Gear › Gear types explained
Gear types explained
The choices inside each kind of gear, side by side. Each one ends with what it's best for.
Bats
What it's made of
Alloy (aluminum)
Ready to use out of the wrapper. Usually less expensive and holds up better in cold weather. It can dent over time.
Best for: younger players, first bats, and cold-weather practice.
Composite
Made from layers of carbon fiber. Often has more pop and less sting, but it needs a break-in period, costs more, and can crack in the cold.
Best for: older or more serious players. The most common type in fastpitch.
Hybrid
Mixes the two, usually a composite handle with an alloy barrel. Less sting than alloy, at a lower price than full composite.
Best for: players who want less sting without the composite price.
How it's built
One-piece
One solid piece from knob to end. Stiffer, with more feedback and more sting on a mis-hit.
Best for: stronger hitters who like a stiff feel.
Two-piece
A handle and barrel joined together. It flexes a little and cuts down on sting. The most popular style in fastpitch.
Best for: most players, especially newer hitters.
Where the weight sits
Balanced
Weight is spread evenly, so it's easier to control and swing fast. Most bats with a -10 to -13 drop are balanced.
Best for: a first bat and contact hitters. Almost every young player.
End-loaded
Extra weight near the end of the barrel for more power. Usually in heavier -8 or -9 drops.
Best for: strong power hitters, usually in high school.
The drop is the bat's length minus its weight. See the bat size chart for which drop fits her age.
Glove webs
Closed or basket web
A solid web with no gaps. It hides the ball and her grip.
Best for: pitchers. Some outfielders like it too.
I-web
Leather pieces in an I shape. Light and quick, and dirt falls through.
Best for: middle infielders who need quick transfers.
H-web
Leather pieces in an H shape. Strong and open, so she can see the ball through it.
Best for: infield or outfield. A good all-around choice.
Trapeze
A deep web laced together. It makes the deepest pocket.
Best for: outfielders catching fly balls.
Modified trapeze
A trapeze web with a leather strip across the top. A little more closed.
Best for: pitchers, utility players, and outfielders.
Glove fits
Youth gloves
Smaller wrist openings and shorter finger slots for small hands. Usually lighter and easier to close.
Best for: players about 12 and under.
Adult fastpitch gloves
Full size, with narrower finger slots than most baseball gloves, made for girls' hands.
Best for: players about 13 and up.
Baseball gloves
Shallower pockets for a smaller ball.
Best for: baseball. A fastpitch glove holds a softball better.
Slowpitch gloves
Often much longer, especially in the outfield.
Best for: adult slowpitch, not fastpitch.
Cleats
Molded
Rubber or plastic studs. Comfortable and allowed on every field.
Best for: every first pair, and all players 12U and younger.
Metal
Metal spikes with the most grip on hard or wet dirt.
Best for: older players where rules allow (usually 14U and up, or 13U and up in USSSA).
Turf shoes
Small rubber nubs for turf and indoor surfaces.
Best for: turf fields, cages, and winter practice.
Helmets
Fastpitch batting helmet
Comes with a softball face mask attached. Required in most leagues.
Best for: every fastpitch batter and base runner.
Baseball batting helmet
Often has no mask, or a mask made for smaller baseballs.
Best for: baseball. Don't use it for fastpitch.
Catcher's helmet
A hockey-style helmet that covers the whole head and face, with a throat guard.
Best for: catching. It isn't a batting helmet.
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