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Baseball and Softball Bats
The most obvious difference between Baseball and Softball Bats is their respective lengths. The most commonly used length for each type of bat is: baseball - 32", fastpitch softball - 33", slow pitch - 34" youth - 30".
Another difference between softball and baseball bats is the weight. Adult slow-pitch bats the most popular weight is 28oz. However, variations in the location of the balance point in individual bats can make the of 28oz bat feel much lighter. It can also make it feel much heavier than its actual weight. A Fastpitch softball bat is lighter than a slow-pitch model. This allows for better bat speed and control. The range of weights for adult baseball bats is much smaller because of the rules requiring a weight/length ratio that does not exceed -3.
Other than length differences, the second most glaring distinction between baseball and softball bats is the barrel diameters. Those on baseball bats are traditionally thicker than those on softball bats. The barrels of baseball bats, which are used for play under college and high school rules, are 2-5/8" in diameter. Adult softball bats are thinner, with barrel diameters of only 2-1/4". Youth bats have the same diameter as adult slow pitch bats.
Fast-pitch bats often have a barrel that takes up almost half the length of the bat. These create a shorter taper region and are design to provide an expanded and more responsive hitting surface while allowing a hitter to make better contact.