Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Companies => Off-the-shelf companies => Gray Nicolls => Topic started by: jonpinson on August 13, 2011, 06:56:24 PM

Title: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: jonpinson on August 13, 2011, 06:56:24 PM: Picked this up today from local JJB in somewhat of an educated gamble. Now, this model had one of the hideous fake grain scuff sheets fitted, suggesting the face isn't going to be pretty. However the back of the bat is exposed (albeit bleached), but leaving enough to show that the bat has somewhere in the region of 15 grains. Interesting I thought. Sale? £54? Worth a shot.

So I bought, with the intention of cutting away the horrible fake grain sheet and seeing what was underneath. Using a sharp knife I made a cut just below the Oblivion logo across the blade and edges. Then using a hairdryer I first removed the two fibre tape edge thingies, then the main scuff sheet. Interestingly, it was found that the fake grain sheet is infact seperate from the protective scuff sheet and is formed of a stretched, very thin sheet. The anti scuff is bulky and semi opaque and only covers the very face, not the edges. The removed grain sheet/edge tape/anti scuff looked thus:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/jonpinson/2011-08-13193022.jpg)

The exposed face was fairly rough and the only evidence of adhesive for the sheet was at the toe end:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/jonpinson/2011-08-13184450.jpg)

The bat face as found after sheet removal:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/jonpinson/2011-08-13184506.jpg)

The face after fine sanding and a light coat of oil to emphasise details. I used a rather wonderful product called label remover to get rid of the glue. Smells of oranges. Note the couple of butterflies (Ok, just for Mike, not butterflies 'graping') which probably caused the bat to be downgraded, yet also note 15 pretty nice grains and about 40% heartwood.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/jonpinson/2011-08-13192922.jpg)

Needless to say, the main driving force for buying this bat was it's size, remarkable for 2'8 (before sheet removal), considering some people are under the impression you have to spend £300 for a big bat.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/jonpinson/2011-08-13194841.jpg)

I'd suggest you have a close look at this model the next time you see one!
Not the prettiest, but for £54 and half an hour's work, a huge bat with nice stickers and big grainage. Jon 1 JJB 0.
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: Jord030994 on August 13, 2011, 07:08:54 PM: Looks a nice stick jon, Bargain for £54.
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: Buzz on August 13, 2011, 07:36:55 PM: does it have any kind of a middle.and is it English willow?
p.s. please use a word other than ping...!
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: jonpinson on August 13, 2011, 07:39:03 PM: Quote from: Buzz on August 13, 2011, 07:36:55 PM
does it have any kind of a middle.and is it English willow?
p.s. please use a word other than ping...!

Yup, stated as EW and certainly does all the right things off the mallet. Downgraded for looks rather than performance I'd guess.
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: RossViper on August 13, 2011, 08:26:03 PM: You cunning fox!!!

Looks like a nice stick, im not a massive fan of the gn shapes right now the remind me off Criton off red dewaf! But that looks decent! Good work.
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: petehosk on August 13, 2011, 08:48:09 PM: Quote from: Buzz on August 13, 2011, 07:36:55 PM
does it have any kind of a middle.and is it English willow?
p.s. please use a word other than ping...!

Looks pingtastic and very pingliscious consider the price!
I reckon the middle may be generous with some real pingmotion available!!! ;)
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: Lekka Global Alliance on August 14, 2011, 08:00:05 AM: (http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l595/ahmedt01/IMG_0564.jpg)

2.9 (not picked it up yet).
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: petehosk on August 14, 2011, 08:17:04 AM: James - firstly, where is that one from? Secondly, what model is that? Thirdly, was it a bargain buy? And lastly, who's carpet is that? :(
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: Canners on August 14, 2011, 09:13:10 AM: Very nice, good little bargain u got yourself ther

I always thought the middle on the oblivion was lower than this for some reason
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: Lekka Global Alliance on August 14, 2011, 09:17:08 AM: Quote from: petehosk on August 14, 2011, 08:17:04 AM
James - firstly, where is that one from? Secondly, what model is that? Thirdly, was it a bargain buy? And lastly, who's carpet is that? :(

http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=11435.0
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: uknsaunders on August 14, 2011, 09:19:25 AM: Whenever I am in JJB I have a look (at the back of the bat) at the GN's.
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: jimba101 on August 14, 2011, 10:31:53 AM: Why do they stick these facing sheets bats?
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: jonpinson on August 14, 2011, 10:32:44 AM: Cosmetic reasons from what I can see.
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: roco on August 14, 2011, 10:33:32 AM: Does it perform a dual scuff type purpose or just to make it look pretty
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: jonpinson on August 14, 2011, 10:35:53 AM: Well the top layer is a hammer edge-esque sheet for protection, but the actual grain sheet is very very think, it scruntches up as soon as it is no longer held stretched by the top layer, so it doesn't add any real protection. This morning I've continued to cut it away from around the splice stickers. Photos to come when it's done.
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: Colesy on August 14, 2011, 10:43:51 AM: Quote from: Canners on August 14, 2011, 09:13:10 AM
I always thought the middle on the oblivion was lower than this for some reason

You're not alone.
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: jonpinson on August 14, 2011, 11:06:13 AM: Gents I think my profile pic may be misleading you. Look again and you will notice the pic does not cover the entire length of the blade, making the middle look artificially high.
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: Number4 on August 14, 2011, 11:32:35 AM: It's just not as exciting as reading "and this bat only cost me £1000"... haha.... I'd feel guilty if I were you jon maybe you should go back and offer a few more £'s for the pingtastic grainage
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: tc2584 on August 14, 2011, 12:43:31 PM: Did they have many of them in stock?
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: Lekka Global Alliance on August 15, 2011, 03:47:24 AM: http://www.gray-nicolls.co.uk/Bats/kashmir-bats/Oblivion-Strikeforce/product?page=0
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: Lekka Global Alliance on August 16, 2011, 07:21:35 AM: Another bargain with same type anti scuff sheet:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gray-Nicolls-Nitro-Powerblade-Cricket-Bat-Multi-/260832712621?pt=UK_SportingGoods_CricketBats_SM&var=&hash=item826533ef59#ht_1258wt_1140
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: jonpinson on August 19, 2011, 04:04:08 PM: Job done. Not too bad.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/jonpinson/P1020002.jpg)
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: roco on August 19, 2011, 04:06:05 PM: Any plans to use it?
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: Lekka Global Alliance on August 19, 2011, 04:08:09 PM: Is it English Willow Jon ?
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: jonpinson on August 19, 2011, 04:15:23 PM: Quote from: roco on August 19, 2011, 04:06:05 PM
Any plans to use it?

Yeh I will put an anti scuff on it and it will be used as a team bat on tuesday, as we have a work-organised evening match. Will be interesting to see how it goes compared to the £60 monster.
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: roco on August 19, 2011, 04:17:15 PM: I'll have to direct my friend to this as he has just broken his beloved oblivion as the handle has gone
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: jonpinson on August 19, 2011, 04:19:12 PM: Quote from: Lekka Global Alliance on August 19, 2011, 04:08:09 PM
Is it English Willow Jon ?

Sticker on the back says so yes. May be something of an uneducated point, but when I was comparing it to bats that were clearly kashmir, it was much bigger. The kashmir bats that I've seen recently seem to be much more dense and thus smaller for the weight, and this just has the look (size wise) and feel of an EW (albeit low grade) bat. I don't know in kashmir bats are finished to a lower quality, but they seem to feel different somehow.
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: jonpinson on August 19, 2011, 04:20:26 PM: Quote from: roco on August 19, 2011, 04:17:15 PM
I'll have to direct my friend to this as he has just broken his beloved oblivion as the handle has gone

Just make sure to point out to have a look at the grains on the back, it is a bit of an indicator but I'm sure there are some uglys out there. I am however going back tomorrow to have a look at the other one they had.
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: roco on August 19, 2011, 04:22:41 PM: Thanks I'll tell him as he's only had the bay this season but idiot threw away the reciept
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: justnotcricket86 on August 19, 2011, 04:51:06 PM: Looks better than the crap Laver you got the other week

Keep us updated on it anyway, I should probably try and get to a sports direct
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: jonpinson on August 19, 2011, 04:57:35 PM: Quote from: justnotcricket86 on August 19, 2011, 04:51:06 PM
Looks better than the crap Laver you got the other week

Keep us updated on it anyway, I should probably try and get to a sports direct

Not much difference, eh?

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/jonpinson/P1020003.jpg)

I'm such a ****.
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: justnotcricket86 on August 19, 2011, 04:59:16 PM: Well that's £400 down the shitter

Well done brains
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: procricket on August 19, 2011, 05:00:55 PM: Looks alone that bat is nice maybe i should have oh well enjoy
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: jonpinson on August 19, 2011, 05:05:24 PM: Quote from: justnotcricket86 on August 19, 2011, 04:59:16 PM
Well that's £400 down the shitter

Well done brains

I wish it had cost £400 mate :D
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: jonpinson on August 19, 2011, 05:06:40 PM: Quote from: procricket on August 19, 2011, 05:00:55 PM
Looks alone that bat is nice maybe i should have oh well enjoy

Everything is for sale at the right price mate, and it isn't going to get used this side of next season.
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: procricket on August 19, 2011, 06:24:06 PM: all out at the minute mate been taking the lad to his first football matches but looks a good un
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: justnotcricket86 on August 19, 2011, 06:28:14 PM: Your lad or the bat dave?

He playing cricket yet?
Title: Re: A rather interesting buy, GN Oblivion Power
Post by: procricket on August 19, 2011, 06:34:48 PM: no little BurnLee is only 5 he has a custom chase mate no we went to watch Burnley a few times when i went home little bugger asked if it was always that bad...

Sorry off topic