LOUISVILLE SLUGGER PROVEN REVIEW
AT A GLANCE
The Louisville Slugger Proven with its -13 drop is for younger hitters, smaller hitters, and many Youth & Rec League players who need a light, easy-to-control fastpitch softball bat. This one-piece, all-composite bat has a balanced swing feel helping hitters generate good bat swing speed and have better bat control. The Proven can also be a good choice for new, smaller Slap Hitters who are developing slap hitting swing technique.
It is a Balanced bat with a -13 drop helps Youth & Rec League players generate good bat swing speed AND enables young, developing hitters to better adjust their bat swing plane to pitch level
One-piece composite bat provides more “pop” than an Alloy or Hybrid bat
Composite material reduces “sting” and improves vibration control
One-piece construction provides more durability than a two-piece bat
Better choice for younger, smaller hitters than for stronger hitters who can handle heavier bats
Best fit for Youth & Rec League players and as a team bat
Could be a good choice for new, smaller Slap Hitters
The Louisville Slugger Proven’s one-piece, composite, balanced construction, despite being a light-swinging bat, still generates good exit velocity for a -13 drop bat. However, the Louisville Slugger Proven is not built for brute force and top exit velocity. It is built around easier bat swing speed and more consistent contact for hitters who still need help controlling the bat in the hitting zone. For the right hitter, that matters more than chasing a heavier bat with more mass and top-end power. That heavier bat may be too much may for a young hitter, not letting her generate enough bat swing speed. For a hitter that generates good bat swing speed with the Proven but struggles with the weight of a heavier bat, she will usually perform better with the Proven rather than with a heavier bat she cannot control as well.
Power & Exit Velocity
Wh
Youth & Rec League hitters who need to generate good bat swing speed and need a lighter swing to better control the bat in the hitting zone. Teams (8U and 10U) that need a bat multiple hitters can use without worry of durability issues.
Swing Weight & Feel
Sweet Spot & Forgiveness
The Louisville Slugger Proven’s one-piece, composite construction gives Youth & Rec League hitters an average sized sweet spot. Like most composite bats, the Proven is a bat that helps hitters make more consistent contact and creates a margin of error on off-center contact That does not mean the Proven is a magic wand. It means it is better suited to developing hitters who need help hitting more balls harder..
Break-in & Durability
The Louisville Slugger Proven require a short break-in period of 1+ batting practice, tee work or soft toss (about 50 swings, rotating the barrel 1/4 turn after each hit). Most of the break-in work helps Youth & Rec League hitters become familiar/comfortable with the new bat.
The Louisville Slugger Proven is not ideal for Power Hitters who want to generate their personal best exit velocity when they have good contact. They will overpower this light-swinging bat with squared up balls ending up with less exit velocity/distance than expected.
FINAL VERDICT
The Louisville Slugger Proven is for younger hitters who need an ultra-light, balanced bat that they can generate good bat swing speed AND better control in the hitting zone. It is not a bat built to power the ball. It is a bat built to help the right hitter make more consistent contact, improve her timing, and build confidence. This bat is built for a very specific job: Help younger hitters hit better and increase their confidence - AND FUN! It also a good choice as an 8U and 10U team bat. Finally, it could be a good bat for a young, developing Slap Hitter.
Who Is This Bat For?
Who Should Not Use This Bat?
BOTTOM LINE
Specifications
Construction: One-piece Composite
Swing Weight: Balanced (Ultra-light)
Length Options: 28”, 29“, 30”, 31”, 32”, 33”
Drop Options: -13
Handle Feel: Cushioned Grip
Certifications: NCAA, NHFS, USSSA, USA/ASA
Price vs. Value
At a Price (MSRP) of $149.95 the Louisville Slugger Proven makes sense only if you fit the hitter profile.
You ARE paying for:
A light-swinging bat that helps Youth & Rec League hitters generate good bat swing speed AND better bat control in the hitting zone
Good vibration control, reducing/eliminating “stinging hands”
Durability with use as a team bat
You ARE NOT paying for:
Direct energy transfer from hitter to the ball
High exit velocity
A power bat to drive the ball to the fence
The Louisville Slugger Proven’s composite construction provides good vibration control, reducing “sting” from mis-hits and in cold weather. This is very important for new, young players who might get discouraged if contact frequently results in “stinging hands”.
That makes the Proven a good fit for hitters who:
Are young or undersized
Need more bat speed
Tend to drag heavier bats through the hitting zone
Need a confidence-building bat
Because the Louisville Slugger Proven is a one-piece bat, it’s durability track record is a bit better than two-piece composite bats, although durability for -12 and -13 drop bats generally are pretty good because they are used by younger, smaller hitters that don’t put much stress on their bats. The Proven is a good choice for a Youth & Rec League Team that shares bats.
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From The Coach: If you think this is the right fastpitch softball bat for you, JustBats.com is worth checking for current availability, price matching, free shipping, and Loyalty Program benefits. On eligible bats, its optional Bat Assurance Program gives buyers a 30-day trial period for a modest fee. Check current details at JustBats.com, or watch the short one-minute video below.
The Louisville Slugger Proven is a balanced bat with a -13 drop. It is a very light swinging bat that makes it much easier for a young hitter to start her swing on time and keep the barrel moving through the hitting zone. Additionally, a young hitter will be better able to move her bat swing plane to the ball’s path, increasing the frequency of better contact - and fun! For players who are still developing strength, that can be the difference between constant weak contact and harder hit balls in play. Because it is designed for players who need quickness, comfort, and control first, the Louisville Slugger Proven is a good option for a young, smaller Slap Hitter.
Importantly, the Proven is not designed for aggressive, stronger hitters who want extra barrel mass (weight) to drive the ball further.
My final advice:
Use it sparingly in practice (other than break-in period), saving it for games
Don’t use it in weather under 60 degrees
Always check the bat’s Certification standing for the Association, League or Tournaments where you plan to use it
Make certain you understand both Louisville Slugger’s and your selected retailer’s warranties and return policies
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