Blue Streak
David A. Dodson

The Catalyst Fastpitch

When Louisville Slugger originally introduced their Catalyst Fastpitch bat, nobody had any clue just how insanely popular it would become. It was easily the hottest bat of the year, even going on to help Team USA earn their third consecutive Gold Medal. This year, Louisville Slugger has raised the bar even higher with the re-introduction of their revolutionary TPS Catalyst Fastpitch bat for 2007. The innovative concept behind the new Catalyst's X-1 composite represents a quantum leap in bat design. Basically, they took several layers of aerospace grade graphite and fused them together with super light, ultra strong epoxy. Each layer is precisely positioned at specific angles so that maximum reinforcement and energy return distribution is achieved, giving the Catalyst response and liveliness unmatched by any bat in the industry. This design is intended to return energy to the surface of the bat for more power and reduce dings on the outer shell.

In addition to the space age body, the bat features a gigantic sweet spot, truer balance, and a power contour design with cool blue finish. It also comes with an ultra-thin 7/8-inch handle with a cushioned leathery grip for better feel and durability.

But enough reading from the side of the box, how does this sucker hit? Mighty darn fine. The grip feels wonderful, the balance is perfect, and contact is smooth and solid with a satisfying pop. You can really feel the transfer of power stay where it should: in the bat, not throbbing in your elbows and wrists. We were getting significantly better, more controlled hits with little or no adjustment period.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that the Catalyst line is Louisville Slugger's first internally designed and manufactured composite softball bat. According to the company, everything from the bat design to the equipment used to manufacture the bat was developed by the Louisville Slugger Composites Research & Development Lab. The idea is that by controlling every aspect of design and manufacturing, they'll ensure that every bat is consistently produced to Louisville Slugger's high quality standards.

Bottom line is that the Catalyst Fastpitch from Louisville Slugger is a smart buy for any batter at any level of play. Rookies will love the forgiveness, ringers will love the power and control. Available in -10 Length to Weight Ratio, the Catalyst FP71C comes in several sizes: 30in./20oz., 31in./21oz., 32in./22oz., 33in./23oz., 34in./24oz., and 34in./26oz. Certified for ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISF, and ISA play, the Catalyst Fastpitch runs about two hundred fifty dollars and can be bought wherever sporting equipment is sold. Pick one up, take it in the backyard and make the neighbors nervous.