Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: petehosk on November 29, 2011, 09:40:52 PM
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The day started early when the alarm went off at 7:20am on Saturday. Still wiping the sleep from my eyes, I tried to focus on my phone a sent a text to Roco enquiring as to his whereabouts. His day was destined to start a lot earlier than mine, as he needed to drive from Wales to Oxfordshire by 8:30am!!
The reply to my text was quick, and to my surprise he was already parked outside at 7:30!! Ten minutes later we were drinking a cuppa, tapping up a few bats, and planning out road trip to Kent.
We set off and eventually arrived after some help from Matt's directions. We parked by the workshop and were met by Matt welcoming us with the offer of another cuppa. The workshop was split into 4 rooms - the sanding room, the main workshop, the shop and last (but not least) the kitchen.
The workshop itself was very well equipped with a press, various cutters and electric saws, other equipment for helping and a couple of vices. The sanding areas had the proper sanders and buffers. The shop obviously had areas to show bats, pads and gloves. And the kitchen had all the essentials except for the one missing ingredient of the Battenberg cake!!!
The next hour or two was spent discussing the forum and picking up bats. The conversation went something like, "this one's nice. How's that one? Nice? Yeh, this one too! Ohhhh, that one looks nice. And this one as well. Hey, nice bat you picked up there! What do you think of this one? Yeh, it is nice isn't it! Blah, blah!"
So we sorted through dozens and dozens of part mades which Matt had been busy getting ready for our arrival! There were some pretty grains, some tight grains, wider grains, heartwood, clean, butterfly clefts,etc,etc.
We then got the trusty mallet out and starting tapping the clefts up. We managed to find lots of clefts which responded extremely well - some were cosmetically nicer to look at than others but we weren't there to worry about how the bats looked! Response, feel and balance would be more important factors.
We started choosing some bats and putting them to one side otherwise we would end up being there all day. And there was a pub just round the corner which needed our attention and the clock was ticking. We eventually chose a few heavier bats and let Matt lose with his big mallet which would look more at home in a Thor movie. He started picking up the clefts one by one, and giving them an almighty whack with the Thor mallet.
He then looked at one of the bats we'd put to one side and informed us that it was the bat he had his eye on to use himself in the 2012 season. It was not the best looking willow but the Thor mallet made one hell of a rifle shot noise.....
Little wonder that Matt had earmarked that bat!! Roco was sold too and I was quite envious as it seemed ultra-responsive. And Lord knows I need more help with my batting than Roco does, although I do have slightly more choice at home.
There was a generous butterfly stain towards the top of the cleft so I guess it's true what they say about those clefts being very responsive.
Matt got to work on the bat trimming the edges to the correct width through one of a few machines he had lying around the workshop. Then he started sanding the blade and shaping the handle. Every now and then he handed it to Roco to try the bat for feel and pickup. Once happy he buffed and waxed the blade and strung the handle and set it to one side so that the handle binding could dry.
Then it was my turn and I picked out 4 part mades that were slightly lighter but all tapped up well. I let Matt do his 'thor thang' - a few hefty wacks followed and the two clefts which felt the best to me also sounded the best with Matt's fat wack! In fact his little face lit up when he smacked the last bat - the noise it made was beeee-uuuu-tiiii-fuulllll!! No better than Roco's, but to me, it was special ;)
Again, Matt toiled away, sanding, shaping and trimming. I was like an expectant father pacing up and down the workshop!! What seemed like an hour later (was no more than 10 or 15 minutes really) and Matt hand delivered my little baby!
Even without the binding and grip applied, the pickup was excellent. I nodded appreciatively and handed it back to Matt to finish. He buffed and binded and stood it next to Roco's bat, which was now dry so Matt applied Roco's grip setup which in this case consisted of a thin grip plus a thick grip on top. Stickers were applied and Roco ample baby was ready to go - around 3lb of lush, butterfly clad, responsive willowy bat complete with Hattori Stickers. Pictures will be compliments of Roco!
Then came mine and same stickers but without the monster bits! After all, my bat was only 2'13 but picked up lighter. In all we both walked away very happy chaps! We then took a short drive to the pub where we had some food and a drink. Then we said a fond farewell to Matt and the day drew to a nice end!
We both had a great experience and want to say a big thanks to Matt for looking after us and for making us a couple of lovely bats.....
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Roco choosing his cleft.....we didn't have the heart to tell him!!
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/0237e816.jpg)
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Or maybe these are a better option.....
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/25abd25d.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/f16f26b6.jpg)
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Would Sirs prefer a warmer cleft??
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/32a9dd00.jpg)
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top stuff boys.....top service as ever from Matty!!
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Now we're getting warmer!! 8)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/35a9581c.jpg)
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Nice fresh, crisp clefts......excellent!
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/f78bcceb.jpg)
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Less width.. Could you just lose a few Mills off the edges?
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/cd528a17.jpg)
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Shaping the handle....
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/6a7b85ed.jpg)
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A little rasping
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/1864cc32.jpg)
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Binding the handle
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/2ddd5b4d.jpg)
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Workshop pics....
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/9b9b40ba.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/32f0d522.jpg)
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/007a9412.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/ec93d01e.jpg)
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:-[ sorry about the mess..... it was spotless before i had visitors!
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/23dd2a30.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/ba9facf1.jpg)
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haha they create havoc where ever these two go its like Max and Paddy's road trip!!!
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I am officially annoyed I missed this trip........Belgians eh? Typical.....
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Now we need to pick some bats......
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/39dd8755.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/e17e538c.jpg)
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We wanted you to come along pedals......
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/455b5c37.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/0bda2974.jpg)
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Were any of Azhar's lying around?
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Matt looked bored so we figured we'd try to keep him busy.....
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/9f2f0632.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/a77ed936.jpg)
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Even had some other bats along some of the Walls!!
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/e7c39f0f.jpg)
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/128f72d6.jpg)
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And some of Matt's ex-match bats
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/2716f6c7.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/b8802e96.jpg)
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/b2615287.jpg)
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Edges sir......did you say you wanted big edges? Will this suffice??
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/9b6ebef3.jpg)
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On the smaller of the 2 bats....
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/8be8fe8f.jpg)
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Absolutely love those stickers with no pics on
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And now the larger......
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/b8613e26.jpg)
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:-[ sorry about the mess..... it was spotless before i had visitors!
sorry about that Matt - Roco has a history of turning up and leaving the place in a total mess. Frankly he's a liability!
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For the lovers of heavy bats.....
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/7a29cca9.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/8c8f6a01.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/50e36099.jpg)
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Will post pics of the bat soon! 8)
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I take it the big boy is matts 4lb?
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Is that XL the 4lb one..? I'm sure Matt put pics of that up last year..! :)
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I believe that really huge bat is around 3lb 11? Doesn't seem bad for quality willow and edges around 65mm!! How to scare the bowlers!!
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Did you try to pick it up, if so, how did it pick up?
I wonder what the spine height is?!!
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I'm sure Roco will post pics of his bat once he's sorted. So may as well post pics of mine whilst I'm waiting!!
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Mine is 2'13 and picks up beautifully. Nothing to write home about cosmetically but the response scores very highly on the ping-o-meter! 8)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/hatorri/16-1.jpg)
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Edges are only 33mm so ample rather than huge.
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/hatorri/15-1.jpg)
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/hatorri/11-1.jpg)
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Perfect Colly net bat ;)
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/hatorri/09-1.jpg)
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Lovely profile......
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/hatorri/07-1.jpg)
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/hatorri/06-1.jpg)
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/hatorri/05-1.jpg)
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/hatorri/04-1.jpg)
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/hatorri/03-1.jpg)
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/hatorri/02-1.jpg)
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/hatorri/14.jpg)
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/hatorri/01.jpg)
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/hatorri/13.jpg)
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/hatorri/08.jpg)
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/hatorri/10.jpg)
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Pure and utter bat porn.
Great pictures from the workshop too
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I like the sofa Pete and the bats not bad either!
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Thanks fella - old worn leather look! Just like my skin! 8)
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Cheers for all this guys! Appreciated and enjoyable read!
Pete, middle a bit too high no?
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Specs of mine were 2lb14/15 single grip but picks up light
40mm edges
65mm spine
Very little to norway taken out
Performance not looks and goes like a bullet as Matt and Pete will say although I do feel a bit guilty for stealing matts match bat
(http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae59/ajer2000/67c2f9d1.jpg)
(http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae59/ajer2000/a4a62f60.jpg)
(http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae59/ajer2000/31d22b9f.jpg)
(http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae59/ajer2000/69fbe297.jpg)
(http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae59/ajer2000/649ffa0b.jpg)
(http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae59/ajer2000/2e3351ed.jpg)
(http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae59/ajer2000/2e22d215.jpg)
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Tom
We left your place tidy compared to asads
Bruce
That mess was all you I only had a couple of bats neat and tidy up the corner you had everything out
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Chaps, can I ask what grade they are? 3*, 5* or LE? And is there anywhere on the bat that tells you as such? Just an enquiring mind here! :)
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We both asked for no grade as these were performance based but I'd guess 5* on looks but le le on rebound
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Roco, is that a typical Hattori profile? The top and bottom look a little thin compared to others I have seen.
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Roco choosing his cleft.....we didn't have the heart to tell him!!
([url]http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/0237e816.jpg[/url])
Can one check ping/performance of a cleft (like one in this picture)?
If one can then how is it possible since above cleft is not pressed etc
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Thank you Peter for an excellent thread
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It's a custom profile kind of big hattori/666 I think
Toe is thin as Matt had started shaping it for use by himself and he uses a 2lb10 so a lot lighter but it has one of matts "pro toes" so should still be strong
That cleft above cd tapped up a dream but slightly heavy pick up if I'm honest
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It's a custom profile kind of big hattori/666 I think
Toe is thin as Matt had started shaping it for use by himself and he uses a 2lb10 so a lot lighter but it has one of matts "pro toes" so should still be strong
That cleft above cd tapped up a dream but slightly heavy pick up if I'm honest
what's a pro toe? how does it differ from a normal toe?
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Can one check ping/performance of a cleft (like one in this picture)?
If one can then how is it possible since above cleft is not pressed etc
CD - the picture you referred to was a little joke! That's why I put it in there fella!
I suspect my sense of humour isn't to everyones' (or anyones') taste!! :(
And mine has the special P-TIS (Pro-Toe Injection System) as well!
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Edges sir......did you say you wanted big edges? Will this suffice??
([url]http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/H4L/workshop/9b6ebef3.jpg[/url])
Is this for sale?
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And mine has the special P-TIS (Pro-Toe Injection System) as well!
What is this Pro-Toe Injection System you speak of? Something to do with injecting a toe guard?
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Is this for sale?
I guess you'll have to check with Matt, but it was in the shop as a showpiece!
If it is for sale then you'd better hope that he doesn't charge with weight or edge size in mind! ;)
Would sir care to try it on for size then?
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What is this Pro-Toe Injection System you speak of? Something to do with injecting a toe guard?
All will be revealed. I'll try to get pics up later this evening ;)
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I guess you'll have to check with Matt, but it was in the shop as a showpiece!
If it is for sale then you'd better hope that he doesn't charge with weight or edge size in mind! ;)
Would sir care to try it on for size then?
Ohhh, I may give him a PM then! Do you know roughly how much it weighs (assuming you had a look at it!)... I'm using a 3.2/3 at the moment and could possibly stretch to 3.4/5, but I'm guessing that Matt's bat must be around 3.7/8 minimum....
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Ohhh, I may give him a PM then! Do you know roughly how much it weighs (assuming you had a look at it!)... I'm using a 3.2/3 at the moment and could possibly stretch to 3.4/5, but I'm guessing that Matt's bat must be around 3.7/8 minimum....
you must have arms of steel!!!
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or a brain of jelly! ;)
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he has the twin bat to my M&H i had ryan lol so thats how heavy it was
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One on left is 3lb10/11 one on right was 3lb5/6
Matt said he only had a coupl of these jumbo clefts left but could make another to suit
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great thread...great pics...and a great set up matt..and hope the 2 bats become your match bats respectively..
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Very interested in seeing this pro toe thingy- is it similar to a lamitoe?
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That cleft above cd tapped up a dream but slightly heavy pick up if I'm honest
CD - the picture you referred to was a little joke! That's why I put it in there fella!
I suspect my sense of humour isn't to everyones' (or anyones') taste!! :(
And mine has the special P-TIS (Pro-Toe Injection System) as well!
Oh okay no worries mate it was late in Canada and with exams cramping up so I probably understood what you were trying to say :S
Anyways, cheers for replying roco and pete :)
appreciated.
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Pro handles, pro clefts and pro toe now :D
Yahooooo!! :D haha
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Matt will have to explain as the science is over my head
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roco which has better ping/ pickup, yr h4l or your woodstocks?
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Honestly I would say the h4l rebounds better but has been knocked in more so will knock them both in then see which is better but got a black cat shadow as well
The Woodstock rebounds very nicely with a wide long middle do seems to be powerful and forgiving its just the h4l was the bat makers own choice do is bound to be the pick of all the clefts
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you'll have to do another review, once the season finishes..will be interesting which comes out on top
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A net in new year will be fun once I've knocked them all in
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over to pete .... ???
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One on left is 3lb10/11 one on right was 3lb5/6
Matt said he only had a coupl of these jumbo clefts left but could make another to suit
Wow! That is seriously heavy.... I'd like to say i'd be able to use it, but i feel i'd be lying!
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has a pro ever used a bat that heavy? :-[
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collis king 4lb
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Steffan Jones uses/ed a really heavy bat i dont know the exact weight
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I think Clive Lloyd did as well but seeing as how it was back in the day it was probably only 2lb 10!!!!
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Gayle uses 3lb2 sachin used 3lb most of his career now 2lb12 and there not bad
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I think H4L beats this bat;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU7m7MI5Ndk
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Steffan Jones uses/ed a really heavy bat i dont know the exact weight
Steffen jones bat got a lot of talk on sky. They reckoned it was 4lb...
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GOSH! MUST HAVE BEEN AN ABSOLUTE MONSTER! :o
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Klusener once toyed with the idea of a 4lb bat and used it in training but never in matches.