Fastpitch bats are lighter and more balanced, built for quick bat speed against a fast, straight pitch. ASA/USA Softball is the widest-accepted certification, covering most rec leagues and many youth organizations. USSSA Softball is the certification for most competitive travel ball. Softball has no BBCOR-equivalent certification.
The bats below are fastpitch bats, grouped by certification and ranked into four tiers.
Last updated: October 2026 · Rankings are re-checked as new models release.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
Tier 2 · Great Choices
Top 5 · Excellent bats scoring 80 to 89, just shy of Tier 1 on performance, durability or value.
Our winner
DeMarini Whisper (Fastpitch)
ASA/USA SB · Drop -10
approx. $189.95
87/100 Best Bat Finder Score
Pros
Balanced swing weight, so it gets through the zone quickly and is easier to control
Certified for its listed league
Coach Says: Check your league, but ASA/USA Softball certification is accepted almost everywhere in fastpitch. Priced right in the middle of its class.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
#2
2026 Easton Ghost (Youth Fastpitch)
ASA/USA SB · composite · Drop -11
approx. $69.95
86/100 Best Bat Finder Score
Pros
Balanced swing weight, so it gets through the zone quickly and is easier to control
A genuinely budget-friendly entry point into the well-known Ghost line
Coach Says: A real budget entry point into a trusted line — worth a look for a younger or first-year fastpitch hitter. Heads up: this is last year's model. Newer bats usually bring the price down on the previous year's version, which makes it a smart value buy for a growing player.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
#3
Rawlings Mantra Reverse (Fastpitch)
ASA/USA SB · composite · Drops -10, -11
approx. $179.95–$199.95
84/100 Best Bat Finder Score
Pros
Balanced swing weight, so it gets through the zone quickly and is easier to control
Composite construction, -10 drop
Coach Says: A -10 is the sweet spot for most players ages 8 to 12. Composites take some swings to break in and are not meant for cold-weather batting practice.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
#4
Easton Cyclone
ASA/USA SB · alloy · Drops -10, -13
Est. $90–$100
80/100 Best Bat Finder Score
Pros
ALX50 alloy construction at a genuinely budget-friendly price
Ultra-thin handle for better bat control
USA Softball certified — accepted almost everywhere
Cons
Alloy barrel has a stiffer feel and less pop than any composite bat on this list
Coach Says: The bat to buy when you're not sure softball is going to stick yet — no big investment, no regrets.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
#5
Easton Sapphire
ASA/USA SB · alloy · Drop -10
Est. $110
80/100 Best Bat Finder Score
Pros
ALX100 alloy — a step up in barrel quality from the Cyclone
Multi-certified, so it's legal across more league types
Cons
Still an alloy bat — noticeably less pop than composite options
Coach Says: A small step up from the Cyclone — worth it if the budget allows.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
Other Tier 2 picks · ranked by score
Easton Topaz
Same ALX100 alloy barrel as the Sapphire in a different colorway
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
#2
2025 Easton Ghost OG Rainbow Sherbet (Fastpitch)
ASA/USA SB · composite · Drop -11
approx. $349.99
73/100 Best Bat Finder Score
Pros
Balanced swing weight, so it gets through the zone quickly and is easier to control
Composite construction, -11 drop
Cons
Limited-edition colorway — availability may be more limited
2 of 5 JustBats reviewers reported this bat cracking or breaking — register the warranty right away
Coach Says: A light -11 swing weight suits most younger hitters. Composite barrels need a break-in period, so expect the pop to build over the first batch of swings, and register the warranty right away. This is a two-year-old model. If it fits your player, it can be a real bargain: a proven bat at a much lower price than the newest releases.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
#3
2027 Easton Ghost OG (Fastpitch)
ASA/USA SB · composite · Drop -10
approx. $449.99
72/100 Best Bat Finder Score
Pros
Balanced swing weight, so it gets through the zone quickly and is easier to control
Composite construction, -10 drop
Cons
Brand new, so there aren't many user reviews yet to judge durability — but based on initial specs it looks promising
Coach Says: A -10 is the sweet spot for most players ages 8 to 12. Composite barrels need a break-in period, so expect the pop to build over the first batch of swings, and register the warranty right away.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
Tier 4 · Beginner Friendly
Top 1 · Budget-friendly, forgiving bats built for players just starting out.
Our winner
Rawlings Haze
ASA/USA SB · alloy · Drop -13
Est. $70
80/100 Best Bat Finder Score
Pros
Ultra-lightweight -13 drop built for first-time hitters
98 MPH ABI (Accelerated Break-In) tested, so it's ready to perform out of the wrapper
Cons
Very light swing weight means she'll outgrow it as she builds strength
Coach Says: About as light and forgiving as fastpitch bats get — perfect for a first season.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
USSSA Softball Bats
Tier 1 · Top Picks
Top 1 · The top-scoring bats in each certification on performance, durability and value. Price alone doesn’t earn a spot here.
Our winner
DeMarini Whisper (Fastpitch, USSSA)
USSSA SB · composite · Drop -10
approx. $189.95
90/100 Best Bat Finder Score
Pros
Balanced swing weight, so it gets through the zone quickly and is easier to control
Composite construction, -10 drop
Cons
Composite build needs a proper break-in period
Coach Says: A -10 is the sweet spot for most players ages 8 to 12. Composite barrels need a break-in period, so expect the pop to build over the first batch of swings, and register the warranty right away.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
Tier 2 · Great Choices
Top 5 · Excellent bats scoring 80 to 89, just shy of Tier 1 on performance, durability or value.
Balanced swing weight, so it gets through the zone quickly and is easier to control
Double Barrel EXT construction with a large, forgiving sweet spot
End-loaded performance built for power hitters
Cons
End-load isn't the right call for a contact-first or smaller hitter
Coach Says: Built for a hitter who already swings for the fences — not the pick for a contact-first player. Heads up: this is last year's model. Newer bats usually bring the price down on the previous year's version, which makes it a smart value buy for a growing player.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
#2
Rawlings Mantra Reverse (Fastpitch, USSSA)
USSSA SB · composite · Drops -10, -11
approx. $179.95–$199.95
84/100 Best Bat Finder Score
Pros
Balanced swing weight, so it gets through the zone quickly and is easier to control
Composite construction, -11 drop
Coach Says: A light -11 swing weight suits most younger hitters. Composites take some swings to break in and are not meant for cold-weather batting practice.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
Balanced swing weight, so it gets through the zone quickly and is easier to control
Certified for its listed league
Coach Says: Built for USSSA softball events, so check that your league accepts it. Heads up: this is last year's model. Newer bats usually bring the price down on the previous year's version, which makes it a smart value buy for a growing player.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
#5
2024 Easton Ghost Advanced
USSSA SB · composite · Drops -9, -10
Est. $300
81/100 Best Bat Finder Score
Pros
Proven two full seasons of player feedback
Cons
Being phased out as retailers clear remaining stock
5 of 14 JustBats reviewers reported this bat cracking or breaking — register the warranty right away
Coach Says: Two full seasons of real player use and a lower price tag — hard to beat for the money. This is an older model, so it's often deeply discounted. If the fit and certification work for your league, it's a quality bat at a bargain price.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
Other Tier 2 picks · ranked by score
2027 Louisville Slugger KRYO
A top performer among fastpitch bats, with excellent control
Top 5 · Good bats for developing hitters or families outfitting more than one player.
Our winner
2025 DeMarini Prism+
USSSA SB · composite · Drop -11
Est. $400
79/100 Best Bat Finder Score
Pros
A top performer among youth fastpitch bats
Light swing weight — easier for younger hitters to catch up to velocity
Gapped Wall composite barrel gives a genuinely large sweet spot
Cons
Composite barrel needs a proper break-in period before full pop
Coach Says: This is the one to grow into — light enough now, hot enough for years. This is a two-year-old model. If it fits your player, it can be a real bargain: a proven bat at a much lower price than the newest releases.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
#2
Louisville Slugger LXT
USSSA SB · composite · Drop -10
approx. $399.95
78/100 Best Bat Finder Score
Pros
Long-running, well-regarded fastpitch line with a proven track record
Balanced swing weight suits a wide range of hitters
Cons
Doesn't carry quite the same buzz as this year's newest releases
Brand new, so there aren't many user reviews yet to judge durability — but based on initial specs it looks promising
Coach Says: The reliable veteran of this list — nothing flashy, nothing to worry about.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
#3
2023 Rawlings Mantra+
USSSA SB · composite · Drop -10
approx. $189.95
74/100 Best Bat Finder Score
Pros
Large sweet spot built specifically for power hitters
Slightly end-loaded swing weight adds real pop on solid contact
Cons
Not the right pick for a contact hitter who needs a lighter, faster swing
2 of 6 JustBats reviewers reported this bat cracking or breaking — register the warranty right away
Coach Says: Another strong power option — go here if the Ghost Advanced's barrel shape doesn't feel right in her hands. This is an older model, so it's often deeply discounted. If the fit and certification work for your league, it's a quality bat at a bargain price.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
#4
2026 Rawlings ALO78 (Fastpitch, USSSA)
USSSA SB · composite · Drop -12
approx. $249.99
73/100 Best Bat Finder Score
Pros
Balanced swing weight, so it gets through the zone quickly and is easier to control
Composite construction, -12 drop
Cons
Lighter -12 drop suits a smaller or younger hitter specifically
3 of 10 JustBats reviewers reported this bat cracking or breaking — register the warranty right away
Coach Says: A -12 keeps the swing light for younger or smaller players. Composites take some swings to break in and are not meant for cold-weather batting practice. Heads up: this is last year's model. Newer bats usually bring the price down on the previous year's version, which makes it a smart value buy for a growing player.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
#5
2025 Easton Ghost Unlimited
USSSA SB · composite · Drop -10
Est. $400
55/100 Best Bat Finder Score
Pros
Redesigned Double Barrel EXT extends the sweet spot further than last year's Ghost
Stiffer barrel construction for 2026
Cons
New design this year means less multi-season durability data than the KRYO or Prism+
3 of 6 JustBats reviewers reported this bat cracking or breaking — register the warranty right away
Coach Says: The newest tech on this list — a great pick if you don't mind being an early adopter. This is a two-year-old model. If it fits your player, it can be a real bargain: a proven bat at a much lower price than the newest releases.
Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often. You'll finish your purchase at JustBats.com, our retail partner. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
About our bat scores
Every bat gets a Best Bat Finder Score from 0 to 100. Scores are our own opinion, not a guarantee of fit or performance, and they are updated as new information becomes available. Within each tier, higher scores rank first. Every pro, con and coaching note is our own writing. Rankings are never sold.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between fastpitch and slowpitch softball bats?
Fastpitch bats are lighter and more balanced, built for quick bat speed against a fast, straight pitch. Slowpitch bats are heavier and often end-loaded, built to generate power against a high, arcing pitch. They are not interchangeable.
What's the difference between ASA/USA Softball and USSSA Softball bats?
ASA/USA Softball is the widest-accepted certification, covering most rec leagues, many youth organizations, and most high school and college programs. USSSA Softball is the certification for most competitive travel ball and has its own age-based drop weight limits at 13U and 14U, similar in structure to baseball's USSSA rules but with different numbers. Softball has no BBCOR-equivalent certification.
What size bat does my child need?
Bat length is mostly driven by height, and drop weight mostly by age and strength. A player around 4 foot 4 to 4 foot 7 typically swings a 27 to 28 inch bat, while a player around 5 foot 4 to 5 foot 7 is usually in a 30 to 31 inch bat.
How often should I replace a bat?
Replace a bat when it is cracked, dented, decertified by your league, or outgrown in length or drop. Alloy bats can last several seasons with care; composite bats can develop hairline cracks that are not always visible, so inspect the barrel regularly.
