Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Forum News and Suggestions => Old Advertisers => Admin Board => It's Just Cricket => Topic started by: ItsJustCricket on November 12, 2012, 10:40:15 AM

Title: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on November 12, 2012, 10:40:15 AM
Hello all,

We are at Butler's Farm today, hand picking our new Salix bats, and shooting a video journal for our YouTube channel.

Also, I will be posting some photos later today, so please check back then!

Cheers,
Paul
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: toby176 on November 12, 2012, 12:20:32 PM
Pretty keen for both the photos and video!

When can we expect the video mate? :)
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Ryan on November 12, 2012, 12:27:05 PM
Can't wait to see. Love salix gear!!
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Red Ink Cricket on November 12, 2012, 01:01:45 PM
smuggle some clefts out when they arent looking! lol.

look forward to seeing the pics/videos
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: roco on November 12, 2012, 02:26:42 PM
Never had a Salix but looking at the ajk on here I'm tempted so looking forward to pics

Do they do custom mades?
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: imogzyboy on November 12, 2012, 03:09:43 PM
Salix in my opinion is best brand out there for bats! But that's just my opinion from past use :)
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on November 12, 2012, 06:16:38 PM
Our visit took longer than expected so the photos will have to wait until tomorrow - sorry! Brilliant day though...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Canners on November 12, 2012, 08:20:08 PM
Our visit took longer than expected so the photos will have to wait until tomorrow - sorry! Brilliant day though...

Tease
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on November 12, 2012, 10:44:45 PM
Never had a Salix but looking at the ajk on here I'm tempted so looking forward to pics

Do they do custom mades?

They do "bespoke visits" - might be worth contacting them direct for more info on this.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on November 12, 2012, 11:00:03 PM
I have had the bespoke service many times and it is brilliant well worth the money they really do make sure you get the best bat for your money. The bespoke service is what I had for the AJK.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Buzz on November 13, 2012, 09:07:40 AM
really looking forward to seeing the video and pics. Andrew Kember seems to know a bit about making bats!
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on November 13, 2012, 09:11:04 AM
OK, here are some photos from our visit yesterday, starting with the Salix shop / storage room...

(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5659.jpg)
Stacks of clefts from Wright's.  The start of their bat making journey.  So many clefts that they even stack taller than my 6'5"...
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5666.jpg)
There's also an old school bat roller, and I was keen to test if it still worked!
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5658.jpg)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5670.jpg)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5669.jpg)
A few part made, unfinished bats lying around...
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5673.jpg)
The place has a very traditional English feel to it, which I just love...
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5706.jpg)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5705.jpg)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5704.jpg)
And here are some samples of (slightly) newer bats!  :)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5663.jpg)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5660.jpg)

That's it for the shop, next up will be the fulcrum of the whole operation - the factory itself! Will put these photos up ASAP.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Simmy on November 13, 2012, 09:22:17 AM
i propa want a wasp lol
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on November 13, 2012, 09:36:49 AM
Quite interesting to show the bowed face that they seem to be quite proud of.  This on a flatter faced bat that was being made...
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5676.jpg)
And I found their pressing machine pretty clever - careful pressing techniques is of paramount importance for Andrew Kember and his team and is arguably the main reason Salix bats perform so well...
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5680.jpg)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5681.jpg)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5678.jpg)

And then we spent a couple of hours hand picking our bats.  Andrew was extremely helpful throughout the process and explained in detail what he felt were the best bats and why.  We both scrutinized the looks of each bat, which in the case of the grade 1s was only part-shaped clefts without handles fitted.  Then we both gave them all a good whack with the mallet to find out if the performance matched the looks in each case (it didn't always)... This part of the day is much better presented in the videos that we shot - so check our YouTube channel in the next week or so to see why...
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5690.jpg)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5697.jpg)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5694.jpg)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5695.jpg)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5700.jpg)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5699.jpg)

Here are a couple of the Pods we selected:
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5687.jpg)
We hand picked a couple of junior bats as well, and all the bats got marked up with our initials on at the end, as you can see:
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5684.jpg)

And, lo and behold, here are all our selections for our first pre-season stock delivery.  We will have all of these in February, when they'll be finished, gripped and stickered up, a process that would normally be a lot quicker, but we agreed that Feb would be the best time...
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5703.jpg)

It was great to see bat making up close and personal (which, again, will be better illustrated in our videos, as there are of course lots of other aspects not covered here).  Andrew, Vicky and the others were all very welcoming, making us feel at home.  My only criticism was that it wasn't the warmest place of work, so if you're intending to pay them a visit, make sure to bring your thermals!  :)
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: uknsaunders on November 13, 2012, 09:52:09 AM
some stunners there!
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Uzi Sports on November 13, 2012, 10:02:14 AM
Well done Paul
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: thecord on November 13, 2012, 10:27:42 AM
Thanks for that Paul, very interesting to see.
I was wondering, the part made bats that looked great but didn't seem to have the performance, did they suggest that these would be downgraded at all?
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: trypewriter on November 13, 2012, 10:44:51 AM
Crikey Paul it looks like you have picked some beauties there. The guys who love grains will be knocking your door down.  :o
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on November 13, 2012, 10:47:42 AM
Nice photos paul.. looking forward to some more..
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: jimba101 on November 13, 2012, 11:01:01 AM
Think I better get saving for february...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on November 13, 2012, 11:08:08 AM
Thanks for that Paul, very interesting to see.
I was wondering, the part made bats that looked great but didn't seem to have the performance, did they suggest that these would be downgraded at all?

Possibly, although I got the impression that cosmetics was the most important consideration for their grading.  That being said, everything there performed well, it was merely a case of what performed well and what was really, really good.  I'd say the worst sounding bat I heard was still 7/10 in my eyes, but it was nice to be in a position to pick 10/10 ones across the board!

I agree with what Asad said about hand picking being based on performance just as much, if not more, than looks.  In a factory like theirs you are limited to what you can do in terms of testing performance, but I'd say we spent more time tapping bats up than we did discussing grains etc. 

In my opinion, not every bat there was 10/10 in both looks and performance - in fact, a very small percentage were - even in the Players grades - but making the effort to hand pick ensures that we could find these elusive bats and so you literally are picking the cream of the crop.  Likewise with Asad, who I'm sure would concur.  The interesting thing is: only a handful of retailers (and very few of the large ones) bother to hand pick in the first place...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Simmy on November 13, 2012, 11:11:34 AM
  The interesting thing is: only a handful of retailers (and very few of the large ones) bother to hand pick in the first place...

thats why big retailers get alot of (No Swearing Please) bats then!!! as they just send them what they have!
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: thecord on November 13, 2012, 11:16:28 AM
Thanks for the reply Paul, I think you are spot on. Having seen the selection of willow at Asad's it really does seem to make a difference and like Simmy said it does explain why some other cricket stores end up with bats that don't really seem to live up to expectations at times. Look forward to seeing the video at some point
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Uzi Sports on November 13, 2012, 11:24:45 AM
I am hoping Andrew sends my bats in the next 1-2 weeks.
I always pick my bats on performance regardless of the grains. I have seen a lot of bats with so many grains but they perform worse than bats which have only 5 grains.

Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on November 13, 2012, 11:36:23 AM
I am hoping Andrew sends my bats in the next 1-2 weeks.
I always pick my bats on performance regardless of the grains. I have seen a lot of bats with so many grains but they perform worse than bats which have only 5 grains.



Asad, I saw your bats there actually, all lined up with your name on! They still need to apply the stickers and grip etc. but otherwise they were looking good, so doubt it'll be long...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: tushar sehgal on November 13, 2012, 12:41:47 PM
5th one from the right is lovely...do you already know which shapes these would be Paul? and weights? Feb is a good time to spend money for me :D
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on November 13, 2012, 12:59:12 PM
5th one from the right is lovely...do you already know which shapes these would be Paul? and weights? Feb is a good time to spend money for me :D

That's actually one of the grade 2s, Tushar - I think it's a Praestantia Performance.  Not sure on the weight - they're all pretty light though - I think most will come out 2.8 or 2.9 as we didn't bother with any of the medium-heavy ones (of which there were a few)...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on November 13, 2012, 01:12:39 PM
Top work Paul, great to see the selection process and im sure taking the time to hand pick your bats for the shop will pay off and your customers will thank you for doing so when they walk into the shop and out to the crease later on.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on November 13, 2012, 01:16:48 PM
Top work Paul, great to see the selection process and im sure taking the time to hand pick your bats for the shop will pay off and your customers will thank you for doing so when they walk into the shop and out to the crease later on.

Thanks, Tom - I sincerely hope so! It's certainly made me believe, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that hand picking cricket bats is essential for a cricket specialist.  Next stop Vantage (today!), then Gray-Nicolls and Slazenger...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Manormanic on November 13, 2012, 01:19:03 PM
Thanks, Tom - I sincerely hope so! It's certainly made me believe, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that hand picking cricket bats is essential for a cricket specialist.  Next stop Vantage (today!), then Gray-Nicolls and Slazenger...
can't actually see why a  specialist retailer would do anything other than hand pick to be honest. 
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: tushar sehgal on November 13, 2012, 01:19:21 PM
That's actually one of the grade 2s, Tushar - I think it's a Praestantia Performance.  Not sure on the weight - they're all pretty light though - I think most will come out 2.8 or 2.9 as we didn't bother with any of the medium-heavy ones (of which there were a few)...

Grade 2  :o , 5th from the right (1st unhandled bat in the middle)....i will have to wait for that one to be finished and see what she comes out at :D
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on November 13, 2012, 01:23:54 PM
Grade 2  :o , 5th from the right (1st unhandled bat in the middle)....i will have to wait for that one to be finished and see what she comes out at :D

I think I got that one wrong, Tushar - sorry! All the unhandled bats are grade 1 Torques and Pods.  The handled ones are Wasps (Senior & Junior) and one Praestantia Performance.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on November 13, 2012, 01:24:44 PM
can't actually see why a  specialist retailer would do anything other than hand pick to be honest. 

You'd be amazed by how many apparently have better things to do with their time though, Iain...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: tushar sehgal on November 13, 2012, 01:37:46 PM
I think I got that one wrong, Tushar - sorry! All the unhandled bats are grade 1 Torques and Pods.  The handled ones are Wasps (Senior & Junior) and one Praestantia Performance.

No worries!! still like it...can you educate me middle positions for Salix bats on various models? having a hard time judging by pics...i use mid-low by the way ;)
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on November 13, 2012, 01:42:55 PM
No worries!! still like it...can you educate me middle positions for Salix bats on various models? having a hard time judging by pics...i use mid-low by the way ;)

Praestantia is definitely the lowest, others all mid/mid-high I believe.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: tushar sehgal on November 13, 2012, 01:45:17 PM
Praestantia is definitely the lowest, others all mid/mid-high I believe.

Ok thanks that helps.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on November 18, 2012, 11:29:58 PM
Should be able to get two of these videos up tomorrow.  I think they're quite interesting, and very different to our other videos, so would be curious to hear what people make of them.  I will link them on this thread as soon as they're ready...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on November 22, 2012, 04:39:07 PM
Some of you may have seen this already, but for those of you who haven't, here's an inside look at the Salix operation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEDNu8nbmtk&feature=plcp

The other videos have been delayed, unfortunately, but hopefully this will be a good teaser for now!
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Ryan on November 26, 2012, 05:48:11 PM
Any update on the videos Paul?
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on November 26, 2012, 05:58:08 PM
Any update on the videos Paul?

My cameraman / editor has taken a (conveniently timed) holiday to NY, so I'm waiting for him to get back and put the finishing touches on the others! There are several more to come.  I'll update this thread once they're uploaded...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Johnny on November 26, 2012, 07:53:09 PM

([url]http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/DSCN5697.jpg[/url])



Can see an old school Newbery in the background, and is that an Open Championship too?
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Johnny on November 26, 2012, 07:54:50 PM
Looks like a great day out by the way. I'm sure many CBF'ers would relish the chance to tag along... Possibly an idea for a future competition?
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: FattusCattus on November 26, 2012, 08:52:07 PM
Nice Tweedidge Paulie!
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on December 04, 2012, 12:16:22 PM
These are my favourite videos from our Salix visit (all uploaded and ready now).  Andrew Kember co-stars in the first one...  8)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flNrAjS9PTM&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuwBgVYAtCI&feature=plcp
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Alvaro on December 04, 2012, 01:27:53 PM
About 3.40 on the first is my favourite, like a low budget horror movie :)
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: tugga on December 04, 2012, 01:31:48 PM
So there can be performance benefits to flatter faces?
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Chad on December 04, 2012, 01:56:36 PM
Great videos Paul! Look forward to seeing what the finished bats look like! :) Both the G1s sounded quite distinctly different, it will be interesting to see how they end up tapping up like! Did Andrew say that if the grains run very straight and parallel down the toe, it is a good sign of a cleft which will perform excellently?
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: jimba101 on December 04, 2012, 02:13:49 PM
Nice videos Paul. Makes me want to try a Salix even more...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on December 05, 2012, 09:32:34 AM
Great videos Paul! Look forward to seeing what the finished bats look like! :) Both the G1s sounded quite distinctly different, it will be interesting to see how they end up tapping up like! Did Andrew say that if the grains run very straight and parallel down the toe, it is a good sign of a cleft which will perform excellently?

Yes exactly, Chad - straight grains on the face are one thing, but apparently, if they're straight down the toe, the bat is likely to perform better.  Interesting because I have seen some beautiful bats with perfect grains on the face, but then curvy / diagonal grains down the toe.  Not sure on the whys and wherefores to be honest, but it's definitely a consideration now when we're hand picking bats (that don't have toe guards fitted already!)

Flatter faces seem to help performance, yes, as well as durability.  I have never used such a bat myself, so I can't speak with total conviction on the matter, but there is clearly some decent evidence to suggest this.  It's not just about getting larger edges! This, I guess, justifies why so many manufacturers have gone down the flatter face route for 2013...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: tim2000s on December 05, 2012, 09:45:43 AM
Flatter faces seem to help performance, yes, as well as durability.  I have never used such a bat myself, so I can't speak with total conviction on the matter, but there is clearly some decent evidence to suggest this.  It's not just about getting larger edges! This, I guess, justifies why so many manufacturers have gone down the flatter face route for 2013...
Is there really evidence to suggest this? I'd be surprised... If it was any good, everyone would have copied Fearneley back in the eighties with flat faces.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on December 05, 2012, 02:07:55 PM
Is there really evidence to suggest this? I'd be surprised... If it was any good, everyone would have copied Fearneley back in the eighties with flat faces.

Well, Salix have had some great results in testing - and they've been given a lot of thorough testing, trust me! Of course, it still remains to be seen how well they perform, and how everyone feels about them generally, but from what I've seen and heard so far, I am very confident that they'll end up usurping the rounder faced bat as the bat to have.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Beachcricket on December 05, 2012, 03:02:00 PM
It's interesting stuff. Food for thought here, not sure if I agree or not.

Great videos, Thank you.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: tim2000s on December 05, 2012, 03:18:07 PM
I'm still not completely convinced! If there was really that big a difference, previous flat faced bats would have dominated the market a long way ahead of the fashion for big edges driving the changing face profile.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Beachcricket on December 05, 2012, 03:33:12 PM
Paul, would it be possible to expand on what Salix said to you regarding this? I'm interested how this came about within their design and research process. Where did this theory come from?
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on December 05, 2012, 03:46:08 PM
I'm still not completely convinced! If there was really that big a difference, previous flat faced bats would have dominated the market a long way ahead of the fashion for big edges driving the changing face profile.

I actually think even the bat makers themselves are learning as they go along.  So, an argument could be made that this is a new discovery of sorts.  I certainly get that impression from what I've heard anyway...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on December 05, 2012, 03:47:27 PM
Paul, would it be possible to expand on what Salix said to you regarding this? I'm interested how this came about within their design and research process. Where did this theory come from?

Well, one thing I will say is that I know they can apply more pressure during the pressing process (on the flatter faced bats).  And as we know, it's all about the pressing...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: thecord on December 05, 2012, 04:00:19 PM
Paul, would it be possible to expand on what Salix said to you regarding this? I'm interested how this came about within their design and research process. Where did this theory come from?


This video has Paul explaining more about what Salix have told him on the subject.
http://youtu.be/zuwBgVYAtCI (http://youtu.be/zuwBgVYAtCI)
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Beachcricket on December 05, 2012, 04:18:25 PM
Thanks thecord, I saw that one and that's what got me thinking.

Sorry to Paul if it seems like I'm being provocative or trying to diminish his hard work, my degree forced me to be very skeptical and analytical of theory and I can't stop. Lack of falsifiability doesn't influence the possibility of this being true, however it cannot be proved false.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Six Sixes Cricket on December 05, 2012, 04:26:56 PM
Are Salix bats all flat faced for 2013 models?
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on December 05, 2012, 04:31:11 PM
Are Salix bats all flat faced for 2013 models?

all except the praestantia...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Chad on December 05, 2012, 05:57:06 PM
all except the praestantia...

You should get Andrew to make you one with a flat face, seeing as it's your favourite bat Paul! :D Then you can tell us about the performance differences. 8)
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Spanky on December 05, 2012, 06:17:34 PM
My thoughts on the benefits of having a flat face are:

1. Wherever you hit the ball on the face the ball will travel in the same direction. Aiding placement of shots on off centre impacts.

2. Allows even pressure across the blade when pressing the cleft. As a round roller will apply greater pressure to the edges of the cleft, where the cleft is compacted more. Meaning more pressure could be applied to a flat face when pressing (not sure of the benefit.)

3. Makes the edges larger which helps sell bats I guess.

But that's just my thoughts. May be completely off the mark.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: tim2000s on December 05, 2012, 06:45:07 PM
My thoughts on the benefits of having a flat face are:

1. Wherever you hit the ball on the face the ball will travel in the same direction. Aiding placement of shots on off centre impacts.

2. Allows even pressure across the blade when pressing the cleft. As a round roller will apply greater pressure to the edges of the cleft, where the cleft is compacted more. Meaning more pressure could be applied to a flat face when pressing (not sure of the benefit.)

3. Makes the edges larger which helps sell bats I guess.

But that's just my thoughts. May be completely off the mark.
On point one, if you are good enough to ensure correct alignment on off centre shots i suspect you are good enough to middle it more often than not.

On point two, would you not want the edges pressed harder to reduce the risk of damage?

On point three, well, yes, bigger edges do sell more bats...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Tom on December 05, 2012, 06:50:06 PM
The flat face came about with one thing in mind, and that was to make edges appear bigger.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: tim2000s on December 05, 2012, 07:16:37 PM
The flat face came about with one thing in mind, and that was to make edges appear bigger.
As Bradbury have said!
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: procricket on December 05, 2012, 07:18:42 PM
I like flat faces

I remember kransbuhler saying sme much different ref flat faces

He likes them and thinks the add something.

I agree with him and I see a lot of professional now use flat faces

Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on December 06, 2012, 06:15:53 PM
More on this flatter vs rounder face debate: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5W2g0hUgMk

What do people think? I know the flatter faced one has an anti-scuff sheet, which will of course help a bit, but I think it's still surprising to think that they would make that much difference to its durability, especially considering that the flatter faced one has seen three times as much cricket!

This one is much shorter and left more open because we were running out of film at the time!
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on December 06, 2012, 07:20:48 PM
You should get Andrew to make you one with a flat face, seeing as it's your favourite bat Paul! :D Then you can tell us about the performance differences. 8)

I might have to at this rate, Chad! Trouble is, the flatter faced Salix bats all have a mid-high sweet spot, and I like mine low/low-mid.  Also, I don't think my batting is good enough to justify an AK custom made!  :(

Genuinely curious to try the flatter faces soon though - fascinated to see if they perform as well as I think they will!
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: tushar sehgal on December 06, 2012, 07:35:21 PM
Here is a good test get 2 bats in same specs but one with flat face and other with rounded face. Then set the bowling machine and bowl same delivery over and over again and batsman must hit a shot through 2 cones, lets say a cover drive, first using a round face bat and then using a flat face bat... as more and more time is spent bring those cones closer reducing the gap and see which bat gives you more accuracy!!
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: jimba101 on January 15, 2013, 10:45:08 PM
Paul - Do you have a delivery date for your Salix Bats yet?
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on January 16, 2013, 07:04:56 AM
Paul - Do you have a delivery date for your Salix Bats yet?

February, James. Probably in the 1st or 2nd week, but no exact date yet...

Back to the flat faced debate, another benefit I neglected to mention before is that you get more flex in the handle with the flatter faced bats. You certainly did in the bats I tested at Salix anyway...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: tim2000s on January 16, 2013, 08:04:31 AM
February, James. Probably in the 1st or 2nd week, but no exact date yet...

Back to the flat faced debate, another benefit I neglected to mention before is that you get more flex in the handle with the flatter faced bats. You certainly did in the bats I tested at Salix anyway...
That has to be to do with the handle. If anything, a flatter face increases the surface area to glue the handle to the blade, so you'd expect a stiffer connection.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: NathRobbo88 on January 16, 2013, 09:21:42 AM
February, James. Probably in the 1st or 2nd week, but no exact date yet...

Back to the flat faced debate, another benefit I neglected to mention before is that you get more flex in the handle with the flatter faced bats. You certainly did in the bats I tested at Salix anyway...

I can testify to this, I have bought a Salix Wasp from Asad and had to check the handle as its quite whippy and was different at first, however the bat performs really good and seems very promising at such an early stage. Strangely I seem to be hitting the ball harder this year and its the first time I've used a flat faced bat before...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: jimba101 on January 16, 2013, 10:47:44 AM
February, James. Probably in the 1st or 2nd week, but no exact date yet...

Back to the flat faced debate, another benefit I neglected to mention before is that you get more flex in the handle with the flatter faced bats. You certainly did in the bats I tested at Salix anyway...

Nice one, look forward to seeing them.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: fros23 on February 07, 2013, 01:32:59 PM
Mr Paul any further update on when the Salix delivery is expected?  I'm off work wednesday and would love to have a look around if your Salix gear is on display then.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on February 07, 2013, 02:31:31 PM
Mr Paul any further update on when the Salix delivery is expected?  I'm off work wednesday and would love to have a look around if your Salix gear is on display then.

Well, they said the softs won't arrive in the country until the 3rd week of feb, but the bats may be ready before then. They may well just send it all together though so I'm not convinced we'll have any of it by Wednesday. Sorry about that! If I had any control at all I would get it in sooner but my hands are tied unfortunately...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Beachcricket on February 07, 2013, 05:42:04 PM
Worth waiting for though, their softs look fantastic this year. As they do most years to be honest.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on February 22, 2013, 11:26:13 AM
As some of you may have seen on Twitter, these bats have now arrived...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on February 22, 2013, 01:52:28 PM
Actually just half of the bats - the rest are following with the softs next week.  But some real beauties in there! Photos to follow...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on February 22, 2013, 02:15:43 PM
Just a taster - this is a 2.11 Torque Players.  39mm edges...

(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/006-1_zpsddd2fddd.jpg)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/005-1_zps40ae482c.jpg)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/007-1_zpsc3c57b7f.jpg)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/008-1_zps097646d4.jpg)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/009-1_zpsaf99d3a5.jpg)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/011-1_zps99b7ac1f.jpg)
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on February 22, 2013, 02:25:44 PM
Apart from this Torque, we also got following today:

2 x Pod Grade 1: both 2.9
1 x Praestantia Performance: 2.6
1 x Wasp Performance: 2.8

I think the Wasp taps up the best of the lot actually...

Too busy knocking in bats to put any more photos up today, but if someone is genuinely interested in buying any of the aforementioned bats, please PM me and I will email you some pics.  Cheers.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Chad on February 22, 2013, 02:27:27 PM
Just a taster - this is a 2.11 Torque Players.  39mm edges...

([url]http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/006-1_zpsddd2fddd.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/005-1_zps40ae482c.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/007-1_zpsc3c57b7f.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/008-1_zps097646d4.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/009-1_zpsaf99d3a5.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/011-1_zps99b7ac1f.jpg[/url])


Get those pics off of here, for the sake of my wallet, please? :-[
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: trypewriter on February 22, 2013, 02:31:02 PM
You've got to be happy with that.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: petehosk on February 22, 2013, 03:43:21 PM
Blimey! That's bat porn for sure! 
I do think that AK just keeps raising the standard every year!! Quality  8)
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: yvk3103 on February 22, 2013, 03:45:24 PM
Yummmmyyyyyyyy!!!

More please.

Which bat in Salix's range has the lowest middle?
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on February 22, 2013, 05:30:27 PM
Yummmmyyyyyyyy!!!

More please.

Which bat in Salix's range has the lowest middle?

The Praestantia...

Sorry, really behind on the knocking in, so can't take any more pics.  But you're coming to the shop next week anyway, aren't you, Yash? Best to see them all in person really, and the other half should've arrived by then too...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: fros23 on March 07, 2013, 02:58:05 PM
Have the rest of the bats and the softs arived yet Paul?  Hoping for a decent sized bonus this month and a fair chunk of it could be coming your way if these bats are as good as I am expecting them to be!
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on March 07, 2013, 03:36:01 PM
Have the rest of the bats and the softs arived yet Paul?  Hoping for a decent sized bonus this month and a fair chunk of it could be coming your way if these bats are as good as I am expecting them to be!

We have most of the softs, but no bags yet, and still waiting for the other half of the bats... Which bat were you considering? We (stupidly!) only took one Pod Players and that's already been pre-ordered, but still have a few other decent options available...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: fros23 on March 07, 2013, 03:58:03 PM
Don't think I could justify the cost of a players but after seeing the Torque that Tushar bought I have to admit that they do look stunning.

In all honesty I probably don't need a new bat but if I saw one I liked then I would be tempted.  Not sure which model but would probably be a grade one or a performance due to the cost.  Would quite like to pick a couple up and see what they are like in the flesh.  I don't want you to put any a side for me as I can't guarantee that I will actual purchase one. 
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: trypewriter on March 07, 2013, 04:10:23 PM
Problem is, if you pick one up they are hellish difficult to put back down! ;)
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on March 07, 2013, 04:21:54 PM
Problem is, if you pick one up they are hellish difficult to put back down! ;)

How is that a problem, Paul?! My Salix has helped my batting average treble - who's to say they can't do the same for others!  8) What price do people put on that?!
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ajmw89 on March 07, 2013, 04:35:57 PM
How is that a problem, Paul?! My Salix has helped my batting average treble - who's to say they can't do the same for others!  8) What price do people put on that?!

What was the average before salix?  ;)
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on March 07, 2013, 04:41:17 PM
What was the average before salix?  ;)

11 before, 33 after.  Easy enough to treble an average of 11, but I am more of a bowler...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: trypewriter on March 07, 2013, 04:41:52 PM
How is that a problem, Paul?! My Salix has helped my batting average treble - who's to say they can't do the same for others!  8) What price do people put on that?!

It's potentially a fiscal problem mate - you suddenly find you have a bat in one hand and a wallet in the other :D What I was trying to say is that they really are that impressive in the flesh, so to speak. I'm looking forward to my batting average trebling to the heady heights of about 9 or thereabouts! :D :D :D
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on June 28, 2013, 12:07:41 PM
Resurrecting an old thread, because we have finally received three more of the bats that I picked that day back in November! Salix won't win any awards for speed of production, but they are always top contenders for quality and performance in my opinion, and here are three more prime examples (apologies for the image quality - BlackBerry)...

(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/007_zps71a0b83d.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/ItsJustCricket/media/007_zps71a0b83d.jpg.html)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/008_zps6fc1c032.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/ItsJustCricket/media/008_zps6fc1c032.jpg.html)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/009_zps74385b0d.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/ItsJustCricket/media/009_zps74385b0d.jpg.html)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/010_zps3ac3af73.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/ItsJustCricket/media/010_zps3ac3af73.jpg.html)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/011_zps4a4dabe7.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/ItsJustCricket/media/011_zps4a4dabe7.jpg.html)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/012_zpsba9f2d18.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/ItsJustCricket/media/012_zpsba9f2d18.jpg.html)

The Torque is especially interesting as it's actually got a tiny amount of concaving.  It is 2lb 7.1oz though! The Praestantia is 2lb 9.0oz and the Wasp is 2lb 11.3 oz.  Each have 11+ grains...

Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Nickauger on June 28, 2013, 12:10:04 PM
You're obviously doing alright for yourelf Paul, if you can afford three 50p's for the edges ;)
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: tushar sehgal on June 28, 2013, 01:45:57 PM
Paul what is the difference in three shapes? they all look very identical!!
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: Spanky on June 28, 2013, 01:48:29 PM
Was going to say that they all looked the same shape. Glad I wasn't being stupid.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: uknsaunders on June 28, 2013, 01:52:18 PM
ditto the above ^ ! All 3 bats look very similar profile wise from the pics. What's the key differences in your opinion Paul?
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on June 28, 2013, 03:19:16 PM
The Praestantia has a slightly lower middle and a rounder face.  It also has a much shorter spine.  The Torque and the Wasp are practically the same though, just different weights and stickers of course.  Hard to know exactly how they will turn out when you're picking them from the cleft, but I guess this proves that a 2.7 Torque loses it's main distinguishing feature ie. convex profile...
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: trypewriter on June 28, 2013, 03:32:00 PM
The Praestantia has a slightly lower middle and a rounder face.  It also has a much shorter spine.  The Torque and the Wasp are practically the same though, just different weights and stickers of course.  Hard to know exactly how they will turn out when you're picking them from the cleft, but I guess this proves that a 2.7 Torque loses it's main distinguishing feature ie. convex profile...
Another reason to consider buying the Torque then. I think it's great when you get something that's just slightly out of the ordinary.  ;)
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: RoCo Da Pixie on June 28, 2013, 03:39:39 PM
Shame that Wasp is too heavy for me.
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: ItsJustCricket on June 28, 2013, 04:05:58 PM
Shame that Wasp is too heavy for me.

It feels 2.9 though, trust me!  :)
Title: Re: Visiting Salix
Post by: goody on July 21, 2013, 11:05:34 PM
massive fan of the salix torque! wish i had some spare cash