10 Best Fastpitch Softball Bats 2023 [March Review] (2024)

Most of the bat recommendations are based on their one-time performance or just a few hits with a brand-new bat.

But

"We Don't do that here"

Here we've listed and reviewed some of the Best Fastpitch Softball Batsgiving equal weight to Durability, Performance, Feel, Pop, Build Quality and Customer Feedback as well.

Best Fastpitch Softball bat Ever

2024 Easton Ghost Advanced

4.5

Build

Two Piece

Swing Weight

End-loaded

Drop

-9, -10, -8

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What's new this year?

The new 2024 Easton Ghost Advanced fastpitch bat comes with certain iterative technological improvements in the previous model.

The barrel construction is further improved for expanding the sweet spot and thus getting a better in-hand feel and overall performance.

Apart from this, mandatory graphic and painting upgrades are also there to give the new bat an entirely new look.

Pros & Cons

Top notch performance
Offers something to everyone
Comes with an expanded sweet spot
Feels comfortable in hands
Seamlessly absorbs the vibrations
Has great durability (So far)

Highly priced

6 Top Fastpitch Softball Bats 2023

Best Fastpitch Bat For Power Hitters

2023 DeMarini Whisper

4.1

Build

Two Piece

Swing Weight

End-loaded

Drop

-9, -10, -8

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What's new this year?

I'll not hesitate stating that the Whisper is the best fastpitch bat DeMarini have ever created.

When compared side by side with the new Easton Ghost, we found the Whisper to be performing better.

The sound of the Ghost is so great that players think that they crushed the ball but in reality they were getting higher exit velos with the whisper.

Pros & Cons

The sound upon hitting is good
No hand sting, and offers a likable grip
End loaded weight makes it the one for power hitting
Advanced construction and great durability

A bit pricey
Not for Contact Hitters

Best One Piece Fastpitch Bat

2023 Easton Ghost Unlimited

4.2

Build

One Piece

Swing Weight

End-loaded

Drop

-9, -10, -8

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What's new this year?

Travel ball players know how hot Easton Ghost bats are and so is 2023 Ghost Unlimited one piece bat.

But there were always durability issues associated with the Ghost series bats but durability issues seem to be resolved completely with the new Ghost Unlimited Fastpitch

However, we are still getting a few complains regarding durability but they are lesser this time.

Pros & Cons

No Durability issues
Overall nice construction
Sounds great
Performs great, has lots of pop
First one piece ghost and they nailed it
1 Year Warranty

Probably the most expensive fastpitch bat

Best Fastpitch Bat For Contact Hitters

2023 Rawlings Mantra 2.0

4.3

Build

Two Piece

Swing Weight

Balanced

Drop

-9, -10, -8

What's new this year?

The 2021 Mantra was a great success for the Rawlings in the Fastpitch balanced bats lineup.
And the 2023 Mantra 2.0 is no exception, it also has similar amount of pop.

Overall performance and in hand feel of the bat is great.
Its ready to compete the top FP bats out there.

If The Whisper and The Ghost is heavy for you Rawlings is great for you.

Pros & Cons

Affordable Price
Thinner barrel improve performance
Sound and pop is also great
Two piece gives barrel flex
Lightweight and balanced
1 Year Warranty

No Drop -8 ratio option

Good For Contact Hitters

2023 DeMarini CF

4.0

Build

Two Piece

Swing Weight

Balanced

Drop

-9, -10, -11, -8

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What's new this year?

The 2023 Demarini CF fastpitch softball bat is lightweight and easy to hold.
It has a Tracer End Cap that increases performance and speed.
It's suitable for contact, power hitters, and slappers.
The -8 and -9 drop CF bats differ from -10 and -11 drop in paint and end cap.
The CF bat is not significantly different from its 2022 predecessor.
There are concerns over the bat's durability.

Pros & Cons

Lightweight and easy to hold
Thinner barrel improve performance
Built on modern technology
Has a large sweet spot
Lightweight and balanced

Almost the same as the previous model
Gets some serious complaints about durability

Budget Pick

2023 DeMarini Prism+

3.6

Build

Two Piece

Swing Weight

Balanced

Drop

-11, -10

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What's new this year?

The bat is lightweight, balanced, and offers a comfortable hold.
It has a solid grip and allows easy ball striking.
Features a unique flexible connection piece.
Modern technology makes it desirable for young players.
This bat is cheaper than its competitor Whisper.
Concerns raised over the bat's durability, with reported paint damage and broken handle.
Doesn't offer any significant upgrades compared to the previous model.

Pros & Cons

The bat got evenly distributed weight
Comes with a flexible connection piece
Offers a comfortable and solid grip
Comfortable and likable feel
Cost-effective

The durability remains under question
No major upgrades

Budget Pick

2023 Rawlings Mantra+

3.8

Build

Two Piece

Swing Weight

End-loaded

Drop

-11, -10, -9

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What's new this year?

The 2023 Rawling Mantra+ features a PowerSync collar for consistent swings and reduced vibrations.
The handle, collar, and barrel fuse well, making the bat stiffer and ideal for power-hitting.
However, hitting balls off the sweet spot can cause hand sting, more than the Rawlings Mantra 2.
The bat is end-loaded, making it more suitable for big players and challenging for younger ones.
The bat's durability is questionable due to reported issues with the Blast Motion Knob falling off.

Pros & Cons

Carries a new Power-Sync connection, reduces vibration
Delivers a consistent performance with every swing
Has fine and stuff construction
Bat is a bit end-loaded

The bat tends to sting a little bit
Has some durability issues with the knob

2023 DeMarini Whisper

The Ghost Alternative

Bat Specs

Barrel Material:All Composite

Build:Two Piece

Balance:End-loaded

Connection:Anomaly Connection

Drop: -9, -10, -8

Pros

The sound upon hitting is good to hear
No hand sting, and offers a likable grip
End loaded weight makes it the one for power hitting
Advanced construction and great durability
Hits bombs, best of the year bat.

Cons

A bit pricey
Not for smaller players

A Brief Review for 2023 DeMarini Whisper

What I Like?

The 2023 Demarini Whisper is a slightly end-loaded fastpitch softball bat. We found the bat suitable to offer power hitting with a smooth grip.

The bright, catchy sound this bat produces upon every hit is a distinguishing feature of the Whisper. Though we still think that Easton Ghost sounds better.

The grip of the 2023 Whisper is highly likable, and it does not cause any hand sting, even upon power-hitting.

This bat is one of the most advanced variants from Demarini's Oregon Factory. It is the perfect bat for those who are looking for an alternative the Ghost.

The trumpet-shaped handle and Anomaly Connection System of the Demarini Whisper reduce vibration and give a comfortable and solid grip.

The durability game of the Whisper is also strong and reliable. Heaven for power hitters!

What I don't like?

It's a little pricy compared to the competing ranges of Demarini and other competitors.

As the Whisper is exceptionally good for power-hitting, young and inexperienced players might be unable to hone their game with this bat, just like the ghost

One line for this Bat: The real Ghost Killer

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2023 Easton Ghost Unlimited

The Best Fastpitch bat ever

Bat Specs

Barrel Material:All Composite

Build:One Piece

Balance:Heavy and End-loaded

Connection:VRS1 connect inner barrel to outer barrel

Drop: -9, -10, -8

Available Sizes:30", 31", 32", 33", 34 inches

Warranty:1 Year Warranty.

Pros

No Durability issues
Overall nice construction
Sounds great
Performs great, has lots of pop
First one piece ghost and they nailed it
1 Year Warranty

Cons

Probably the most expensive fastpitch bat

A Brief Review for 2023 Ghost Unlimited

What I Like?

First thing first, Despite being the most performing bat from the past several year Ghost fastpitch bats were also criticized for their durability issues. Luckily they got it fixed in the all new 2023 Ghost Unlimited.

The bat is lightweight, has good balance and finishing. Overall it has a nice construction undoubtedly.

Talking about the best part, that is its performance; Ghost fastpitch bat performance has never been under question and it sounds great as well.

Of course to gain its peak performance you're gonna break in it completely, only then the real pop machine unlocks.

Another thing I must appreciate is that it is the first 'one piece ghost' evereaston has made and they truly nailed it.

As usual you get a 12 month warranty, in case of any catastrophic failure or manufacturing defect your bat gets.

What I don't like?

Price could be the discouraging factor for some but in my opinion if for a few extra buck you get an easton ghost that won't easily break, its worth it.

Its selling quick, get your now!

One line for this Bat: Performs as good as usual (Durable this time)

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2023 Rawlings Mantra 2.0

The Ghost Alternative

Bat Specs

Barrel Material:Composite

Build:Two Piece

Balance:Lightweight and Balanced

Connection:F2 Collar

Drop: -9, -10

Available Sizes:30", 31", 32", 33", 34 inches

Warranty:1 Year Warranty.

Pros

Affordable Price
Thinner barrel improve performance
Sound and pop is also great
Two piece gives barrel flex
Lightweight and balanced
1 Year Warranty

Cons

No Drop -8 ratio option

A Brief Review for 2023 Mantra 2.0

What I Like?

People who don't want to spend 500 bucks and want a fastpitch bat that performs quite similar to the Ghost Unlimited, The Rawlings Mantra 2.0 is for them.

They claim to reduced the inner barrel thickness to 15% and yes it is an improved version of the 2021 Rawlings Mantra fastpitch bat.

The two piece construction provides extra flex to the barrel preventing the stinging on mish*t and the sound and Pop is top notch as well.

Mantra 3.0 is a lightweight and balanced, when compared extensively with the 2023 Ghost it is not very far in terms of performance.

Overall, I would say in this price it is the perfect fastpitch bat you'll get this year.

What I don't like?

There are no -8 drop ratio option in this bat, So it could be the negative point you might consider as a disadvantage of this bat.

One line for this Bat: The affordable Ghost unlimited alternative.

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2023 Demarini CF FP

Bat Specs

Barrel Material:Composite

Build:Two Piece

Balance:Lightweight and Balanced

Connection:Type V CF Connection

Drop: -9, -10, -8, -11

Warranty:1 Year Warranty.

Pros

Lightweight and easy to hold
Thinner barrel improve performance
Built on modern technology
Has a large sweet spot
Lightweight and balanced
Good with generating power

Cons

Almost the same as the previous model
Gets some serious complaints about durability

A Brief Review for 2023 DeMarini CF Fastpitch

What I Like?

The lightweight and easy-to-hold build of the 2023 Demarini CF fastpitch softball bat attracts all the players, especially the young and budding ones.

Also, this bat has a Tracer End Cap, which increases the bat's performance and speed. The balanced feel of the bat also adds to its unique construction.

So, we have carefully found the 2023 CF fastpitch softball bat to be a perfect choice for contact, power hitters, and slappers alike.

The -8 and -9 drop CF is different from -10 and -11 drop. They have different paint and a different end cap, every thing else seem fine.

Also -8 and -9 drop ratios CF seem more durable.

What I don't like?

The CF fastpitch softball bat is almost not an upgrade from the previous model launched in 2022.

Also, there are concerns over the longevity of the CF bat, as the players have reported this bat to be less durable. So, other Demarini fastpitch bat lines win here!

One line for this Bat: Best For Contact Hitters.

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DeMarini Price

Amazon Price

2023 Demarini Prism+ FP

Bat Specs

Barrel Material:Composite

Build:Two Piece

Balance:Lightweight and Balanced

Connection:Type V Connection

Drop: -10, -11

Warranty:1 Year Warranty.

Pros

The bat got evenly distributed weight
Comes with a flexible connection piece
Offers a comfortable and solid grip
Comfortable and likable feel
Cost-effective

Cons

The durability remains under question
No remarkable upgrades

A Brief Review for 2023 DeMarini Prism+

What I Like?

We found the bat lightweight and balanced, thus giving a comfortable hold. Also, its solid grip helps players get the ball through the strike zone easily and conveniently.

The flexible connection piece of the bat is unique to the Prism + bat. The bat's feel is likable and comfortable, so the young players conveniently hone their game.

The modern technology used in the 2023 Demarini Prism+ fastpitch softball bat makes it one desirable bat. Since the type V Connection provides the hitter with an easy, flexible swing, this bat makes a great choice for smaller hitters.

Moreover, this bat is cheaper than its competitor Whisper, so you can go for it if you are on a budget.

What I don't like?

There are some reservations over the durability of the 2023 Prism + fastpitch softball bat as some players found its paint damaged and the handle broken.

Apart from the looks, this bat has almost no considerable upgrade compared to the previous model.

One line for this Bat: Good For Contact Hitters.

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DeMarini Price

Amazon Price

2023 Rawlings Mantra +

Bat Specs

Barrel Material:Composite

Build:Two Piece

Balance:Lightweight and Slight end-load

Connection:Power Sync Connection

Drop: -10, -11, -9

Warranty:1 Year Warranty.

Pros

Carries a new Power-Sync connection, reduces vibration
Delivers a consistent performance with every swing
Has fine and stuff construction
Bat is a bit end-loaded

Cons

The bat tends to sting a little bit
Has some durability issues with the knob

A Brief Review for 2023 Rawlings Mantra+

What I Like?

The most promising thing we saw about this bat is that the 2023 Rawling Mantra + has a PowerSync collar which produces a consistent swing every time and reduces vibrations.

Then, the barrel of this Mantra + bat is made up of carbon composite. The molded internal barrel, in conjunction with the thinner outer barrel will give you the speed to get across the strike zone while also making it durable.

Also, the handle, the collar, and the barrel fuse well to make the bat stiffer. We also found the 2023 Rawling Mantra + slightly end-loaded, making it a great bat for power-hitting.

What I don't like?

As this Mantra + bat hits the balls off the sweet spot, it stings the hands even more than the Rawlings Mantra 2.

Moreover, the bat is end-loaded and more suitable for big players looking to hit big shots. The younger players would find it difficult to get through the strike zone with the end-loaded bat that Rawling Mantra + is.

Also, the durability of this bat has a questionable durability as the Blast Motion Knob was reportedly found falling off in some cases.

One line for this Bat: Nice but stings while hitting.

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Top 2022 Fastpitch bat reviews

2022 Easton Ghost/Adv

Easton Ghost and Ghost Advanced are as usual the best fastpitch softball bats of the year.

Both Ghost and Ghost Advance have Drop 11/-10 BALANCED & Drop 9/-8 END LOADED.

The difference is of graphics on the barrel and the knob.

Ghost Price

Ghost Advanced

2022 Slugger LXT FP

2022 Louisville Slugger has released and we've got some expectations with it.

So far, it is performing very well and you should definitely give it a try.

Right now, we can't comment on durability but we expect it to be good enough

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2022 DeMarini CF

The CF is not new name in the game.

It is also known as G.O.A.T in every association.

They always manage to make it through the top 5 in every league.

It can be considered as the finest fastpitch bat for 2022.

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2022 Meta Fastpitch

So, the Hype has finally taken the shape of Meta bat.

And I must say the hype was real, Yes this is the Ghost killer bcoz ghost keep cracking.

It is the top performing fastpitch bat right now but the durability is a suspect in the 2022 slugger meta fastpitch.

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Top 3 Fastpitch Softball bats 2021

2021 Rawlings Mantra

When other bats were busy offering same bats with new branding.

The Rawlings created this great piece of stick the is probably the hot cake of the year in fastpitch lineup.

Just check out this bat and You'll love it more than any other bat.

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2021 DeMarini CF

DeMarini CF is not new name in the game.

It is known to one of the best bats in every lineup, whether it be baseball of softball.

If you love DeMarini bats and need a balanced one with composite barrel just go for it right now.

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2021 DeMarini Prism+

Here comes another one of the most popular bat in the fastpitch softball lineup.

Prism+ is durable, hot, feels good in hand, lack vibration and made with composite.

This could be an end-loaded alternative to CF.

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8 Finest Fastpitch bats for 2020-2019

Bat Name	Build	Leagues	Drop Ratios	Price
2020 Easton Ghost Double	Two Piece, +5 sizes	ASA, INA, USSSA, NSA	-10, -11, -9	Check Price
DeMarini CF Zen fastpitch	Two Piece, +5 sizes	ASA, INA, USSSA, NSA	-10	Check Price
Louisville Slugger LXT X20	Three Piece, +7 Sizes	ASA, ISA, NSA, USSSA	-8, -9, -10, -11, -12	Check Price
Rawlings Quatro Pro 2020	Four Piece, +7 sizes	ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISF, ISA	-9, -10, -11	Check Price
Demarini Prism 2020	Two Piece, +7 sizes	ASA, ISA, ISF, NSA and USSSA	-10, -11	Check Price
Louisville Slugger Xeno X20	Two Piece, +6 Sizes	USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, & ISF	-8, -9, -10, -11	Check Price
Louisville Slugger RXT X20	Two Piece, +5 Sizes	USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, & ISF	-10	Check Price
Demarini Carbon Candy 2019	Two Piece, +5 Sizes	USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, & ISF	-10	Check Price

Final Words

These were some of the top fastpitch softball bats, If you ask me why is DeMarini Whisper on the top Easton Ghost Double barrel? I would say that it has earned it position.

Being the best from every aspect like pop, feel and durability it deserves to be on the top.

Demarini CF is best at its price and is ready to compete any bat in the list.

Now, coming to the DeMarini Prism+ and Rawlings Mantra 2.0. They can be considered as the best cheap fastpitch softball bats in this list. And they please the audience who like their bat swing weight to be more on the balanced side.

Obviously, there are so many bats cheaper than these but I think these are the ones, you will not regret after buying.

Related Guides

Best Softball bats 2023

Best Slowpitch Softball Bats 2023

Best ASA/USA Slowpitch Softball Bats

FAQs about Fastpitch Softball bats

What Bats are Banned in Fastpitch Leagues?

Well, there is a long list of bats that have been Banned for play in softball leagues.
You can check the list of Unapproved Softball bats here.

What is the best fastpitch softball bat for 10u?

Well, that totally depends on the budget, Drop, weight and other choices of the player. But in this List 10u Fastpitch Softball Players may choose from LXT, QUATRO, PRISM and Xeno.
All of these comes in the recommended size that is suitable for a 10u player.

What is the best fast-Pitch bat for 12u?

Again it depends on the Player's choice and weight and drop ratio preference.
But In this list we have pointed out some bats that are suitable for a 12u player and you can choose one of them that suits you best.
Almost all of the bats in our list of best fastpitch softball bats are having suitable size and weight for a 12U player. So, choose wisely according to your hitting style or you can comment below if you need any other help.

What are the rules in Fastpitch softball leagues?

Here is an official PDF guide that will tell you everything about the rules of Fastpitch softball leages game.

Fastpitch Softball bat Size & Buying Guide

When Looking for the best Softball bat or any other bat it is good to take advice from some expert or you can also rely on our reviews that are posted after intensive research.

But it is even better for you to know what aspects to look for choosing the a Fastpitch bat for a specific player.

Here we have added two Sizing charts, one is according to height and weight and other is according to the age of the player.

Fastpitch Softball bat size chart

Size chart by Player Height and Weight

Softball Bat Size Chart by Age

Selecting Material for Fastpitch Softball bat

Selection of material is crucially important factors for bats but there will be nothing wrong if you choose any of these two kind of material.

Fastpitch Softball bats have only two material option i.e. Aluminum Alloy or Composite.

Both the materials are good for a softball bat and there are only a few key differences between them which I will point out here.

Aluminum Fastpitch Softball Bats

Fastpitch softball bats made with aluminum are lighter in weight that provides more control and speed to the bat.

Aluminum fastpitch softball bats tend to be more durable than composite bats and bat distribution is also very balanced.

It can be used in all weather even in colder weather it performs same, it usually don't break easily but may get dented but still can be played with.

Aluminum is a stiff material and so the bat are also with less bending and flex effect. Stinging may be felt more often in an Aluminum bat than a composite fastpitch softball bat.

Composite Fastpitch softball bat

Composite bats are usually made from blend of graphite and carbon fiber or aluminum cores inside of graphite lining.

Composite Fastpitch softball bats are lighter than an Aluminum bat but might have more top weight than an Aluminum bat.

Composite Fastpitch softball bats are more flexible and has less stinging or no stinging at all in a well constructed bat.

It need to be broken-in for about 150-300 hits to get the maximum pop out of the barrel.

It tends to be more expensive than aluminum softball bat and may break/crack and can't be used once broken.

Composite bats are more preferred bats for Fastpitch softball players.