2024 DeMarini Bustos Fastpitch Bat Review
The Bustos is DeMarini's long-running entry-level fastpitch bat — an ultralight -13 hybrid built to put a controllable, low-sting bat in the hands of the youngest players.
Been on the market a while — keep an eye out for in-season price drops.
Check today's price →The Score
How we score ↗How big and forgiving the barrel is — based on barrel length, construction (one- vs two-piece, alloy vs composite), and how it plays on balls hit off the center. A primary driver of the overall score.
Raw exit velocity and distance. We use measured numbers from freely available independent testing when they exist; otherwise construction and consensus, judged against the certification’s performance ceiling. A primary driver of the overall score.
Comfort and feedback on contact — vibration dampening from the knob/connection, the sting of a stiff one-piece vs a smooth two-piece, and the sound off the barrel. A primary driver of the overall score.
How well it holds up and how the company stands behind it — documented cracking/denting reports, cold-weather behavior, and the brand’s real warranty record. Good to know, but weighted lightly in the score.
Our take on price-for-performance — the overall package weighed against its cost and what comparable bats run. Shown for context; it is NOT factored into the overall score (price changes too often and is personal).
Why this score: Graded as the entry-level bat it is, the Bustos scores well on swing ease and value and is comfortable for young hitters. Pop and sweet spot are modest by design, which is appropriate at this tier and price.
Our Review
The Bustos is DeMarini's beginner fastpitch bat, named for Olympian Crystl Bustos and built for the 7-to-9-year-old crowd just moving past tee ball into coach- or machine-pitch. It uses a lightweight DX1 alloy barrel joined to a fiber-reinforced composite handle through DeMarini's Half & Half design, which adds a little flex before contact and, more importantly for this age group, cuts down hand sting on mishits. The -13 drop and ultralight swing are very easy for small hitters to control, helping them cover the plate and develop a confident swing. It is inexpensive and gets the fundamentals right for a first real bat. As an entry-level bat it naturally won't deliver the pop or sweet-spot size of a performance composite, and players will move on from it as they grow, but for its purpose and price it is a reasonable choice. As a DeMarini product the longer-term durability caution still applies, though it matters less at this tier and price.
Also worth a look: Easton Ghost Unlimited — our top fastpitch pick once the player is ready to step up.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ultralight -13 swing is easy for the youngest hitters to control
- Half & Half hybrid design reduces hand sting on mishits
- Affordable first real fastpitch bat
Cons
- Pop and sweet spot are modest, as expected at the entry level
- Players outgrow it quickly as they advance
Full Specifications
| Brand | DeMarini |
|---|---|
| Model | Bustos |
| Model Year | 2024 |
| Certification | Fastpitch |
| Sport | Softball |
| Construction | Two-piece hybrid (DX1 alloy barrel, fiber-reinforced composite handle, Half & Half design) |
| Model # | WTDXBFP |
| Drop | -13 |
| Barrel | 2 1/4" |
| Swing Weight | Ultralight balanced |
| MSRP | $100 |
Where to Buy
2024 DeMarini Bustos Fastpitch Bat — FAQ
Is the 2024 DeMarini Bustos a good Fastpitch bat?
We rate it 6.3/10 (Grade C). The Bustos is DeMarini's long-running entry-level fastpitch bat — an ultralight -13 hybrid built to put a controllable, low-sting bat in the hands of the youngest players.
What drops does the Bustos come in?
The 2024 Bustos Fastpitch comes in -13.
Is the DeMarini Bustos Fastpitch-legal?
Yes — it's Fastpitch certified by the certifying labs. Meets USA Softball / USSSA fastpitch standards — legal for sanctioned fastpitch play.
How much does the 2024 Bustos cost?
MSRP is $100. We list the lowest price across CheapBats and Amazon on this page.
New to buying bats? Read our bat sizing guide, certifications explained, or browse all guides.
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