Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: fazza1970 on September 25, 2013, 08:33:52 PM
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As a taller player (just over 6ft 4), what do fellow beanpoles on here think of switching to a long blade bat?
Not considered it as too much of an issue before, but spent much of this season playing on poor, slow, low wickets "toeing" a frustrating number of balls and so was going to look for a bat with a lower middle. But now wondering if a longer blade is the better solution.
Anyone any experience - good or bad - on switching to a longer blade?
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Lad at my club at 6.4 too, a giant to me at 6!, used a custom LB with a low middle. Plenty of runs from it compared to other seasons when he used SH.
Hope this info helps! :)
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What's wrong with a long handle bat, have you tried that?
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A long blade would be ideal for you. Unlike long handle bats which can often feel a little awkward when you have been used the batting with a short handle for so long, a long blade will actually feel quite natural to you.
Not many bats are available in long blade, for example Gray-Nicolls and GM only make long handle bats and not long blade. Brands that immediately come to mind are Kookaburra and Ton.
Hope this helps...
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We actually did a short video on our YouTube channel a few months ago, showing the difference between a short handle and long blade bat...take a look.
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I'm a touch shorter than you and have used a LH for a number of years. I stuck a post up a little while back wondering if anyone had a cheapish LB bat about as I fancied trying one over the winter to see how it felt but no joy from it. If you acquire one, keep me posted on your thoughts :)
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Wouldn't a longer blade be heavier than a long handle and the balance feel a bit off as more weight is on the end of a standard handle?
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Wouldn't a longer blade be heavier than a long handle and the balance feel a bit off as more weight is on the end of a standard handle?
In theory it should be heavier as you have an extra 1" or so of willow, however in practice the balance and feel is pretty much the same and sometimes even better than a short handle bat. I personally have a Ton Gladiator long blade that weighs less than 2lbs 7oz!
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I have long handles, long blades, and long blades /long handles and I have to say that the long blades tend to have a better balance more similar to a normal SH. I would definitely recommend the long blade more than LH.
On the subject of changing, I am 6'3 so could get away with either.
To see if you're suited to a longer bat, I'd try one in off season and see how you get on with one?
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As someone who is also a bit on the tall side (between 6'4 and 6'5"), I've lh, lb, and lhlb bats. I've found that all three work for me, but that the key thing is the middle position.
Where is used a lower middle before, the middle set more mid on all works well. Interns of balance, it very much depends on the bat. I've a beautifully balanced b3 lh that picks up weigh better than my similar middle lb, but is equivalent to my lhlb.
If you are after something bigger than sh, I'd really recommend visiting a maker and having them make and balance it for you there and then as it really makes a huge difference. Good luck!
Sent from my HTC One mini using Tapatalk 4
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you are going to hit the ball fairly consistently out of the same area of the bat. the important measurement is the distance from where you grip the bat to the area where you hit most of your shots from. this won't change by adding an inch to the length of the blade. I'm not saying a long blade may not be better for you or a long handle if you change where you grip the bat just that height and blade / handle length don't correlate as closely as people think
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I switched to long blade in last few seasons and feel much better I'm 6ft 4
Best to try one before buying one unless you can pick one up cheap
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I know that you would both post on here Tim and Roco, as you are both the main people I know to have swapped!
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I've used long handles or blades since I was 17 and have always found them much easier than short handled bats for someone of height - I'm 6' 3". The main difference is that I find I hunch less, which means that my eyes stay level and I don't lose track of where my off peg is.
Between handles and blades, I'd say I have a slight preference for long blades - the weight is beter distributed and balanced - though you won't notice a difference per se provided you remember to grip the extra inch up!
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This is interesting. What is the height preference to switch to a long blade?
I'm 6foot 1. I use sh, always have. But I have my middle ridicolous low. So low that people complain my bats have a very bad pick up(I'd agree but am used to it)
I still find I tow a lot, and try to bend my knees and hunch for front foot shots to ensure I don't toe it.
Would a long blade be better for me?
I remember filling in a laver and wood questionairee once, and they recommended a 3/4 inch longer blade?
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I don't think there is a rule set in stone - but I think over 6 foot its something that is at the very least worth trying.
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I have to concur with manormanic. The main difference I find is when I am standing at the crease. The longer bat encourages me to remain more upright and allows me to keep straighter and my head more level.
Sent from my HTC One mini using Tapatalk 4
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I use SH all season and didn't struggle with it. But I will try a LB in the nets and see how I get on!
I think you adjust to what you use. But being able to keep eyes more level is good!
I do tend to find it difficult to know precisely where my off stump is some if the time and the SH may be the reason!
But I am comfortable using a SH so not overly concerned!
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I'm 6'2" and have tried long handled bats but not really got on with them. I may try a long blade over the winter and see how that feels
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Land of the giants! :D
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Thanks for all the responses - and interested to see people leaning towards lb rather than lh bats - the little advice I've had previously suggested lb was the way to go.
Does anyone know if any of the board sponsors offer lb clefts? Would like to do right by one of them (and myself) if possible.
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Any of them could make you a lb bat easily
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I can personally vouch for the quality of Hell 4 Leather's long blades if that helps....
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Any of them could make you a lb bat easily
More importantly can anyone make one cheap?
I'd like one to try but don't wanna pay top dollar for an experiment? Especially one that if works, could end up being really really expensive if I have to replace all my bats!
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Ryan woud probably be able to help there
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Cheers for all the input. Will contact some of the board sponsors and see what's out there.
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We currently have all the Ton models shown on our website available in Long Blade. If your not too far from us, you are most welcome to come and see them. We also have some Kookaburra's. Prices start from £99.99.