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Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: Batoff on October 28, 2011, 09:30:31 PM

Title: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Batoff on October 28, 2011, 09:30:31 PM
Had a great day today. For the first time that I can remember I was able to get my hands on some bats (I think you saw most of them in the picture I sent to Ayrtek) and really see how they felt in proper use.

I'd have to say that the results were interesting for me, to say the least!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 28, 2011, 09:39:43 PM
performance, presentation and ping then Mr Batoff.
there were a few lovely bats there.
how are the videos coming along...?
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on October 28, 2011, 09:40:54 PM
taking things to a new level with video analysis of bats! do we get live commentary feedback on performance ;)
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 28, 2011, 09:43:35 PM
well there is certainly some seriously independent testing... hopefully the camerawork will have paid off.

the helmet cam was a disaster though, you can see the ball!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on October 28, 2011, 09:45:01 PM
yeh not easy with them as we discovered when making our promo video...lots of shots of your feet!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Batoff on October 28, 2011, 10:35:32 PM
It takes considerably longer to upload videos than perhaps I would like, but there will be something there for you soon enough...
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Canners on October 28, 2011, 10:40:18 PM
i hope this is going to be worth the wait ;)
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Batoff on October 28, 2011, 11:28:18 PM
i hope this is going to be worth the wait ;)
Well one of my friends sent his brother over to help out. My friend ha san odd name, he's called "The Stig"...
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 29, 2011, 06:58:23 AM
It takes considerably longer to upload videos than perhaps I would like, but there will be something there for you soon enough...
I blame the "Stig" for hogging all the batting - no use putting his views up.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Batoff on October 29, 2011, 07:12:31 AM
This is him here, having a quick play with some lovely willow and showing what he can do!

 http://tinyurl.com/625hdc8
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on October 29, 2011, 10:00:39 AM
very impressive :) Urban street art in the background... pure cricket art in the foreground!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: FattusCattus on October 29, 2011, 11:08:51 AM
I can't see it :(

I'm hoping to see an upload of a video of some character called 'Farmer Giles' who was batting there. Apparently he's a bit agricultural, but he tests bats to destruction!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on October 29, 2011, 11:10:17 AM
its quite a large video format mate so might take a while to load up!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: FattusCattus on October 29, 2011, 11:13:08 AM
No - I don't think my clockwork computer has the right Quick-play thingy!

I guess they are too big to post on here You-tube stylee?

The world should see this!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 29, 2011, 12:12:49 PM
Amazing how the Stig makes 85mph seem very easy!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 29, 2011, 12:32:44 PM
I think that the most interesting part of the day was the result of retime using ask the bats. Finally an independent view on whether expensive willow is the best, whether laminates really work and which bats do their jobs the best. It also speed that different people have very different views...
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: johan95 on October 29, 2011, 01:25:15 PM
Amazing how the Stig makes 85mph seem very easy!

Yeah, he must be a test player seeing how he smashed that bowling around ;)
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 29, 2011, 01:29:18 PM
and the bins the laver like it is a plank.
unreal.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: PM7 on October 29, 2011, 01:35:26 PM
If thats 85mph and he is middling it effortlessly he must be a county pro surely.
Any clues and will his identity be revealed?
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on October 29, 2011, 01:40:18 PM
he must have a good eye!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: uknsaunders on October 29, 2011, 01:41:58 PM
light doesn't look very clever, must have a very good eye!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: roco on October 29, 2011, 01:42:23 PM
I can't see the vid :(
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: johan95 on October 29, 2011, 01:44:39 PM
If thats 85mph and he is middling it effortlessly he must be a county pro surely.
Any clues and will his identity be revealed?

Didn't someone say he plays for Surrey..? ???
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 29, 2011, 01:46:03 PM
he is going to be in the southern hemisphere this winter
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: uknsaunders on October 29, 2011, 02:17:46 PM
so is my brother
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Visigoth on October 29, 2011, 03:30:13 PM
The results of the bat testing may be inconclusive, but the back wall has certainly been put through the paces.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 29, 2011, 03:36:26 PM
the results are being compiled, the stig and helpers tested about 20 bats.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Batoff on October 29, 2011, 03:47:30 PM
I'm sorry that some of you couldn't see the video. It is now on you tube.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGHJo5_0JL8&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: FattusCattus on October 29, 2011, 04:11:01 PM
Niiiiiiice - Stig has got one hell of an eye!  Mind you, the guy on the bowling machine looked like he knew what he was doing!

Hopefully more videos of batting genius to follow?
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Batoff on October 29, 2011, 04:23:08 PM
Sadly I am not the Stig. This was my opportunity to try out a few interesting pieces of willow. I have to say that I was very fond of the Mongoose, but I told the other chaps which three I preferred at the end of my session.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngcTXlheKbE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: roco on October 29, 2011, 04:24:27 PM
Is the stig you Bruce I recognise that set up from the shop visit
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Ryan on October 29, 2011, 04:24:32 PM
Nice...can't wait it see more!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 29, 2011, 05:11:51 PM
Someone asked if I am the stig. We were told there the stig has balls of steel and doesn't wear a box because he does more damage to a cricket bask than it to him. Not me I'm afraid.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Simmy on October 29, 2011, 06:14:47 PM
haha very good!

im gonna call bluff and say its not at 85mph lol because who ever walks away from the cam says "right turn it down" still impressive and looks FAST!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Batoff on October 29, 2011, 07:11:57 PM
We'll be posting the worst five shortly. The scoring was done on presentation (stickers, willow and overall look), pickup and ping. A score out of 10 was awarded for each, and a total score given out of 30.

We then created a value desciptor by dividing the price by the score to give a pounds per point scored view, tdlling you how good value we found the bat.

The scores are created from multiple testers.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: FattusCattus on October 29, 2011, 11:28:39 PM
Hmmm, interetsing point Simmy - although speed aside, you need to know that the machine is set up off 17 yards - which makes those who may about to be shown on video batting very talented and extraordinarily brave!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Batoff on October 30, 2011, 12:55:46 AM
In our testing, these are the bottom five bats in points:

                                                       Pres  pickup ping  Total             VD
Hell 4 Leather                          8.33     6.33    6.33   21.00    7.14
GM Diamond                          6.00     8.00    6.00   20.00    3.75
Kookaburra Rogue 250          3.67     7.67    8.00   19.33    2.33
Dukes                                          6.00     6.00    6.00   18.00    -
SG VS319 Ultimate                  7.33     6.00    4.00   17.33    6.46


And these had the worst VD:
                                       Pres  pickup ping  Total  VD
Dukes                                  6.00   6.00   6.00   18.00    -
Instinct                          6.00   8.00   10.00   24.00   8.13
Mongoose MMi3                  7.33   8.00   8.00   23.33   7.71
Fat Bat                          6.00   5.33   10.00   21.33   7.50
Lekka RDX Big Hitter          5.67   6.67   10.00   22.33   7.16
Hell 4 Leather                  8.33   6.33   6.33   21.00   7.14
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Canners on October 30, 2011, 03:45:23 AM
VD??????
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Joe on October 30, 2011, 07:12:21 AM
We then created a value desciptor by dividing the price by the score to give a pounds per point scored view, tdlling you how good value we found the bat.
I assume this is VD
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Number4 on October 30, 2011, 07:29:55 AM
In our testing, these are the bottom five bats in points:

                                                       Pres  pickup ping  Total             VD
Hell 4 Leather                          8.33     6.33    6.33   21.00    7.14
GM Diamond                          6.00     8.00    6.00   20.00    3.75
Kookaburra Rogue 250          3.67     7.67    8.00   19.33    2.33
Dukes                                          6.00     6.00    6.00   18.00    -
SG VS319 Ultimate                  7.33     6.00    4.00   17.33    6.46


And these had the worst VD:
                                       Pres  pickup ping  Total  VD
Dukes                                  6.00   6.00   6.00   18.00    -
Instinct                          6.00   8.00   10.00   24.00   8.13
Mongoose MMi3                  7.33   8.00   8.00   23.33   7.71
Fat Bat                          6.00   5.33   10.00   21.33   7.50
Lekka RDX Big Hitta          5.67   6.67   10.00   22.33   7.16
Hell 4 Leather                  8.33   6.33   6.33   21.00   7.14


 So basically all this is telling us if I am reading it correctly is the more expensive the bat the better it is.
i.e Highest - Instinct score 24 x VD 8.13 = £195.12
    Lowest - H4L score 21 x VD 7.14 = £149.94
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 30, 2011, 08:35:13 AM
with the scoring, the bats with the lowest v.d. represents the best value, in the opinion of the testers.
if you don't care about cost, then you are looking at the total scores, before the v.d. multiplier.
the presentation is a mix of grain structure, shape and graphics. yes we have upped the marks if we liked the stickers as we feel this has a mental impact on how you feel with the bat and will therefore improve your performance with the bat.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 30, 2011, 08:39:48 AM
so with the instinct, we thought the shape was nice, the grains ok, but the stickers not so great. the pick up was ok, given it was a long blade long handle and the ping was 10, which is the highest score.
you can see that the stig was impressed by the ping in the video.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Ryan on October 30, 2011, 08:40:39 AM
What about the top 5 bats?
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Number4 on October 30, 2011, 08:47:37 AM
so with the instinct, we thought the shape was nice, the grains ok, but the stickers not so great. the pick up was ok, given it was a long blade long handle and the ping was 10, which is the highest score.
you can see that the stig was impressed by the ping in the video.

Just a point though Buzz... Is it really a true and equal test if it is top of the line bats against bottom of the range?

Would be better if the bats were placed into categories ranging from top of the line to Entry Level
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Village Trundler on October 30, 2011, 08:55:27 AM
Quote from: Buzz
the presentation is a mix of grain structure, shape and graphics. yes we have upped the marks if we liked the stickers as we feel this has a mental impact on how you feel with the bat and will therefore improve your performance with the bat.

Surely that's purely a personal thing? Some people like rap music, which I and anyone else with taste thinks is (No Swearing Please).

Also,.I have a pretty impressive pen, but doesn't make me write neater.

Not meaning to be critical, cos I love the project and appreciate the insight into the bats, but just find including visual aspects strange.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 30, 2011, 08:56:03 AM
yes, you are right, there are a mixture of ranges and willow grades, hence the v.d. score.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 30, 2011, 09:10:19 AM
Surely that's purely a personal thing? Some people like rap music, which I and anyone else with taste thinks is (No Swearing Please).

Also,.I have a pretty impressive pen, but doesn't make me write neater.

Not meaning to be critical, cos I love the project and appreciate the insight into the bats, but just find including visual aspects strange.

absolutely, but there were 5 of us testing, so there were a range of views.
confidence is a strange thing
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Batoff on October 30, 2011, 09:12:38 AM
These are the bats that come somewhere between the top and the bottom...
                                Pres Pick-up Ping  Total   VD
Mongoose MMi3           7.33   8.00    8.00    23.33   7.71
Hunts County Insignia   7.00   8.00    8.00    23.00   3.00
Slazenger V3           7.33   8.00    7.33    22.67   4.37
Hunts County Reflex   6.67   8.33    7.67    22.67   2.56
Slazenger V500           8.00   7.50    7.00  22.50   4.13
Lekka RDX Big Hitter   5.67   6.67    10.00 22.33   7.16
GN Dynadrive           6.00   8.00   8.00     22.00  6.14
Fat Bat                   6.00   5.33   10.00     21.33  7.50
GN Evo Carbo           7.00   6.00   8.00    21.00   2.14
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Batoff on October 30, 2011, 09:30:07 AM
If you watched the video of me batting, at the end, I was asked my favourite three. My personal favourite was the fat bat that the others didn't like so much, followed by a Newbery, while my number 3 was a green Gray Nicolls, which I am told was the cheapest bat on offer!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Nickauger on October 30, 2011, 09:32:06 AM
Means nothing to me with all those numbers all over the place! :(
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 30, 2011, 09:35:59 AM
What I find fascinating is how well some of the older and Sports Direct punt bats have done.

I guess it is a testament to the original bat design that the Hunts County Insignia off eBay should be so much ahead of the Fat Bat for example.

What is disappointing is the SG as it doesn't really perform, even though it is a lovely looking bat!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Number4 on October 30, 2011, 09:41:02 AM
I'm not interested in the VD I want to know which was the highest scoring bat
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Batoff on October 30, 2011, 09:54:44 AM
I'm not interested in the VD I want to know which was the highest scoring bat
All in good time young man. You'll find out later, and it may be a surprise!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Number4 on October 30, 2011, 10:12:04 AM
A couple of tablets and a good cream will fix the VD :)
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: uknsaunders on October 30, 2011, 10:30:30 AM
VD Metric - you need to exclude or amend used/sale items as it screws up this metric. GN Carbo had a VD metric of £2?, apart from the present sales how often do you pick up a GN Carbo for £45?. Likewise if the Dukes doesn't have a VD Metric it is neither the worst nor the best and should be excluded. I might seem picky for a bit of fun, but if I buy a Cenkos and then sell it for £1 to Buzz it'll have a brilliant VD...work off standard retail pricing imho
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 30, 2011, 10:34:45 AM
you are right... this will impact the results, we have tried to be realistic on price.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Batoff on October 30, 2011, 10:36:55 AM
VD Metric - you need to exclude or amend used/sale items as it screws up this metric. GN Carbo had a VD metric of £2?, apart from the present sales how often do you pick up a GN Carbo for £45?. Likewise if the Dukes doesn't have a VD Metric it is neither the worst nor the best and should be excluded. I might seem picky for a bit of fun, but if I buy a Cenkos and then sell it for £1 to Buzz it'll have a brilliant VD...work off standard retail pricing imho
I'd agree, unless there is more than one of the items available. If you can publicly buy from a shop, multiple items in a sale, then it is a fair metric. Plenty of people have bought bats from JJB and Sports Direct at discount prices. Does that affect their Value?
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Batoff on October 30, 2011, 10:38:17 AM
The final set of five. That's right, here is the tester's top five bats.

         Pres PickUp Ping Total VD
Laver         9.00 9.33   10.00   28.33   6.35
Newbery      8.67 8.67   9.33   26.67   6.75
Lion Bat      8.33 8.67   9.00   26.00   5.77
Reebok Bat      8.33 8.00   8.67   25.00   6.40
Instinct      6.00 8.00   10.00   24.00   8.13

The winner is neither the most expensive bat on test, nor is it Grade 1 willow...
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Joe on October 30, 2011, 10:39:42 AM
so the winner is the laver?
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: peplow on October 30, 2011, 10:40:31 AM
tims laver was always gonna win it ;)
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Batoff on October 30, 2011, 10:42:27 AM
Sadly however, we have to reduce the Newbery to 0 as it is an illegal laminated bat.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: uknsaunders on October 30, 2011, 10:46:25 AM
I'd agree, unless there is more than one of the items available. If you can publicly buy from a shop, multiple items in a sale, then it is a fair metric. Plenty of people have bought bats from JJB and Sports Direct at discount prices. Does that affect their Value?

not in October. However, you won't buy the same bat for the same price in April. The price needs to reflect, as far as possible, the price of the bat through an extended period of time.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Number4 on October 30, 2011, 10:49:20 AM
Sadly however, we have to reduce the Newbery to 0 as it is an illegal laminated bat.

So a grade 2 bat "pinged" better than a TK Laminate?
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 30, 2011, 10:50:41 AM
Yes. It does.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Number4 on October 30, 2011, 10:54:31 AM
Good buy then Tim..Well done
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: steelcouch on October 30, 2011, 11:51:27 AM
How many of those bats were made in Robertsbridge?
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 30, 2011, 12:05:10 PM
How many of those bats were made in Robertsbridge?
I'd hazard a guess at none.
not in October. However, you won't buy the same bat for the same price in April. The price needs to reflect, as far as possible, the price of the bat through an extended period of time.
Feel free to compile a table with this information in it.There is plenty of data there to provide an insight!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 30, 2011, 12:08:00 PM
Tim, Mr keeley is based in robertsbridge, so a few...
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 30, 2011, 12:19:45 PM
Tim, Mr keeley is based in robertsbridge, so a few...
Ah. Thought he was based elsewhere... In that case, at least one of the top five.....
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 30, 2011, 12:31:45 PM
For me, the best was the Laver, but both the cheap evo and kook outperformed what had been paid for them demonstrating that buying blind in the sale sometimes works.

The other ones that stood out were the ebay reflex, insignia and dynadrive, all of which would make any batsman happy.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Six Sixes Cricket on October 30, 2011, 12:51:37 PM
Who's was the h4l that didn't perform very well?
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: johan95 on October 30, 2011, 02:00:20 PM
Tim's I believe. Wasn't it a pro-edition made for Big Benn? ???
Surprising I admit.. :o
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 30, 2011, 02:22:19 PM
I think you have to be careful in your use of terms. It wasn't a s good as the other bats rated here, but that by no means suggests that it is rubbish. The top five were all extremely good, which is the key thing.

This is a subjective comparison of the bats we had and not an objective one!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 30, 2011, 02:23:07 PM
the h4l is a lovely bat but 4 out of the 5 testers don't use lblh bats and that may have made it difficult to time.
it is easily good enough to be a match bat for any of the testers.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: johan95 on October 30, 2011, 02:38:26 PM
I think you have to be careful in your use of terms. It wasn't a s good as the other bats rated here, but that by no means suggests that it is rubbish. The top five were all extremely good, which is the key thing.

This is a subjective comparison of the bats we had and not an objective one!

True, I did forget that it was subjective, in comparison to most bats it's still a corker! I guess the fact that only you are used to a LbLH made assessing it difficult. Perhaps if there were a couple of people used to that setup then it would have been easier to assess as Buzz mentions..
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Six Sixes Cricket on October 30, 2011, 03:01:37 PM
Why include lblh in a test if 4 out of 5 people cannot use them?
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Colesy on October 30, 2011, 03:04:18 PM
Some people saying 'that's not 85mph', it probably is and if you know where the ball is going to pitch it isn't as hard as you think. I've faced the equivalent of 85mph on a bowling machine and driving wasn't too much of a problem.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Batoff on October 30, 2011, 03:07:45 PM
This is an alphabetical list of the bats and scores.

 (http://i493.photobucket.com/albums/rr293/tim2000s/20111030155230.png)
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: johan95 on October 30, 2011, 03:26:22 PM
Mr Batoff, are you sure the details for the Instinct are right..? As they seem to clash with what you posted on here earlier, 6,8,10 and 8.13...giving it a total of 24..? ???

Cheers mate :)
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Blazer on October 30, 2011, 03:29:11 PM
I think it's safe to say this is the best topic in the recent past  :). Iam wondering how a SAF would fare in such a test, a lot of theory has been put into making it !
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Six Sixes Cricket on October 30, 2011, 03:31:01 PM
Could a saf be 15 or 18?
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: junter97 on October 30, 2011, 03:34:14 PM
What is the lion bat?  ???
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: johan95 on October 30, 2011, 03:35:34 PM
The bat that is mostly plain but has a blue sticker on the front, that is the Lion bat as the sticker depicts a Lion.

Hope that answers your question mate..
What is the lion bat?  ???
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Batoff on October 30, 2011, 03:58:47 PM
Mr Batoff, are you sure the details for the Instinct are right..? As they seem to clash with what you posted on here earlier, 6,8,10 and 8.13...giving it a total of 24..? ???

Cheers mate :)
Well spotted young man. Use of the incorrectly updated spreadsheet. I have replaced it.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: junter97 on October 30, 2011, 04:11:00 PM
The bat that is mostly plain but has a blue sticker on the front, that is the Lion bat as the sticker depicts a Lion.

Hope that answers your question mate..

Thanks, but I meant was who made it? Is it English or Indian made?
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 30, 2011, 04:12:49 PM
Thanks, but I meant was who made it? Is it English or Indian made?
The one tested is english made.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: junter97 on October 30, 2011, 04:14:20 PM
The one tested is english made.

Ah cheers Tim.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 30, 2011, 04:32:01 PM
in the pic there is an Eng made one and a pak made lion bat.
my saf wasn't in the test as it is too fragile and I'm trying to look after it.

we had hoped that there would be 2 other safs but they didnot arrive on time
it would have been good to have tested a gm and many others too!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: ca_gold on October 30, 2011, 04:56:40 PM
reebok has a great score - who makes their bats?

Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: A-Swing-And-A-Miss on October 30, 2011, 05:05:35 PM
reebok has a great score - who makes their bats?

Is it Aero? Heard something about Aero and Reebok although I'm not totally sure.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Tom on October 30, 2011, 05:10:40 PM
Nike and Aero you must mean.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Canners on October 30, 2011, 06:51:28 PM
its interesting to see all the ping 10 bats are a) keeley pressed or b) a laver, was there a significance in the 2? between a laver and a Keeley bat?
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: FattusCattus on October 30, 2011, 07:08:09 PM
Do you mean a significant difference between the Keely's and Laver in ping?

Not really, certainly the Laver and the other '10-ping' bats had virtually nothing between them. I think they all proved the idea of correct and experienced pressing makes the bat.

The Reebok and the Lion were just a smidge under 10 and both of those absolutely flew too.

You could really feel a difference in the way the bat felt when you middled it between say - The Fat Bat and the SG - a totally different feel through the handle.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Canners on October 30, 2011, 07:21:06 PM

Thats exactly what i meant, thanks for explaining that 'Stig'...errr i mean Fattus  :)
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 30, 2011, 07:23:18 PM
The other interesting point was the difference between the kook and sg, even though both are apparently made in the same place.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Alvaro on October 30, 2011, 07:39:32 PM
Could it be owt to do with the handles?
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Canners on October 30, 2011, 07:41:11 PM
what surprises me is that the h4l wasnt up there in the pintastic group, as the ones ive used have all been super pingy with large sweetspots......
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 30, 2011, 07:48:25 PM
canners we have explained that, on about page 4 ...
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: FattusCattus on October 30, 2011, 07:51:00 PM
I'm keen to stress that this doesn't make the H4L a bad bat, it's just that we were lucky to test another 3 or 4 which were exceptional.

Also, the Kook CCX, the SG and one of the Slaz's were surprisingly poor - so you just never know.

and remember, it is a subjective test, I used a superb Hattori in a net about a year ago, and a Millichamp that I thought was a dog!

Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 30, 2011, 07:52:45 PM
you are so picky now you are a proper batsman.
the stig was happy with the training bat... :o
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Canners on October 30, 2011, 07:55:17 PM
I think this test has proved that, its impossible to guarantee any bat is going to a world beater regardless of what stickers it carries.....

but what you can certainly do, is increase the chances of getting a great bat, by selecting carefully
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 30, 2011, 09:29:24 PM
What it also shows is that with careful picking you need not spend a fortune to get a bat which the majority of people would consider to be very good.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 30, 2011, 09:34:55 PM
What it also shows is that with careful picking you need not spend a fortune to get a bat which the majority of people would consider to be very good.
The thing is - you bought a fair few bats to get the two good cheap ones - but you only needed to buy one Laver...
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 30, 2011, 09:53:43 PM
Why include lblh in a test if 4 out of 5 people cannot use them?
I didn't see this - we tested the LBLH bats because it is a lovely bat and we all wanted to use it!! Almost all of the bats are owned by the testers - so we wanted to use them. 
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 30, 2011, 10:08:46 PM
The thing is - you bought a fair few bats to get the two good cheap ones - but you only needed to buy one Laver...
Yes, that's a fair comment, and I suppose if you are buying blind, i.e. over the internet, going with the recognised top makers has resulted in far less slippage of standards when compared to the other end of the market. The only way you'd get around that would be to take a mallet with you whenever you went bat shopping!

On that note we should probably also provide some feedback on the fat bat we tested.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: petehosk on October 30, 2011, 10:17:21 PM
How long did the testing take? And how many bats were tested in all?
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 30, 2011, 10:41:12 PM
most of the bats in the picture.
about 4 to 5 hours
testers...
me, Tim, fattus, batoff and the stig.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 30, 2011, 10:41:31 PM
How long did the testing take? And how many bats were tested in all?
Approximately four hours, and there were the 19 bats rated plus a couple of others used only by an individual so not rated.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 30, 2011, 10:50:20 PM
plus cake eating...
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: petehosk on October 30, 2011, 11:02:28 PM
If you're thinking of doing a more extensive testing then let me know as I'd need to get a few more bats knocked in!!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: roco on October 30, 2011, 11:13:11 PM
They would need to clear a long weekend for your bats pete
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Canners on October 30, 2011, 11:20:47 PM
plus cake eating...

i hope brucey shared some :)
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: petehosk on October 31, 2011, 10:04:26 AM
Now that Brucie is a proper batsman, the others would have plenty of opportunity to eat cakes whilst Bruce is driving the balls to all parts of the nets!!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 31, 2011, 11:56:19 AM
I'm going to mention the Fat Bat, as it was a newcomer and not one that many of us were familiar with. While batoff rated it as his number one bat and loved it, I'd have to differ. We were told it was around 2lb10 to 2lb11, but fortunately had a nice set of scales. These told a slightly different story and it came in at 2lb 14 or so, maybe a little bit more.

When used in the net, the weight and pick up combined for it to be much too heavy for me. It went like a train, don't get me wrong there, but there is no way I could use it for any length of time as I was finding that it was cramping up my wrists within a few balls. I'd suggest that this is a combination of the shape and weight. Had it been somewhere nearer the 2lb10oz level, I think it would have suited me a lot more. The toe finish was also a little unusual with a slightly uneven shape.

As they go, it is a fat bat and has a lot of willow, but the pick-up on this particular model didn't suit me at all.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 31, 2011, 12:04:20 PM
I'm going to mention the Fat Bat, as it was a newcomer and not one that many of us were familiar with. While batoff rated it as his number one bat and loved it, I'd have to differ. We were told it was around 2lb10 to 2lb11, but fortunately had a nice set of scales. These told a slightly different story and it came in at 2lb 14 or so, maybe a little bit more.

When used in the net, the weight and pick up combined for it to be much too heavy for me. It went like a train, don't get me wrong there, but there is no way I could use it for any length of time as I was finding that it was cramping up my wrists within a few balls. I'd suggest that this is a combination of the shape and weight. Had it been somewhere nearer the 2lb10oz level, I think it would have suited me a lot more. The toe finish was also a little unusual with a slightly uneven shape.

As they go, it is a fat bat and has a lot of willow, but the pick-up on this particular model didn't suit me at all.
Just to extend this further - the bat we were given had a very thick round handle which may have impacted on the testers view of it (it seemed universal that the oval handles were preferred) - the Laver, Lion, Reebok, Instinct all have oval handles.
The bat was finished well - but wasn't the most perfect shape - like a cross between an oblivion and a SAF, but not quite getting it's identity right and the toe was far from perfect.

but it seriously went - everyone gave it full marks for ping without any debate.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Batoff on October 31, 2011, 03:26:16 PM
Here is further video evidence from the testing. Please note the protective headgear in use during this session:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOc93IRv_lU
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: The_Bird on October 31, 2011, 03:28:37 PM
There seems to be a hole in that Lekka lol
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 31, 2011, 03:39:02 PM
There seems to be a hole in that Lekka lol
Aside from the quote "Me Likey" followed by the scream from the bowling machine....
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: The_Bird on October 31, 2011, 03:47:01 PM
Aside from the quote "Me Likey" followed by the scream from the bowling machine....

To be fair the ones he hit bloody flew, is that Lekka Long Handle/Short Blade? 
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 31, 2011, 04:54:37 PM
To be fair the ones he hit bloody flew, is that Lekka Long Handle/Short Blade?
Yes. Very similar to the Joker, weighs 2lb 11oz. But it's as big as my mate's Joker which weighs in at 3lb.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: The_Bird on October 31, 2011, 05:00:54 PM
Another question were the tests done with only Bowling machine balls? Would this affect the ping rating? I would love to hear a brand new cherry come off a few of those bats!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 31, 2011, 05:04:48 PM
mallet, balls and bola
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: petehosk on October 31, 2011, 05:07:50 PM
Good question about how the ping was determined! As I have found that just using the Bola machine only in the nets, the slightly higher middled bats tend to respond better then bats with a lower middle due to the bouncier surface. So testing the mallet and throw downs and normal balls is a good call!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 31, 2011, 05:10:45 PM
Good question about how the ping was determined! As I have found that just using the Bola machine only in the nets, the slightly higher middled bats tend to respond better then bats with a lower middle due to the bouncier surface. So testing the mallet and throw downs and normal balls is a good call!
I'd also add that the bats that came out with the best ping were nearly all mid-low middled bats, even with the Bola. That's mainly because we don't seem to own too many with higher middles...
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on October 31, 2011, 05:41:33 PM
plus because of a pretty ferocious ridge on a length we typically had the bowling machine set to a pretty full length.
The video wasn't set up for the Stig's first set of back of a length 80mph deliveries - but we decided pretty quickly that this wouldn't be a useful test of the bats... the white lid would have been tested though!!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: FattusCattus on October 31, 2011, 09:32:42 PM
Here is further video evidence from the testing. Please note the protective headgear in use during this session:

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOc93IRv_lU[/url]


In my defence, I hadn't got my eye in at that point - I was just building up to 'maximum batsmanship' - my last set was a little more classic. Plus the weight of the hat was pulling me a little out of line!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: jw17 on October 31, 2011, 09:46:53 PM
After watching these videos all i can think is i would back myself to get you all out bar the stig!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on October 31, 2011, 09:48:36 PM
everyone loves a pinch of modesty.....
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Nickauger on October 31, 2011, 09:53:24 PM
After watching these videos all i can think is i would back myself to get you all out bar the stig!

All, I've only seen 2, and I don't think I fancy my chances against the Cat, I reckon I might get a few coming back at me fairly sharpish.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: FattusCattus on October 31, 2011, 09:53:50 PM
Well done 'jw'- you fancy knocking over a 65 year old, a fat bloke and a tail-ender who makes sponge-cakes!

I'd back myself to (No Swearing Please) you for a couple of streaky 4's before you got me  :D
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: jw17 on October 31, 2011, 09:55:04 PM
Haha fair enough!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Nickauger on October 31, 2011, 09:55:53 PM
Haha fair enough!

And consider yourself served dear fellow lol :D
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: FattusCattus on October 31, 2011, 09:57:52 PM
Nick, that's very kind of you - I am hitting a few quite hard and quite straight. Sadly it's all the ones I'm missing that seem to be the problem!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Nickauger on October 31, 2011, 10:00:02 PM
Lol, I thought you looked very good mate. Balance is good, bat speed is terriffic. I reckon you've got the same thing as me, just like to try and smash everything when in the nets (especially with the camera on me), and end up getting poled, and playing by numbers cos a nurdle for 1 looks rubbish in the nets! :)
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: FattusCattus on October 31, 2011, 10:03:03 PM
You know your stuff Nick - according to the coach my positives are a terrific eye and high batspeed, minus points are concentration, leaky defence and 'being a bit fat'.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Nickauger on October 31, 2011, 10:04:39 PM
You could also be describing me lol. Luckily, I can turn it on for slightly longer periods during the game haha.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: 100 not out on October 31, 2011, 10:26:21 PM
just watched the youtube video. . . bruce is the best by miles.  .   a purist.
im not sure how indicative these bola balls are when compared to real balls

what speed was the machine set at?? where is this, someone's garage??
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on October 31, 2011, 11:21:16 PM
After watching these videos all i can think is i would back myself to get you all out bar the stig!
Lol. You really wouldn't want to bet on that too much. What is it they say? Nets against a bowling machine are no indicator of performance in the middle?... Our, 20 overs of frustrating bowlers to score a couple of league bonus points is the other way to look at it...
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Nickauger on November 01, 2011, 07:34:17 AM
It's nor, as far as I'm concerned.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on November 19, 2011, 06:16:13 PM
some hilarity at my house, the "stig" was over and was pinned lbw twice by my two year old!
that's leg before washing machine to you guys!
stig was most unimpressed.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: norbs on November 19, 2011, 10:31:00 PM
Well done chaps.... loved this!

Bruce you are almost as good as me now!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: FattusCattus on November 20, 2011, 10:28:06 AM
Norblett - may be some classic SAF's being lined up for Batoff II (Son of Batoff). For a small fee I can ensure being filmed whilst using one!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: norbs on November 20, 2011, 10:49:12 AM
Ugly Betty!!!!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: FattusCattus on November 20, 2011, 10:54:10 AM
She's Dead - split right up one side!!!!! We need another!

Her last innings was 196* !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  (erm, not by me I hasten to add)
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: norbs on November 20, 2011, 11:11:30 AM
not a bad life, she was about 4 years old and a fair few runs....  :(

why didn't anyone play the patented off the top edge shot off the ceiling onto you head shot
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on November 20, 2011, 11:49:34 AM
why didn't anyone play the patented off the top edge shot off the ceiling onto you head shot
the bowling machine was set to half volley length as we were testing bats, not technique.
this will all change for batoff 2: revenge of the bowling machine.
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on November 20, 2011, 11:57:16 AM
the bowling machine was set to half volley length as we were testing bats, not technique.
this will all change for batoff 2: revenge of the bowling machine.
Except when it was pinged at the ridge for me...
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Buzz on November 20, 2011, 11:59:05 AM
Except when it was pinged at the ridge for me...

all in the name of testing the ayrtek... :)
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on November 20, 2011, 12:06:15 PM
all in the name of testing the ayrtek... :)
>:(
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: norbs on November 20, 2011, 12:07:21 PM
the bowling machine was set to half volley length as we were testing bats, not technique.
this will all change for batoff 2: revenge of the bowling machine.

half volley length means nothing to me and my bating style, I still would have hit one off the ceiling... :D
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: FattusCattus on November 20, 2011, 12:25:22 PM
I shall be Dilscooping furiously Nobby - it will be awesome!
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: tim2000s on November 20, 2011, 12:28:08 PM
I shall be Dilscooping furiously Nobby - it will be awesome!
I seem to recall attempting that shot off a slow bouncer...
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: norbs on November 20, 2011, 01:03:06 PM
Been refreshing my email for a while now still no offers from Tom for a helmet  :o <taps fingers impatiently >
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on November 20, 2011, 11:23:16 PM
Check ur junk mail it's in there with all the genital enhancement offers I'm sure ;)
Title: Re: Batoff rates some willow!
Post by: johnnyw on November 20, 2011, 11:54:09 PM
Im thinking of doing an experiment to test out the performance of bats next week. Just need to buy some more bats to test out.