Bundle this with other eligible items or purchase two or more to receive extra savings in your cart! See more eligible items »
You qualify for extra savings by bundling this product with the eligible items in your cart! See more eligible items »
Discontinued
Skip to end of details carousel links
Show all 19 Questions and Answers about the Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA Slow Pitch Softball Bat: SBZ314-AE
End of details carousel links
Features
12 Inch Barrel Length
2 1/4 Inch Barrel Diameter
3-Piece Bat Construction for Added Strength and Reduced Vibration
7/8 Standard Handle with Synthetic Grip
Approved for Play in ASA and ISF
End loaded Swing Weight
Free Shipping!
Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty
Pure 360 Composite Design
New TRU3 Technology
Description
The hottest bat in slow pitch softball just got hotter! Regarded as one of the most technologically advanced bats on the field, the Z-3000 brings its S1iD Technology back to the diamond and pairs it with Louisville Slugger's new Tru3 Technology. This first ever 3-piece technology was created to strengthen the link between the barrel and handle, and give the Z-3000 a trampoline spring and dramatically reduced vibration on contact. This straighter, thicker rubber ring results in a bat that's not only sturdier, but feels better with every swing! The three-piece Z-3000 is built entirely from Louisville Slugger's 360 Composite. This thinner, high-strength, and lightweight composite is made from graphite fibers that allow more durability, while reducing overall wall thickness. Inside the barrel, SWING 1 inner Disc (S1iD) Technology allows the walls to flex to their maximum allowable level... even on the first swing! S1iD means that you get a larger, higher performing sweet spot right out of the wrapper! The Z-3000 features an end-loaded 12 inch pro-style barrel and a 7/8 inch standard handle with a newly designed synthetic grip for an outstanding feel. Louisville Slugger: Champions Swing Slugger! The Z-3000 is approved for play in ASA and ISF. It is backed by a Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty. Free Shipping!
Reviews
or
Questions and Answers
Have a question about the Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA Slow Pitch Softball Bat: SBZ314-AE? Ask our team of experts and they will respond within 24 hours.
or
Will this bat exceed the Z-2000 performance? travis803
Yes. The 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA (SBZ314-AE) Slow Pitch will be higher performing than the 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-2000 End Load ASA (SBZ214-AE) Slow Pitch. It uses Louisville Slugger's new Tru3 Technology which strengthens the link between the barrel and the handle, giving the Z-3000 a trampoline spring and dramatically reducing vibration on contact.
Damon
Does the Z-3000 have all the correct stamps? or just the ASA stamp? timwash007
The 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load (SBZ314-AE) is only approved for ASA and ISF.
John
Is this bat meant for the mush 52/300 balls? How would you say this does with hitting them? Frank
This 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA: (SBZ314-AE) Slow Pitch bat, like the other models that carry the new ASA performance certification mark, is designed to hit the new .52 COR, 300 Compression softballs. Any bat with a new ASA mark should offer better performance than 2004 ASA stamped bats. But the Z-3000 models will hit those softballs very well.
Mac
What does the AE, AB and AE stand for at the end of the number? opie
The AE, as seen at the end of the model number of the 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA (SBZ314-AE), stands for ASA End load. AB stands for ASA Balanced. UB stands for USSSA Balanced. The first letter denotes the league it is certified in, the second letter denotes the swing weight of the bat.
Tessa L.
Can I use this bat for utrip play? kat
The 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA: SBZ314-AE Slow Pitch is going to be ASA and ISF approved. However, there is no certification for USSSA.
Merritt
Is the Z-3000 much better than the Z-2000? What are the major differences in the bats? Tunk
The 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA (SBZ314-AE) Slow Pitch is a three piece bat compared with the Z-2000. The Z-3000 is also a step up.
Jackson
How much end load does this contain? Cyler
The 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA (SBZ314-AE) Slow Pitch features an end loaded feel of about a half ounce to one ounce depending on the bat weight you select. For example: the 30 ounce bat feels slightly more end loaded than the 26 ounce.
Patrick
How does this bat compare to other high end bats in this category? matt
The 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA (SBZ314-AE) Slow Pitch is very popular and a very high performing bat. It compares very well to others.
Aaron
What is the best available bat for the new 2014 performance standard? paul
The 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA (SBZ314-AE) is one of the highest performing ASA bats on the market. The new three-piece design decreases vibration and increases durability and performance.
Kara
How is the durability on this model? I have the OG Z2000's now that I am swinging (balanced & endload). I know the 3000's have been recalled twice which puts up a red flag & the 1 review on the balanced says it broke in the 1st practice. I am debating between purchasing this & the Easton L3.0 but the durability has me up in the air. What do you recommend? Rob C
You should not experience durability issues with the 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA (SBZ314-AE) as long as you are using the new .52 COR, 300 Compression balls. The same is true of the Easton L3.0. If you are still using the old .44 or .47 COR balls you will experience durability issue with any bat that carries the new ASA stamp.
Bobby
How many times do I have to swing the bat so that it becomes hot? How do I break it in? jj torres
Generally, we recommend swinging the 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA: (SBZ314-AE) around 125-150 times rotating the barrel a quarter of an inch after each swing. This will help loosen up the materials, and will help heat up and enhance the performance.
Merritt
I notice there is no USSSA stamp on it. Why? Dan
The 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA (SBZ314-AE) does not feature a USSSA stamp because it is not certified for USSSA play.
Patrick
I am interested in this bat. What is the weight of the end-load? 2-3 oz? Marky
The end load weight in the 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA (SBZ314-AE) Slow Pitch bat comes out to around 1 ounce.
Mac
Can I use this ASA bat with compression balls over 275 pounds? Don
The 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA Slow Pitch Softball Bat (SBZ314-AE) is designed to work best with the new ASA softballs that are .52 core 300 compression. If used with any other balls, the bat may have durability issues.
Patrick
Why is this not approved for USSSA? A`kin
The 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA Slow Pitch Softball Bat (SBZ314-AE) is approved for ASA play. In recent years ASA and USSSA testing and certification have started to differ and there are very few bats that meet both certifications. The USSSA model of this bat would be the 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load Slow Pitch Softball Bat (SBZ314-UE).
Patrick
Is it normal for this bat to sound like it is shaved? Bubba
The 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA Slow Pitch Softball Bat (SBZ314-AE) should give a normal thud or cracking sound that most composite barrel bats would issue. The TRU3 technology in the connection point may make it sound a bit different than a single-piece or some two-piece designs though.
Patrick
Just bought it worked well and its ok to use while hitting the .44 core softball right? or will it perform better with the .52? Brandon
The 2014 Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA Slow Pitch Softball Bat (SBZ314-AE), since it is ASA certified, has been designed to be used with core .52 balls. The bat will perform better for a longer period of time if .52 core balls are used with it as opposed to .44 core balls.
Ben
Can you explain the difference between balanced vs end loaded? I hit with this bat over the fall and loved the pop but I am just not sure on the better bat. Jeff-Roo
The Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA Slow Pitch Softball Bat (SBZ314-AE) will feature an end loaded barrel. This means that the weight of the bat is shifted toward the barrel end. A balanced version: the Louisville Slugger Z-3000 Balanced ASA Slow Pitch Softball Bat (SBZ314-AB) indicates that the weight of the bat will evenly distributed between the barrel and the handle. We recommend end-loaded models for power hitters, and balanced models for more contact or gap style hitters. Other than the difference of the weight concentration, both bats will be identical.
Joe
Is this bat available? Where do I find it & current pricing? Tom Williams
Unfortunately, the Louisville Slugger Z-3000 End Load ASA Slow Pitch Softball Bat: SBZ314-AE is no longer made.
Cameron
About the Brand
In 1842, J. Frederick Hillerich emigrated with his family from Baden-Baden, Germany to the United States. Eight years before, the 1834 Book of Sports had made its debut as the nation's first publication covering baseball. But when he arrived in Baltimore, J. Frederick Hillerich would never have dreamed of the future impact his family would have on America's favorite pastime.
After a short while, the Hillerichs moved to Louisville, where J. Fred started a woodworking shop in 1856. Two of his sons, Adam and John Andrew "Bud" were born in the United States and would later join their father in his business. By 1864 "J.F. Hillerich, Job Turning" was in operation and filled orders for businesses by custom-turning everything from balusters to bedposts.
The firm thrived, and by 1875 the little woodworking shop employed about 20 people. In 1880 Bud Hillerich, who was an amateur baseball player, became an apprentice in his father's shop. Young Bud made his own baseball bats along with bats for several of his teammates.
The debate over the origins of the first bat continues to generate controversy among baseball enthusiasts, but the younger Hillerich was most certainly involved in getting his father's business involved with what would become the company's signature item. According to company legend, the first bat was turned by Bud for Pete "The Old Gladiator" Browning in 1884. Browning was a star on Louisville's professional American Association team - the Eclipse. On a spring afternoon Bud, then seventeen, witnessed Browning break his favorite bat. Bud offered to make a bat for his hero, and Browning accepted. After the young wood shop apprentice lathed a quality stick from white ash, according to the story, Browning got three hits with it in the next game.
Louisville Slugger gloves are worn by more pitchers in Major League Baseball than any other glove.
Bat Properties
| Approved For | ASA |
|---|---|
| Barrel Diameter | 2 1/4 |
| Bat Type | Softball |
| Deals | Closeout Bats Bundle and Save |
| Material | Composite |
| Softball Bats | Slow Pitch |
| Vendor | Louisville Slugger |
Related Products
Only at
Bundle this with other eligible items or purchase two or more to receive extra savings in your cart! See more eligible items »
You qualify for extra savings by bundling this product with the eligible items in your cart! See more eligible items »
Bundle this with other eligible items or purchase two or more to receive extra savings in your cart! See more eligible items »
You qualify for extra savings by bundling this product with the eligible items in your cart! See more eligible items »
Only at
Bundle this with other eligible items or purchase two or more to receive extra savings in your cart! See more eligible items »
You qualify for extra savings by bundling this product with the eligible items in your cart! See more eligible items »
Need Help Finding a Bat?
We know that buying a bat might not be easy, but we are here to help!
