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03 November 2011 - That is the date I will never forget because on that day I spoke with 'Godfather' of podshaving and that is no other than Julian Millichamp. As we started our conversation I told Julian about my batting style that how I bat and how are the pitches here in Canada. So after explaining him everything Julian had put two options infront of me which were - Series One and Series Three. I am very picky when it comes to pickup because I feel that most important aspect for a batsman is pickup and I told Julian I want with very good pickup but on the other hand want a bat that will be good for our pitches in Canada. So Julian further went on and explain me so at last he said that for me Series One.
After selecting the shape we came to weight, the weight I wanted and I use is around 2.8ish, however, Julian said the lowest weight for Series One is 2.10 where Julian further explained me how 2 ounces won't make any difference. So obviously I would have looked and sounded like an idiot if I would have went on and argued with Julian over the weight as he is complete dictionary when it comes to batmaking. However, Julian did tell me how he has two type of handles which are of 7 ounces and 10 ounces. He said if I still wanted 2.8 lbs bat then he can use 7 ounces handle but I wanted a thick oval handle so I said please use 10 ounce handle. Julian without any hesitation said no problem.
So everything was then sorted out and I hung the phone after talking to Julian for fifty or so minutes, so later during that day I fired an email to Julian with my specifications and sent him payment via PayPal which was eCheque (which takes seven to ten days to clear) but Julian said that he will be sending the bat after five business days and he trust me with the payment. I must say I was very impressed with this gesture because it was not a small sum so that was another great thing from a top man.
Everything was sorted out then it was game of patience :)). Julian was man of his words and he took exactly five business days to make the bat and on sixth day which was 11 November 2011 bat was shipped from Australia. Now for me it was just tracking number and Canada Posts website which was being abused by me like no tomorrow :)). Anyways, so time went by and I was suppose to get bat delivered at my house on 17th of November but the mailman left delivery notice in my mailbox so I had to pick it up from Post Office on next day after 13:00 EST. 17th of November night was probably one of those nights where I could not sleep, I was literally awake and dream of Screaming Cat. So after Friday Prayer and all of my work I went to post office at around 17:30 EST to receive the parcel so when I went there the lady was not able to find my parcel so I had easily spotted bat box being on other side of the counter and I got it. So as soon I got it and signed off I went on side of the store and opened the box right there on the stop because it was very hard for me to control myself. So after seeing the bat this is what I said to myself ''I have failed to find any bat better than this''.
Feel of the bat - Pickup and Balance
Now coming onto the bat I quickly drove to my house and worn batting gloves which Julian had sent for free (another great gesture of top man) to check the pickup first because that is what I cared about the most and when I held the bat in my bats I said this to myself ''No way this bat is 2.10''. I did shadow batting for a bit to see how is the pickup of the bat along balance and after seven to ten minutes I was assured the feel is exactly the way I wanted and it was just like how I wanted a bat to feel. It really didn't take me very long to say to myself that the feel is perfect because a top man made the bat who have made bats for hundreds and hundreds of players so what was I infront of them?
One thing I noticed was that the bat was absolutely flat and it had no bow whatsoever. I am not too sure if that makes a difference in pickup but I am definitely not bothered with it as it doesn't really make a difference to me.
So the feel box was ticked and the bat passed that.
Rebound of the bat - Ping
Since I don't have a mallet so I couldn't test the ping with it so I had a Dukes ball. So I brought the ball and went in open to check the ping of the bat and after seeing the ping I said to myself ''This is the best ping my eyes have ever witnessed on a bat''. My Laver & Wood Pro bat has impeccable ping but believe me infront of Screaming Cat it was nothing really, there was a significant difference between both and it was clearly visible. I also compared the ping of my other bats with this Screaming Cat and still they were no where close to Julian Millichamp made Screaming Cat Series One. While bouncing the ball one thing I noticed was that the ping throughout the face was marvellous and the sound was brilliant too! Obviously around splice region ping was not as good as the middle but that is understandable. Although the bat requires knocking and it is not fully knocked but if a unprepared bat was rebounding so well then one can wonder how a fully knocked Screaming Cat would perform. Seeing the bat face with light the dents on face were clearly visible which was proof that master of podshaving had himself tested the ping of the bat and there was no chance it would disappoint me.
Final words - Finishing etc
Out of all the bats I have the best finishing I have ever seen on a bat was of this Screaming Cat, Salix, Newbery and MB Malik Limited Edition I got have very good finishing but the finishing of Screaming Cat was impeccable and better than all three mentioned above.
The handle was thick oval but top of handle was a bit thinner than my preference but then it is single gripped and I can make top of handle thicker with use of different grip system etc. So that is really not a worry but the bottom hand feels very good as it is exactly what I wanted. Along Laver & Wood, Millichamp and Hall I would say Screaming Cat handles are my favourite - well both Laver & Wood and Millichamp and Hall obviously got the idea from Julian Millichamp as he was founder of one of the company and 'teacher' of other companies owner.
My experience throughout this deal was perfect and if I were to rate out of ten then it would be easily ten out of ten because of Julian's impeccable service, craftsmanship etc from the first minute we spoke till I got my hands on the bat everything was as I wanted and I couldn't ask for anything else. Julian had thrown a free pair of batting gloves, few grips and impressive bat cover which looks amazing for a bat.
So out of all bats I can easily say that Screaming Cat is the best bat I have ever owned in my life I don't think I will find anything better than a Screaming Cat in my life ever. I am sure in future I will be getting another Screaming Cat but this is too early to say right now.
I would like to give special thanks to Julian Millichamp for his impeccable service and throughout deal he was perfect person for the job. I have bought loads of stuff but never had this sort of experience with anyone really. So Julian Millichamp is top man and his service was top as well. My words really don't describe much of the experience, I highly recommend Julian if anyone wants to deal with him. Both Julian and his bats are out of world really :).
I hope you guys liked this review as I do believe I took your precious time so enjoy the pictures now.
If you have any question please don't hesitate to ask me.
Enjoy!
Here are the pictures..
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat34.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat1-1.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat2.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat3.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat4.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat31.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat18.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat13.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat8.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat9.jpg)
Second part..
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat14.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat10.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat11.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat23.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat22.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat24.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat17.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat15.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat16.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat29.jpg)
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Third part...
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat26.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat20.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat30.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat32.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat33.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat36.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat35.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat25.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat21.jpg)
Last part...
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat5.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat6.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/ScreamingCat37.jpg)
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Great review there mate, glad you are pleased with your new bat.
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great review - great looking bat!
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;)Did you take the pictures with a box brownie?
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Looks like wrong case on his phone
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Great stuff CD, love the review, parts 4,5 & 6 in daylight ;)
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Cheers guys I appreaciate :) I'm glad you guys liked the review :)
Haha LOL - Actually I editted the pictures out thinking they look 'cool' lol
D7bow definitely daylight part are yet to come :)
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Is it really that good? Or is the name Millichamp combined with the high price tag skewing your opinion slightly?
If this had Slazenger stickers on and was £50 from SD what would the review say?
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Is it really that good? Or is the name Millichamp combined with the high price tag skewing your opinion slightly?
If this had Slazenger stickers on and was £50 from SD what would the review say?
Good post Tom!
Actually I will be honest and it is definitely a great bat. It has nothing to do with name really, I have nearly all brand bats and one can see how Screaming Cat is superior among them. If someone had given me this bat without stickers and without telling me who made it I would still have said this is a great a bat.
If it had Slazenger stickers and was from SD for £50 and was just like this bat in terms of everything then I would definitely have said same thing in review.
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Good post Tom!
Actually I will be honest and it is definitely a great bat. It has nothing to do with name really, I have nearly all brand bats and one can see how Screaming Cat is superior among them. If someone had given me this bat without stickers and without telling me who made it I would still have said this is a great a bat.
If it had Slazenger stickers and was from SD for £50 and was just like this bat in terms of everything then I would definitely have said same thing in review.
You can't say any of that though!
Has anyone on here ever bought a really expensive bat and posted a review that said 'Na, it was pish, sent it back'
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You can't say any of that though!
Has anyone on here ever bought a really expensive bat and posted a review that said 'Na, it was pish, sent it back'
I guess thats human nature then, no ?
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I guess thats human nature then, no ?
Exactly, I think that was the point Tom was making.
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i'm not rude enough to ask for the exact price but can i be cheeky enough to get a hint - i.e. between £300-£400, etc??
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No worries mate ask way, exact prices;
AUD $675
CAD $729
GBP £449
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Also I would like to mention the stickers are not of great quality, the quality of Newbery, Salix, Laver etc sticker quality is yard ahead of these.
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nice bat, but I have to ask, you now have invested almost as much as Mr hosk in willow, what are you going to do with them all?
also I haven't received the mallets for you yet.
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No worries about the mallets, just send them over once you get them. I'm not in any rush so no worries.
Answer to your question I will be using them whenever I can possibly play and maybe sell/give away those I don't see myself using ever.
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No worries about the mallets, just send them over once you get them. I'm not in any rush so no worries.
Answer to your question I will be using them whenever I can possibly play and maybe sell/give away those I don't see myself using ever.
I'll have the legend, oblivion and the amplus if they are going free ;)
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Haha LOL
I'm not doing any advertisement but my local shop is still selling Legends for $400 CAD which is £250.
Again I'm sorry admins/mods if you think I broke any rules..
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As requested here are day light pictures...
Enjoy....
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07183.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07180.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07185.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07186.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07187.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07189.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07195.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07192.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07199.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07201.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07198.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07200.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07207.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07209.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07202.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07196.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07191.jpg)
(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/DSC07190.jpg)
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That's better CD. Looks even better in colour
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I cant get over the simple fact that that is an astonishing ammount of money to spend on a single bat. CD make sure you use it until it is in splinters so you get your moneys worth.
No worries mate ask way, exact prices;
AUD $675
CAD $729
GBP £449
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It's only half the price of a Cenkos, which isn't that much to Cover Drive!
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I'm amazed at the price of these things. I really can't believe they are so much better than a laver or tk that they command twice the money.
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It's only half the price of a Cenkos, which isn't that much to Cover Drive!
I don't understand why this joke never stops..
It's his own money, you can spend money on whatever you want..it all balances out in the end.
On a bat note, it looks a very good profile, not too keen on the grains (I'd have expected nicer looking grains for the price maybe..unless it's solely performance graded..?), but sure it will perform nicely :)
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it does look stunning, love a lot about it, but not sure it's £449 nice, well, i am not sure any bat is £449 nice!
Also i know j.m knows his stuff but i wouldnt pay £449 for something that was slightly heavier than i usually use, even if i was told it doesnt make a difference.
However you've purchased it, so thats irrelevant, and on the pics it does look like a corker of a bat you've got yourself.
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It's only half the price of a Cenkos, which isn't that much to Cover Drive!
Thank you very much for caring about my money Wazza, I think you don't have anything better to do than this.
Suit yourself :)
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Cheers Johan and Peps I appreciate it :)
Johan, JM is not really fan of face nor I was when I ordered, I remember I told him "Julian I don't care how it looks like I just want a bat which will perform THE best" in reply he said "Uzair my reputation is at stake when you buy Professional range you will get the best performing bat" so I was happy enough and convinced enough really.
Hmm that's true Peps but as long it is feeling like the way I want I guess that's all what matters the most
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Cheers Johan and Peps I appreciate it :)
Hmm that's true Peps but as long it is feeling like the way I want I guess that's all what matters the most
Agreed mate! it was just a subjective view about what i'd like... and as i went on to say its irrelevant as i dont own the bat! hope it serves you well!
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Ah no worries mate its all good bro
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Thank you very much for caring about my money Wazza, I think you don't have anything better to do than this.
Suit yourself :)
Lol that made me chuckle..
Cheers Johan and Peps I appreciate it :)
Johan, JM is not really fan of face nor I was when I ordered, I remember I told him "Julian I don't care how it looks like I just want a bat which will perform THE best" in reply he said "Uzair my reputation is at stake when you buy Professional range you will get the best performing bat" so I was happy enough and convinced enough really.
Hmm that's true Peps but as long it is feeling like the way I want I guess that's all what matters the most
Fair enough, I assumed it'd have been something like that mate.
Tbh, I love the look of it and am sure it performs well, but I just can't justify it when I could get 2 Redbacks or 2 H4Ls for the same price..
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Sounds fair mate each to its own I guess :)
Wazza has transformed into jonpinson ;-)
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Jon wasn't a grammar whore ;)
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Good bats grain wise mine doesn't look anything flash but that's not what scores the runs...happy with mine having scored 4 tonnes with it last season alone....should last into its 3rd season too with some repair work so divide £450 by 3 and I think it reps value for money when it performs and lasts well.
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(http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq167/tom_ayrtek/6b2c5fa4.jpg)
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Good bats grain wise mine doesn't look anything flash but that's not what scores the runs...happy with mine having scored 4 tonnes with it last season alone....should last into its 3rd season too with some repair work so divide £450 by 3 and I think it reps value for money when it performs and lasts well.
This man has been rescuing me for past few days...first helmet not SCAT ;)
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You guys really are spoilt when it comes to bat prices in the UK. $675 in Oz for a top of the range bat is cheap compared to an off the shelf mass produced bat by one of the big guys e.g GN, GM, Puma, Slaz, Kook commanding $800.
Think yourselves lucky
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CD top looking bat there bro
Dont forget I'm first in line if this ever gets sold :)
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Stop being greedy Canners, your getting one for your 30th
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beautiful bat there cover drive. a true hand made work of art.
also incredibly expensive for what it is.
I'm staggered to learn bat prices in Aus are even more expensive than our costs for top grade bats.
I think with Julian it all started back on the Aussie tour of England when it got leaked the Australian squad went down en mass to Millichamp and Hall and used their bats,albeit with other stickers on them.
lovely lovely bat...
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I think it would be nice to own a scat before julian pulls the pin and retires. I think H4L and the other cottage brands will be
around for a while so I we could get them another season. This bat looks superb
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You could surf on those wavy grains ...
Nice bat CD. I have a touch of willow envy, but neither the wherewithal nor talent to justify the outlay on a SC.
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ive never owned one but been up against a load when i was in perth. From what i saw absolutely amazing bats. this looks no different. it gonna be my first purchase when i get a massive pay rise or win the lotto
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Cheers guys!
I don't think anyone here would really deserve a top of the line bat because our talent, as it doesn't justify it. But we all buy them, its cricket and we love the sports so that is what make us buy it....
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I don't think anyone here would really deserve a top of the line bat because our talent, as it doesn't justify it. But we all buy them, its cricket and we love the sports so that is what make us buy it....
Speak for yourself!!!!
Being a little more serious, there are some serious players (not just Fattus Cattus) on this forum as well as serious bat collectors
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I'm amazed at the price of these things. I really can't believe they are so much better than a laver or tk that they command twice the money.
Have you checked Lavers website out lately ? His top of the line bats are more expensive.
As i have mentioned on a recent thread, these bats are genuinely awesome and i feel they are value for money if you play regular decent level cricket and cherish your batting. They are no dearer than a top line GN or Kooka and my SCAT did perform better than other major brand bats i have used in the past.
It quite amazing, once you find a bat that you completely love and you feel at one with it, your performance as a batsmen improves, everything from balance at the crease, moving your feet better, to timing the ball, hitting boundaries with more ease, etc etc - these things all contribute to increased confidence which leads to more runs at the crease. When i look back at when i acquired my SCAT, my averages definitely increased and this is not blowing wind out of my (__O__)
My SCAT is on its last legs and i have tried a couple of different options (wish i didn't) as a replacement and things just don't feel the same. When i get time, i will send a picture of my SCAT (Professional grade) - it has 15 ruler straight grains, perfect piece of willow.
Hopefully it gets me a few in todays game....
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My SCAT is on its last legs and i have tried a couple of different options (wish i didn't) as a replacement and things just don't feel the same. When i get time, i will send a picture of my SCAT (Professional grade) - it has 15 ruler straight grains, perfect piece of willow.
Hopefully it gets me a few in todays game....
I testify with that bolded statement, after using Screaming Cat I used other bats and believe me they felt planks :(
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Hi guys,
sorry its been awhile. Here are my SCAT professional pictures - on its last legs (under that fiberglass tape its looking very ordinary).
Maybe i should send it to Kingsgrove and get it repaired like Clarke's run machines recent overhaul (have you seen the picture on Kingsgroves facebook site)
(http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s572/markmanolini/Cricket%20Bats/SCAT4_zps4526c6d6.jpg)
(http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s572/markmanolini/Cricket%20Bats/SCAT2_zpsb35cf5be.jpg)
(http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s572/markmanolini/Cricket%20Bats/SCAT3_zps4539268a.jpg)
(http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s572/markmanolini/Cricket%20Bats/SCAT1_zpsa0f858c3.jpg)
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That's a lovely looking face. Have you got a profile shot of this wand?
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That's a lovely looking face. Have you got a profile shot of this wand?
Very tradition profile with minimal bow - has developed a slight bow over time through constant hitting.
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Mmmmm, nice! But expensive!
Oh well, if you're not a bat whore like most of us on here and have at least one more bat than you can actually use, then you can justify the expense of a new one!
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Nice, like the grains on that one!
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Can someone please share picture(s) of the Clarke bat aforementioned user is talking about?
Thanks
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Will make a new topic with said images
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Can someone please share picture(s) of the Clarke bat aforementioned user is talking about?
Thanks
https://www.facebook.com/Kingsgrovesportscentre
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Reviving an old thread.. Julian has moved on to 9ther things and stopped making bats now?
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Reviving an old thread.. Julian has moved on to 9ther things and stopped making bats now?
He stopped about 5 years ago. Tried a kickstarter for a bat making "school" but it fell through.
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Got it thanks!
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Huge loss of expertise, always dreamed of owning a CAT.....