Short version: DeMarini's 2027 fastpitch line covers a hitter from her first seasons through high school with three bats. The Zenith (-13) at $179.95 has an alloy barrel on a composite handle and is the lightest of the three. The Spryte (-12) at $249.95 is a two-piece composite for young travel ball players. The Future is the top of the line at $449.95, a two-piece composite with a gapped wall barrel, in -11, -10 and -9. Pick by strength and age, not by price: Zenith for 8U and new hitters, Spryte for 10U and 12U travel players, Future (-11) once she has outgrown a -12, Future (-10) for most high school hitters.
2027 DeMarini fastpitch bats at a glance
| Model | Drop | Construction | Barrel | Offered in | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zenith | -13 | Two-piece, Half + Half | DX1 alloy | 28" to 32" (15 to 19 oz) | $179.95 |
| Spryte | -12 | Two-piece composite | Paradox composite | 29" to 33" (17 to 21 oz) | $249.95 |
| Future (-11) | -11 | Two-piece composite | Dark Matter composite, gapped wall | 28" to 33" (17 to 22 oz) | $449.95 |
| Future (-10) | -10 | Two-piece composite | Dark Matter composite, gapped wall | 30" to 34" (20 to 24 oz) | $449.95 |
| Future (-9) | -9 | Two-piece composite | Dark Matter composite, gapped wall | 32" to 34" (23 to 25 oz) | $449.95 |
Drop is length minus weight, so the bigger the number, the lighter the bat. At 30 inches the Zenith weighs 17 oz, the Spryte 18 oz, the Future (-11) 19 oz and the Future (-10) 20 oz. New to drop? Read our drop weight guide first.
DeMarini Future: the gapped wall bat in three drops
The Future is DeMarini's bat for advanced hitters. It is a two-piece composite built around the Future Dark Matter Composite Gapped Wall Barrel. DeMarini says the air gap between the inner and outer barrel walls is the largest and longest of any bat it has made, running from the connection to the end cap. The point is a bigger sweet spot and louder contact.
The rest of the bat is about feel. The Damplify Direct Connection puts a soft material in the joint to cut handle vibration. The Damplify Knob uses a softer material for the same reason. A removable taper sits under the grip at the base of the handle. The Anomaly End Cap is built light to keep swing weight down. The Future is designed and built at DeMarini's Hillsboro, Oregon facility.
All three drops are $449.95 and share that build. What changes is the weight and the job:
- Future (-11): the table-setter's bat. DeMarini pitches it for line drives. Offered in 28" to 33".
- Future (-10): the all-around drop, pitched for extra-base hits. Offered in 30" to 34".
- Future (-9): the power drop, an ounce heavier than the -10 at every length. Offered in 32", 33" and 34".
DeMarini Spryte (-12): composite for young travel players
The Spryte is a light-swinging two-piece composite at $249.95. DeMarini built it for young travel ball players who are working on swing speed and swing path. The Paradox Composite Barrel is designed for a softer, more responsive feel for younger hitters. The D-Lite Composite Handle reduces vibration, and the Big D End Cap absorbs more of it. Offered in 29" to 33". It is the bat for a player who has outgrown an alloy barrel and is not strong enough yet for the Future (-11).
DeMarini Zenith (-13): alloy barrel, lightest swing
The Zenith is $179.95 and the lightest bat here. DeMarini calls the build Half + Half: a DX1 alloy barrel joined to a composite handle. The composite handle is there to take vibration out of the hands, which matters to a young hitter who has been stung by a one-piece alloy. It has the same Big D End Cap as the Spryte. Offered in 28" to 32". A -13 is about as light as fastpitch bats get, so it suits small or new hitters who are late on everything with a heavier bat.
Other DeMarini fastpitch bats and closeouts
- 2027 Vizion, $399.95. The one-piece alternative to the Future. It uses a Dark Matter gapped wall barrel on DeMarini's one-piece Vertebrae construction for a stiffer, more responsive feel. Balanced, in -10, -9 and -8.
-
2026 Future (-10),
$449.95$349.95. A closeout. Last year's Future lists the same barrel, connection, knob, end cap and taper as the 2027. See the product page for lengths. -
2026 Lotus closeouts. A two-piece composite with a Dark Matter gapped wall barrel and Damplify Direct Connection. The -11, -10 and -8 are
$399.95$219.95. The -9 is$399.95$259.95. - 2026 CF and Prism+, $399.95. The CF (-11, -10, -9) has the Paraflex Plus composite barrel and a Type V connection. The Prism+ (-11) is the long-barrel bat for contact hitters and slappers.
- 2025 Uprising (-12), $109.95. A one-piece DX1 alloy for the youngest players.
Which DeMarini fastpitch bat should you buy?
8U, and first-year 10U players: Zenith
Our pick for a small or new hitter is the Zenith. It is the lightest, the alloy barrel needs no break-in, and it costs $70 less than the Spryte. At this age bat speed and reps matter more than a composite barrel.
10U and 12U travel ball: Spryte
If she plays most weekends and makes steady contact, the Spryte is worth the step up. For how it compares with other brands at this drop, see our post on Louisville Slugger's -12 fastpitch bats for 8U to 12U.
12U and 14U, contact hitters and slappers: Future (-11)
The Future (-11) is the first Future most players can handle. Move to it when she is controlling a -12 easily, not because of a birthday. Older contact hitters and slappers who want the lightest Future belong here too.
High school and college: Future (-10)
The Future (-10) is our default for 14U and up. If you are not sure between the -10 and the -9, buy the -10.
Stronger hitters: Future (-9)
The Future (-9) is for the hitter who finds a -10 too light and wants more mass behind the ball. If she prefers the stiffer feel of a one-piece, look at the Vizion instead.
On a budget
The 2026 Future (-10) at $349.95 is $100 under the 2027 with the same listed build.
Break-in, cold weather and stamps
The Future and Spryte have composite barrels. Give them 150 to 200 hits with real softballs, turn the barrel a quarter turn after each swing, keep them out of play below 60°F and keep them away from dimpled cage balls. The Zenith's barrel is alloy, so it needs no break-in. The full routine is in how to break in a bat.
The Spryte and Zenith are listed as approved for USSSA (fastpitch only), USA/ASA, NSA, ISA and WBSC. Whatever you buy, match the stamps on the barrel to your league's rules before the first game. All five 2027 bats carry a one-year manufacturer's warranty.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the DeMarini Future, Spryte and Zenith?
The Future is a two-piece composite with a Dark Matter gapped wall barrel for advanced hitters, sold in -11, -10 and -9. The Spryte is a lighter -12 two-piece composite for young travel ball players. The Zenith is a -13 with a DX1 alloy barrel and a composite handle for young hitters.
How much is the 2027 DeMarini Future?
The 2027 DeMarini Future is $449.95 in all three drops: -11, -10 and -9. The 2027 Spryte (-12) is $249.95 and the 2027 Zenith (-13) is $179.95.
What sizes does the 2027 DeMarini Future come in?
The Future (-11) is offered in 28 to 33 inches, the Future (-10) in 30 to 34 inches and the Future (-9) in 32, 33 and 34 inches.
Is the DeMarini Spryte or the Zenith better for a 10-year-old?
For a new or smaller 10-year-old, the Zenith: it is a -13, the alloy barrel needs no break-in and it is $179.95. For a 10-year-old who plays travel ball and makes steady contact, the Spryte's composite barrel at $249.95 is the better fit.
Are the DeMarini Spryte and Zenith approved for USA Softball and USSSA?
Both are listed as approved for USSSA (fastpitch only), USA/ASA, NSA, ISA and WBSC. Confirm with your league before you buy, since local rules vary.
Does the DeMarini Future need to be broken in?
It has a composite barrel, so we recommend 150 to 200 hits with real softballs, rotating the barrel a quarter turn after each swing, and keeping it out of play below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The alloy-barrel Zenith needs no break-in.
Direct Sports has sold fastpitch bats from Pearisburg, Virginia since 1988. Tell us your player's age, height and what she swings now and we'll tell you which drop and length to buy. Shop all DeMarini softball bats or email us.
