01/31/2018

Take heed, Fastpitch Fanatics. The best softball bats for 2018 have been decided.

Customer feedback, user submitted reviews, and first-hand knowledge of the features were all taken into account by JustBats.com to create the ultimate list of diamond dominators. Did the hottest fastpitch bat in your bag make the cut? Read on to find out.

Check out the best 2017 fastpitch bats. For 2018, the following eight (8) models were voted the best 2018 fastpitch softball bats.

The year's most popular and intriguing fastpitch bat, without a doubt. With a soft feel on contact, a confidence-boosting sound, and explosive pop, the Easton Ghost Double Barrel is guaranteed to be one of the hottest bats in your bag. While this model is not approved for play in USSSA or NSA, the drop 10 design is approved for ASA (which includes high school), ISF, and NCAA. Other key features of the 2018 Easton Ghost Double Barrel include:

CONNEXION+ technology improves feel by eliminating any sting to the hands

Balanced swing weight recommended for all types of hitters

Xtra tough resin matrix (XTX) composite provides unbeatable durability

Two-piece, 100% composite construction

1.2mm HYPERSKIN Helix grip delivers unbeatable comfort and control

This is the latest addition to an already dominant Louisville Slugger fastpitch lineup. The beautiful, yet brawny PXT is an extremely powerful tool. Nobody will have pop like you because of the PWR STAX barrel which is made up of a multi-layered composite material that results in amplified performance at the plate. Other key features of the 2018 Louisville Slugger PXT include:

Approved for play in USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, and ISF

Ultra lightweight X-Cap helps improve bat speed and extends the sweet spot

TRU3 connection technology eliminates sting and supplies a soft feel on contact

Power balanced swing weight for hitters who want to enhance momentum

Premium X-grip for unmatched comfort and control

Can't stop chasing. Can't stop working. Can't stop pushing. Can't stop training. Can't stop fighting. Can't stop you.

Right out of the box, the drop 10 DeMarini CFX is guaranteed to be one of the hottest bats in your bag. Without the worry of a break-in period, this fastpitch bat will provide hot out of the wrapper performance, and that's a fact. The half and half, two-piece composite construction is held together by the brand new 3Fusion technology that eliminates sting to the hands for a super soft feel at the plate. Other key features of the 2018 DeMarini CFX fastpitch bat include:

Balanced swing weight

3Fusion end cap that helps maximize durability and extends the sweet spot

Approved for play in USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, and ISF

RCK knob offers best-in-class comfort and fits perfectly into any batters bottom hand

Ability customize with the DeMarini Custom Bat Builder!

Players love it, coaches recommend it, and parents praise it. Year after year, the Louisville Slugger XENO is one of the most highly regarded fastpitch softball bats in the game. For the 2018 season, the latest innovation is the insanely lightweight X-Cap that supplies a larger sweet spot while reducing unnecessary weight towards the end of the barrel for faster swing speeds. Other key features of the 2018 Louisville Slugger XENO include:

Approved for play in ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, and ISF

Balanced swing weight

Stiff IST connection optimizes energy transfer with less sting

Patented S1ID barrel offers unmatched pop and durability

Full twelve (12) month manufacturer's warranty if purchased at JustBats.com!

An anti-shock construction combines with the ultra-comfortable speed-helix grip to eliminate all negative feedback and increase confidence at the plate for younger players. This one-piece, 100% composite construction stands out in an age where two-piece bats are the norm. Mizuno has also used their 100+ years of experience and developed the Black Onyx Carbon that's guaranteed to provide a stiff feel with elite level durability. Other key features of the 2018 Mizuno Silhouette include:

X-Zone barrel has adjusted composite angles to create a huge sweet spot

Double wall barrel design

Hot out of the wrapper performance

Optimized end cap extends the barrel for more coverage

Approved for play in ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, and ISF

"The LXT is lights out. It has a solid sweet spot with no vibration."

One of the most widely known names in fastpitch softball is back and better than ever. The Louisville Slugger LXT is created for the players who take their game seriously and want to raise the bar. With the patented TRU3 connection technology and a three-piece, fully composite construction, the sting in the hands is a thing of the past. Other key features of the 2018 Louisville Slugger LXT include:

Synthetic, custom bat grip provides a sleek look with increased comfort and control

Largest sweet spot in the Louisville Slugger fastpitch lineup

Ultra lightweight X-cap increases swing speed and barrel length

PBF barrel technology produces powerful pop

Full one (1) year manufacturer's warranty if purchased through JustBats.com!

Up Your Game with the 2018 Louisville Slugger Fastpitch Lineup

Flex your power with the Easton Stealth Flex. More pop, an improved feel, and better overall performance all come included with this two-piece, composite softball bat. The state-of-the-art TCT Thermo technology is a big part of this model that helps provide a large sweet spot with unmatched bat speed. Other key features of the 2018 Easton Stealth Flex include:

Approved for play in ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, ISF, and SSUSA

15% more barrel compression for a game ready bat from day one

CXN ZERO ConneXion is engineered for zero vibration

Ultra-thin 29/32 inch handle

1.2mm HYPERSKIN HELIX grip offers a luxurious feel

Have you considered making the switch to Axe? What makes Axe bats different? With the patented Axe handle, each model is ergonomically designed to enhance control, improve comfort, increase bat speed, and reduce the risk of injury. The Axe Element is also the only one-piece, aluminum construction to make this list. A military grade Mantic alloy delivers the strongest barrel Axe has ever built. Other key features of the 2018 Axe Element include:

No risk 30-day guarantee!

Approved for play in ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, ISF, NCAA, and NFHS

Endrogrid technology reduces negative feedback typically associated with alloy bats

HyperWhip end cap removes unnecessary weight for increased bat speeds

Engineered hitting zone maximizes performance over a 270-degree hitting surface

Did your weapon of choice make the best 2018 fastpitch bats list? Please leave a comment below and tell us why you think your bat should have made a list of the best fastpitch softball bats for 2018. Or, if you have any specific softball bat questions, our Bat Experts are available via telephone at 866-321-2287, email at support@justbats.com, or you can click here to live chat. Don't forget, we'll be here for you from click to hit!