Top Fastpitch Softball Bats for 2023

Fastpitch Softball season is here! With a new season comes new bats! Welcome back fellow headbangers to another fantastic write-up! Today we will be going over some of the top performing Fastpitch Softball bats for 2023. Hopefully this write-up will help you pick the best fastpitch bat for you ( or your daughter) to start the season out with a bang. So without any further delay, let's get right into it! 

Up first to bat is a widely popular bat, so it may not come as a surprise, the 2023 RAWLINGS MANTRA+. The Rawlings Mantra has been around for a little while, with the mantra + being Rawlings’ newest model. The term “Mantra” means to sharpen your focus and elevate your mindset. That's the approach Rawlings took when designing the 2023 Rawlings Mantra+ fastpitch softball bat. The Mantra+ boasts brand new features to improve both comfort and power at the plate, including refinements to the Mantra's three-step barrel technology. Rawlings engineered the inner barrel with hyper-precision molding for more consistent performance on every swing, and the outer barrel features an impact-toughened resin that creates lower compression and optimized wall thickness throughout the barrel. As a result, you'll get more power, more consistency, and maintain a smooth feel with every swing. To improve your power and feel on mishits, the Mantra+ features a new PowerSync connection joint that further reduces vibration while transferring all that energy from your swing directly into the barrel. And you can let this bat rip in practice, too — their advanced molding technique prevents telescoping and improves durability. Power hitters like Jocelyn Alo are loving the 2023 Rawlings Mantra+ fastpitch bat. Join them this season and own the plate in every at-bat now!

The 2023 Rawlings Mantra Plus Fastpitch Softball Bat offers a 2 1/4-inch barrel diameter, -9 and -10 length to weight ratios, and is approved in all fastpitch softball leagues and tournaments. 

Product Features: 

• -9 and -10 Length to Weight Ratios

• 2 1/4 inch Barrel Diameter

• 2 Piece Composite Softball Bat

• Colorway: White / Blue

• PowerSync Connection 

• Ultra-Light End Cap 

• Fused Handle

• Precision Molded Inner Barrel with Lower Flex Outer Barrel

• One Year (12 Month) Manufacturer Warranty 

• Legal for play in all Fastpitch Softball Leagues and Tournaments

Up next we have a longtime favorite and arguably one of the hottest fastpitch bats on the market, the 2023 EASTON GHOST UNLIMITED. Featuring the latest in bat design innovation, the Easton 2023 Ghost Unlimited fastpitch softball bat is here to take your game to places it's never been before. As the first one-piece bat in the Ghost family, the Ghost Unlimited offers more ways to optimize your offense than ever before.

Easton built this new line of fastpitch bats with a new barrel technology called “Sonic Comp Max”, Easton's highest-performing, most durable composite material. The result is the lowest barrel compression on the market and an iconic sound that will command the attention of everyone around the diamond. This bat also has a high-tech VRS1 internal connection joint where the inner and outer barrel meet. This gives you an ultra lightweight feel and optimal impact performance across the length of the extended double barrel hitting area. That turns more mishits into base knocks and more fly balls into home runs.

Toss in the Power Boost Soft Knob Technology, which gives you more leverage and a more comfortable swing, and premium Flow-Tack grip, and you've got a new generation of Ghost bat that's built to outperform every other bat on the field. Also, the -9 model features an end-loaded swing weight to pack maximum punch at impact. Don't keep your offense in a box; get the Easton 2023 Ghost Unlimited fastpitch bat and see how far the right technology can take you.

Product Features: 

• -8, -9, and -10 Length to Weight Ratios

• 2 1/4 inch Barrel Diameter 

• Endloaded Swing Weighting 

• Double Barrel EXT – 1” longer Double Barrel EXT design provides the highest allowable performance across an even larger hitting area, creating an even bigger sweet spot

• Sonic Comp™ Max – Easton’s highest-performing, even more durable composite, resulting in maximum performance with the lowest barrel compression and iconic sound heard across all fields

• VRS1 – Lightweight reverse-engineered internal connection point, where the inner barrel meets the outer barrel, alleviating weight to further optimize performance across an even longer barrel, while also minimizing vibration on mishits

• Power Boost™ Soft Knob Technology – Provides hitters with more leverage, while reducing vibration and improving comfort for the bottom hand

• Flow-Tack™ Grip – Easton’s most-premium grip provides the ultimate combination of cushion and tack

• Approved for play in all USA, USSSA (FASTPITCH ONLY), NSA, ISA, WBSC Leagues and Tournaments 

• 1 Year (12 month) Manufacturer's Warranty 

Next up we have the 2023 MARUCCI ECHO DMND , Alloy and Connect models. For this, as we have three different models of bats within the same manufacturer for this review, we will break each one down independently. The suggestion for this bat is whichever fits your needs best whether it's a one piece composite, two piece composite or one piece alloy. 

Marucci ECHO Alloy -12 DMND Fastpitch Softball Bat

The Marucci ECHO Alloy -12 DMND Fastpitch Softball Bat is an alloy one-piece for the next generation of athletes focused on commanding the DMND. Ring-free barrel technology and an anti-vibration liquid-gel knob provides greater performance, better feel, and less negative vibrational feedback.

The Marucci Echo DMND Alloy Fastpitch Bat features a -12 length to weight ratio, one piece alloy fastpitch bat, balanced swing weighting, and is legal for play in USSA, USA Softball, ISA, NSA, and WBSC Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments. 

Product Features:

• -12 Length to Weight Ratio

• 2 1/4 inch Barrel Diameter

• One Piece Alloy Construction for a clean, consistent, traditional swing feel.

• Balanced Swing Weighting

• Liquid Gel Dampening Knob is a patent pending technology features the optimal amount of liquid-gel to reduce and absorb vibrations for a smooth, solid feel during contact

• Ring Free Barrel Construction allows for more barrel flex and increased performance with no dead spots

• Micro Perforated Soft Touch Grip: Soft and Tacky Grip for improved feel and control

• 1.75 mm Grip Width

• One Year (12 Month) Manufacturer's Warranty 

• Legal for play in all USSSA, NSA, ISA, USA (Formerly ASA), and WBSC Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments

Marucci Echo DMND Fastpitch Softball Bat

The brand new Marucci Echo DMND Fastpitch Softball Bat is coming in hot and ready to turn heads. With data and feedback from the best players in the game, this one-piece is built with a more aggressive composite design and an anti-vibration liquid-gel knob for the feel and performance you need to command the DMND.

This Marucci Echo DMND Fastpitch Softball Bat offers a length to weight ratio, standard 2 1/4 inch barrel diameter, and is legal for play in USSSA, USA Softball (ASA), ISA, NSA, and WBSC Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments. 

Product Features: 

• -8, -9, -10 Length to Weight Ratios 

• 2 1/4 inch Barrel Diameter 

• Balanced Swing Weighting 

• One Piece Composite Fastpitch Softball Bat

• Colorway: White and Gold

• MDX MAX Composite Barrel - Built With Multi-Directional Composite Material To Create Ultra-Responsive Barrel & Great Sound on contact

• Ring Free Barrel Constructions allows for more Barrel Flex and Increases Performance across the barrel with no dead spots 

• Liquid Gel Dampening Knob: Patent Pending Technology that holds a precise amount of Liquid Gel in the knob to absorb vibrations. 

• Micro Perforated Soft Touch Grip with Extra Tack improves feel and control

• One Year (12 Month) Manufacturer' Warranty Include 

• Legal for play in USSSA, USA Softball, ISA, NSA, and WBSC Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments 

Marucci Echo Connect DMND Fastpitch Softball Bat

Make a statement and swing one of the hottest bats in the game. The brand new Marucci Echo Connect DMND Fastpitch Softball Bat is optimized with data from the best players in the game, this two-piece composite has a slightly more end-loaded feel and a stiff anti-vibration connection for the feel and performance you need to command the DMND.

The Marucci Echo Connect DMND Fastpitch Softball Bat features a length to weight ratio, two piece full composite barrel, endloaded swing weighting, and is legal for play in USSA, USA Softball, ISA, NSA, and WBSC Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments. 

Product Features: 

• -8, -9, -10 Length to Weight Ratio

• 2 1/4 inch Barrel Diameter 

• Endloaded Swing Weighting 

• Two Piece Full Composite Softball Bat

• Carbon Composite Handle for a Stiffer Feel

• Colorway: White and Gold

• MDX MAX Composite Barrel - Built With Multi-Directional Composite Material To Create Ultra-Responsive Barrel & Great Sound

• Ring-free Barrel Construction Allows for More Barrel Flex and Increases Performance Across the Barrel with No Dead Spots

• Outer-Locking System (OLS) - Attaches The Barrel To The Handle From The Outside In. This Provides One Of The Stiffest Connections Available And It Also Reduces Nearly All Vibration.

• Micro-Perforated Soft-Touch Grip with Extra Tack Improves Feel and Control

• Sting-Free Nylon Knob for Improved Comfort

• One Year (12 Month) Manufacturer's Warranty 

• Legal for play in USSSA, USA Softball, ISA, NSA, and WBSC Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments  

Next on the list is one you might have yet to hear about, but it has huge potential to be one of the best bats out there this season, the 2023 MIZUNO F23 CRBN1, CRBN2 and CRBN PWR.

Let's start this breakdown with the one piece, the 2023 Mizuno F23 CRBN1. 

Mizuno's new one-piece design is full of innovative bat technologies to maximize performance. XZone™ technology creates a massive sweet spot. An Anti-Shock™ construction in the taper reduces shock and increases durability. Engineered details like an Optimized End Cap create a booming sound and an increased sweet spot.

The 2023 Mizuno F23 CRN1 Fastpitch Softball Bat offers the standard 2 1/4-inch barrel diameter; -9 and -10 length to weight ratios, one piece full composite, balanced swing weighting, and is approved in USSSA, USA Softball (Formerly ASA), NSA, ISA, and ISF sanctioned leagues and tournaments.

Product Features: 

• -9 and -10 Length to Weight Ratios 

• 2 1/4 inch Barrel Diameter

• One Piece Full Composite Softball bat

• Balanced Swing Weighting 

• Double Wall Fastpitch Design gives you higher peak performance right out of the wrapper

• XZone Technology creates a massive sweet spot by adjusting composite angles in 10 specific zones across the barrel

• Anti-Shock vibration dampening offers reduced vibrations in the hands for a comfortable swing everytime

• Cylinder Seaming allows for consistent performance and durability across the barrel

• Optimized End Cap: Great sound on every swing while also giving you more pop

• One Year (12 Month) Manufacturer Warranty Included

• Approved for play in all USSSA, USA Softball (Formerly ASA), NSA, ISA, and ISF Leagues and Tournaments

2023 Mizuno F23 CRBN2 Fastpitch Softball Bat

The versatile Mizuno CRBN2 Fastpitch Softball bat is an ideal 2-Piece bat option for a wide range of players needing a high-performance bat with an outstanding feel.

The new Mizuno F23 CRBN2 fastpitch bat features the standard 2 1/4 inch barrel diameter, balanced swing weighting, and -8, -9 and -10 length to weight ratios.  This model is legal and approved for USSSA, USA Softball (Formerly ASA), NSA, ISA, and ISF Leagues and Tournaments Nationwide. 

Product Features: 

• -8, -9 and -10 Length to Weight Ratios

• 2 1/4 Inch Barrel Diameter 

• Balanced Swing Weighting 

• Colorway: Black and Chameleon Green and Purple

• Black Onyx Carbon Barrel

• NanoAlloy Technology 

• Dual Frequency Dampener 

• One Year (12 Month) Manufacturer's Warranty

• Legal for play in all USSSA, USA Softball (Formerly ASA Softball) NSA, ISA, and ISF Leagues and Tournaments

2023 Mizuno F23 PWR CRBN Fastpitch Softball Bat

Mizuno’s new 2-Piece bat utilizes a patent-pending new and improved Dual Frequency Dampener™ construction with NANOALLOY™ Technology joining the Black Onyx™ Carbon barrel and handle for an improved feel.

The 2023 Mizuno PWR CRBN Fastpitch Softball bat offers the standard 2 1/4-barrel diameter, -9, -10 and -11 length to weight ratios, balanced swing weighting, and is legal for play in all USSSA, USA (Previously ASA), NSA, ISA, and ISF sanctioned leagues and tournaments. 

Product Features: 

• -9, -10 and -11 Length to Weight Ratios

• 2 1/4 inch Barrel Diameter

• Balanced Swing Weighting 

• Two Piece Bat Construction

• Black Onyx Carbon Barrel 

• Nano Alloy Technology 

• Detonator Cor Design 

• One Year (12 Month) Manufacturer's Warranty Included 

• Legal for play in all USSSA, USA (Previously ASA), NSA, ISA, and ISF sanctioned leagues and tournaments. 

Rounding third base coming home is the 2023 DEMARINI WHISPER, a newcomer from Demarini with some unique technology ( see the full breakdown of the Demarini Whisper Here). 

The Demarini Whisper is offered as a -9 (Grey) and a -10 (White). Drive the ball for extra bases and silence the opposition with one swing. The 2023 DeMarini Whisper Fastpitch Softball Bat boasts an original Amplified Gapped Wall Continuous Fiber Barrel, one of the most advanced technologies to ever come out of DeMarini’s Oregon factory. Extra space between inner and outer walls empowers the Whisper’s continuous fiber composite barrel to jumpstart the ball on contact, resulting in potent exit velocities and extra base hits. Whisper employs a two-piece composite construction to maximize your power output, and its Anomaly Connection System and trumpet-shaped handle offer a stiff feel while dampening vibration. Ideal for advanced hitters looking to launch extra-base hits, the Whisper fastpitch bat delivers a balanced feel, brighter sound and dominant performance.

Launch extra-base hits with the Amplified Gapped Wall Barrel technology of the DeMarini Whisper Fastpitch Softball Bat.  The brand new Whisper offers the standard 2 1/4-inch barrel diameter, balanced swing weighting, and is approved in all Fastpitch Softball Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments. 

Product Features: 

• -9 and -10 Length to Weight Ratio

• 2 1/4 inch barrel diameter 

• Balanced Swing Weighting 

• Colorway: Silver / Grey / Bronze Accenting

• Two Piece Composite Softball Bat

• Anomaly Connection: Pairs the barrel with a stiffer handle that offers positive feedback on contact and a seamless energy transfer.

• Anomaly End Cap: A blend of durable and lightweight materials maintains barrel integrity and optimizes performance.

• Amplified Gapped Wall Continuous Fiber Barrel: All-new inner and outer walls with a larger gap increase performance and create a brighter sound on contact.

• 0.800” Trumpet Handle: Dampens vibrations while providing a solid feel.

• Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty Included

• Approved for play in USA Softball (Formerly ASA), ISA, ISF, NSA, and USSSA (Fastpitch Only) Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments.

If you're in the market for a new Fastpitch Softball bat for this season, look no further than www.headbangersports.com! Here at Headbanger Sports we have all your diamond sports needs, from batting gloves to turfs to bats and balls to custom apparel. Get all your diamond sports needs at Headbanger Sports.