Contact hitters need bats that are easy-swinging, balanced (or ultra-balanced), lightweight, and durable. However, there are tons of bats engineered for contact hitters, and the choice of which one to get can be pretty complicated and time-consuming.
So, we’ve made a list of the top 4 best fastpitch bats for contact hitters to help you in your decision-making process and to find which one will suit you the best.
All of these bats are high-performance bats that will elevate your game, it’s just a matter of picking the right one for you.
Let’s get into the reviews.
The Best Fastpitch Softball Bats for Contact Hitters
DeMarini Prism+
The ultimate contact hitter’s bat just got a new version for the upcoming season, and while the inside of the bat didn’t change a ton, the outside is completely different. Most of the technologies that were used in the 2021 Prism+ are still here, and that shouldn’t be a concern at all, since the last Prism+ was out a bat of choice for contact hitters.
The 2023 DeMarini Prism+ has a massive sweet spot and a ton of pop, preferred by the game’s advanced contact hitters. The Gapped Wall Barrel construction and the Continuous Fiber Composite create a spring effect that is noticeable almost immediately, but especially after you take some time to get the bat fully broken in.
The vibrations are limited to a minimum, and the sound that made Prism+ one of our favorite-sounding bats is still there. In terms of looks, we now have different colored squares that make the new Prism+ one of the most unique-looking bats on the market.
Louisville Slugger LXT
The most popular fastpitch bat is updated for the new season, and it comes with a very different look. The white/gold colorway is no longer there and is replaced with the black/orange fiery look. And wow, does it look good.
But, the most important thing is how it performs, and the 2022 LXT shines in that department. PBF Technology Speed Composite Barrel truly gives you a sense of confidence in the bat, as it makes the ball fly and it’s pretty effortless. That technology also creates a pretty big sweet spot.
Regarding the pop, Louisville Slugger LXT is up there with the best of them, so it’s no surprise that the LXT has long been used by some of the sport’s best players. The three-piece design combined with the VCX2 Connection Piece shifts energy to the barrel’s center and also provides for a very good feel.
DeMarini CF
One of the top-rated contact hitter’s bats for a long time, the DeMarini CF has a great tradition among fastpitch players, and DeMarini upgraded the CF for the 2023 season, bringing in some new technological advancements that promise to elevate the responsiveness and the overall performance of the bat even more.
The biggest and most important upgrade is the all-new Type-V CF Connection, which improves the responsiveness of the barrel of the already the most responsive barrel in the game. Speaking of the barrel, the new CF features the Paraflex Plus Composite Barrel that is found in last year’s model as well, but as it has such a massive sweet spot and was so responsive, DeMarini truly didn’t have a need to change a lot there.
One thing that drastically changed is the looks of the bat. Drops -10 and -11 have a much brighter look with a white background compared to the black background that the -8 and -9 drops have. The light blue shapes on the bat are the same for both versions.
So, for those who are looking for a light-swinging bat that has a responsive barrel, the 2023 DeMarini CF is the best option for you.
Louisville Slugger Meta
Even though it’s not an ultra-balanced bat, yet has some slight weight added to the top, the Meta is an easy-swinging bat that has a big sweet spot, ideal for contact hitters.
2022 Louisville Slugger Meta is also a bat that, regarding feel, is one of the best there is. MASH Composite Barrel of the new Meta also allows for better performance, because the inner barrel of the bat isn’t connected to the end cap. That also produces one of the best sounds in the game.
Compared to the popular LXT, it’s has a bit heavier swing, but that means that the ball just flies from the bat. It needs some time to get it fully broken in, but the pop that you’ll get is outstanding.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Bat for Contact Hitters
Before deciding on which bat to get, there are several things that you should look out for.
Swing Weight
Contact hitters go for an evenly balanced bat or in some cases an ultra-balanced bat. That essentially means that the weight is spread evenly throughout the bat, meaning that you will have more speed and an easier swing. Avoid getting a bat with an end-loaded swing weight, as those are generally preferred by power hitters.
Durability
You don’t want a bat that has a high chance of cracking every time you step on the field, so, look for trusted brands and bats that are made from high-quality materials, as those have a much lower chance of cracking.
Price
Price is always going to be a big factor in deciding on which bat to purchase. New models can get expensive, but they are made with the latest technologies and therefore offer higher performance than the older models.
