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A Review of the 2017 Easton BBCOR Bat Line Up

September 16, 2016 by Elise Bechard

best easton bbcor bats 2017Finding the right bat for your BBCOR High school or College league can be a daunting task.

There are many options in the marketplace all with various attributes that can benefit different types of hitters.

With selecting the right one for you, or the hitter in your life, you want to consider things such as: price, power, comfort, bat speed or swing weight, performance,…

Best Easton BBCOR Bats 2017

For this article, we’re going to take a look at the newly introduced line up for 2017 from one of the leaders in the industry, Easton.

Many who use Easton bats become loyal to the brand, so whether you’re looking for the new best thing from them, or considering the brand for the first time, this post will have some great information for you.

As an industry leader in baseball bats since being the first to introduce aluminum bats back in 1969, Easton has enjoyed almost four decades of being the innovator coming up with the next best thing.

Some of their first to markets include having the first titanium, carboncore, and scandium bats and they’re always adapting their designs to reduce swing weight and increase the size of the sweet spot for some really great power options.  Though not the cheapest in the field for sure, they do offer options at a couple different price points, and you know you’re getting what you pay for when it comes to this brand.

Their new line up for 2017 should be no different.  Below, we’ll look at what Easton has introduced for their new generation of BBCOR bats.

For any unaware, BBCOR stands for Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution.  It is a regulation standard that calculates how much energy is lost when the ball comes in contact with the bat.  The higher the number in this area, the more trampoline effect it creates.  BBCOR rated bats are bats approved to be used in high school and college games.

There are a variety of materials that can be BBCOR – aluminum, composite, or wood are all utilized.  Another key aspect is that they’re designed as a “Drop 3”.  This refers to the numerical difference between the length, in inches, and the weight of the bat, in ounces, being three.

Below is a quick chart to see where we feel each of these Easton models land when it comes to power over contact.   This is by no means official, just based on standard assumptions when it comes to the preferences of each type of hitter.  Take a look and hopefully, armed with this visual and the reviews and information we provided, you’ll find the best bat for you!

Easton BBCOR Bats

1. Easton Mako Beast

Easton Mako Beast Comp 3 BBCOR Baseball Bat
The first bat we’ll look at is the 2017 Easton Mako Beast.

This may be out of the price range for some, but if it is in your budget, it’s the one to look at.  The Mako, being the most popular in the series, is priced at around five hundred bucks.

This is a two piece bat, fully composite material, and features an improvement in balance over the 2016 Mako XL.

If you’re comparing it to the 2016 Beast, it’s longer – giving it an even broader sweet spot – and they’ve changed up the look so the cosmetics are different.

If you’ve got the 2016, this may not be enough of a change to run out and buy the new model, unless you really want to take advantage of the longer barrel.

I have named this the best overall bat, and it’s even beat out others at a higher price range.  This bat feels lighter than most in its category so you have great control.  The very low sting factor feels great, and the thin handle allows for great grip.  This is definitely the one we’re most excited about out of the new Easton line up!

2. Easton Z-Core XL

Easton BB17ZX Zcore Xl 3 BBCOR Baseball Bat
The next bat from Easton for this coming calendar year is the 2017 Easton Z-Core XL.

This is a cost savings over the Mako and has the same aluminum barrel found in every bat within the Z-Core line.

This is currently the only one-piece, end-loaded bat on the market.  It gives you great ping off the ball and has the longest barrel of all the varieties we’re looking at, this just means you have to be good with a little sting and feedback off the ball.

It is a great selection for power hitters because you’re guaranteed to get a lot of distance with the mass this bat puts behind each swing.  It would be important to have your mechanics in a good place as this bat isn’t very balanced.

As with the Mako, the ZCore XL has Easton’s 1.2mm HYPERSKIN grip for added comfort and control.  This bat has the highest swing-weight index out of all 2017 bats in the Power Brigade Lineup and one of the heaviest swinging sticks per bat length currently on the market, the swing weight is estimated to be about 20% more than the Mako.

There aren’t any significant changes between this and the 2016 version, but if you’re going to get it, be sure to purchase it new.  Aluminum is not a good material to get in a used bat, so you want to unwrap this out of its original packaging to get the best result.

This bat will come in BBCOR only, so if you’re not in a BBCOR league you can get more pop with another version, but otherwise, this is an excellent choice for a seasoned power-hitter that knows what they’re doing and can handle the weight of this barrel.

3. Easton Z-Core Speed

Easton Zcore Speed -3 BBCOR Baseball Bat
The 2017 Easton Z-Core Speed has only minor cosmetic changes over the 2016, but on its own, lives within a very unique space in the BBCOR market.

As a single piece, fully alloy bat, this version combines a large barrel with lighter swing weight.

Estimated to be approximately 10% lighter than the Z-Core XL, the Speed has the second lowest swing weight index in the BBCOR Power Brigade while still having the largest length barrel there is, so you’re not sacrificing the size of the sweet spot.

This bat will give you more balance than the XL since the balance point is closer to the knob.  You’ll still get the occasional sting so as a hitter you’ll want to be good with some feedback after each hit, but if you’re looking for a single piece, the light swing weight of this one, helps it outshine other similar models from different manufacturers.

This of course also has the HYPERSKIN grip Easton is known for and it’s hard to go wrong with the Z-Core technology.  Once again, with any aluminum bat, you want to be sure to buy this new, so shopping used is not something we’d recommend.

If you’re a power hitter that likes more speed from a lighter weight option, this is a great choice for you.  It’s important to be solid in your mechanics, as with any single-piece, there is slightly less balance than with a two-piece, but would be the better alternative over the Z-Core XL and has the same price point.

4. Easton Z-Core Whiteout

Easton Zcore Speed White -3 BBCOR Adult Baseball Bat
If you love the Z-Core Speed, but want something with a bit more flash, there is the option of the 2017 Easton Z-Core Whiteout.

This is the identical bat to the Z-Core Speed but with white and chrome graphics.

You get the “Ping with Every Swing” as Easton says of its Z-Core line, but now with a little differentiation in the color and design.  A nice way to set yourself apart before even making that first hit.

This bat is the same price point, as the regular Z-Core Speed, and the specs are the same as well.  It gets dirty quickly, but people who have used it says it still looks good once it does.

5. Easton Z-Core Hybrid

Easton BB17ZH Zcore Hybrid 3 BBCOR Baseball Bat
Last of the new releases, we have the 2017 Easton Z-Core Hybrid.

Like the Z-Core Speed and the Z-Core XL, this bat has the same barrel but once again, the balance point is closer to the knob, like with the Speed, so you get slightly more balance.

This is the only two-piece design in the current Z-Core line.  This bat has a whole lot of fun features associated with it to combine most of the benefits of all the bats in the Easton line, and is priced right in the middle.

This bat features the Aluminum barrel of the Speed, with the added balance and lower swing weight of the Z-Core series, but has the same Composite handle of the Mako.  Easton’s patented ConneXion technology maximizes the transfer of energy for great feel.  Speaking of feel, this bat also incorporates SIC black carbon for the handle which eliminates negative vibration.

This bat has the second highest swing weight in the BBCOR Power Brigade Lineup and although quite balanced, is slightly more end loaded which is a bit of a difference over the 2016 Z-Core Hybrid and the 2015 S2Z.  The only other difference is aesthetics.  There is slightly less power in a two-piece, however the pop off of the Aluminum, when compared to the Composite barrel of the Mako, or other lines, is felt by many to be much better.

Aptly named “Hybrid” this bat from Easton lands in the middle of their line up in more ways than just price.  This won’t be as light as the Mako, or as heavy swinging as the XL, but you won’t be sacrificing anything with comfort or size of the sweet spot.  A great pick for contact hitters, but not a bad option for a power hitter looking for more balance and a more comfortable grip.

Conclusion

Once again, the Easton line is looking great and picking the right bat for you is really up to the personal preference of the hitter.

While most power hitters will lean toward a one piece, and more contact hitters preferring a two-piece, there is enough variety and great technology in each of these Easton bats to keep you hitting at the top of your game.

Anything with Z-Core will give you the biggest sweet spot, and the longest aluminum BBCOR barrel in the market, along with a massive hitting surface, but the uncharacteristically light weight of the Mako is impossible to beat when it comes to balance.

Overall, from 2016 Easton didn’t make many significant changes to their line, so you can expect the same great performance with an updated design.  Finding comparable models by other manufacturers comes down to your price sensitivity and what features you’re willing to sacrifice.  We’re loving the Easton line against the competition this year.

Filed Under: Baseball, Baseball Bats, Blog, Easton

Top 10 Best Youth Baseball Bats for 2016 on Reviews

May 15, 2016 by Stevens

When you decide to purchasing a best youth baseball bats for this year 2016, it may be a difficult mission because you’ll see a lot of missing reviews on the web. In this article, we have do fully analytics and give you a list of top 10 best youth baseball bats for your money, for this year 2016. As well as the best youth baseball bats for contact hitters, for 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 year old.

What you need is read reviews and making your decide, you don’t need to search and search again for missing articles. Here’s a detail review about top 10 best youth baseball bats for your money, let’s take a look now.

Top 10 Best Youth Baseball Bats on the Market 2016

You’ll see the list was sorted by brands, following is DeMarini – Easton – Marucci – Louisville Slugger – Combat and Rip-It.

Feel free to purchase any bats suite for you in this list, it’s the list of top 10 best youth baseball bats for this year 2016, it’s value for your money also. Let’s do it!

1.     DeMarini CF6 Youth Baseball Bat

DeMarini 2014 CF6 WTDXCFL Youth Baseball Bat (-11)The power of the DeMarini CF6 Youth Baseball Bat is the most important factor that makes it great among players. It is -8 bat, which means that it is a heavier youths baseball bat. This is the best youth baseball bat for that hitter who has acquired some power.

Another great thing that you are going to notice is that this youth baseball bat does away with vibration when it is in use. This is good because it makes for a better swing. It is a well-balanced bat. Furthermore, you are going to discover that the Demarini CF6 Youth baseball bat offers a painted and numbering system; this is to remind the hitter to rotate it. This is good because it can extend the lifespan of the bat.

The major shortfall is that the DeMarini CF6 bat is full composite and this means that it may not be acceptable to some leagues across the globe. Many leagues do not accept full composite, because it increases the power so much. Because of that, they regarded it unsafe to use. Moreover, there is the complaint that if you do not use it with a batting glove it could blister your hands.

2.     DeMarini Voodoo Overlord Youth Baseball Bat

DeMarini 2015 Voodoo Overlord Youth Baseball Bat (-13)DeMarini Voodoo Overlord Youth Baseball Bat is one of best youth baseball bats because almost every player would like it. It is an -13 youth baseball bat this makes a good bat. Moreover, it offers a solid pop. Some leagues may not allow the bat, because it uses a different composite type. Always consult the rules before you make your purchase.

3.     DeMarini CF7 Youth Baseball Bat

DeMarini 2015 CF7 Youth Baseball Bat (-11)DeMarini CF7 Youth Baseball Bat is a great youth baseball bat model and offers great power. This DeMarini CF7 Youth Baseball Bat is usually offered at -11. This is a superior and high quality bat. Many people love its power. Moreover, it is well-balanced. It offers something unique to every player who uses it.

One more thing people liked about this youth baseball bat is the softness, especially when it is used. This means that when you use it, you will not experience vibration of any sort. Even if they are jammed, you are not going to experience any vibration. Moreover, the DeMarini CF7 Youth Baseball Bat is lightweight, which means that it is not a burden using it. You are going to gain a lot in terms of speed when you are using this bat.

The major shortfall is the complaint about firm griping. It can be tough in the hands when you play with it. However, this problem could be solved by just replacing the grip tape. Weight is another complaint some people have against the bat. The DeMarini CF7 Youth Baseball Bat is about 2 to 3 ounces more than the advertized bat weight. Some people are not comfortable with this.

The issue of weight is too important to ignore, it means that you have to check the weight before you purchase one.

4.     Easton S500 Youth Baseball Bat

Easton YB14S500 S500 Youth Baseball BatEaston S500 Youth Baseball Bat is a great youth baseball bat considering the highly favorable and great reviews it has received from users. By weight of -13 and an aircraft alloy, it is classified as a bat that enhances speed. This is the best youth baseball bat, especially for the power hitters when you consider the fact that it a higher speed bat, and one-piece bat.

Moreover, the Easton S500 Youth Baseball Bat offers a sharp taper; this implies that the bat is ideal for an outside pitch hitting. This also means that it may not be the best for an inside hitting. The bat meets all the necessary specifications for youth baseball leagues.

It is a good pop bat and very durable.

5.     Easton Mako Youth Baseball Bat

Easton 2015 YB15MK MAKO COMP -11 Youth Baseball BatIf you want the premium youth baseball bat, you have to go for this Easton brand. This brand is known for many things. The first is the composite technology. This means that it can increase your performance significantly because it comes with lots of power. It increases your sweet spot. Moreover, because it is a two-piece bat, it could decrease vibrations and this is good for the comfortable swing hitters want.

It has a thin handle. With its reasonable taper, you can swing naturally both inside and outside of the pitch. It is a -11weight bat, this implies that the users must be stronger.

Every hitter is going to make the best advantage of power with this bat; this is because of the flex technology. Its size and weight are within the standard allowed by major youth baseball leagues across the globe.

6.     Louisville Slugger Prime 916 Youth Baseball Bat

Louisville Slugger Prime 916 Youth Baseball BatThe bat is well designed and perhaps the most attractive bat among the list. Apart from the flashy design, the grip is also perfect. Above all, Louisville offers the best youth baseball bats on the market.

It uses FCS technology, and that is why it offers the best in terms of power transfer. This is because it uses three-piece technology known as TRU3. This is why the brand offers better barrel flex.

When we say that it offers more flex, it means that it gives a better trampoline effect. The implication is that when it hits a ball the ball will fly faster.

Moreover, the Louisville Slugger Prime 916 Youth Baseball Bat is light because it uses carbon structure. This means that the player could enhance his or swing speed. It equally implies enhanced power.

Louisville has incorporated a new technology that places the bat ahead of others. Because of the fused carbon material, it minimizes vibrations that you can feel in your hands when you use it. When you combine this with its lizard tape used to grip it, it means that you will not have an issue about vibration.

Its lizard tape is thicker than what you usually obtain in that industry. This is great because it makes for a better cushioning effect in the hands.

The most impressive thing about this bat is that the producers have enhanced the barrel size and still do better in league competition.

This actually means that they have made this bat in a way it is easier and better to use. They have qualified for all the leagues that were entitled to last season.

7.     Louisville Slugger Omaha 516 Youth Baseball Bat

Louisville Slugger Omaha 516 Youth Baseball BatOne of the best products from the company is Omaha. They improved it significantly by increasing the length of the barrel and developing another alloy altogether.

This is a great brand and it has made significant impact in the Little League World Series.

The Omaha product comes in different weights and the lightest weight you can get from the brand is -13. This is a larger drop compared to what you can get from other companies. The bat is good and many people like the feel of the bat.

There are complaints by some players who said that the barrel could chip after some weeks. The Louisville Slugger Omaha 516 Youth Baseball Bat is one of the best youth baseball bat and it offers the best in terms of practicality and the price. Most people are happy with the overall performance of this bat. It has qualities that you can hardly get in other bats.

8. Louisville Slugger Catalyst Youth Baseball Bat

Louisville Slugger Catalyst Youth Baseball BatLouisville actually knows what players want, especially young players. They know that these players want something fantastic and attention grabbing, and that is what they provided in this Louisville Slugger Catalyst Youth Baseball Bat. It was designed with bright color and beautiful looks such it would be grabbing the attention of the young mind anytime it is displayed on the shelf.

Other great features about this bat make it the player’s choice. For instance, the bat is well balanced and lightweight. The bat can be said to be above the average in all standards.

The bat is durable. Though, it may not last for more than four years, but you are going to derive great values for your money.

One major shortfall, which some users have identified in the bat, is the weight, there is a complaint that it is very thin, despite that many people who complaint of that say that they would still go ahead and use it.

Many people complain that the price tag is too cheap. The complaint is that because of the cheapness, it may not offer the best youth baseball bats in terms of quality.

The small barrel should be an advantage, especially if you use it for your training. The benefit is that you can do better if you start to use a larger barrel.

9. Combat Maxum Youth Baseball Bat

Combat Maxum Youth Baseball BatThis is a great tag. It has good reviews but the price tag is too expensive. If you can afford the cost of this bat, you are going to reap the huge benefits. If you buy it, you will observe that is backed by 500 day guarantee, which translates to 15 ½ months. This is a great deal.

Moreover, if for anything that the bat breaks at the beginning of the playing season, they will replace that bat for you. This is the only company that is offering that benefit.

Furthermore, the bat is composite and it is one-piece bat. This is the major reason they are offering that extended warranty. Moreover, it is a well-balanced bat; this could be for the specialized techniques deployed in producing the bat.

To ensure that the bat is unique, Combat used specialized resin in making it and not overlapping materials, which other producers use. This is a great advantage because the whole thickness is just one layer and not several thinner layers as you can see in other products.

Moreover, the Combat Maxum Youth Baseball Bat has a good lizard skin grip; this is thicker, this in addition to the soft handle. This is why it is gentle on the hands.

Though it is soft to the hand, the opposite is the case for the pitcher, as it is tough on the pitcher. It has a better sweet spot and this means more power to the user. This is the major reason Combat is regarded as the most popular bats for use in 2016. Some complained that it is not durable as other Combat products, but it has an improved technology.

10. Rip-It Air B1512 Youth Baseball Bat

Rip-It Air B1512 Youth Baseball BatRip-It Air B1512 Youth Baseball Bat is a new brand as many players are not used to the product. Some people who have used it testified that it is one of the best brands on the market. The major advantage of this product is the speed. This is because it uses R3 allowing control and speed.

It uses what is known as the Moment of Inertia that is MOI. This is where the bat weight is placed to determine the measurement.

You can achieve a higher swing with this product because it is more balanced.

Furthermore, the product would provide a high-end grip and this is good because it will minimize vibration, especially if you mishit that ball. Players also like the swing of the bat.

Many people liked the fact that it will restore their confidence anytime they are in the field of play.

The company fears that many people would be afraid to use it because it is new and that is why the company is providing 400-day warranty.

How To Buy A Best Youth Baseball Bat for 2016

Have you ever thought about what makes a young baseball a wonderful hitter? Several factors could be responsible; the prominent among them is the bat he uses. This brings us to the debate of what makes a best youth baseball bat.

Understanding this will guide you when next you want to purchase a bat. When you go shopping, you should differentiate between lengths, brands, materials, and weight. These are critical in understanding a great youth baseball bat.

For you to make the right bat, you have to start from those unique differences between various brands on the market. This will help you understand the best youth baseball bat for the young baseball player.

You have to see a great bat as that which the player can use comfortably without distractions. This means that bat length and weight are important. It is important to note that a tall player would require a longer bat just as a stronger player would need a heavier bat.

First, you need to determine that and it can best be determined by measuring the size chart that I’ll providing you here. A recommended practice is to put the bat head on the ground. When this is done, the handle knob must rest on the player’s palm comfortably.

Most Popular Length By Age

Age5 to 78 to 91011 to 1213 to 1415 to 1617 & up
Length24-26" 26-28"28-29"30-31"31-32"32-33"33-34"

Youth Baseball Bats Sizing Charts

Your Weight
(Pounds)
Your Height (Inches)
36-40"
41-44"45-48"49-52"53-56"57-60"61-64"65-68"69-72"73"+
Under 6026"27"28"29"29"
61-7027"27"28"29"30"30"
71-8028"28"29"30"30"31"
81-9028"29"29"30"30"31"32"
91-10028"29"30"30"31"31"32"
101-11029"29"30"30"31"31"32"
111-12029"29"30"30"31"31"32"
121-13029"30"30"30"31"32"32"32"
131-14029"30"30"31"31"32"32"33"
141-15030"30"31"31"32"33"33"
151-16030"31"31"32"32"33"33"33"
161-17031"31"32"32"33"33"34"
171-18032"33"33"34"34"
181 & More 33"33"34"34"

Usually the weight is compared to the length. This can be done mathematically by removing the weight, which always represented in ounces from the bat length this time represented in inches. When you have a bat of 27 inches in length and 15 ounces in weight, and it could be described as -12 bat.

Because of its importance, you will observe that many leagues across the globe always regulate this. The safety standard is that a bat should be between -7 to -13.5. When the drop that is the difference is larger, it will translate to a higher speed.

Secondly, you have to think of the bat type you want to use. Many leagues will demand a metal bat, especially for the youths. Usually this type of bat does come in one piece or they appear in two-piece bats. When you say one-piece, it means that it is composed of just one metal.

Usually the bat handle and the barrel are from one piece, you can hardly separate between this two. Stronger hitters always opt for this, because it offers them what they want to achieve.

A two-piece bat on the other hands has two different metal types. This implies that one metal is used in preparing the hat barrel while another type is used in the bat handle. The manufacturers then bond the two metals together.

The advantage of this type is that it is more flexible, and this makes it the better choice for those hitters that have less power. Its flex action will help it in creating more powers, and it could as well cut down vibrations in your hands.

The two-piece bats do also come in different forms. In some instances, you can see that the barrel of such bat can consist of just one metal or sometimes it can consist of composite metal. This offers some advantages for the players, as it provides for what they consider as the sweet spot.

When you have a larger sweet spot, it would always translate to more power to the player. The implication of this is that two-piece of composite bat would always translate to more power to the player.

Furthermore, you can get wooden bats. These bats are quite similar to the metallic bat, as they are composed of both one piece, as well as two-piece wooden bats.

You will discover that major youth leagues do not allow the use of composite wood bats in their competitions, and the major reason for this is the safety issue. The bat style to choose is determined by the baseball player style.

This brings us to the final factor that is always considered in making a choice, which is the hitter’s style. If you have to determine whether your player stay close to the plate or whether he or she is always away from it and prefer to extend when playing. Furthermore, you know whether your player stays inside the pitches or whether they prefer to stand out of it.

This is critical when you are considering the taper of a bat. This means the responsiveness of the barrel to the handle. If a player likes extend any time he or she is playing, it is better to go for a sharp taper.

These are the major differences that exist in bats and you should always bear these at the back of your mind when you are shopping. It is time to get the bat that makes the difference.

In doing that, you should be aware of the differences in price. You can get a tee ball bat at a cheap price of $20, just as you can get better quality at price range of $49.99 to $300 and more. The best and most popular of such bats for young players are DeMarini, Easton, as well as Marucci. Let’s review a few of them here.

DeMarini: DeMarini created the first double walled baseball bats in 1993, and this has brought great changes. The major aim of this bat is to confer great power by creating a large sweet spot.

Easton: Easton remained the most popular company as far as bat making is concerned. Since 1969, the company has dominated the bat market and they have specialized in the production of aluminum bat where they have a significant edge. They have various bat brands on the market.

Marucci: This company has a historic beginning. The owner of the company decided to build a bat for his son who was then 8 years old; from there he started to produce wood bats.

The bat company is different from others because they do not just sponsor players; they invite players to become part of the advisory board. Some members include Albert Pujols, David Ortiz, Jose Bautista, as well as young player Kris Bryant.

It is very important that before you make your purchase a best youth baseball bat, understand the rules of the league you want to use that bat. I will always recommend the aluminum bat, but wooden bats can be great.

Furthermore, you have to research and read reviews. Pay serious attention to the style, bat type and what a player would like. Most importantly, you must visit online stores such as Amazon.com for customer reviews, as there are a number of reviews that will guide you in making your choice.

See yourself as an expert before you make your choice. Talk to the coaches, they have seen bats and they know which ones are better than the others are.

Conclusion

Now you have the top list of best youth baseball bats on the market 2016, let’s visit the links to discover the current discount pricing, buy it immediately if it’s best for you.

In this highest season, we can’t guarantee the discount will available for longer. So you have to make your decide as soon as you can, you don’t need to pay more for the delay, you can save it just by a click for now.

You see, the best hitters alway make the right decide at the right time, and now it’s your time.
Turn it reality!

The Articles You May Also Like:

  • Best Softball Bats for 2016
  • Best Fastpitch Softball Bats
  • Bes Slow Pitch Softball Bats
  • Best Youth Baseball Bats
  • Best BBCOR Baseball Bats

Filed Under: Baseball, Bats, Top 10 Best

Baseball and Softball Cleats

March 26, 2016 by Stevens

As the game of baseball and softball has increased in popularity, the development of baseball softball cleats has also developed to address the specific needs of players of this sport.

In the beginnings of the game, players would use cleats designed for other sports as softball cleats were not manufactured yet. These football and soccer cleats may have worked to an extent, but current softball cleats are much more effective as they deal with the many conditions found in only the game of softball.

The two main types of slowpitch and fastpitch softball cleats are dependent on the type of spikes used on the soles of the shoes. Both rubber and metal softball cleats have certain benefits for players. The rubber spikes are generally less expensive shoes and are great for both training and actual softball matches. Those cleats with metal spikes are mainly used for game situations and can be more expensive than the rubber versions.

However, softball players report that the metal spikes provide a higher level of traction and support for the foot. In addition, these types of girls and mens softball cleats may have better resistance to typical wear and tear. The rubber spikes of some shoes can be eroded away by general use whereas the metal spikes can be replaced, thus extending the life of the shoe. Girls softball cleats are usually somewhat narrower than mens softball cleats as to better fit the feet of women players of the game.

More superior pairs of softball cleats have other features that can improve the performance of a player. A good pair will feature a leather upper that fits better than synthetic materials. Also, a removable insole may be part of the package to add to a player’s comfort. Another feature of many good softball cleats will be some sort of mesh that allows ventilation of the feet and prevents sweat buildup within the shoe. These linings may also have a layer of anti-microbial material that inhibits the development of fungus and bacteria that thrive in warm and wet conditions such as the inside of a player’s shoe.

As with any piece of equipment, a player should evaluate several pairs of mens or girls softball cleats to determine which pair will provide the best features and fit on an individual basis. With more and more players being introduced to softball, cleat manufacturers will come up with more features that allow athletes to play the game at their peak potential. From the days when players used any type of shoes that worked, modern baseball softball cleats have evolved to meet the demands of the game’s players.

Filed Under: Baseball, Blog, Fastpitch, Slowpitch, Softball Cleats

Fastpitch and Slow Pitch Softball Equipment

March 25, 2016 by Stevens

Youth softball equipment bags are helpful in making sure that all the necessary items accompany a player to practice and games. Baseball softball equipment bags come in a variety or styles and sizes and have special pouches that house a players bat.

While the given bat and glove are required for play, some players require additional protection. Softball sports equipment includes cleats, the proper uniform, and batting helmet.

In some leagues, infield helmets are also required. Softball catchers equipment lists are even larger containing shin guards, full coverage helmets with masks, and chest guards. Fastpitch softball equipment is the same as slow pitch.

All batters in a fast pitch softball game is required to wear a hat while batting. In slow pitch helmets are mandatory for youth players, but are optional for adult players. Softball catchers equipment varies between fast and slow pitch games. Only at the adult level, slow pitch players are allowed to go without a catcher’s mask. Even though it is recommended, fast pitch players can opt to go unmasked at the adult level as well. Any player can chose to wear a mask even if they are not a catcher to prevent facial injuries, but the mask must adhere to regulations.

Other equipment that is common for softball players are slider pants. They are worn under shorts and are built with extra padding to protect players who slide into the bases feet first. They are not required, but are recommended.

Depending on the players position on the field, fastpitch softball equipment will differ. Defensive players are required to wear fielding gloves, while first basemen and the catcher use mitts. These mitts differ from gloves based on the extra padding to protect the hand from the extreme pace of the ball. Softball rules state that gloves can not be the same color as the softball, even the stitching. Softball gloves are generally larger than baseball gloves since the size of the softball is bigger than that of a baseball.

The size of the ball changes depending on the division of play. Bats are made with larger barrels than for baseball so that there is more room for contact.

Each team is provided with a rules and regulations book at the beginning of each season to ensure that the players equipment is legal. There is a range of equipment sizes that are legal to insure that each player can find the best bat and glove for their level of performance. Youth softball equipment bags are necessary to keep up with all the required pieces.

Filed Under: Baseball, Blog, Fastpitch, Slowpitch, Softball, Softball Equipment

Fastpitch and Slow Pitch Softball Gloves

March 23, 2016 by Stevens

Fastpitch and Slow Pitch Softball Gloves
Image Credit: https://pixabay.com/en/baseball-glove-kids-sport-youth-591920/

Softball gloves are an important piece of equipment for all players of the game. While the early gloves used in the game were the same for all fielding positions, this has changed as glove manufacturers have realized the specific needs of each position and altered the gloves slightly to accommodate these needs.

The material of softball baseball gloves has not changed much as leather has always been the first choice for glove construction. However, some synthetic materials have been adopted to lower the cost of gloves. Unfortunately, these synthetics tend to wear out quickly and require frequent replacement.

There are five main aspects of both a slowpitch and fastpitch softball glove: pocket, webbing, backs, wrist closure, and padding.

  • The pocket is the area of the glove where hits and throws are caught. An outfielder benefits from a deeper pocket to aid in catching long hits as well as shock absorption. Infielders prefer the pocket to be more shallow as it means that they can retrieve the ball from the glove quicker.
  • The webbing in a fastpitch softball glove can either be closed or open. Pitchers should use a closed web as it hides the ball from opposing teams. If the web is open, a batter may be able to see how the pitcher is holding the ball and thus which type of pitch will be delivered. Most infielders choose an open webbing to increase the ease and speed of getting the ball out of the glove.
  • The backs of softball baseball gloves can also be open or closed. This aspect is usually decided by which style gives more comfort and ease of use to the player.
  • The wrist closure is how the glove is tightened on the hand to provide a better fit. There are many different types of closures available and personal preference is the main deciding factor.

In addition to the fielding gloves, softball batting gloves are used by many players when they are up to bat. These gloves have a central area that gives players a better grip while they are batting.

Also, specific materials are used that keep the hands cool and dry to prevent slippage of the bat. Softball batting gloves also feature wrist closure that help to increase the snugness of the fit. Softball gloves are an essential piece of equipment for players of the game and careful consideration should be taken to ensure that a player chooses the right one.

Filed Under: Baseball, Blog, Mizuno, Slowpitch, Softball, Softball Gloves

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