Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Cricket Manufacturers / Brands => Hell4Leather => Topic started by: fasteddie on January 05, 2013, 06:43:00 PM
-
It was a pleasure to meet Matt at the corporate HQ of H4L in deepest Kent this weekend. I had an appointment to collect a bat and discuss how my new blade should be born.
Firstly, I was impressed to see that Matt is a fellow red and shares my first name. Even better than that I can concur that his bat making skills appear to be top notch.
He crafts the finished articles from clefts they source themselves, as well as the normal sources. All parts of the process are carried out by hand, with love, and (even more important) with care and detail, at H4L HQ.
Not many small firms can claim to do as much with the raw cleft as Matt.
I'm a long standing supporter of the small bat maker. For most of my life I've been a Warsop man (still am). As buyers and geeks we need to support entrepreneurs such as Matt with our patronage.
As a 'normal' buyer I had the same level of service as the pro would enjoy. A warm smile and access Matt's knowledge and honesty.
I bought the Excell he advertised on this forum (£90 was a complete steal for such a wonderful blade), but more excitingly, I chose my own Tempo cleft from his stash. We looked at all the raw tempo clefts, discussing their merits of each. When we found the 'right' one the rebound on the mallet was immense and my grin was even wider than the middle is long.
I shall be posting a few pictures of my wares when they arrive, but wanted to offer Matt my approval, and (to all my fellow gear geeks) whole heatedly give Matt my recommendation.
Before you buy a bat ask yourself, who made it? Can I influence that process (and feel so important and loved as a result of that input), can I see the raw materials, can I choose my own raw cleft, so many questions.........
My tick in the box' is firmly with H4L alongside Warsop, but I also tip my hat to those others who make the bats themselves from the raw cleft. Craftsmen of this ilk should be supported at every opportunity.
Matt, the next round is on me.
Pictures to follow (and I really can't wait!).
-
Very nice little set up Matt has down there I do agree. Looking forward to seeing the new willow fella.
-
Thanks for sharing - this sounds brilliant. H4L is definitely next on my list of "must visit" cricket bat workshops...
-
Tempo Tempo tempo
gotta have this bat soon :)
-
Definitely a worthwhile trip, just make sure you don't miss the turning like me :(
-
Matt is a top bloke very helpful and patient
-
I have never had a bad, no correct that to non-performing h4l..3 have passed through my hands this year and they all play very well...
-
I netted the 666 (stickered Excel) tonight. It's first outing.
WOW! On the mallet it was good, on the bouncy track at Lords it was amazing! It even made me look presentable.
Am hugely impressed with (what is planned to be) my #2 bat. What a blade!
The Tempo? Well that will be here on Monday/Tuesday and I can't wait.
Pics of the 666 to follow tomorrow.
-
I wanna see pics!
This is more drawn out than a Peter Jackson trilogy...
-
I wanna see pics!
This is more drawn out than a Peter Jackson trilogy...
I agree. 4 days and still no pictures? Surely that is a forum sin! ;)
-
Ban him ;)
-
When you post the pictures can you change the title to pictures added so I'm not tempted, means I won't look at the thread when the pictures are up then . Lol
-
I was waiting for the Tempo to arrive, Matt has given me an ETA of Sat.
In the meantime I but shall post a few of the 666/Excl tomorrow.
-
should of waited till u had it then lol
-
Here are some pictures of the H4L after it's first net. You will see from the marks that I actually nailed one out of the screws! (I think that was the 80 mph length ball from my son where I just closed my eyes and swung for glory)
If I only had this bat for the season I would be happy, but I have the Tempo coming (fingers crossed tomorrow) so I'll just have to make do!
Oh, I'll happily stick my chin out for a good slap for the poor photos.
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1960_zpsa538baf5.jpg)
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1959_zps8291ff4e.jpg)
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1961_zpsdb9290a1.jpg)
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1962_zpsc886af3e.jpg)
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1964_zpsca95a8aa.jpg)
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1965_zps9b1efc39.jpg)
A review?
Well, Matt calls this a 'Devil' grade in light of the 3 stupidly small pressing cracks on the face. I'd call him generous in the extreme.
It has 10 straight and even grains, a good splash of heartwood on the outside edge, some concaving but not too much, and a great balance.
It weighs in at 2 lb 13 and has a pick up which feels like 'menace'. It's no lightweight but is beautifully balanced.
I was worried it would be hard to swing but the balance is fantastic.
Matt patiently added my required 1/2 grip (at the splice end) and then 2 more on top.
I found myself punching shots and limiting my follow through. However, when I gave it the beans it pinged like a good un and screamed away.
I knocked it in for about 30 minutes with a mallet and ball and stick thing. Boned the edges with a rolling pin, and just netted as normal. My son tried to kill me (as normal) and when I got a ball which wasn't aimed at my throat, from him it flew.
I have no idea how the Tempo with feel alongside this, but as I said, if this where my only bat I would be grinning.
-
Ban him ;)
Surely I must be flogged first?
Banning is too kind......
-
you shall be hung, drawn, quatered, flogged, executed, reanimated and then ... banned ;)
-
Surely I must be flogged first?
Banning is too kind......
All is forgiven now, nice bat :)...although if this type of behaviour recurs when tempo arrives then we shall be realsing the CRACKEN!!!
-
I tried to get one showing the size of the edges, concaving ect.
They are 39mm and the spine comes in at 65mm at it's thickest point.
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1971_zpsa4f0caf5.jpg)
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1975_zps7008933d.jpg)
Hope that keeps the baying hoards at bay until the Daddy arrives!
-
Fastfreddie did Matt mention anything about the 2013 softs when you saw him?
Looks a nice bat, what made you go for last seasons stickers?
-
Fastfreddie did Matt mention anything about the 2013 softs when you saw him?
Looks a nice bat, what made you go for last seasons stickers?
He is changing, I believe to black and/or silver designs. I picked-up a pair of blue gloves for my son.
Stickers? The bat was already stickered-up and I wasn't worried to change.
We discussed this years branding. It's very good, much cleaner.
No post yet today!
-
It has arrived along with my UZI which has had it's final refurb before it is retired to a friends kit bag.
Are you ready?
It's classed as a 'Devil' grade due to a blemish on the rear shoulder. The face is G1 at least and the ping is pretty amazing. As I said before, we tried all the Tempo clefts. The difference in ping was negligible across them all but this one seemed a better 'note' to my ear. It was also more attractive as Matt then told me it was a Devil due to the blemish which saved me a bundle of cash.
It is not light, not sure of the dead weight, my scales are broken.
In comparison to the Excel (666) it is heavier in the pick-up which is a tad worrying as the 666 is at the top of what I would normally use.
Not sure how I will get on with it, I am not even sure I want to knock it in yet.
It may stay untouched whilst I decide on the weight.
Part of me expected it to pick up lighter, but maybe that was my 'blond' moment.
Anyhow, enough of my ramblings, here is the bat.
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1978_zpsa6fff6c0.jpg)
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1988_zpse918af4c.jpg)
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1989_zpse4657b36.jpg)
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1992_zps1c881c36.jpg)
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1994_zpse8529b9f.jpg)
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1998_zps26479d48.jpg)
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1986_zps7a0d3915.jpg)
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1985_zps33549342.jpg)
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1984_zps17f7b6ad.jpg)
Overall the process of buying from Matt has been very good and I would recommend getting in touch with him. He is busy and the cell phone reception can be dodgy in that area (the countryside I mean), but Matt always returns calls promptly.
Am I forgiven for the delay in posting the pictures?
-
It has arrived along with my UZI which has had it's final refurb before it is retired to a friends kit bag.
Are you ready?
11 straight and evenly spaced grains, and inch or so of heartwood on the outside edge, 2 1/2 grips, and a lot of wood.
It's classed as a 'Devil' grade due to a blemish on the rear shoulder. The face is G1 at least and the ping is pretty amazing. As I said before, we tried all the Tempo clefts. The difference in ping was negligible across them all but this one seemed a better 'note' to my ear. It was also more attractive as Matt then told me it was a Devil due to the blemish which saved me a bundle of cash.
It is not light, not sure of the dead weight, my scales are broken.
In comparison to the Excel (666) it is heavier in the pick-up which is a tad worrying as the 666 is at the top of what I would normally use.
Not sure how I will get on with it, I am not even sure I want to knock it in yet.
It may stay untouched whilst I decide on the weight.
Part of me expected it to pick up lighter, but maybe that was my 'blond' moment.
Anyhow, enough of my ramblings, here is the bat.
([url]http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1978_zpsa6fff6c0.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1988_zpse918af4c.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1989_zpse4657b36.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1992_zps1c881c36.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1994_zpse8529b9f.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1998_zps26479d48.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1986_zps7a0d3915.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1985_zps33549342.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSCF1984_zps17f7b6ad.jpg[/url])
Overall the process of buying from Matt has been very good and I would recommend getting in touch with him. He is busy and the cell phone reception can be dodgy in that area (the countryside I mean), but Matt always returns calls promptly.
Am I forgiven for the delay in posting the pictures?
-
That looks very nice FE...what weight did you ask for on the tempo?
-
That looks very nice FE...what weight did you ask for on the tempo?
I didn't ask for a specific weight.We just chose the right cleft on it's ping. I think it weighted 2lb 13 on the scales, but it's more about pick-up than dead weight.
-
That tempo looks awesome!
-
They all look awesome - not to mention a bit frightening! :o
-
Love the profile on that Tempo, looks a beast!
-
Apparently it weighs in at around the 3lb mark.
Call me soft, but I may ask Matt to trim it a tad.
In the meantime, I shall have to divert my gym activities from spinning to free weights.
-
I spoke with Matt and we agreed the Tempo shall remain untrimmed but I will be removing 1 grip. Have to say Matt is very helpful and answers my questions well. Great stuff Matt.
It's knocking in nicely. A few gentle throw downs tonight.
The Excell (666) just keeps getting better. I had offers to buy it at nets tonight.
It feels so secure and menacing. It's almost like a strong left hook, you know you've got it, and when you throw it your opponent is floored. When I'm batting with it I feel that the slightest error in length from the bowler and you know you can pounce and muller it!
-
When I'm batting with it I feel that the slightest error in length from the bowler and you know you can pounce and muller it!
As all good bats should ;)
-
I netted the Tempo this Weds.
In the end I took off both grips and now have a 1/2 chevron with a complete GM control grip on top.
It really made a difference to the pick-up. Big difference!
The Tempo was fantastic in the net. It really went well. I didn't knock in the middle of the blade, just the edges and toe. I also took note of something Paul Aldred mentioned about ensuring the toe is knocked in more than any other part of the bat.
I did apply the helicopter scuff sheet, but no tape to the edges so I can see the whole blade.
I'm really pleased with it so sadly will be keeping it.
This does mean I have the Hellfire/Excel gathering dust now.......(I've never been one for having too many bats).
I'm not sure when a bat is knocked-in, I'm even less sure if I shall bat for long enough to really feel the benefit of all that wood.
I'l stick a couple more pics of the Tempo up when it's got some scars (and marks in the middle)
Am off to the forum net tonight, fingers crossed I get a few half volleys.
Happy days, and thank-you Matt.
-
'Am off to the forum net tonight, fingers crossed I get a few half volleys.'
Fingers crossed you get chance to use it - I sense a bit of an unseemly scuffle in the offing - of guys wanting to have a waft with it. ;)
-
'Am off to the forum net tonight, fingers crossed I get a few half volleys.'
Fingers crossed you get chance to use it - I sense a bit of an unseemly scuffle in the offing - of guys wanting to have a waft with it. ;)
Maybe someone can show me which end to use!
-
Am off to the forum net tonight, fingers crossed I get a few half volleys.
Not many of those around tonight...
-
Saw this tempo this evening, lovely looking stick.
Used Scott's h4l this evening. Weighing 2'8 the pickup was lovely as you would expect. have heard a lot about how well they perform, so was good to test it out for myself.
-
Mmmmm, I picked up Edward's Tempo last night and had a waft with it. Too heavy for me, but even at 3lbs + I could have used it at a push as the pick up is sooooo good.
Very nice bats, vey well finished and mama's got a hump!
Bugger!!!!!!!!!!! - was hoping I'd hate it!
-
The Tempo had another net last night.
I was getting worried about the weight, but last night blew that away.
I couldn't believe the velocity of the ball hitting the side netting, it was incredible.
The bat doesn't ping, it booms!
As a result of that, and my impending Aldred Supreme arrival I am now seriously considering moving on my Excell which I recently bought from Matt.
Any offers of £90 plus shipping will be seriously considered. Pics are as on this thread. I can post some more if you like.
-
^^Thats good to know as I recently got my Tempo as well from Matt recently.
All I can say so far the bat looks very promising from the mallet resposne. I cant wait to test it in the nets.
I will post pics in a few days time.
-
Final post on this thread.
Another net with the Tempo tonight.
It just gets better and better.
The confidence it exudes is enormous.
I was stepping forward to some pretty sharp stuff and spanking it on the up.
I'd recommend this bat to anyone.
Matt, many thanks for a stunning and wonderful bat.
-
Never say never again.
I've had two matches and one thing is for sure, this bat is getting rave reviews and some serious amorous looks from team mates and oppo's.
Everyone loves it, the pick-up, the fizz as the ball smacked the cover boundary, everything.
It does effect my ability to play the ball when it gets to shoulder height, was caught gloved down the leg side yesterday.
I literally lent on a full ball and it flew like a missile to the boundary.
I've got a game against the Royal Artillery next so will give the Adlred a run-out.
This season is going to be epic!!!!