BANNED for a Reason | ASA 2003 OG Miken Ultra II Softball Bat | Unbelievable Performance Test

RARE Bat Alert! Today we’re swinging the Miken Velocit-E Ultra II, one of the most talked-about and controversial composite bats ever made. This model is so hot it ended up BANNED by ASA, and in this video we put it to the test to see exactly why.

We break down:
🔹 Build & tech of the Miken Velocit-E Ultra II
🔹 Why ASA banned this bat
🔹 Live swings + distance test
🔹 Exit speeds, sound, and overall feel
🔹 How it compares to modern senior/ASA bats

If you love rare bats, old-school power, and gear with a crazy backstory, this one is for you. Make sure to drop a comment and let me know what bat you want reviewed next!

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None approved ASA bat list - https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachment...

The original Miken Ultra II was declared illegal and banned by most slow-pitch softball associations, including the ASA (now USA Softball), because it was too powerful and created safety concerns. The bat was capable of producing exceptionally high batted-ball speeds that exceeded the safety limits set by these governing bodies.
Reasons for the Ban

Excessive Performance: The original Miken Ultra and Ultra II bats were among the first high-performance composite bats that, in both laboratory tests and field trials, were found to hit softballs harder and faster than even the banned titanium bats of that era.
Safety Concerns: The high exit speed of the ball off the bat significantly reduced the reaction time for fielders, leading to a dangerous playing environment. The balls left the bat with such force and speed that they were deemed a safety hazard.

Performance Limits: Associations like the ASA established a performance limit (e.g., 98 mph batted-ball speed limit). The Ultra II exceeded these established limits, making it non-compliant with league rules.
Unstamped Versions: The very first "unstamped" versions of the Miken Ultra were particularly powerful and were immediately considered one of the "hottest" bats ever made, prompting their ban in sanctioned play.
Current Status

Today, the original Miken Ultra II is generally illegal in most sanctioned leagues (ASA/USA Softball, USSSA, etc.).
Legal in Senior/Outlaw Leagues: These bats are still used and legal in some "outlaw" leagues or specific senior softball associations (SSUSA) that have different, often more relaxed, equipment standards.

Check Local Rules: The legality of any specific bat depends entirely on the rules of the league or tournament director. Players should always check the official non-approved bat lists provided by the governing body of their specific league (e.g., the USA Softball Non-Approved Bat List) before using it in a game.

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