2027 Rawlings Kraze Fastpitch Bat Review
Rawlings' first fastpitch hybrid: a carbon composite handle mated to a lightweight alloy barrel at -13, built to take the sting out of a developing hitter's mishits without composite money.
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: First-pass score, clearly labeled: no independent exit-velocity data yet for the 2027 edition. New hybrid design: feel credited for the composite handle, power limited by the -13, durability held to the mid-6s until the connection joint has a season behind it. Sub-$175 non-wood ceiling applies.
Our Review
The Kraze is a first for Rawlings fastpitch: a true two-piece hybrid with a carbon composite handle and a lightweight aluminum barrel. The idea is familiar from baseball's hybrid bats: the handle flexes to absorb the vibration of the mishits young hitters make plenty of, while the alloy barrel stays hot from the first swing and doesn't care about the weather. Rawlings describes the barrel as larger and hotter than its standard entry alloy with an easy swing feel, and at -13 in 26" through 31" it is about as light as a full-size fastpitch bat gets. That lightness is both the point and the ceiling. A 10U player who can't get a -11 around on time will love this; a strong 12U hitter will feel the lack of mass and should be in a -10 or -11 composite. It carries every fastpitch certification (USA Softball, USSSA, NSA, ISA, WBSC) and costs $149.99, which sits between the entry alloys and the $250-plus composites. Since it's a new design we hold the score to a first pass: feel meaningfully better than the one-piece alloys, power limited by the -13, durability unproven at the joint.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- First two-piece hybrid in Rawlings fastpitch — composite handle flex files off vibration
- -13 in six lengths (26"–31") is one of the lightest full-size fastpitch swings sold
- Alloy barrel needs no break-in and plays in cold weather
Cons
- Ultra-light -13 puts little mass behind contact; strong hitters will outgrow it quickly
- New model with no track record on the connection joint
- 26" sold out at CheapBats at the time of writing
Full Specifications
| Brand | Rawlings |
|---|---|
| Model | Kraze |
| Model Year | 2027 |
| Certification | Fastpitch |
| Sport | Softball |
| Construction | Two-piece hybrid: carbon composite handle, lightweight aluminum barrel |
| Model # | RFP7KZ13 |
| Drop | -13 |
| Barrel | 2 1/4" |
| Swing Weight | Ultra-light |
| MSRP | $149 |
Where to Buy
2027 Rawlings Kraze Fastpitch Bat — FAQ
Is the 2027 Rawlings Kraze a good Fastpitch bat?
We rate it 6.4/10 (Grade C). Rawlings' first fastpitch hybrid: a carbon composite handle mated to a lightweight alloy barrel at -13, built to take the sting out of a developing hitter's mishits without composite money.
What drops does the Kraze come in?
The 2027 Kraze Fastpitch comes in -13.
Is the Rawlings Kraze 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 2027 Kraze cost?
MSRP is $149. 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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Sources: CheapBats — 2027 Rawlings Kraze Fastpitch -13 (RFP7KZ13)