Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Cricket Manufacturers / Brands => blankbats.co.uk => Topic started by: johan95 on January 06, 2012, 03:13:35 PM

Title: BB Review
Post by: johan95 on January 06, 2012, 03:13:35 PM
Afternoon all,

This morning, I picked up a bat from Mr BlankBats which I am currently in the process of reviewing. Here are some pictures for you...I haven't been able to take pics as I have no camera, but BlankBats did so for me.

(http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i371/johand1963/photo4-1.jpg)
(http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i371/johand1963/photo3-1.jpg)
(http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i371/johand1963/photo2.jpg)
(http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i371/johand1963/photo.jpg)

The bat has been provided with a grip, scuff-sheet edge tape and toe guard, and was completely handmade due to its profile. The profile goes for more subtle edges (29mm) and a high spine (close to 60mm). There are 6 grains, and it's not the prettiest looking bat I've ever seen, but these bats are selected on performance.

There are some blemishes on the back of the bat, and a couple high up on the front. Though, I don't care about the back, given that I try (!) and use the front lol! :)

The middle position is roughly in the middle, but it looks and feels like a wide-ranging middle.  Initial response bouncing a ball on it and using a mallet is very positive, with great rebound in my opinion. The handle is pretty oval-shaped to me, and feels good, given the innovation of the handle shape is a USP.

I am looking forward to using this with the bowling machine in about 10 days time! :) - And for throwdowns, and with bowlers bowling at me. The final test for me will be using it with a new ball. It has been suggested I do some more knocking in, so I will be in the process of doing that in the coming days.

Thanks BlankBats for the opportunity. At the moment, I'm very impressed - I have a feeling this bat is gonna go like a train and prove its worth. :D

Any questions please ask :)

Johan

Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: johan95 on January 06, 2012, 03:23:31 PM
Sorry for the quality of the first picture there, it seems to have come up a bit grainy for me :(
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Tom on January 06, 2012, 03:32:42 PM
Beautiful shape
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Canners on January 06, 2012, 03:34:14 PM
was a pleasure meeting up JOhan and talking bats etc

that is my pride and joy so please be gentle with her :)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Cover_Drive on January 06, 2012, 03:34:45 PM
Looks lovely, what weight is it Johan?

I hope the bat serves you well.
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Canners on January 06, 2012, 03:36:46 PM
Beautiful shape

Thanks Tom, completely handmade as well

i think this will be one of our most popular shapes
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Alvaro on January 06, 2012, 03:38:13 PM
"I hope the bat serves you well."

It's not a butler....
Looks a lovely shape. Is this on loan Johan?
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: johan95 on January 06, 2012, 03:40:33 PM
Tom, I agree. Bit of a cross between the Hattori gabbers had and the big edged bats that prove to be so popular on here. The first thing I thought was the middle is gonna be massive!

It picks up very nicely for the weight. To answer your question Uzair, the weight of it is close to 2.11

I feel very lucky to have a completely handmade bat in this profile at the moment.

Canners, I will do my best to break it knock it in... ;)

Alvaro, yes it is on loan mate, for as long as it takes me to review it. It will be back in Canners' hands well before the league season begins though. :)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: petehosk on January 06, 2012, 04:00:52 PM
Nice profile. Is this one of the stock shapes BB are likely to be providing?
Also, good to see that this will be performance over cosmetics  :D

Will there be any clefts from the 'specials' bin available in the future?
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: kaustav on January 06, 2012, 04:10:02 PM
Need to get a BB in my kit, soon  :D

Nice bat Johan  ;)

Good work Canners; the world is such a pretty place when everyone is happy  :)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Nickauger on January 06, 2012, 04:18:24 PM
Blank Bats is you Canners?
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Canners on January 06, 2012, 04:21:37 PM
Need to get a BB in my kit, soon  :D

Nice bat Johan  ;)

Good work Canners; the world is such a pretty place when everyone is happy  :)

as long as eevryones happy, i'm happy :)

Kaustav i think i agree you need a bb in your bag ;)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Canners on January 06, 2012, 04:23:53 PM
Blank Bats is you Canners?

Blankbats is myself and 100 no
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Nickauger on January 06, 2012, 04:24:44 PM
I'm guessing every-one bar me knew this as there is no mass outcry from here. DUH!!!
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Canners on January 06, 2012, 04:28:49 PM
I'm guessing every-one bar me knew this as there is no mass outcry from here. DUH!!!

I thought it was pretty common knowledge? but now its in writing :)

so there we are ..........
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Nickauger on January 06, 2012, 04:32:23 PM
Me being a dumb ass then lol. hope it goes well for you mate, this knowledge has made me even more tempted to get one
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: thecord on January 06, 2012, 04:39:42 PM
Me being a dumb ass then lol. hope it goes well for you mate, this knowledge has made me even more tempted to get one

You weren't the only one!
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: tim2000s on January 06, 2012, 04:40:36 PM
Looks very similar to the Scat I've used. Nice shape.
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: RoCo Da Pixie on January 06, 2012, 04:46:05 PM
I thought it was pretty common knowledge? but now its in writing :)

so there we are ..........

Well now its common knowledge, I'll declare i am out of the running to purchase one ;)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Blank Bats on January 06, 2012, 05:18:20 PM
Well now its common knowledge, I'll declare i am out of the running to purchase one ;)

Matt and i thought we were mates :(
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Blank Bats on January 06, 2012, 05:26:44 PM
Me being a dumb ass then lol. hope it goes well for you mate, this knowledge has made me even more tempted to get one

appreciated, sorry my apologies this should have been made clearer sooner :)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Six Sixes Cricket on January 06, 2012, 06:46:49 PM
I twigged this morning that 100no was in with u mike. I presume this is a copy of 100no scat?
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: johan95 on January 06, 2012, 07:06:15 PM
Nice profile. Is this one of the stock shapes BB are likely to be providing?
Also, good to see that this will be performance over cosmetics  :D

Will there be any clefts from the 'specials' bin available in the future?

I'm sure if there's the demand for this shape they'll make it a stock shape. I'm definitely a fan of it :)

Need to get a BB in my kit, soon  :D

Nice bat Johan  ;)

Good work Canners; the world is such a pretty place when everyone is happy  :)

Cheers mate, it's Canners' personal bat, I'm just going to give an impartial review on the performance of it. I'm very happy with how it picks up for a 2.11.
Wonder whether this profile could be done in lower weights though Mike, sure there will be even more demand at 2.8 dressed, even if the edge size is sacrificed slightly..?

Me being a dumb ass then lol. hope it goes well for you mate, this knowledge has made me even more tempted to get one

I've realised that reviewing this bat is probably going to make me buy one myself :( - May have to wait till next year as I have too many bats!

I twigged this morning that 100no was in with u mike. I presume this is a copy of 100no scat?
Looks very similar to the Scat I've used. Nice shape.

I believe the profile is a copy of a Scat Series 1. Must say I'm loving the shape. Will be interested to see how this performs away from the middle - given the amount of wood everywhere on the bat, I think it should go well very close to the toe even. :)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: 100 not out on January 06, 2012, 08:35:01 PM
Can I say it's not an exact copy but rather based on the shape. It is our version along with the input of the bat maker. The scats do not have a bow for starters and the spine goes all the way into the handle splice. Where as this is slightly different. You could say inspired by the shape but not an exact replica.
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Simmy on January 06, 2012, 08:40:34 PM
ive been on canners photobucket and saw the big bats made like the ultra and then a group of bats next to a scat so i guess the profiles where copys or very close lovely shape!
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: 100 not out on January 06, 2012, 08:45:17 PM
These were handmade for us. There are differences between the shapes. That is for sure.

Thanks Simmy for the compliment. I thought you were having one. I need a favour if you don't mind helping.
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Canners on January 06, 2012, 08:50:36 PM
ive been on canners photobucket and saw the big bats made like the ultra and then a group of bats next to a scat so i guess the profiles where copys or very close lovely shape!

stalking me eh simmy...... ;)

i hope i havent made all my pics public ;) pm me if this is the case please
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Ryan on January 06, 2012, 08:54:14 PM
stalking me eh simmy...... ;)

i hope i havent made all my pics public ;) pm me if this is the case please

Some of your mrs on there then canners?  :D
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Canners on January 06, 2012, 09:39:31 PM
Some of your mrs on there then canners?  :D

not anymore im afraid boys, as soon as simmy warned me i deleted everything non cricket related

he could have had my pants down otherwise lol :)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Ryan on January 06, 2012, 09:44:27 PM
not anymore im afraid boys, as soon as simmy warned me i deleted everything non cricket related

he could have had my pants down otherwise lol :)

Gutted lol
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Burdy on January 06, 2012, 09:47:23 PM
not anymore im afraid boys, as soon as simmy warned me i deleted everything non cricket related

he could have had my pants down otherwise lol :)

Its ok lads, i will take a few when i play Canners next year :D
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Ryan on January 06, 2012, 09:52:06 PM
Its ok lads, i will take a few when i play Canners next year :D

Good man, think we will all hold you to it though :p
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Wills on January 06, 2012, 09:52:37 PM
Why, Simmy, why?!
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: johan95 on January 06, 2012, 09:54:37 PM
Can we please have a topic entitled:
The life of Canners.. :D

Back to the bat..
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: 100 not out on January 06, 2012, 09:59:05 PM
Johan

Have you had a bat in type of profile before?
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: johan95 on January 06, 2012, 10:07:23 PM
I haven't had a bat in this type of profile before, no. It will add another dimension to the review, as I feel if I can get used to the bat easily and quickly it will show that the profile is a good one.

I usually use a bat with a mid middle, but none of the bats I've had have had a middle as long as this, I don't think.

Am impressed with the pickup given its dead weight though, as I said.

Do you reckon you'd get this type of bat mate?

Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: 100 not out on January 06, 2012, 10:16:07 PM
It is a profile I like and use. I think these type of classical looking bats play very very well.
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: johan95 on January 06, 2012, 10:25:34 PM
I have some modern-style bats at the moment so it will be interesting to see how this compares as I said :)

Initial impressions are very good though :)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Canners on January 07, 2012, 01:06:13 AM
This isn't your bog standard classic shaped bat IMO
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: tim2000s on January 07, 2012, 09:32:18 AM
This isn't your bog standard classic shaped bat IMO

I would agree. They look a lot like this.

 (http://i493.photobucket.com/albums/rr293/tim2000s/20120102_213840.jpg)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Buzz on January 07, 2012, 09:43:49 AM
nothing bog standard about that...!
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: FattusCattus on January 08, 2012, 08:11:48 PM
Canners with a 2.11?  You been massaging those guns boy?
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: kaustav on January 12, 2012, 06:44:57 AM
The landing page looks nice  :)

http://www.blankbats.co.uk/landing.html
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: golders on January 12, 2012, 08:24:14 AM
The landing page looks nice  :)

[url]http://www.blankbats.co.uk/landing.html[/url]


Agreed,classy and understated. Good work!
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Canners on January 12, 2012, 09:18:50 AM
Agreed,classy and understated. Good work!

Thanks for the positive feedback

We have every confidence in our web designer, we are hoping to have the website up and running for early/mid feb
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: johan95 on January 21, 2012, 03:15:05 PM
Website landing looks nice Mike, as has been mentioned previously.

Just to add, been tapping this up with the mallet, and bouncing an old ball on the face, it's very responsive, so looking forward to using it Monday and Wednesday, perhaps tomorrow too if I'm lucky.. :D
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Canners on January 21, 2012, 03:57:38 PM
Website landing looks nice Mike, as has been mentioned previously.

Just to add, been tapping this up with the mallet, and bouncing an old ball on the face, it's very responsive, so looking forward to using it Monday and Wednesday, perhaps tomorrow too if I'm lucky.. :D

nice work Johan

we're very pleased with the website and are hoping to unveil it fully in the not to distant future....

we'l be good to see how you get on with it :)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: golders on January 21, 2012, 08:44:24 PM
Have you decided on prices yet?
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: johan95 on January 23, 2012, 08:34:40 PM
Evening guys,

Just had a net with this BB on the Bowling Machine and I'm pretty impressed. The bat rewards solid well-timed shots really well, and the rebound off the middle is really fantastic.
The famous 'gunshot' noise was heard a couple of times, and although it didn't feel great on the cross batted shots (I think that's cause I haven't been playing for a bit and also cause I was tired...) it still performed great.

In the last few buckets, I went for aerial lofted drives, and some of them were really flying. Very impressed with the rebound of it, and as I've mentioned I love the profile. The performance of this is up there with my Instinct and H4L.

I will be having another net with it on Wednesday in which I will fully test it's attacking capabilities, but today in an all-round net it performed very well, so I'm very happy at the moment.

Will let you know about its performance on Wednesday though! I'm giving it back on Friday so won't be able to test it with cricket balls, which is a shame, however, I'm sure the reviews will be as good! :D
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Ryan on January 23, 2012, 08:51:38 PM
Johan, did you review the laveresk profile??
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: johan95 on January 23, 2012, 08:53:56 PM
My one was the SCAT-esque one mate, the pics are above..unless you're on mobile, in which case I guess they're a couple of pages back ;)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Ryan on January 23, 2012, 08:57:30 PM
oh yes, sorry was being a little lazy there. looks a beast!
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Canners on January 23, 2012, 08:59:11 PM
Thanks for the review Johan glad your putting the bat to good use :)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Ryan on January 23, 2012, 09:04:28 PM
me and simmy will happily review one Mike. wink wink :p
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: johan95 on January 23, 2012, 09:07:27 PM
Ahh but you're not in London fletch ;) - if you came down for a forum net sure you could have a whack with it... ;)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Ryan on January 23, 2012, 09:09:23 PM
well im acctually in brighton tomorrow for work so could collect one on my way home and post back once we've had a net  :D
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Canners on January 23, 2012, 09:12:51 PM
well im acctually in brighton tomorrow for work so could collect one on my way home and post back once we've had a net  :D

Let me sleep on it mate lol, boys day out in Brighton sounds fun wink wink lol
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: FattusCattus on January 23, 2012, 09:15:33 PM
A day out in Brighton with the chap who likes pork?

You're a braver man than I :)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Ryan on January 23, 2012, 09:16:54 PM
haha, got my chastity belt at the ready  :D

dont fancy my back door smashed in!
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Ryan on January 23, 2012, 09:17:16 PM
A day out in Brighton with the chap who likes pork?

You're a braver man than I :)

haha, like  :D
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: johan95 on January 29, 2012, 09:04:16 PM
I will be returning the bat to Canners tomorrow sadly, but I thought I would add a couple of words on my net with it on Wednesday.

Having got used to the bat after my net on Monday, I was really able to put it through its' paces on Weds. I played a mixture of front-foot and back-foot shots and the bat responded realyl well on the whole, especially on the drive as I mentioned from my Monday net.

The balance is very nice (having got used to it) and I was impressed at how well the ball went, whether cutting the ball or slog-sweeping!

I'd be interested to hear how it goes with cricket balls (didn't get the chance to net with bowlers) and perhaps if other people use it, but I'm really thankful to have got the chance to use one of these. I will definitely be coming Mike and Tai's way sometime soon! :)

Any questions ask away, overall a very positive review on a top bat! :D
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Canners on January 29, 2012, 09:12:28 PM

wahoo im getting my baby back :)

thanks for the honest review Johan, you know where i am when you need me ;)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: Nickauger on January 30, 2012, 11:25:11 AM
wahoo im getting my baby back :)

thanks for the honest review Johan, you know where i am when you need me ;)

honest? ;) I'd lie for the opportunity to have a free bat lol (not saying that Johan is by the way.... just that I would :D)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: johan95 on January 30, 2012, 09:55:44 PM
Haha, I've tried not to be clouded by the free bat thing Nick ;)

Genuinely a really good bat performance wise, as I'd expect guessing where they are made.

Up there with the Instinct H4L and Redback in terms of performance, and that is great considering the difference in price. :)
Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: kaustav on January 30, 2012, 10:00:30 PM
Up there with the Instinct H4L and Redback in terms of performance, and that is great considering the difference in price. :)

A very important point  8)

Title: Re: BB Review
Post by: johan95 on January 30, 2012, 10:02:09 PM
Indeed, especially considering the financial situation and rising costs. Most are of the opinon why pay more when you can get the same performance for less etc.

It's an interesting question..