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Companies => Custom companies => Redback Cricket => Topic started by: Jenko on March 19, 2011, 03:42:15 AM

Title: Redback Surefire and Paradox LE's
Post by: Jenko on March 19, 2011, 03:42:15 AM
Hi all. I am heading over to the UK for a season of cricket (might stay for 2 yet - see what happens!) from Australia. Have used screaming cat for the last couple of seasons - awesome - and having read heaps of stuff on this forum I decided to get in touch with Gary from Redback, so I have some gear to use when I get over there. I Don't yet have photos (am waiting on Gary to send me some!!) but basically I have asked for:

2 x Surefire LE's: Traditional Shape, Low/Mid sweet spot, 2lb 8/9, Oval shaped SH, Light Pickup. Not worried about appearance/grains as long as it pings!
1 x set of Traditional Pads, 1 x set of Modern Gloves.

Will throw some pictures up when Gary sends me them and do a proper review when I get my hands on the sticks! Will be over in a couple of weeks so can't wait to have a hit with them
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: pacman75cricket on March 19, 2011, 06:43:18 AM
Look forward to seeing the gear when you receive it.

Where are you playing
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: Jenko on March 19, 2011, 06:59:48 AM
Playing in the Kent Regional Cricket League mate....tried to get somewhere a little bit warmer :-)
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: petehosk on March 19, 2011, 07:06:03 AM
Kent - almost sub tropical!!
You'd better bring your thermals Just in case though fella! ;-)
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: pacman75cricket on March 19, 2011, 07:06:43 AM
Have a good season, sure the Redback gear will serve you well everything i hear has been good
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: Jenko on March 19, 2011, 07:09:24 AM
Haha yeah fair chance I will have to upgrade the wardrobe from Football shorts and Singlets.....I'm used to 30 degree + temps hahaha was lovely to see the weather at a max of 8 where I'm moving to! :-O

Cheers Pacman keen as to get over there and experience a different country, see how the cricket differs....and hoping Gary gives me a couple of belters!
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: petehosk on March 19, 2011, 07:22:21 AM
Seriously most of the time in summer it's a more pleasant mid-20s temperature!
But a light jumper and a fleece should see you right chap!

I am sure that Gary will make you a couple of stormers mate. And hope you enjoy your experience over here! :-)
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: Jenko on March 19, 2011, 07:33:19 AM
Thanks mate I am sure I will have a great time....regardless of the weather!!! :-)
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: hell4leather cricket on March 19, 2011, 07:35:38 AM
whereabouts in kent?
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: Jenko on March 19, 2011, 07:38:19 AM
Maidstone mate.....

Excuse my lack of knowledge....are H4L in Kent County somewhere?
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: hell4leather cricket on March 19, 2011, 07:41:39 AM
we are about 30 mins from maidstone. who you playing for?
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: Jenko on March 19, 2011, 07:43:32 AM
Will be playing for Yalding Cricket Club mate
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: petehosk on March 19, 2011, 07:47:04 AM
Whilst you are in Kent, why not visit Salix and H4L workshops? Ideal opportunity fella!
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: iand123 on March 19, 2011, 07:49:12 AM
I play in the kent regional league mate, I've played at halving too nice little ground and cracking BBQ for tea last time I played there. You playing for their 1's?

I play for Hartley country club, we might even cross paths at some point this year! Defo bring the thermals mate, it's not warm here.

Not only are you close to h4l but you are right round the corner from Salix. Willostix isn't too far away either. Newbery isn't too far away either down in brighton
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: Jenko on March 19, 2011, 07:53:43 AM
Pete....I definately intend on visiting many workshops. The best (worst?!?!?) thing I have done is come across this forum! Fairly certain I will be going back home with a good half a dozen bats!!! Wanna try to get my hands on a few belters to take home, and from the looks of things on here that definately wont be hard to achieve!

iand123 - Thats awesome! What division are Hartley in? I will be playing 1's for Yalding...They are in the Championship East Division.
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: hell4leather cricket on March 19, 2011, 07:54:04 AM
iand123 do you play for hartly 2s? i play for tenterden 2s

Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: iand123 on March 19, 2011, 08:38:42 AM
I wish! I currently play for the 4s, we are in division 2a currently. Used to play for new ash green but left them to play for hartley at the start of last season.

Maybe we won't meet after all. Jenko, think our closest team to you is our 3's who are in 1b (think that's 2 divisions below you)
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: Jenko on March 20, 2011, 01:35:59 AM
Ah OK mate, that's a shame!!
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: Jenko on March 24, 2011, 07:26:50 AM
Anyone having troubles getting in touch with Gary by any chance? He is probably just a busy man....and I am just impatient to lay eyes on these sticks.....
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: andeke11 on March 24, 2011, 09:33:58 AM
I have had problems contacting redback cricket on here
not sure if that is andy
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: Jenko on March 24, 2011, 09:40:04 AM
OK. I havent tried contacting through the forum....I do it all through sales@redbackcricket.com or whatever the email is. Just havent really heard much at all from them!
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: steelcouch on March 24, 2011, 10:21:15 AM
Is his telephone number still on the website? I remember when i bought my first redback he spent quite a lot of time with me talking through different options.
surefire are great in my opinion if you like traditional bats which i do. Lovely balance and great big middles
there is a lot on here to turn the eye but i still think the surefire is right up there as one of the best.
Who needs 40 mm edges if you have timing!
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: Jenko on March 24, 2011, 10:36:10 AM
Um I'm not sure mate....should probably have a look.

Yeah I'm a huge fan of traditional shapes....have two Scats custom made with traditional profiles....I tend to choke the bat big time so am all about timing! Have never ever been a fan of concaved bats....maybe I need to try one to be proved wrong though!!
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: steelcouch on March 24, 2011, 10:47:53 AM
definitely good ones about. Dont like this bottomy, thick edge small middle trend myself but when done well and sensibly then they certainly give a punchy middle
Would check out Hell for leather if you are based in Kent. they look like good sticks and good value, might convert you to concaving!
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: Jenko on March 24, 2011, 11:11:22 AM
Yeah I just don't see how huge edges is beneficial....why not just middle the ball??? haha anyhow.

Yeah I will have to check them out for sure...not so sure about getting converted though :-)
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: Jenko on April 08, 2011, 05:00:46 PM
So finally received the bats!

Gary suggested that I alter my initial order of two Surefires and have a go of a Paradox as well (to see if I overcome my dislike of bats with concaving!). So I went with one Surefire and one Paradox. Both SH, 2'8/2'9.....don't have a set of scales but meh!

So here are some pics of them. Will be giving them both a run tomorrow to see how they go. Middles feel good just tapping a ball against them, TBH the Surefire feels like it picks up better, but will see how they both go in the nets. Also got gloves and pads from Redback and they are tops as well. Enjoy :-)

(http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac110/Phantom_VE/IMG_1713.jpg)

(http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac110/Phantom_VE/IMG_1707.jpg)

(http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac110/Phantom_VE/IMG_1708.jpg)

(http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac110/Phantom_VE/IMG_1709.jpg)

Surefire Back
(http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac110/Phantom_VE/IMG_1710.jpg)

Paradox Back
(http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac110/Phantom_VE/IMG_1711.jpg)
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: andeke11 on April 08, 2011, 10:04:53 PM
good looking bats mate
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: 100 not out on April 08, 2011, 11:04:04 PM
i have yet to see an ugly looking redback. . . .
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: Cover_Drive on April 09, 2011, 01:04:49 AM
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!! :O

I was about to faint after seeing these two bats especially Paradox (not a big an of Surefire) but Paradox is lovely lovely lovely lovely lovely!!!

Gary I'm coming!!!!!
Title: Re: Redback Surefire LE
Post by: Jenko on June 02, 2011, 09:04:50 PM
Just a quick update on the bats.........I sold the Surefire as I much prefered the feel of the Paradox, despite initially thinking the surefire felt better!

Since then I have also tried a top range Blueroom New Wave, and a TK Custom made. Keep on going back to the Paradox. The pickup is awesome, and the middle is unbelievable. I cannot reccommend the Paradox highly enough. Fairly certain when I need bats when I am back in OZ I will be getting Paradox's sent over! Even feels better than my scats.

Cheers
Title: Re: Redback Surefire and Paradox LE's
Post by: Stewie-Kidd on June 12, 2011, 09:55:00 PM
The paradox certainly went well today for the little bit of play that you got!
Title: Re: Redback Surefire and Paradox LE's
Post by: Jenko on June 13, 2011, 06:24:31 AM
Yeah I didn't really want to come off! Certainly got a good middle on it!
Title: Re: Redback Surefire and Paradox LE's
Post by: Jenko on July 12, 2011, 11:21:57 AM
So I got around to having a closer look at the cracks in the Paradox. They aren't as bad as I first thought - I'd say repairable. What do you guys reckon?

The first one is in the toe - photo is a little bit blurry, but the crack is about half way through the edge then goes down into the toe - hasn't cracked through the toe towards the back of the bat too much yet.
(http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac110/Phantom_VE/IMG_1815.jpg)


The next couple are weird, one is making its way down the bat, the other across the face. They don't look too deep, I guess I would have to take the scuff sheet off to get a proper look. Has cracked into the edge maybe 4/5mm
(http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac110/Phantom_VE/IMG_1814.jpg)


I'm just worried that maybe the bat is going to be prone to snapping now, but I am sure they should be repairable. Will send the pics off to Gary today
Title: Re: Redback Surefire and Paradox LE's
Post by: peplow on July 12, 2011, 11:33:39 AM
that bottom ones looks simialar to mine in structure, mine i am sure is compression crack as the willow has fallen in on itself on the toe..yours doesnt look like its fallen in though.
Title: Re: Redback Surefire and Paradox LE's
Post by: Jenko on July 12, 2011, 01:34:42 PM
OK so is that a good thing or a bad thing haha
Title: Re: Redback Surefire and Paradox LE's
Post by: peplow on July 12, 2011, 01:35:59 PM
dunno lol i posted a topic to try find out but go no reply :(
Title: Re: Redback Surefire and Paradox LE's
Post by: Jenko on July 12, 2011, 01:40:36 PM
haha ok. I'm emailing the pics to Gary now will see what he reckons
Title: Re: Redback Surefire and Paradox LE's
Post by: Jenko on July 12, 2011, 07:05:42 PM
Yeah it is a good bat, the cracks seem to be getting longer after each use...but will wait and see what Gary says!