March 29, 2024

Softball Equipment

Officially called “softball” in the 1920s, this baseball derivative was born in Chicago in 1887 as an indoor sport. There are two variations of the softball: the slow ball and the fast ball. Its practice has gradually increased in popularity over the past 120 years and is now played in more than 110 countries around the world.

The softball stick is a very technical piece of equipment, and choosing the right one can significantly improve your performance in the field.

In Canada, all softball associations are governed by the USSSA which requires the use of an approved stick 1.20 GMP (performance factor 1.20), which will be indicated on the conical part of any stick. All stick brands with this approval have been manufactured to the same standards and offer similar performance. The differences will come from the components inside the stick, its weight, length and handle.

There are two important elements: length and weight

To find the right length of stick, stand with your arms on either side and put the stick upright with the end of the barrel on the ground. If you can hold the knob in the palm of your hand by holding the arm and stick straight, it is too short. If the knob protrudes more than 5 cm beyond your wrist, the stick is too long.

A little trick to choosing the right stick weight for you is to hold the stick by the pommel and point the tip straight ahead of you, thumb up, at shoulder height using your dominant hand. Then try to write the word “softball” in the air with the stick. If it is difficult for you to control the movement of the stick, it is too heavy for you.

Flexibility of the cylinder

The carbon fibers of the stick act like a trampoline, absorbing the impact of the ball when it hits the stick, then giving it an impulse in the opposite direction at increased speed. The indication “1.20” on the stick means that the barrel of the stick has been tested and that it meets the standard that it will only be able to return the ball at a 20% higher velocity than the throw. This standard ensures that all players have an equal advantage.

Weight in the tip or balanced weight

All softball sticks are made in the same way until it is decided to use different systems to add weight to the tip or create balanced sticks.

Balanced sticks have a higher weight near the handle, so they will be more suitable for players with slower hitting speeds or hitting in the upper part of the stick. As they promote regularity and uniformity of the swing, they are generally the first choice of both swingers and women.

Sticks with the weight in the tip are intended for big hitters (who try to throw the ball high into the air to make a home run) and fast-moving players. When the player hits the ball and the head of the stick comes close to the ground, the extra weight adds speed to the swing that will provide a greater impact with the ball.

Impact area

The impact zone (also known as the striking surface or striking zone) is an area about 13 to 18 cm from the end of the cylinder and close to the centre of gravity of the stick. When you hit the ball on the impact zone, the batter’s hands vibrate less. It is also the place on the stick where the transfer of energy from the stick to the ball is most effective. Hitting the ball outside the impact area will provide less energy and control over the ball’s return.

The stick handle

The handles of softball sticks can be rigid or flexible (this will be indicated on the stick).

Sticks with rigid handles are less flexible during the swing and hit, providing better control. They will be more suitable for players with high speed swing.

Large hitting players with slower hitting speeds generally perform better with flex-grip sticks that generate extra momentum when the ball bounces.

The handle cover

Sleeve covers available on the market can be more or less slippery, sticky, thick or thin. This choice will depend on the player’s preferences.

At La Source du Sport, our softball specialists will help you find the right stick for you. Raise your game level and performance with the Pro-Formance Advantage system, available only at La Source du Sport.

Softball Sticks Review

Legit XL Load 12.5″ Legit Stick from Worth

et powerful on the ball with Worth’s new Legit XL Load 12.5″ slow-pitch stick. The very first Jason Branch Worth stick features a 12.5-inch reduced barrel and a 0.5 oz weight in the tip designed to produce more explosive hits in the striking area. It perfectly combines the whiplash effect of Worth’s exclusive FLEX 50 handle and the flexibility of the barrel to generate maximum power. Featuring Worth’s 220+ Advantage technology, the cylinder is lighter and more efficient because it is made entirely of carbon fibers to provide you with a larger striking surface and increased durability. Worth’s Legit XL Load 12.5″ stick provides unique sensations that will allow you to throw the ball into the stands like Jason Branch!

Legit XL Load 13.5″ Legit Stick from Worth

Treat yourself to the biggest barrel ever and take advantage with Worth’s Legit XL 13.5″ stick. Designed to Ryan Harvey’s specifications, the Legit XL 13.5″ has a huge 13.5″ barrel with a 0.5 oz weight in the tip designed to maximize the chances of hitting a home run with each throw. With Worth’s CF100 cylinder made entirely of carbon fiber and Worth’s 220+ Advantage technology that offers a larger hitting area, Ryan Harvey’s Legit XL 13.5″ slow-pitch stick will help you score points on the board.

Legit XXL Load 13.5″ Legit Stick from Worth

Andy Purcell may be a pitcher, but that doesn’t mean his signature stick won’t allow you to hit balls over the fence. With Worth’s Legit XXL Load 13.5″, you’ll have all the power you need to make home runs and gain the advantage on home plate. This stick is equipped with Worth’s exclusive Flex 50 handle which offers superb sensations and the CF100 cylinder made entirely of carbon. Thanks to Worth’s 220+ Advantage technology, the Legit XXL Load 13.5″ barrel includes more carbon fibers and provides a striking zone all around the barrel for more consistent contact. Get your hands on Andy Purcell’s Legit XXL Load 13.5″ stick, and send more balls over the fence!

Worth Legit Balanced 13.5″ Stick

If you’re looking for a balanced weight stick that provides consistent feel from start to finish, the new Don DeDonatis Jr. Legit Balanced 13.5″ stick is perfect for you. Featuring Worth’s 220+ Advantage technology with a larger sweetspot and the CF100 all-carbon barrel, the Legit Balanced 13.5-inch stick is designed to minimize the margin of error and accelerate swing speed. With excellent grip and power, Worth’s Legit Balanced 13.5″ will allow you to hit balls from a distance worthy of a Hall of Fame player.

Miken DC-41 SuperMax 14″ Stick

Miken’s new DC-41 SuperMax 14″ is better than ever, and designed to hit the ball at legendary distances just like Denny Crine. The DC-41’s Triple Matrix Core technology eliminates wall seals to provide a larger impact surface, while the weight in the 1 oz tip generates more explosive blows in the striking area. Flex 2 Power maximizes flexion to increase tip speed, and the 100 Comp formula, which consists of a quality fiber, provides incredible performance in a lightweight package. Produce more powerful shots than ever before with the Miken DC-41 SuperMax stick.