RIVAL Softball Bat

The GM Rival Softball Bat is a purpose-built fibreglass bat designed exclusively for softball, tapeball cricket, and all-weather soft balls. It is not intended for use with hard cricket balls. Featuring the Rival's bold chequered-flag identity in the new 2026 graphics, it delivers the same competitive character as the Rival range in a format engineered specifically for soft-ball cricket. Designed for casual players, tapeball cricketers, recreational teams, and anyone who plays the game with softer balls, without compromise on playability within its format.

Product specifications

• Material: Fibreglass

• Blade Length: One Size

• Handle Length: Short Handle

• Handle Material: Plastic

• Face Profile: F2

• Country of Manufacture: Pakistan

The GM Rival Softball Bat delivers a lightweight, easy-to-swing playing experience with reliable power, control, and consistent ball response. It produces clean contact with soft balls, helping players play a wide range of shots with confidence while maintaining comfort and control throughout training sessions, recreational games, and casual matches. Finished with a soft-feel grip for added comfort and reduced impact on the hands, it is built to make learning, playing, and enjoying the game simple.

Who is the GM Rival Softball Bat for?

• Recreational and casual cricketers who play with tennis balls, tapeballs, or all-weather soft balls

• South Asian tapeball cricket communities and street cricket players

• Beginners who play softball cricket before transitioning to hardball

• Schools, corporate teams, and activity providers running informal softball cricket sessions

• Anyone who plays backyard, garden, park, or beach cricket with soft balls

FAQs

1. Can the Rival Softball Bat be used with a hard cricket ball? 

No. This bat is designed and built specifically for softball and tapeball cricket only. Using it with a hard cricket ball is not recommended and could damage the bat or result in unpredictable performance. For hard ball cricket, any of the English or Kashmir willow options in the range are the correct choice.

2. What type of balls is the Rival Softball Bat designed for? 

It is designed for use with tennis balls, tapeballs, rubber balls, and all-weather soft cricket balls. It performs best with the lower-compression balls used in softball, tapeball, and recreational cricket formats.

3. Does the Rival Softball Bat need any preparation or break-in period? 

No. Fibreglass does not require oiling, knocking in, or any other preparation. The bat is ready to use immediately from the packaging.

4. Why is fibreglass better than wood for softball cricket? 

Fibreglass is better suited to softball cricket because it performs more consistently with soft balls and requires no maintenance. 

Unlike wood, it does not need knocking in, is unaffected by weather conditions, and is designed specifically for tennis balls, tapeballs, and other low-compression cricket balls.

5. Is the Rival Softball Bat suitable for indoor cricket or net sessions? 

Yes. Its lightweight construction and soft-feel grip make it well suited to indoor recreational formats and net sessions using soft balls.

The Rival Softball Bat is designed for fun, fast-paced softball and tapeball cricket. The bat, complete with new graphics for 2026, offers excellent power while remaining easy to swing; perfect for beginners, casual players, and match-winners.

With its subtly curved profile, the Rival helps generate powerful strokes even with softer balls like tennis or all-weather balls. Its balanced design allows for better control and confidence, whether you’re playing in the backyard, in the nets or out on the field.

Finished with a soft-feel grip for added comfort and reduced impact on the hands, this bat is built to make learning and enjoying the game simple.

• Suitable for Softball & Tapeball Cricket: Ideal for tennis balls and all-weather balls
• Lightweight Construction: Easy pickup and smooth swing for better control and confidence
• Curved Profile: Helps deliver strong, controlled shots
• Durable Construction: Built to withstand regular recreational play
• Soft Feel Grip: Comfortable hold for better control during play
• Note: Not suitable for use with hard ball cricket.