The fastest softball pitchers in the world can reach up to 70 miles per hour, and that’s just with a standard, store-bought softball. But the changing norms of the sport have also required the standard-issue ball to keep up. Manufacturers have been turning out more tightly wound, more accurately round, more aerodynamic softballs that can keep up with the speed of the game.
To help you find the best fast pitch softballs for you, we’ve turned to reviews from real customers on Amazon who have purchased and used these products for themselves. These best-selling items not only have near-perfect ratings, but they also have countless glowing reviews describing why they’re so great.
Read on for best fast pitch softballs.
Our Editor’s Best Fast Pitch Softballs Reviews
- 12" USSSA Fastpitch Softball
- Center: Poly
- Precision blended cross-linked polyurethane system
- High density and maximum resiliency
- Leather cover provides improved grip and protection
- IDEAL FOR YOUTH PLAYERS, this box of 6 NCAA Practice Fastpitch softballs (NC12BB) are built to keep players safer than traditional softballs while practicing fundamentals and building skills
- SUITABLE FOR PRACTICE USE
- REDUCED INJURY FACTOR (RIF) CONSTRUCTION provide a soft polyurethane center to cut down on injuries during practice
- DURABLE AND EASY TO GRIP WHILE THROWING thanks to the ProTac synthetic leather and professional raised seams that will help them withstand everyday practices
- CONVENIENT TRANSPORT provided by the Optic Yellow 5-gallon durable plastic bucket that has a cushioned snap-on lid that can be used as a seat for coaches or catchers during pitching practice or between turns in the batting cage
- PRACTICE BALL: These 11” softballs are all unaffiliated with any league, perfect for outdoor fastpitch practice.
- DURAHIDE COVER: Made with a long-lasting durahide cover. Comes in optic yellow, which helps with visibility and tracking the ball.
- RAISED SEAMS: Stitched with red raised seams for improved grip and greater control of the ball’s flight path through the pitching motion.
- CORE: Practice-quality core.
- 12 PACK: These softballs are sold by the dozen--get 12 softballs in one order.
- LIGHTS UP ON IMPACT - The SPARK CATCH softball lights up with every throw, thanks to its impact-activated LED lights that bring nighttime games to a whole new level. The lights automatically turn off after play, adding convenience and excitement to every catch.
- OFFICIAL SIZE & WEIGHT - Experience the authetic grip and feel with handmade stitches, crafted to the official softball standard. Our patented design has passed durability tests of 1,000 pitches at 75mph, certified by an international certification organization.
- THE PERFECT GIFT - Our glow in the dark softballs make nighttime softball practice a blast! As the most-wanted gifts for girls 6-8, 8-12 12-14, 14-16, and travel softball players of all ages, the light up softball is a perfect gift for birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and any special occasion.
- EASY SETUP - Ready, set, glow! Just insert an A23 battery (included) and your light up softball is ready to glow up your night. Perfect softball accessory, equipment, stuff for softball practice and camping.
- NOT FOR HITTING - For playing catch only. Each package includes a Spark Catch softball, user guide, A23 battery, and a commemorative coin.
- PRACTICE BALL: These softballs are all unaffiliated and perfect for outdoor practice.
- DURAHIDE COVER: Made with a long-lasting durahide cover. Comes in optic yellow, which helps with visibility and tracking the ball.
- RAISED SEAMS: Stitched with red raised seams for improved grip and greater control of the ball’s flight path through the pitching motion.
- CORE: Practice-quality core
- 12 PACK: These softballs are sold by the dozen--get 12 softballs in one order.
- 12" USASB Fastpitch Softball
- Center: Premium granulated cork
- Leather cover provides improved grip and protection
- Seams: Raised
- COR: 0.47
- Top-of-the-line game softball with a specialty designed leather cover for better feel and grip
- Unique Corebond process keeps the leather tight to the core, eliminating stretch and undue softness
- Poly core center softball-Cor .47, Max 375 lbs.
- Optic yellow leather softball with rounded red stitched seams giving the pitcher maximum control
- Approved by NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) Size 12"
- TRAINING FASTPITCH SOFTBALLS | NCAA Recreational training fastpitch softballs are designed for practice use
- SOLID CORK CENTER | Traditional cork center has the firmness of an official game ball
- PREMIUM DURABILITY | Synthetic cover is designed to withstand the elements and last for countless reps
- SIZE | 12"
- 1 DOZEN (12 BALLS) INCLUDED
- OFFICIAL SIZE & WEIGHT : These fastpitch softballs are constructed according to official 12" inch size and weight specifications so you can practice exactly how you play
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: These softballs are made with a solid cork core with a durable synthetic syntex cover so you can use them season after season
- OPTIC COLORING: The optic yellow cover makes these balls easy to track and locate in the daytime or under the lights
- FLAT SEAMS: The lay-flat seams on the softballs minimize air-friction for a consistent, reliable flight path and maximum distance on throws
- 12 PACK: This set comes with (12) OL1000 practice softballs included. Perfect for team practices, fielding, and throwing drills
- 12" USASB Fastpitch Softball
- Center: Poly
- Precision blended cross-linked polyurethane system
- High density and maximum resiliency
- Leather cover provides improved grip and protection
Best Fast Pitch Softballs Buying Guide
Before choosing the best fast pitch softball you should consider following options:
1. Size and Weight: Fast pitch softballs are available in various sizes and weights. The appropriate size and weight will depend on the age and gender of the player.
Generally, the smaller and lighter the ball, the easier it will be to throw and the faster the ball will travel when hit.
Smaller diameter balls are easier to catch and control but don’t travel as fast. Larger diameter balls are harder to catch and control, but will travel faster when hit.
The standard size for a softball is 2-7/8 inch in diameter and also known as a medium or intermediate ball. This is the most popular size for recreational and competitive play.
A smaller softball is a 2-1/4 inch in diameter and is known as a junior softball. These balls are great for younger players because they are easier to control and will travel less distance when hit.
A larger softball is a 3-inch in diameter and is known as a senior ball. These balls are great for older players because they are harder to control, but they will travel further when hit.
You can also purchase fast pitch softballs with a heavier weight (around 1 ounce per ball), which will slow down the speed of the ball and make it easier to control.
2. Softness: The softness of a ball is measured by the units of ST bearing. The higher the ST rating, the softer the ball. Balls with higher ST values will be easier to catch and throw.
Softball manufacturers offer two types of softballs – molded and solid. Molded softballs are available in leather or synthetic covers. Solid softballs are only available in a synthetic cover.
The type of softball you choose will depend on your preference and the type of field you will be playing on.
Leather softballs are best suited to a well-maintained field and are easier to catch and throw. Synthetic solid balls are best suited to a poorly maintained field and are easier to hit.
3. Durability: One of the major differences between fast and slow pitch softballs is that fast pitch balls are made from a harder and more durable synthetic resin.
This makes them ideal for competitive and recreational play but makes them harder to catch and throw.
Slow pitch softballs are made from a softer and more pliable rubber, which makes them ideal for recreational play but makes them harder to throw and hit.
What else you should know about fast pitch softballs
How much do fast pitch softballs weigh?
A fast pitch softball typically weighs between 6 and 7 ounces.
What is the circumference of a fast pitch softball?
The circumference of a fast pitch softball is 8.5 to 9.0 inches.
What is the difference between a fast pitch softball and a slow pitch softball?
A fast pitch softball is thrown much faster than a slow pitch softball. Fast pitch softball is also played with a smaller ball.
What is the stitching of a fast pitch softball made of?
The stitching on a fast pitch softball is usually made of leather or synthetic leather.
What is the cover of a fast pitch softball made of?
The cover of a fast pitch softball is made of leather.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best fast pitch softballs. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best fast pitch softballs will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.