Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: beaver5 on October 08, 2011, 05:46:31 PM

Title: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: beaver5 on October 08, 2011, 05:46:31 PM
I've been thinking for a while why I couldn't use a harrow bat rather than an adult bat which I've done for over 25 years. With all the changes and developments in modern bats it could be of benefit.

I used an Uzi for a few seasons and it went like a gun with a great pick up thanks to the shorter blade. Have seen some new harrows that are massive compared to the ones when I was young enough to use one. The new Salix Strike has apparently got a slightly narrower blade. If these all benefit performance and the power is not compromised why not use one? It would save a lot of money for a start. What are people's thoughts?
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Colesy on October 08, 2011, 05:48:01 PM
I struggle with yorkers as it is, take more wood away and I'm done for!

Could get a short blade, long handle. Not a Mongoose
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: roco on October 08, 2011, 05:49:55 PM
The joker is a Harrow size bat with a longer handle so it's done by others but using an actual Harrow would be interesting
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Colesy on October 08, 2011, 05:53:42 PM
They're a lot lighter too. My friend has a cheap Hunts County Mettle which must be about 2lb, bat speed is incredible.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: beaver5 on October 08, 2011, 05:58:42 PM
I'm only 5ft 3 so when I used my Uzi I held it near the bottom of the grip anyway, which I do with all my bats. To be honest would have loved the shorter blade Uzi with a standard short handle.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Colesy on October 08, 2011, 06:03:49 PM
You're 5ft 3 and use an adult bat? Thought the guideline was 5ft 8 for an adult bat.

My dad's 5ft 3 and doesn't like my SH
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: beaver5 on October 08, 2011, 06:13:25 PM
You're 5ft 3 and use an adult bat? Thought the guideline was 5ft 8 for an adult bat.

My dad's 5ft 3 and doesn't like my SH
If I went by the guidelines I'd be using a size 6. God how much stick would I get then!
Doubt it would get it of the square or snap if I hit it too hard. Anyway lots of great cricketers were short and I doubt they used smaller bats.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Colesy on October 08, 2011, 06:15:40 PM
Fair enough, I used a size 6 GN Pro Performance in the nets and felt like batting with a signature bat.

Can you get a long blade harrow, or long handle harrow? Something to get the lightness of a harrow for me, being 6ft 2.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on October 08, 2011, 06:18:31 PM
Was thinking the same on Friday when someone requested a bat with an inch shorter blade...
(http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq167/tom_ayrtek/1b9b8651.jpg)
(http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq167/tom_ayrtek/ec3b3530.jpg)

This weighs 2.5 with 35mm edges and is rather sizeable right down to the toe as well! Full size handle means it's about an inch shorter than a full size adult bat!
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: roco on October 08, 2011, 06:20:07 PM
Your bat making skills are improving Tom
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on October 08, 2011, 06:21:23 PM
Haha cheeky!!! Might have to scale this down as the lad wants a ssh on it!
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Colesy on October 08, 2011, 06:23:08 PM
How does it feel? For my next bat (planning ahead) tempted to go 2.6/2.7ish
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: roco on October 08, 2011, 06:23:19 PM
Rehandle as well all hail the Ayrtek global domination
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: jonpinson on October 08, 2011, 06:26:17 PM
It has been proven that anyone who uses a harrow bat will develop SMS, or if you are overly familiar, SBS.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on October 08, 2011, 06:29:50 PM
picks up light and isnt too bad for something with a chunky ole toe on it...with all the tape/grips/toe guard etc u have on urs joe u need to start at tht weight to keep it under 3lbs!!
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Colesy on October 08, 2011, 06:32:20 PM
Haha takes me 10 minutes to get through a swing.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: yvk3103 on October 08, 2011, 06:35:35 PM
GM Academy??

or buy a Small Mens size bat like I did. The blade is the same length as a normal SH bat and the handle is 12mm shorter. The blade is only 3-4mm narrower. But the bat has a massive profile for a bat that is 2lb8oz (dressed-up) with very little concaving and 40mm edges.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: valiantlad on October 08, 2011, 06:37:42 PM
Anybody have a GM Academy, seems the best bet?
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on October 08, 2011, 06:39:11 PM
think thats what the above is as is only 15mm shorter than my bat which was 83.5 in length i think ???
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Colesy on October 08, 2011, 06:42:20 PM
My 'scooped' Ayrtek is 2.6 with 34mm edges. Unusable though :(
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: beaver5 on October 08, 2011, 06:56:54 PM
Usually use about a 2.8 but my Uzi had an amazingly light pick up yet weighed 2.14. Wouldn't want to try a harrow just for its lightness but more to do with the fact of whether an adult weighted harrow might actually improve performance as likely to get a larger middle as a result.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: gdb19 on October 08, 2011, 06:58:28 PM
I've often wondered about getting a harrow, when you check the prices of the mongoose the harrow versions are far cheaper so it would be a cheap way of trying one out. I guess for me the main reasons not to try this would be that I'm 6'3 and prefer a heavy bat about 3 lb.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Whispering Death on October 08, 2011, 07:01:01 PM
GM Academy??

or buy a Small Mens size bat like I did. The blade is the same length as a normal SH bat and the handle is 12mm shorter. The blade is only 3-4mm narrower. But the bat has a massive profile for a bat that is 2lb8oz (dressed-up) with very little concaving and 40mm edges.

where can you buy small mens sizes bats??
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: jonpinson on October 08, 2011, 07:04:27 PM
where can you buy small mens sizes bats??

From small men.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Whispering Death on October 08, 2011, 07:06:09 PM
From small men.

lets not be silly jon
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: jonpinson on October 08, 2011, 07:06:52 PM
lets not be silly jon

Fair enough.

Fun day in JJB recently chap?
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Whispering Death on October 08, 2011, 07:07:31 PM
jjb is always good thanks.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Colesy on October 08, 2011, 07:08:00 PM
lets not be silly jon

What was 'silly' about this light humoured post?
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: jonpinson on October 08, 2011, 07:09:38 PM
What was 'silly' about this light humoured post?

Username of the person who made the joke mate. Nowt more.

See yers in a week.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: jonpinson on October 08, 2011, 07:10:23 PM
jjb is always good thanks.
jjb is always good thanks.

Ebay would suggest so...
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Colesy on October 08, 2011, 07:11:09 PM
Username of the person who made the joke mate. Nowt more.

See yers in a week.

Haha see you then.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Whispering Death on October 08, 2011, 07:11:39 PM
indeed it would...
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: FattusCattus on October 08, 2011, 07:12:01 PM
Gosh, controversy follows Jon's posts around like a nervous Zoo-keeper behind the incontinent elephant!!!
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Blazer on October 08, 2011, 07:13:17 PM
I used a Vampire Bas academy size bat bought off Asad weighing 2 lbs 9 1/2 oz last season.Its about an inch or so shorter than SH, hence more wood distributed across the blade.I am only 5"5.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Whispering Death on October 08, 2011, 07:13:33 PM
Gosh, controversy follows Jon's posts around like a nervous Zoo-keeper behind the incontinent elephant!!!

no controversy, just asked a genuine question about small mens sized bats and was hoping for a useful answer tis all. AM sure someone will come back with one for me.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: FattusCattus on October 08, 2011, 07:17:40 PM
Never let the facts get in the way of an attempt at a witty post Mikey  ;)
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: jonpinson on October 08, 2011, 07:18:41 PM
Gosh, controversy follows Jon's posts around like a nervous Zoo-keeper behind the incontinent elephant!!!

Mate if I began a happy birthday thread to a well respected member, certain factions would endeavour to see me banned for it. :D
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: yvk3103 on October 08, 2011, 07:19:14 PM
GM Academy is like the Small Mens sold in Aus.

I give you the dimension on my SM Gray Nics and you can get one of the batmakers to make one for you.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: jonpinson on October 08, 2011, 07:20:26 PM
GM Academy is like the Small Mens sold in Aus.

I give you the dimension on my SM Gray Nics and you can get one of the batmakers to make one for you.

Yash if you got the handle redone with a regular SH, would that bat be effectively normal size?
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on October 08, 2011, 07:21:21 PM
Good question is it the handle or the lade that makes it a small men's bat?

Or both?
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: yvk3103 on October 08, 2011, 07:26:01 PM
Yash if you got the handle redone with a regular SH, would that bat be effectively normal size?

No Jon. The blade is 3-4mm narrower as well. But if I were to get it re-handled with a regular SH handle then in length the Gray Nics would be the same length as a SH bat.

Will put a pic up shortly
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on October 08, 2011, 07:28:39 PM
So in summation a slightly narrower blade and ssh?

The one I put up a pic of is full size handle, slightly shorter blade and a few mm thinner too 10.5cm vs normal 11cm
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: jonpinson on October 08, 2011, 07:31:35 PM
No Jon. The blade is 3-4mm narrower as well. But if I were to get it re-handled with a regular SH handle then in length the Gray Nics would be the same length as a SH bat.

Will put a pic up shortly

So...a harrow?
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: beaver5 on October 08, 2011, 07:35:11 PM
So in summation a slightly narrower blade and ssh?

The one I put up a pic of is full size handle, slightly shorter blade and a few mm thinner too 10.5cm vs normal 11cm
It looks a cracker Ayrtek. So in your opinion do you think its shorter & thinner blade could enable it to out perform a standard SH model?
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Colesy on October 08, 2011, 07:36:50 PM
Could stop me getting fine nicks when batting
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: jonpinson on October 08, 2011, 07:37:15 PM
It looks a cracker Ayrtek. So in your opinion do you think its shorter & thinner blade could enable it to out perform a standard SH model?

Black cat produce the joker on exactly that theory...
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on October 08, 2011, 07:40:34 PM
how can you tell if one bat out performs another....how do you measure this with any degree of certainty?

it will be lighter yes and have a bigger profile down to the fact the wood has been distributed differently due to the size of it.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: yvk3103 on October 08, 2011, 07:41:24 PM
(http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/yvk3103/IMG-20111008-00151.jpg)
(http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/yvk3103/IMG-20111008-00152-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: yvk3103 on October 08, 2011, 07:43:03 PM
Oh! Just to add the very slight 2-3mm diff in shoulder height is due to the toe guard. GN has no toe guard (yet)
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: jonpinson on October 08, 2011, 07:44:14 PM
So more handle than blade. Interesting. Cheers my man.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Whispering Death on October 08, 2011, 07:45:52 PM
it might be the pic quality but your grips look very bumpy - almost like there is something underneath
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: yvk3103 on October 08, 2011, 07:47:06 PM
i have a aero grip under the rubber grip on the GN
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: yvk3103 on October 08, 2011, 07:47:50 PM
So more handle than blade. Interesting. Cheers my man.

How is that Jon?

The blade length is the same on both the bats. The handle on the GN is 12mm shorter.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on October 08, 2011, 07:48:46 PM
and the GN is 3-4mm thinner on the blade
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: yvk3103 on October 08, 2011, 07:49:22 PM
yes Tom - exactly 3mm. Just measured it.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: valiantlad on October 08, 2011, 07:50:01 PM
off topic, but the grains on the GN look straight as anything!
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: yvk3103 on October 08, 2011, 07:50:54 PM
off topic, but the grains on the GN look straight as anything!

Yes, very good grains. 11 straight, clean and with no blemishes
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: jonpinson on October 08, 2011, 07:50:55 PM
How is that Jon?

The blade length is the same on both the bats. The handle on the GN is 12mm shorter.

Yeh. More difference in handle.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: uknsaunders on October 09, 2011, 12:30:47 PM
I requested a H4L Devil with a shortened blade and SH:-

http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=12246.0

I had a Kippax with a T20 setup, 1 inch short blade and LH and it didn't feel right. The short blade, SH setup feels better for somebody of my stature - 5'7.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: beaver5 on October 30, 2011, 09:51:44 PM
Well I've decided to take a punt and got myself a harrow to use next season. Will be interesting to see if it can perform as well or better than a full size. I've gone for a Willostix Stick so not your standard bat, but gives me the excuse to try one without paying the price of an adult size. Pick up is really good, feels lighter than its weight of 2.10 with the extra grip I've put on. Edges are 36mm and ball rebounds very well. Pictures attached next to my salix pod.
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g368/stebev88/S1032483.jpg)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g368/stebev88/S1032484.jpg)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g368/stebev88/S1032486.jpg)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g368/stebev88/S1032490.jpg)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g368/stebev88/S1032489.jpg)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g368/stebev88/S1032488.jpg)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g368/stebev88/S1032492.jpg)
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: uknsaunders on October 30, 2011, 10:26:34 PM
very nice. Was that an off the shelf product or did you have to have it custom made? 36mm edges on a harrow is rare in my opinion, as is 2'10 weight.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: beaver5 on October 30, 2011, 10:40:39 PM
No got it off ebay. Really pleased couldn't believe the size of it when it arrived, just feels like a normal adult bat. Bargain too as got it for £50! Full size retails at £195 so can't go wrong really.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: tim2000s on October 30, 2011, 10:44:32 PM
Why not buy a custom harrow at an adult weight with a long handle?

Ah! That's a Joker...
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: beaver5 on October 30, 2011, 10:52:23 PM
Didn't want a short blade, long handle combination. Loved the Uzi I owned but the long handle just seemed to get in the way as I grip my bat fairly low. Could have got a custom made but thought this was a bargain. If it works out I'd definitely get one custom made next time.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: uknsaunders on October 30, 2011, 10:56:23 PM
Why not buy a custom harrow at an adult weight with a long handle?

Ah! That's a Joker...

I agree, the short blade long handle combo felt add to me on my kippax, much happier with the H4L SH on a harrow length. Might be a height thing...
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: uknsaunders on October 30, 2011, 11:00:18 PM
the harrow stick is £120 according to the website
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: beaver5 on October 30, 2011, 11:04:16 PM
I know, so makes £50 a steal. If it proves to be as good as an adult bat then using a harrow could be a way to get a quality bat at a cheap price.
Title: Re: Why not use a harrow bat?
Post by: beaver5 on March 09, 2012, 10:38:11 PM
Just thought I'd give an update on how my trying out a harrow size bat is getting on. I've not noticed any difference in the size in the nets and the willostix stick is going very well. A few mates have tried it out and are impressed, although I've not told them its a harrow,  just that its a shorter blade like my Uzi.

A mate of mine visited Hawk recently and he saw some of the bats they had made for James Taylor. They were all in a harrow size!