Quick Take
Barrel size differences among fastpitch bats are minimal, spanning about 1.5 inches and influenced by taper speed. While a larger barrel may slightly improve contact chances, factors like swing weight and overall quality have a far greater impact on performance.
As we measured the barrel sizes of baseball bats, we also measured the size of fastpitch barrels. We found DeMarini’s CF Zen in the drop 11 (as well as the CF-XD) to have the longest barrels. The smallest of the bunch was Louisville Slugger’s PXT, but not by much.
From largest to smallest, the total variance lasted about 1 1/2 inches. The difference in barrel length appeared to be determined by the speed of the taper from knob to handle.
TheCF Zen in a drop 11 had the most considerable barrel size.
Fastpitch Barrel Size Rankings | |||
| Rank | Bat | Review | Price |
| 1 | DeMarini CF Zen Drop 11 | Here | Check |
| 2 | DeMarini CF Insane Drop 10 | Here | Check |
| 3 | Mizuno Power Carbon 2 | Here | Check |
| 4 | DeMarini CF Zen Drop 10 | Here | Check |
| 5 | Mizuno Carbon 1 | Here | Check |
| 6 | Louisville Slugger XENO | Here | Check |
| 7 | Louisville Slugger LXT | Here | Check |
| 8 | Easton Ghost Double Barrel USSSA | Here | Check |
| 9 | Louisville Slugger PXT | Here | Check |
Of some note, bats that ran heavily on our swing weight tests tended to have a shorter barrel. That included the likes of the PXT and the Ghost Double Barrel from Easton.
Does Barrel Size Matter in Fastpitch?
For some, the size of a fastpitch bat’s barrel matters. A bigger barrel means more chances for contact. And, some would argue, a bigger barrel gives the bat a better chance to have a larger sweet spot. As they say, all is fair in love and sales.
However, the difference in maximum barrel size is so tiny, and the taper so minute that it is hard to see how a faster or slower taper would affect performance. Granted, the small volume associated with a bigger barrel may give a greater chance for a foul tip once in a millennia and, therefore, keep the bat alive.
In the end, all other things being equal, a rational player would prefer a larger barrel profile over another. But we think there are more important differences in fastpitch bats (like which ones perform the best) than the smallest amount of changes in barrel profile.
