Softball Equipment Recommendations
Bats
All bats must either have a 2 ¼” barrel or less OR have the USA Baseball logo to be used in GBSA.
Bats are like shoes, it's really important to buy the right length and weight. For softball, the big deal is WEIGHT and length. For instance, a typical 11 year old uses a 32 (length) drop 11 (weight). This means its 21 oz in weight (32-11). Most bats come in drop 10. Key is to have right length but also that your daughter and comfortably swing it.
Experienced GBSA parents have had good luck with these brands:
- Easton
- Louisville Slugger
Below are a few links for bats rated 4 stars or above at Dick's Sporting Goods. GBSA would recommend reading reviews prior to purchase and going to the store to see if someone can help you. Call before you go, some of the associates know how to properly fit a bat and others don't.
You can also get good deals on used bats on eBay.
Helmets
Again, GBSA would recommend you try these on in a sporting goods store. For softball, you will want to make sure the helmet has a full face mask.
Brands GBSA experienced parents have used and recommend:
- Under Armour
- Adidas
- Easton
Below are a few links for helmets:
- https://www.amazon.com/Classic-NOCSAE-Certified-Molded-Batters/dp/B07XLTTQ19/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=under%2Barmour%2Byouth%2Bbatting%2Bhelmet&qid=1615264235&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-1&th=1&psc=1
https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/adidas-junior-captain-baseball-batting-helmet-w-jaw-guard-19adiucptnjnrjwgrbth/19adiucptnjnrjwgrbth
Gloves
Again, these are about fit. Here is a wonderful resource with a size chart: https://www.youthbaseballgloves.com/pages/what-size-baseball-or-softball-glove-do-i-need
Again, GBSA would recommend going to a sporting goods store and have the kids try them on. Brands that are typically reliable are:
- Wilson
- Rawlings
Here are a few recommendations:
Face Guards
Face guards are worn (and required) for all girls playing pitcher, short stop or third base in GBSA. GBSA does have some provided to each field so parents DO NOT have to purchase these. If you would like to purchase one, they come in either youth or adult sizes. Most youth can play through all of GBSA with a youth size.
Here is a recommended face guard:
Batting Gloves
Batting gloves are not NEEDED in GBSA but many youth enjoy having them.
Here are a few inexpensive batting gloves that work great for GBSA: