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FASTPITCH SOFTBALL BAT REVIEWS
POWER & EXIT VELOCITY
Mantra: Uses its balanced construction with an ultra-light end-cap (-10, -11, -12 drops) that helps players improve BAT SWING SPEED to generate good EXIT VELOCITY.
Kryo Thundernight: Its two-piece, balanced design (-10, -11, -12 drops) helps players improve their BAT SWING SPEED and combined with the “trampoline effect” created with its GO-EX1 Barrel System (gapped wall and inner discs) the Kryo Thundernight has near-top level EXIT VELOCITY.
Winner: Louisville Slugger Kryo Thundernight
BAT SWING and CONTROL
Mantra: Balanced bat with its ultra-light end-cap allows Contact Hitters and Slap Hitters to generate good BAT SWING SPEED. More importantly, the Rawlings Mantra light feel allows hitters to make mid-pitch adjustments to drive balls hard.
Kryo Thundernight: Its balanced feel swings light, enabling strong Contact Hitters and Contact hitters to generate good BAAT SWING SPEED with good Control in the hitting zone.
Winner: Rawlings Mantra
SWEET SPOT & MIS-HITS
Mantra: Uses Rawlings’ 3-Step Inner Barrel with a 15% thinner outer barrel that results in a larger, more forgiving SWEET SPOT, turning more “misses” into solid line drives.
Kryo Thundernight: Has a GO-EX1 Barrel System that uses a gapped-wall and internal discs system, and is combined with Louisville Slugger’s XPND End Cap to create a very large SWEET SPOT. This reduces the number of MIS-HITS and enables Contact Hitters and Slap Hitters to hit more balls hard.
Winner: TIE
FEEL & VIBRATION CONTROL
Mantra: Uses its F2 Collar connection to dampen feedback from MIS-HITS, improving VIBRATION CONTROL as energy moves into the handle, creating a fast, smooth, low-sting feel on contact.
Kryo Thundernight: VTX Connection System (the connection between the handle and the barrel) provides very good VIBRATION CONTROL.
WINNER: Rawlings Mantra
BREAK-IN PERIOD
Mantra: Requires a lengthy break-in period of 3+ BP sessions (150-200 swings).
Kryo Thundernight: Requires a short break-in period: one BP (about 50 swings).
Winner: Louisville Slugger Kryo Thundernight
DURABILITY & BAT FATIGUE
Mantra: Has only 65% Positive Reviews but it is a small of a total Reviews; most of the Negative/Neutral Reviews cited DURABILITY as a major issue with some complaints of early BAT FATIGUE.
Kryo Thundernight: Has 77% Positive Reviews with most of the Negative/Neutral Reviews citing DURABILITY as a major issue. The Louisville Slugger Kryo Thundernight fastpitch softball bat also experiences BAT FATIGUE after about 1 1/2 years of use.
Winner: TIE - Buyers should be prepared for the risk associated with breaking/cracking.
PRICE (MSRP)
Mantra: Has a mid-tier price of $399.99.
Kryo hundernight: Has a near-top price tag of $449.95.
Winner: Rawlings Mantra
BOTTOM LINE - Both Rawlings Mantra and Louisville Slugger Kryo Thundernight Fastpitch Softball Bats (-10, -11, -12 drops) are good options for Contact Hitters and Slap Hitters, helping BAT CONTROL in the hitting zone. Given early concerns regarding DURABILITY issues, buyers need to be aware of the risk associated with these two bats.
***Certifications: Warranty: Verify Certifications and review all warranty terms, restrictions, and return policies with both the manufacturer and retailer before purchase. Restrictions may include temperature limitations and other usage conditions.
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***Disclaimer: All data and analysis are provided "AS IS" basedon available information at the time of compilation. Accuracy cannot be guaranteed. CoachKnowsFastpitch and its contributors disclaim all warranties and assume no liability for decisions made using this information. Users should independently evaluate products through demos, peer feedback, and direct testing.