Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: DaveW on April 07, 2013, 10:55:17 AM
-
Hello guys,
Just wondered if any of you have heard much about S3 Cricket from Lincolnshire? I'm not too sure about the background behind the company, but have picked up one of their sticks - and borrowing another - ahead of the new season. This is my first post on here - but have been a keen observer for a while - and just thought I would add a quick review.
Key Details
Weight: 2lb 08oz
Size: Short Handle
Grade: Two (think they do 1-3)
Shape: Central sweet spot, with slight bow and equal WD
I have only used the borrowed one so far (orange grip), so if I'm totally honest that is slightly lighter than the one on the left, so my review may not be totally accurate.
However, so far the signs are good. The borrowed bat pings really well and, after 4-5 net sessions, is starting to feel better and better. The pick up is nice, but then again I would expect it to be when it's lighter than what I normally go for. The white gripped bat is my first new one for over three years, so I'm looking forward to preparing that properly and using it in the nets. Think I may use the other one for the first few games to see how it goes.
In case you were wondering, the white gripped one is a couple of ounces heavier, so hopefully it will have a bit more oomph in it... the bow is slightly more exaggerated, too.
While the early signs are promising, I will be able to provide better feedback once I have used them both in a game. But, the main reason for me buying S3 was to keep my custom local. Their service was excellent, even for someone who knows as little about bats as me (even less how to use them). If you want to look at their website it's www.s3cricket.co.uk (http://www.s3cricket.co.uk) and I think they are on Twitter and Facebook too.
I know this isn't a full review, but if you have any questions about my two bats then i'll try to answer, just not sure what else to say haha.
Dave
PS: How do I upload pictures? Do I have to use Instagram or something like that? Cheers
-
Who makes them????
Any relation ?.
And welcome to the forum bud
-
Upload into photo bucket or equivalent mate and copy the img code. If you use the search function on the forum there is a upload guide.
Welcome aboard!
-
Whereabouts in Lincs are you from mate? I'm a Lincoln lad and this is the first I've heard of them...
-
Thanks procricket :) they are based around Grimsby, as am I... not sure what the situation is in terms of who makes them, but may be worth giving them a ring to find out - they were always really helpful on emails, and responding through Facebook etc.
I'll post pictures tomorrow, thanks for the help Ams4287
-
http://www.s3cricket.co.uk/about-us/ (http://www.s3cricket.co.uk/about-us/)
-
Here we go, some pictures of my S3 cricket bats... hope you like, if you have any questions fire away :) Only 11 days until the season, can't wait!
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o771/liamwood23/S3-BatFace_zps1f6382cb.png)
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o771/liamwood23/S3-BatEdge_zps733d5dc3.png)
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o771/liamwood23/S3-BatBack_zps36871f08.jpg)
-
They'd be kicking themselves they misspelt "lightning" on the stickers...
-
Bats from here look like a case of purchasing the bats from asia and then stickering them up over here. As the stickers do not look the best quality either.
-
Bats from here look like a case of purchasing the bats from asia and then stickering them up over here. As the stickers do not look the best quality either.
I was thinking the same, the grip tape is a strong indication.
-
Can we get a top of handle shot and a butchers at the twine please
-
S3 ??? So Salix's academy brand.............. might have a problem with that??
-
They certainly do look Indian made, as mentioned the grip tape is a good indication. However, if that's replaced with a 'UK grip tape look' what other indications do people look for?
-
For me it twine and top of handle although neither is conclusive i would say the grip tape is more pakistan than india...
The colour of the wood would either say it a older bat or i find the bats from the sub continent usually are slightly browner
-
I reckon Pakistan made and stickered/grip in the UK. Not sure about Handmade in the UK, maybe sanded down and oiled.
One for fasteddie - grammar checker needs to be used on the website.
Lincolnshire born and bred… James Gorbutt and Dan Bevis have established S3 Cricket with one solitary aim – to provide top quality equipment for local players (full stop) both club players they identified the need for a range of great quality bats at competitive prices and began the search for the right bats.
Bedroom company by the looks of it.
-
They'd be kicking themselves they misspelt "lightning" on the stickers...
hahhahaha
-
Its good to see someone give it a go. Need a bit of work on the site.
Maybe take out what appears to be mistypes of truth, on the about us.
-
Its good to see someone give it a go. Need a bit of work on the site.
Maybe take out what appears to be mistypes of truth, on the about us.
I agree be honest and open and you never know some on here just re sticker others bats so there doing nothing wrong bar maybe a fib or two sort that and good luck.
-
I reckon Pakistan made and stickered/grip in the UK. Not sure about Handmade in the UK, maybe sanded down and oiled.
One for fasteddie - grammar checker needs to be used on the website.
Lincolnshire born and bred… James Gorbutt and Dan Bevis have established S3 Cricket with one solitary aim – to provide top quality equipment for local players (full stop) both club players they identified the need for a range of great quality bats at competitive prices and began the search for the right bats.
Bedroom company by the looks of it.
How hard can it be!!!!
Do the simple things correctly.
Doh!
-
It funny hearing people on this brand why not get in contact with them and ask them good luck to them better than some on prices and not taking the piss for just re-stickering....
But hey i don't know the inns and out i wish them luck in the cut throat market where everybody including me become experts.....
Tell you for 15 shillings it is amazing how your brand can be turned into a stomper......
If you want one testing i shall give one a bash
Dave
I respect anybody spending there money in the industry good luck to all.... :D
-
I respect anybody spending there money in the industry good luck to all.... :D
I agree with this
-
Hello guys,
I must say I'm slightly bemused by some of the comments above. My friend saw his being made in front of his very eyes, and I'm 100% sure mine was made in the same place.
As for the spelling of Lightning, I guess they should have hired a proof reader haha
But, I can assure you, these bats are not important - and I would suggest James and Dan would be able to confirm this, and give you further details, if you contacted them.
Back to the bat... used mine for the first time in the nets yesterday - it goes well, still needs some work on the knocking in front but I'm very impressed, especially for a new company.
Cheers, DW
-
important or imported? ;)
I suspect they are certianly important to a bat selling business :D
-
important or imported? ;)
I suspect they are certianly important to a bat selling business :D
i had to refrain from saying that, so thanks Buzz ;)
-
But, I can assure you, these bats are not important -
Bats not important.........How very dare you sir!
I'm going to go and have a cry! ;)
-
Imported* of course... aside from that, my message stands - not quite sure why people have jumped on the 'imported' bandwagon, entitled to their opinions but why assume the worst? Especially when it isn't fact!
-
Until people have the facts either way speculation in life is inevitable!
-
I completely agree with what has been said and I do not wish to add flames to the fire. However, If you are going to create your own cricket brand it's a normal proceedure to research the area in which you are investing your time and money. It wouldn't have taken much time and effort to see a number of Indian and Pakistani brands usually apply the grip tape in this fashion (black with white band) and If I was making handmade bats in the UK and selling them based on that fact, I would do everything I could do to distance myself from looking as if they have been imported and stickered up. So, it would save the bloke running this company a little dosh and a little time if he simply applied less grip tape in the first place and i'm sure all comments of him simply importing bats might soon vanish. Or not, as the case might be.
-
Hello boys,
I have just got off the phone with James, and he assures me the bats are made IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, using ENGLISH WILLOW only... hopefully this will dissolve any concerns. If not, he is happy to deal with anyone directly - you can call him anytime on
I can totally understand the concerns with a new company. But, at the end of the day, a specific piece of tape should not be enough to distract people. If anyone is in the Lincolnshire area, and wants to try my bat to voice an impartial opinion, I would be more than willing to meet them.
As for my bat, it's getting better and better - looking forward to the season starting on Saturday. Best of luck to all you boys for the campaign, unless you come up against each other! Then, my bias is on the fence...
Cheers, Liam
-
It might be a good idea to post some pictures of the "workshop", i'm sure that would disperse any concerns and confirm where the bats are made.
DaveW, whats your relationship with this company? Sounds like your involved in the company...maybe you are indeed James or one of his colleagues?
-
Hello boys,
I have just got off the phone with James, and he assures me the bats are made IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, using ENGLISH WILLOW only... hopefully this will dissolve any concerns. If not, he is happy to deal with anyone directly - you can call him anytime on
I can totally understand the concerns with a new company. But, at the end of the day, a specific piece of tape should not be enough to distract people. If anyone is in the Lincolnshire area, and wants to try my bat to voice an impartial opinion, I would be more than willing to meet them.
As for my bat, it's getting better and better - looking forward to the season starting on Saturday. Best of luck to all you boys for the campaign, unless you come up against each other! Then, my bias is on the fence...
Cheers, Liam
I thought your name was Dave?
Grip tape or no grip tape, the bats themsleves look Asian.
You said earlier you saw your bat being made. Define 'made' ?
Did you see the pressing? A handle go in? Or did you just see him shape the back of a premade bat?
Sorry for all the questioning. I've had plenty of strong and direct questions since i signed up, S3 aren't a sponsor, so in my opion should expect a lot of scrutiny in exchange for free advertising.
-
Liam
I removed the direct mobile number and sent you a PM.
-
Let's just be clear here. Liam (David) Wood is the captain of Caistor Town 1st XI and sponsored by S3, so part of his remit will be to go out and talk up S3. While I don't have a problem with this, I would expect you to disclose your relationship with the company and not have to have us reveal this.
-
Yeah just came accross his twitter feed, standard sponsored player/sales agent deal by the look of it.
Nothing but stock photos on the website, facebook and twitter feeds. If I handmade bats in the UK, I would be showing off pictures of clefts, the workshop and tools used etc.
-
Good evening boys,
Just hoping to iron out any existing concerns - please take the time to read.
Yes, I am not affiliated with S3 Cricket... but, in all truth, my first purchase from them was 'blind' and purely based on keeping it local. Having called up James, we have since arrange a playing deal... but I am under no obligation to 'plug' his bats. If you need proof of where these bats are made, like I said before, feel free to contact James and speak with him? I am a sponsored player, yes, but have no real connection with the brand, or what they are about.
As for testing my bat, the offer still stands. If somebody would like to impartially review my willow, then feel free to get in touch and I'm sure we can arrange something.
With regards to my name, and role, my name is Liam David Wood - as is common in our family, the middle name is my commonly used name. I have no idea why, but frankly this shouldn't be an issue surely?
I hope this clears things up. And, just finally, my post says my friend saw his bat being made - not me, so like I have said above please contact James for full clarification of where, and how, the S3 bats are made.
Cheers, and all the best for Saturday if people are playing. Dave
-
Hi Guys,
My names Dan, I'm one of the owners of S3 Cricket. I just wanted to come on here and clear up a few issues that have been raised so far.
Our bats are 100% made in the UK. The willow is provided by JS Wrights, who many of you will know, and are hand crafted by our bat maker. We do not claim to make these bats ourselves, we have an agreement with a company here in England (who you all will have heard of) who produce all our bats for us.
Although I understand all your points / concerns, I’m bemused by some of the negative comments on here – at no point do we pretend to be anything other 2 local cricketers, who’ve decided to give something a go.
This is our first season in business, we currently have approximately 10 bats ‘on show’ in the Lincolnshire area and on the opening day of the season, Neal Snell of Grimsby Town CC, who play in the Lincs ECB Premier League, hit a century using one of our bats.
More than happy to answer any questions.
Cheers
Dan
P.S Thanks for pointing out the spelling mistake!! #fail
-
So Neal Snell is a professional footballer who is playing ECB Prem cricket as well? There can't be too many people around doing that can there? He's got to be a bit of a one off these days? Obviously one of those sickeningly talented guys....! I hate him already! :D
-
A quick Google search for david snell cricket and this came up? http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/Cricket-Snell-century-vain-Grimsby-Town-held/story-18800119-detail/story.html#axzz2RqzESDJm (http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/Cricket-Snell-century-vain-Grimsby-Town-held/story-18800119-detail/story.html#axzz2RqzESDJm) doesn't look like an S3 bat there?
-
To be fair though, it's hardly an action shot is it? :D More like, "Grab a bat, I need a pic for the local paper" !!!
-
A quick Google search for david snell cricket and this came up? [url]http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/Cricket-Snell-century-vain-Grimsby-Town-held/story-18800119-detail/story.html#axzz2RqzESDJm[/url] ([url]http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/Cricket-Snell-century-vain-Grimsby-Town-held/story-18800119-detail/story.html#axzz2RqzESDJm[/url]) doesn't look like an S3 bat there?
If you read the article, That is Harry Clewett
-
That is Neal Snell in the pic, but its a very old picture and not one took on the day. Good investigation work though sir!
-
That is Neal Snell in the pic, but its a very old picture and not one took on the day. Good investigation work though sir!
The article states it is not Neal Snell. I presume the reporter was given false information.
-
Guys...does it matter?
I'm sure the guy was using an S3 bat. So no reason to doubt that.
Therefore the conversation can move on :-[