Rawlings Softball
Serious athletes of all ability levels appreciate the reality that today’s athletic equipment sports an amazing level of technological and design sophistication that means the perfect piece of gear can be found for every pursuit. If softball is your game, and it is the preferred choice of millions, then you love today’s awesome line-up of clubs, boppers, tools, lumber – that is, softball bats. With that terminology on our tongues, let’s take a look at the terminology used to describe and evaluate the hitting sticks offered by today’s leading manufacturers like Easton, Mizuno, Rawlings, Miken, and DeMarini.
Softball Bat Dimensions. A softball bat is measured in terms of length and weight. Back in the day, the wood bat you used in little league probably had a one to one ratio of length to weight – a 30 inch bat usually weighed about 30 ounces. Today’s advanced materials that include not only aluminum but composites like Kevlar, that are very light relative to weight. Today, a typical 32 inch softball bat will weigh about 22 ounces, producing a -10 ratio, meaning it’s 10 less ounces than it is inches. Such ratios produce greater bat speed, the major component of power. Common lengths range from 31 to 34 inches, while weights extend from 20 to 27 ounces. The grips of today’s best softball bats or made either of rubber for cushioned comfort, or of high-density, high-stick composite for better feel.
Now, moving to the specifics of bat performance, the first term to know is “sweet spot.” Golfers understand that this is the area of the club that will produce the optimum results of contact. A large sweet spot in a softball bat means that even slightly miss-hit swings will still produce plenty of pop. Larger barrels will generally have a larger sweet spot.
The next term is “line drive,” which we all know means a rope coming off the bat. The line drive measurement is really a reflection of the first term, sweet spot. The larger the sweet spot, the higher the percentage of struck balls will be line drives. The term “distance” is self-explanatory. Good design and superior materials mean that the same hitter will get more distance out of some bats than others. The terms “feel” or “sting” are interchangeable, and reflect the level of vibration transmitted through the bat to the hands upon contact. The more the hit is displaced throughout the bat, the less sting, or the better the feel. Good bats will let you know whether you made good contact without making you pay for it with sore hands. Feel is often enhanced with specialized grips or a narrower than usual handle that allows more palm and finger to bat contact.
The “strength” of a softball bat usually refers to the thickness of the bat wall. Lighter materials can be thicker, without adding weight which reduces bat speed, and thicker walls typically deliver more power, which any hitter welcomes. Finally, “durability” or “toughness” applies to the longevity one can expect from a bat. Better materials will last longer without cracking, warping, or breaking. When shopping for your next piece of lumber, it is helpful to understand the terminology the reviews and product descriptions are employing, even if it’s not made of wood.
Janet Hansen is a softball coach in NC and helps others understand how to choose the right softball bat for their needs, at her Softball Bat Review website, http://www.SoftballBatGuide.com. You can also learn batting tips and join in the discussion along the way!
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Rawlings GG130SB 13″ Softball Glove, LHT, New! $104.99 |
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Rawlings Gold Glove Series Softball Glove 13″ RHT, New! $99.99 |
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New Rawlings Plasma -12 Fastpitch Softball Bat 28/16 $51.05 |
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RAWLINGS GG25FPB GOLD GLOVE 12.5″ WOMENS SOFTBALL GLOVE $59.99 |
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RAWLINGS ADULT 12.5″ BASEBALL SOFTBALL GLOVE BRAND NEW $18.99 |
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New Rawlings Rush Gold -10 Fastpitch Softball Bat 33/23 $15.50 |
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LARGE RAWLINGS R/H SOFTBALL/BASEBALL GLOVE 12.5″ $19.99 |
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Rawlings SG78 13″ Softball Glove, LHT, New! $49.99 |
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Rawlings Fast Pitch 11” All Position Softball Glove RH $4.76 |
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Rawlings Ball Glove LHT 12 1/2″ RBG36 Baseball/Softball $21.51 |
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Rawlings Yellow Bucket with 18 –12″ Softballs $54.95 |
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RAWLINGS ADULT 12.5″ BASEBALL SOFTBALL GLOVE BRAND NEW $18.99 |
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RAWLINGS RBG4 ~ 13″ ‘Fastback’ Baseball/Softball Glove $19.99 |
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Rawlings SELECT 31″ / 23 oz. FastPitch -8 Softball Bat $29.95 |
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Rawlings SELECT 30″ / 22 oz. FastPitch -8 Softball Bat $29.95 |
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Rawlings AMBUSH -8 SOFTBALL BAT 30/22 Fastpitch $29.95 |
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RAWLINGS AMANDA FREED FASTPITCH SOFTBALL GLOVE 12 INCH $24.99 |
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Rawlings Softball Helmet face guard $0.99 |
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RAWLINGS ADULT 12.5″ BASEBALL SOFTBALL GLOVE BRAND NEW $18.99 |
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RAWLINGS 2010 12.5″ BULL SERIES SOFTBALL GLOVE NIB!!!!! $79.99 |
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NIW Rawlings Anthem Fastpitch Softball bat $30.00 |
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Rawlings Gold RUSH Composite Fastpitch Softball bat $65.00 |
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RAWLINGS ADULT 12.5″ BASEBALL SOFTBALL GLOVE BRAND NEW $18.99 |
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Rawlings Fastpitch Softball Glove FP1200 12 inch. $9.99 |
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Rawlings Baseball/Softball Pine Tar Rag New in Package $0.99 |
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Rawlings All American Softball Glove, 12.5″, RHT, New! $37.99 |
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Rawlings All American Softball Glove, 12″, RHT, New! $37.99 |
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Rawlings Baseball/Softball Cleats Size 6 $0.99 |
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Youth Large Baseball/Softball Rawlings Sliding shorts $4.99 |
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NEW MENS BASEBALL/SOFTBALL GLOVE RAWLINGS $15.50 |
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New Rawlings Rush Gold -10 Fastpitch Softball Bat 31/21 $11.06 |
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New Rawlings Plasma Silver Fastpitch Softball Bat 33/21 $20.50 |
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New Rawlings Rush Gold -10 Fastpitch Softball Bat 30/20 $1.04 |
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New Rawlings Rush Gold -10 Fastpitch Softball Bat 34/24 $19.50 |
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New Rawlings Rush Gold -10 Fastpitch Softball Bat 32/22 $20.55 |
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Rawlings SG78 13″ Softball Glove, LHT, New! $49.99 |
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New Rawlings Plasma -9 Fastpitch Softball Bat 33/24 $7.50 |
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Rawlings Gold Series Baseball Softball Cleats Mens 11 $9.90 |
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Rawlings In Red Canvas Print – Canvas Art This is a beautiful stretched-canvas art print wrapped on 2.5″ thick stretcher bars. The print is professionally printed, assembled, and shipped within 2 – 3 business days from our production facility in North Carolina and arrives ready-to-hang on your wall. Fine Art America is home to more than 20,000 artists from all over the world who entrust us to fulfill their print orders online. We offer a … |
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Rawlings Pine Tar Spray $4.99 Enhance your grip with The Rawlings pine tar spray. This 4 oz. can with no mess application helps add tack to your bat grip. The spray is for use on wooden or aluminum bats…. |
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Rawlings Poly Flatback Mesh Pant – Men’s This Rawlings Pant is made of 100% polyester flatback mesh. Elastic waistband with internal drawcord. Embroidery, side seam pockets. Imported…. |
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Rawlings Youth V-Neck Pullover Jackets Rawlings Youth V-Neck Pullover Jackets Feature: Pullover shell is 100% polyester rip stop Mesh body lining is 100% polyester for added breathability Sleeve lining is 100% nylon Water repellent finish Crossover ribbed v-neck, sleeve cuffs and pocket trim with contrasting tipping Long set-in sleeves Front slash hand pockets Even hem with left side adjustable toggle close Rawlings logo… |
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Rawlings Youth Fleece Crew Pullovers Rawlings Youth Fleece Crew Pullovers Feature: Textured fabric is 100% polyester Fleece lined for additional warmth and comfort Exclusive Dynamic Fit System for greater flex and fit Pullover has a full cut Rib knit stretch inserts around the sleeves and across the back Crew neck with elastic fabric trim Rib knit accent insert under the crew neck Long raglan style sleeves have elastic fab… |
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Rawlings Wizard Low Metal Baseball Cleat Mens $49.97 Knock one out of the park in the Rawlings® Wizard Low men’s baseball cleat. It’s crafted using supple full-grain leather, and an EVA midsole provides lightweight cushioning. The outsole combines TPU and metal spikes for optimal traction on the diamond…. |
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Rawlings Official League Baseball 5 oz. $4.99 *For recreational use, one ball per order… |
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Rawlings Youth Player Preferred Utility Baseball Gloves – PP70 – Left Hand $29.95 Rawlings Youth Player Preferred Utility Baseball Gloves feature: Pre-softened leather for ready-to-play fee Designed for durability, strength and a comfortable feel Velcro strap creates custom fit 1 Year Guarantee PP70 Model: Throw: Left-hand Right-hand Web Pattern: Basket Size: 11½” Youth pattern Ages: 6 & over Neo-Flex back makes closing the glove easy … |
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Rawlings PROS15SCB-RH Pro Preferred 2-Piece Web Infielder’s Pitcher’s Left-Handed Throw Baseball Glove (11.5-Inches) $269.99 Quality and innovation have combined to produce a new standard in the world of baseball gloves.With only a limited amount produced, the finely crafted Rawlings glove is the ultimate choice for baseballs elite and soon-to-be elite. The distinctive oxblood color and direct embroidery are only the beginning of the Rawlings style . Rawlings Pro Pattern Pro Preferred Kip Leather 11 1/2″ Pro Patter… |
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Rawlings Pro Lite Series Basket Web Fielder’s Baseball Glove (13-Inch) The PL1308 is a great choice for the recreational or casual player who plays around one game a week, or for the youth athlete playing a 12-20 game season. With a 13â pattern, this glove features our popular Basket Web® that adds some flexibility. Additionally, it has adjustment straps for a custom fit…. |
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Rawlings ‘Arsenal’ 28/14.5 Youth Baseball Bat $40.99 Rawlings bat includes Sure-Lock Low Rider 105 MPH ultra tough end plugBaseball bat features Buzz Off vibration-reduction gripSports equipment boasts aluminum/composite construction |
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Rawlings ‘Silverback’ Official Softballs (Pack of 6) $27.99 Rawlings ‘Sliverback’ softballs have an aluminum bat-friendly design that provides maximum distance Durable polyurethane core keeps softballs firm inning after inningSports item contains an 11-inch leather cover |
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Rawlings Pro Preferred 11.5-inch Baseball Glove $203.99 Baseball glove is ideal for the elite youth player who demands pro level performanceSnug fit allows for better control and easier handling of the gloveBaseball glove is made with soft, durable Kipskin leather for easy break-in |
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Rawlings ‘Arsenal’ Youth 30/16.5 Baseball Bat $50.99 Rawlings bat includes Sure-Lock Low Rider 105 MPH ultra tough end plugBaseball bat features Buzz Off vibration-reduction gripSports equipment boasts aluminum/composite construction |
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Rawlings ‘Anthem’ 24/12 Aluminum T-ball Baseball Bat $25.49 Swing into a win with this Rawlings Anthem 2.25-inch barrel T-ball batBaseball bat features a sure-lock end plugSports equipment has premium wrap style grip |
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Rawlings ‘Select’ 30/22 Fastpitch Softball Bat $26.99 Rawlings ‘Select’ bat will increase your softball team’s hitting prowessTeam sport item contains a 2.25-inch x 11-inch barrelFastpitch softball bat has a durable synthetic wrap grip |
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Rawlings ‘Silverback’ Official Softball (Case of 12) $38.99 Rawlings is the number one baseball brand worldwideRawlings uses the same, patented Superstich seam technology on their softballsSilverback 11-inch circumference slow-pitch softball |
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Rawlings ‘Edge’ 32/24 Fastpitch Softball Bat $30.49 Rawlings ‘Select’ bat will increase your team’s hitting prowessFastpitch softball bat features a 2.25-inch x 12-inch barrelTeam sports gear includes a durable synthetic wrap grip |
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Rawlings ‘Select’ 29/21 Fastpitch Softball Bat $25.49 Rawlings ‘Select’ bat will increase your team’s hitting prowessFastpitch softball bat features a 2.25-inch x 11-inch barrelSports gear includes a durable, synthetic wrap grip |
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Rawlings ‘Anthem’ 25/13 Aluminum T-ball Bat $27.99 Swing into wins with this 2.25-inch T-ball bat Kids baseball bat has sure-lock end plugSports equipment has premium wrap style grip |
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