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The bat rules keep changing and many players aren’t sure
which bats are legal to use. Rather than blowing $200-$300 on an illegal bat,
below is a list of the best performing ASA legal bats.
The best legal bats currently on the market have escaped
the new standards and have been “grandfathered” onto the
The ASA Legal Softball Bat List
even though they exceed the new 98 MPH standard. What this means is that generally, all of the
new, super expensive bats will not perform as well as the previous models they
replaced. The top legal bats perform at a 100 MPH standard which will usually
not be matched by the newer models.
For better or for worse, the best of
the "grandfathered" bats will be illegal in ASA competition
as of January 2008. While some of these bats can still
be found on eBay for hundreds of dollars above their
original price, their limited legal shelf life makes them
prohibitively expensive. Unless you already own the
original 100 MPH Miken Freak, buying one new on eBay for
upwards of $500 is silly unless you have a crazy amount of
disposable income.
Below are bats available which will
(and do) conform to the ASA bat list and will be continue to
be legal in 2008 as well as of now. I have swung each
of these bats and feel that all have merit and deserve
recommendation.
The top ASA legal bats which conform to the 98 MPH standard
2007 Easton SCN5 Stealth
Comp CNT
The Easton® SCN5 Stealth Comp CNT
soft-pitch softball bat utilizes ConneXion technology to act
like a hinge and provide an efficient energy transfer from
the handle to the barrel. The Extended Flex design lengthens
the sweet spot by providing consistent performance along the
entire length.
2007 Worth Mutant 98
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Hybrid composite three piece
technology, mutated composite barrel - continuous
sweetspot technology, aluminum collar, 2 x less
vibration = increased bat control during contact,
hybrid composite handle, more flex than one pc
composite, hybrid cushion grip, approved by ASA,
USSSA, NSA, ISA, ISF and all other major associations.
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Miken
Freak 98
Miken NRG 500 ASA Balanced Softball Bat
The 100% composite construction of the Miken NRG 500 ASA
Softball Bat delivers maximum strength and flexibility throughout the entire
length of the barrel. With the addition of Extended Sweetspot Design, the barrel
is even longer than before. 14.5" barrel length. 2.25" barrel diameter. Fade two
tone finish. Premium synthetic leather grip. Preferred thin handle. X-Tack
coating provides superior knob grip for added control. ASA, USSSA 1.20
certified. Weights: 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 oz. 34" length.
2006 Worth PST 98
2006 Worth PST 98. Exclusive WS137 alloy. Highest Strength
bat alloy available. 137% stronger than CU31. New Scandium Whiplash frame 10%
stronger and up to 30% thinner frame for more whip. 2006 Worth PST 98 can be
used down to 45 degrees. 2006 Worth PST 98 is ASA CERTIFIED 2004, USSSA, NSA,
ISA, and ISF approved. 2 year warranty.
Easton SCX14 Synergy Extended Slow Pitch Softball Bat
With a balanced swing height, this Easton® Synergy
Extended slow-pitch bat features a Patented Extended Flex design that lengthens
the sweet spot to allow for maximum performance across the entire 13.5" barrel.
Patented IMX technology optimizes the relationship between materials, design,
and manufacturing process, while the Pro-Tack cushioned grip and ultra-thin
29/32" handle provide control.
The best non-composite bat which is legal in single wall
aluminum leagues
2008 DeMarini White Steel
The DeMarini steel-barreled slow pitch softball bat
leverages the strength and resilience of steel in a singlewall constructed for
enhanced performance, sweet spot and durability. The Flex-Tuned composite handle
helps to maintain flex. Far & away the best single wall aluminum bat
produced.
Lastly, do not buy any bat
marketed as “juiced, altered, hot or special”. These bats are no longer ASA
legal and to use one would be cheating (and a great way to look really really
lame).
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