Senior Softball Equipment
One of the decisions players must make when
joining a softball league pertains to equipment choices. So often they hastily
go out and buy a new bat or glove without the benefit of others experience; and
often they are unhappy with the performance of their acquisition, especially in
the area of bat choice. Those ‘Old-Timers’, who play a lot generally know what works the best and where
to get it!
The key with bats is to get one that is designated
as a Senior Softball bat. These bats
are built to provide a little more action with less effort to help us old guys
hit the ball farther. If you try both a
regular softball bat and a senior bat you will notice a significant difference
so always start the search with which bats are official Senior Softball
approved or certified. Again, talk to a
few of the regular players to see what brands are currently hot bats but recent
popular bat brands have been the Miken, Dudley,
Combat and Adidas. Look online for
reviews of senior softball bats for current models and typical costs.
Another equipment need is a good glove. Many people have gloves from years ago that
they still love and use. If it’s
getting old or beginning to fall apart, again ask around at what others use and
where they bought them. These are more of a personal preference but be sure to look
for a larger glove size than typically offered in most sporting goods
stores. Stores are focused on a younger
and smaller player and having more glove helps extend the reach for those that
can no longer jump or move as fast as they used to be able to do. Typical brands are all good – Rawlings, Mizuno, Easton,
etc. Best suggestion is to at least
touch and feel one in a store and then look for deals on-line.
As many will tell you, there are online internet sites
like “Direct Sports”, that offer good discounts if you mention FHS (Florida Half
Century) softball so be sure to ask current players – especially the older guys
that play a lot of tournaments as they see all kinds of other equipment we don’t
normally see in Sebastian.
Dugout Protocol
Another equipment subject is dugout protocol. It’s always
appropriate to ask someone if you want to use their bat or any other
equipment. Never just grab someone’s bat without their permission. This is especially true
since good composite bats cost a lot and wear out after so many swings. Generally good senior softball bats can cost $180-$200.
Some can be obtained for around $100
and some new product releases can be more than $200. You will notice most players have a couple
of bats mostly to provide a backup in case of breakage but also because people are
always trying new things. Most guys will
let you try a bat a few times if you are looking to purchase something similar
but be aware some may not and it’s not because they are not nice people.
So as a matter of proper protocol and respect,
always get permission to use another’s equipment!