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Cricket Manufacturers / Brands => Hell4Leather => Topic started by: fasteddie on March 06, 2013, 03:28:48 PM

Title: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: fasteddie on March 06, 2013, 03:28:48 PM
Ok, so you may have heard that my H4L Devil exploded at the hands of faste(r)eddie.
Matt, to his amazing credit, agreed to replace it with one of the Tempo's listed on his recent post.

Here, in pictures, is what amazing customer service looks like.

I did a quick side by side comparison with my Aldred Supreme.
The H4L is 2lb 14oz and the Aldred 2lb 13oz. The Aldred has virtually zero concaving and 35mm (ish) edges.

Here you go....

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSC_0056_zps491d467f.jpg)

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSC_0058_zps505a909b.jpg)

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSC_0061_zps10a762d7.jpg)

Gently bowed
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSC_0063_zps3366ae0c.jpg)

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSC_0067_zps21c06ffb.jpg)

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSC_0069_zpsa4b06694.jpg)

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSC_0075_zpsdf61639d.jpg)

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSC_0072_zpsecc64954.jpg)

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSC_0081_zps5d9885d1.jpg)

The Tempo will very soon have a liberal few coats of Salix bat wax applied along with the half grip with GM white control grip on top.

Even though it's only got 4 1/2 grains it pings beautifully and compares very well next to the Aldred. It's pick-up is very light, as light as the Aldred.
Off the mallet it sounds sweet.

I've never had a bat with so few grains. Should it perform different?
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: fasteddie on March 06, 2013, 03:30:47 PM
First class customer service = repeat business.

Both Matt and Paul have demonstrated British craftsmanship and service at it's best.
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: Binsy on March 06, 2013, 03:44:17 PM
That's really good customer service from H4L. Presumably you received the Tempo free of charge? Can't complain at that!
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: toenails97 on March 06, 2013, 03:45:25 PM
Top stuff from matt!
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: gdb19 on March 06, 2013, 03:51:03 PM
Excellent customer service, I like the look of the tempo's so when my Redback dies I'm pretty sure a H4L will be my next bat.
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: Optical on March 06, 2013, 04:36:05 PM
Fantastic service. I'm pretty sure I picked that bat up as a part made on a visit to Matt earlier this year. Matt handed it over for me to tap up as he said it was one of the best pinging clefts he had but due to the 4 grains and the knot on the shoulder back it would be a devil.
You have a good one there.
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: fasteddie on March 06, 2013, 05:10:00 PM
I probably saw it too when I selected my first Tempo, but again one doesn't automatically get excited over 4 grains.

Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: ppccopener on March 06, 2013, 05:26:29 PM
That's brilliant from h4l.having just picked one up on the forum from jason(very honest guy and recommended to deal with) i think im converted along with half the forum.
You cant beat that for service
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: wilkie113 on March 06, 2013, 05:36:17 PM
It's a service you expect when you purchase a bat, if it breaks within the guarantee it should be replaced. I don't see it as amazing customer service, more as a service that's been upheld when a bat has broken.

Not having a dig or anything just a personal view, looks a nice stick.
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: tim2000s on March 06, 2013, 06:04:18 PM
It's a service you expect when you purchase a bat, if it breaks within the guarantee it should be replaced. I don't see it as amazing customer service, more as a service that's been upheld when a bat has broken.

Not having a dig or anything just a personal view, looks a nice stick.
I think it depends on the warranty. If it is sold without warranty, as some devils are, then it is amazing customer service.
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: wilkie113 on March 06, 2013, 06:11:44 PM
Due to demand i have a few devil tempos up for grabs.
left to right:([url]http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll189/barty82/002_zps77af06db.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll189/barty82/003_zps089ccd26.jpg[/url])
(1) 2.12 oval handle ,toe guard ,tiny pressing cracks on the rh edge and a slightly smaller spine (67mm) than standard tempos ! £125
(2) 2.12 oval handle ,no defects ,was a demo bat for a flat face pressing -£125   

(3) 2.14 oval handle ,toe guard ,small knot on the back near the top (pic) -£125([url]http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll189/barty82/006_zps12fe07fd.jpg[/url])
postage in the uk £10
 i will add a scuff for free if required as with all devils they come with full h4l warranty but does not cover the defect mentioned

kg bat £110 posted uk
kg sample pads and gloves £55 posted uk


So if the defect wasn't in the toe, it's fully covered. Which is part of a warranty.
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: fasteddie on March 06, 2013, 06:41:59 PM
I think it depends on the warranty. If it is sold without warranty, as some devils are, then it is amazing customer service.

When I emailed Matt he reminded me that when I bought the initial bat it was sold as seen and as such I had forgone my Devil warranty.

As such, it is excellent customer service.

Matt also didn't faff around and make me send in the other bat, nor did he make me wait for another of that shape to be made.

He dealt with it quickly and without any fuss at all.

Matt was superb which is why I made such a strong statement.

If he had been the pedantic, grumpy old stick I would have said, but he was quite the opposite.
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: wilkie113 on March 06, 2013, 06:44:40 PM
In that case it is extremely good service if the bat was sold as seen.
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: fasteddie on March 06, 2013, 06:46:30 PM
In that case it is extremely good service if the bat was sold as seen.

Sorry Wilkie, I feel you got set-up there with me forgetting to post the 'sold as seen'.
If fairness I had forgotten and felt embarrassed when Matt reminded me.

Sorry mate!
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: wilkie113 on March 06, 2013, 06:48:53 PM
Sorry Wilkie, I feel you got set-up there with me forgetting to post the 'sold as seen'.
If fairness I had forgotten and felt embarrassed when Matt reminded me.

Sorry mate!

No worries fella!
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: jblowe on March 06, 2013, 10:13:46 PM
fasteddie
I am sorry, but what happened to your original Tempo?
Jason
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 06, 2013, 10:16:48 PM
fasteddie
I am sorry, but what happened to your original Tempo?
Jason

well... The story goes that I was bowling so quick that I broke the bat with sheer pace :)
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: wilkie113 on March 06, 2013, 10:18:50 PM
well... The story goes that I was bowling so quick that I broke the bat with sheer pace :)

That stories wrong for a start, it was the other H4L that broke not his tempo lol
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 06, 2013, 10:20:51 PM
That stories wrong for a start, it was the other H4L that broke not his tempo lol

god dam Wilkie spoiling my fun :)
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: fasteddie on March 07, 2013, 11:39:40 AM
fasteddie
I am sorry, but what happened to your original Tempo?
Jason

The original Tempo is alive and bullying bowlers. It's had the TSI fitted by Gary@Choice. I get it back late this week.
The new Tempo is going to be faste(r)eddie's match bat. Spawny I'd say!

He was going to use the other H4L until he broke it!

All he has to do is find the money and pay his Dad (that's me).
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 07, 2013, 11:42:45 AM

The original Tempo is alive and bullying bowlers. It's had the TSI fitted by Gary@Choice. I get it back late this week.
The new Tempo is going to be faste(r)eddie's match bat. Spawny I'd say!

He was going to use the other H4L until he broke it!

All he has to do is find the money and pay his Dad (that's me).

Faster Eddie should but in a PPI claim to the bank of dad. Offer to settle out of court for 'one new bat' :)
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: fasteddie on March 07, 2013, 11:48:04 AM
Nice try.....
lol

He's in hock to a few £'s already! His first 6 pay cheques are mine I think..
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 07, 2013, 12:23:44 PM
:)


Worth a shot for him.
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: Simmy on March 07, 2013, 12:25:07 PM

The original Tempo is alive and bullying bowlers.


have u lent it out to somebody then?

haha  ;)
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: fasteddie on March 07, 2013, 12:26:07 PM

have u lent it out to somebody then?

haha  ;)

Boycott's grandmother!
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 07, 2013, 12:27:01 PM
Boycott's grandmother!

She's in for Compton I heard :)
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: trypewriter on March 07, 2013, 12:28:57 PM
I thought she used a (custom made) stick of rhubarb?  ;)
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 07, 2013, 12:46:11 PM
I thought she used a (custom made) stick of rhubarb?  ;)
Then she visited this forum one day, read about the 'ping' properties and now she's back using willow :)
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: fasteddie on March 07, 2013, 06:29:05 PM
I thought she used a (custom made) stick of rhubarb?  ;)

I thought rhubarb had more of a zing rather than ping?

(I'm here all week)
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: Chad on March 07, 2013, 06:39:40 PM
You're building up quite the collection there fasteddie! 8) I really liked that Tempo, it's about 2-3 ounces too heavy for me though! Thought about asking Matt if he could reduce the weight, therefore removing the knot, but then decided I have far too many bats! :-[

I don't know if this is true, but I think that since it is a wide grain bat, it will keep its performance for longer, or at least if what I have read is correct. Basically, you have more elasticity in sapwood, and grains are what gives the bat surface more stiffness. It might take a little longer to play in, but the performance should last longer than a tight grained bat, as you retain that elasticity for longer with more sapwood and less grains.

I could be very wrong on this! :-[

How is the Aldred playing? I only used mine for a couple of balls a few weeks back, but it felt really nice, especially when I connected with the middle! Barely stroked at the ball and it flew! Was it the Supreme profile you got it in again?
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: fasteddie on March 07, 2013, 08:00:23 PM
How is the Aldred playing? I only used mine for a couple of balls a few weeks back, but it felt really nice, especially when I connected with the middle! Barely stroked at the ball and it flew! Was it the Supreme profile you got it in again?

The second Tempo is going to be faste(r)eddie's match bat and seeing as he bat's at 8 it will last a long time, having said that, he smashed a perfectly good H4L so I'm not keeping my fingers crossed. If this one go's then I'll have to cough-up again, as all good parents do.

On the mallet it's really impressive. I got my #1 Tempo back from Choice today, 1 or so Ounces lighter and feeling the better for it.

The Aldred?
It's pick-up and balance are amazing. I'm finding it really easy to hook and play those delicate shots you can't play with a 3lb behemoth. It's got a great middle but even when you don't nail it theres plenty of wood to give it momentum. Minimal or zero concaving.

I'm delighted with all the bats I've bought. Not a bad stick.

How is your Aldred? It looks a lovely profile and I'll wager it picks-up beautifully. You got the Vintage at around 2lb 9?
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: Chad on March 07, 2013, 10:18:48 PM
The second Tempo is going to be faste(r)eddie's match bat and seeing as he bat's at 8 it will last a long time, having said that, he smashed a perfectly good H4L so I'm not keeping my fingers crossed. If this one go's then I'll have to cough-up again, as all good parents do.

On the mallet it's really impressive. I got my #1 Tempo back from Choice today, 1 or so Ounces lighter and feeling the better for it.

The Aldred?
It's pick-up and balance are amazing. I'm finding it really easy to hook and play those delicate shots you can't play with a 3lb behemoth. It's got a great middle but even when you don't nail it theres plenty of wood to give it momentum. Minimal or zero concaving.

I'm delighted with all the bats I've bought. Not a bad stick.

How is your Aldred? It looks a lovely profile and I'll wager it picks-up beautifully. You got the Vintage at around 2lb 9?

I got a Supreme in the Vintage profile at 2lb 11oz. It picks up really nicely, going to send it back down to Paul for some slight adjustments, but it is really top notch. 8) I wish I could afford that Vintage. :( Great thing is that the Supremes are all pressed to feel the same, and bouncing a ball off it feels very very nice and the sound it makes off the mallet is really top notch. :)

Haha yeah, it better last him a long time! Tell him not to toe the ball! Tends to be that heavier bats last a little longer! 8)
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: fasteddie on March 07, 2013, 11:45:14 PM
I netted the Tempo (with the Choice toe insert) tonight.

I nearly took faste(r)eddies head off with one I nailed right out of the screws. If I get it right I am gong to have a great season!

Tonight was the fastest he has ever bowled. He had a new ball and a burning desire to topple his old man.
It was a pleasure, even though I am wearing two more bruises. I never get hit, but he has really found 3 yards from nowhere!

I used my Tempo, so it was a 3lb ish brute when I should have used the Aldred.

What great fun.

Chad, I am with you on the Vintage. Maybe in a couple of seasons I'll stump up the cash and get one off Paul.

Can't fault Matt or Paul. Top service and great bats.
Title: Re: This is what amazing customer service looks like.
Post by: fasteddie on March 10, 2013, 06:18:04 PM
Here are the Tempos side by side.

Gary took 1oz from my #1 Tempo and did the toe strengthening insert whilst he was at it.

Here is the outcome.

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSC_0094_zps33624d14.jpg)

It looks imbalanaced but I can assure you it feels great
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSC_0103_zpsa7d6f736.jpg)

The Tempo on the R weighs 2lb 14oz
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/fastedd1e/DSC_0101_zpsd774cc6c.jpg)

I'm going to net the new Tempo tomorrow night.
Fortunately, faste(r)eddie isn't bowling, so it will be more gentle.