As we prepare for the new 2021 Fastpitch Bat releases, let’s take a look back at the 2020 bat models and determine which ones finished at the top of the pack in terms of popularity, performance and durability.
2020 Easton Ghost Advanced drop 10
You can’t make a fastpitch bat list without talking about the Easton Ghost Advanced 2020 drop 10. Unlike Easton’s 2019 Ghost, the 2020 Ghost Advanced had both the USSSA and ASA stamp making it legal for all levels of high end softball players. Hitters of all ranks were able to experience success with the Ghost Advanced due to its one of a kind double-barrel construction. A perfect blend of both barrel performance and durability. Easton’s new 2021 Ghost Advanced fastpitch bat will probably continue to dominate this market and we look for even better barrel upgrades with a brand new colorway.
The 2020 Prism from Demarini was their flagship composite bat for 2020, taking over the long reign of their CF series of bats. Both slap and power hitters loved the weight distribution from handle to barrel, and really took advantage of the performance coming off the double wall construction. The 2021 Demarini Prism fastpitch will be the second in the prism line and we feel confidently that players will love the weight distribution and feel of the new design.
The 2020 Slugger LXT drop 10 was the bat of choice for many players at both the high school and college levles. The LXT’s unique three-piece design, centered around Louisville Sluggers VCX™ Vibration Control Connection System. This feature made this bat stand out from the rest, as it allowed the handle and barrel to move independently from one another. Less vibration, better barrel performance, and high end durability are what made this bat top tier for those players who wanted to swing for the fences. The 2021 Louisville Slugger LXT will still probably be one of the favorites for players at the highest level. It will be hard for Louisville Slugger to continue to improve upon and already elite level fastpitch bat.
The Xeno X20 Fastpitch bat from Louisville Slugger remained one of the most popular models on the market for varsity level players who love a stiffer swinging bat. Slap hitters especially liked the balanced feel and the consistent pop coming off the barrel for each and every hit. The two-piece IST Xstiff Technology construction gave this bat an increased energy transfer and got the absolute most out of the composite carbon fiber barrel. The S1ID Barrel Technlogy that Louisville Slugger developed alowed for high performance right out of the wrapper while maintaining a balanced swing weight that was perfect for every type of hitter.
The 2020 CF fastpitch bat was the ideal combination of both durability and high barrel performance. A balanced swing weight and 3Fusion Connection gave hitters a better feel while eliminating almost all vibration from miss hits. The Demarini CF 2020 drop 10 continued the dominance of Demarini’s CF series that fastpitch players have come to know over the last decade. The 2021 Demarini CF will most likely boast one of the biggest sweet spots for all fastpitch bats, which we won’t be surprised if this bat is back on our list again for 2021.