, 30”, 31”, 32”, 33”
- Weight Ratio: -10, -11
- Bat Type: Fastpitch Softball
- Bat Construction: Three-Piece
- Swing Weight: Balanced
- Age Group: Women
- Color: Black, Yellow
- Deals: Personalization Eligible, Bundle and Save, Closeout Bats
- Series: LTX
- Brand: Louisville Slugger
Pros
- Looks great
- Bigger sweet spot
- Lighter barrel
Cons
- Expensive.
- As per a few users, it isn’t so strong
Recommendations
The feel that this bat has on hits and mishits is as we would see it top notch. Truly, simply an unadulterated bliss to hit with, and we could do it for quite a long time. If you are a genuine player and watching out for a new, lightweight fastpitch bat with stunning sound and feel, the DeMarini Prism+ is intended for you.
Learn More: Best Fastpitch Softball Bats Under $100
5. DeMarini FNX -10 Fastpitch Softball Bat
The Mybat FNX.10 Fastpitch Softball Bat is perfect for power-hitting athletes. It’s made to accommodate a limited amount of flex, and as a result, it negatively affects the flight of a bat. It is additionally an extremely solid bat, the stiffer feel made conceivable by a two-piece composite plan. DeMarini has placed their Direct Connection innovation in this fastpitch bat; that is the innovation answerable for the gigantic measures of energy move and force that the new FNX has, a thing that the DeMarini FNX is known for.
The barrel has Continuous Fiber which takes into consideration weight appropriation all through it, which is awesome assuming you need an amazing and yet adjusted bat. DeMarini has probably the coolest and most trendsetting innovation in the game and the new FNX demonstrates only that. In any case, on account of it’s extremely hardened feel it isn’t planned for contact hitters and unpracticed players.
Key Features
- End Loaded Swing Feel
- Two-Piece, All-Composite Fastpitch Bat
- Player Type Suggestion: Built For A Power Hitter. Provides Momentum To Your Swing To Generate Top Force At Contact.
- Continuous Fiber Barrel: Strongest Fibers Allow For A Powerful Swing Feel That Is Not Too Overwhelming
- Seismic End Cap: Rigid Cap Helps Build Colossal Power At Contact With A Softball
- Direct Two-Piece Connection: Top Energy Transfer For Top Power
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: Full Twelve (12) Months
- Approved for: USSSA, USA (ASA), NSA, WBSC, ISA
Specifications
- Handle: 31/21” oz, 32/22” oz, 33/23” oz, 34/24” oz
- Barral: 2 ¼”
- Weight Ratio: -10
- Bat Type: Fastpitch Softball
- Bat Construction: Two-Piece
- Swing Weight: End Loaded
- Age Group: Women
- Color: Black, Red
- Hitting Style: Power Hitter
- Series: FNX
- Brand: Demarini
Pros
- Great pop
- Good swings
- Durable
Cons
- Pricey
- It does sting a little more on miss-hit balls
Recommendations
It isn’t the main factor you should think about when on a post for a new fastpitch bat, yet we needed to say that this bat looks only flawless with the dark/red colorway and a Fenix on it. It will be effectively seen the second you step on the field.
Balanced Vs End Loaded Fastpitch Bats for Slappers
Bats with a drop (- 9, – 8), or more modest length to weight proportion, are by and large considered end-loaded bats. The weight is circulated more towards the finish of the bat, making it somewhat heavier to swing. Numerous players will in general pick a decent, lighter bat since they figure they will actually want to swing better. If that doesn’t generally need to be the situation. In any case, end-stacked softball bats for fastpitch can enjoy many benefits.
Now and then two bats with a similar genuine weight may feel distinctive when they are swung. This has to do with the conveyance of weight. The “swing weight” is characterized by something many refer to as a snapshot of dormancy, which depends both on the complete weight and the balance point. The end-loaded bats are at first harder to swing and control, however, give considerably more force on sway, sending the ball further.
The bat with weight conveyed towards the finish of the barrel may not be useful for the fledglings that don’t have created strength and fast swing speed. For more grounded power hitters this kind of bat enjoys many benefits. The “cumbersome” bats require refined hitting abilities since, supposing that you hit the ball perfectly, it goes far, if you don’t hit it great, you foul it off or pop it up.
In case you are tall and solid the end burden will assist you with keeping your acceleration on sway. After contact speed can really build utilizing an end stacked bat, or if nothing else stay something very similar and not decline as much as adjusted does due to the weight circulation keeping the inactivity.
Youth fastpitch players need lighter swing weights so they can accomplish more force at the plate. For them, the decent bat may be the best arrangement. Be that as it may, if a youthful player is solid and athletic enough to control the speed, then, at that point, the additional force can make an interpretation of into one more 10 to 30 feet or more to the ball distance.
As a main priority, guidelines are a distinctive structure from one association to another and you should actually take a look at them prior to making a buy, since USSSA bats may not be permitted in ASA play, as well as the other way around. There are bats that have double stamps and those are permitted in classes of the two affiliations.
At last, you should realize that picking the right quick pitch bat is an exceptional person. Beam Demarini used to say that for a softball player, the ideal bat weight was 28″ oz. That might be correct, yet the genuine truth is that the ideal bat is the one you feel generally OK with and you can use it for quite a while. You can peruse however our choice of best fastpitch softball bats and read the audits to assist you with your decision.
Conclusion
The slapper is one of the more interesting players on the softball diamond. They are a very unique variety, but when performing at their peak, they could mean the difference between going home and winning the title.
The real truth is that the ideal bat is the one you feel generally alright with and you can use for quite a while. You can peruse however our choice of best fastpitch softball bats and read the audits to assist you with your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a slapper in softball?
A slapper is a left-handed hitter who has been called softball’s secret weapon because of the pressure they put on the defense. They take advantage of their extraordinary speed by reading the defense and placing the ball in a spot that optimizes their chance to get on base.
2. Why do girls slap in softball?
This hitting style can permit players to utilize their speed to get on base or advance partners into scoring position. In some cases the best hit isn’t the one that is headed to the fence. The slap is a hitting style used to assault a specific spot of the infield.
3. Can righties slap in softball?
They aren’t simply regular lefties. That doesn’t imply that a player from the right side can’t move and slap, move and hit, move and swing for power very much like a lefty slapper. Something I educate righties is the way to utilize a phony hit slap. Generally best with sprinters on base.
Reference:
- Crisco, J. J., Greenwald, R. M., Blume, J. D., & Penna, L. H. (2002). Batting performance of wood and metal baseball bats. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(10), 1675–1684. https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Fulltext/2002/10000/Batting_performance_of_wood_and_metal_baseball.21.aspx
- Nathan, A. M. (2003). Characterizing the performance of baseball bats. American Journal of Physics, 71(2), 134–143. https://aapt.scitation.org/doi/10.1119/1.1522699
- Nevins, D., Smith, L. M., & Kensrud, J. (2019). Sensitivity of batted-ball speed to swing speed models. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1754337119835682
- Simon, G. L., & Simonoff, J. S. (2006). “Last Licks.” The American Statistician, 60(1), 13–18. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1198/000313006X90350