Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: Krs on December 04, 2013, 10:29:15 AM
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Came across this on youtube while searching for Carbine videos (other than Paul's at IJC)
Anyone know anything about this bat?
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have seen the artwork previews on FB but nothing about the profile/shape of the bat as yet....tried to wangle some info out of Marcus of the golf course but to no avail but did see a Tweet last night about releasing some info when they get 50 RT under their belt about it.
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have seen the artwork previews on FB but nothing about the profile/shape of the bat as yet....tried to wangle some info out of Marcus of the golf course but to no avail but did see a Tweet last night about releasing some info when they get 50 RT under their belt about it.
I saw the tweet last night, I have already retweeted, he needs another 21 to go - only 12 hours left.
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I sure we will all find out very soon I think they will have a bit off concaving because I know they will be available in a lighter weight but that's all I could find out but I going to get one as I know they will go very well :)
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Didn't he mention offset edge in one of his tweets. Expect it to be purist like
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Didn't he mention offset edge in one of his tweets. Expect it to be purist like
If you see the picture off the stickers it does say offset edge so I assume they do :)
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A picture has been posted on twitter, not much is given away regarding the profile but the stickers look cool!
(http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p687/K3DYN/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsb4b4d511.jpg)
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A brief description given by Marcus on Affinity Cricket's facebook page "A new style cricket blade that incorporates an offset edge and a neutral balance for creative shot making and free scoring players. Decked out in pearlescent Affinity Cricket livery. The Phantom."
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Livery!
Much better than stickers or decals.
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Livery!
Much better than stickers or decals.
I still prefer decals... :-)
Had it not been for the skull, I would've preferred those decals to the Carbine! Can't beat a bit of purple!!
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The skull is childish looking IMO
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The skull is childish looking IMO
Is not
Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk
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News just in... The Phantom will be available in our store this time next week... :-)
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The skull makes it look punisher-esque. I like it!
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The Spectre and now the Phantom... Is it a coincidence that the Affinity bats are "scarily" good?!
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The Spectre and now the Phantom... Is it a coincidence that the Affinity bats are "scarily" good?!
ooof
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The Spectre and now the Phantom... Is it a coincidence that the Affinity bats are "scarily" good?!
That was frighteningly bad...
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Here is another spooky pic!
(http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p687/K3DYN/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps169198cb.jpg)
(http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p687/K3DYN/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps0c335428.jpg)
(http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p687/K3DYN/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsf80e8239.jpg)
(http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p687/K3DYN/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsd988a181.jpg)
(http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p687/K3DYN/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps50c84f1b.jpg)
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the issue I have with pics like these is that they look great, but give no real idea of the profile of the bat.
it is all about the branding.
given the quality of Marcus' bats, I think that is a huge shame. I realise that people mainly just like the stickers but even so... please can I have an in focus profile shot!
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the issue I have with pics like these is that they look great, but give no real idea of the profile of the bat.
it is all about the branding.
given the quality of Marcus' bats, I think that is a huge shame. I realise that people mainly just like the stickers but even so... please can I have an in focus profile shot!
I agree it be nice to see from the side and from the toe up I have had three affinity bats and all are guns especially my new persona I going to text Marcus to see if he will realise the profile shots :D
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the issue I have with pics like these is that they look great, but give no real idea of the profile of the bat.
it is all about the branding.
given the quality of Marcus' bats, I think that is a huge shame. I realise that people mainly just like the stickers but even so... please can I have an in focus profile shot!
It's classic marketing! A big trail about a new product from a brand, then teasing photos showing some aspects of the new product, then full photos of the product showing full details. It builds interest in the product before its full release. Typical for many products, just think about car releases, identical.
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Like them decals.. Skull looks nice.. :D
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It's classic marketing! A big trail about a new product from a brand, then teasing photos showing some aspects of the new product, then full photos of the product showing full details. It builds interest in the product before its full release. Typical for many products, just think about car releases, identical.
I know and I totally loathe it.
I am not a fan and it makes me loose interest.
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Is Andy (Norbs) affiliated with Affinity? Wasn't Marcus with SAF a few years ago?
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I presume inspired by this guy...
(http://wall.alphacoders.com/download_wallpaper.php?id=214952)
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no and yes.
Andy ran/runs SAF. Marcus worked with Andy for a while and has now set up Affinity which has been running for 18months or something
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Does he actually make the bats as I'm confused by some of the posts in here. The bats look good and the marketing even better!
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Does he actually make the bats as I'm confused by some of the posts in here. The bats look good and the marketing even better!
He does make the bats mate and designed all his own stickers his bats are very nice and really go well
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yes he makes the bats, as far as I am aware, although the designed in England sticker is misleading and suggests they are made overseas
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The sticker that buzz pointed out is misleading
The affinity you have simon looks very good
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(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/AffinityPhantomPreview_zps08b37346.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/ItsJustCricket/media/AffinityPhantomPreview_zps08b37346.jpg.html)
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Still no profile shot?
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Still no profile shot?
Yep, Chris, you'll have to come to our shop to see it! ;)
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It's a bloody far drive. For a bat that may not suit.
Profile shot is the money shot! But if they don't wanna sell the bats, then keep the secrecy going.
I'll buy a toro instead.........
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It's a bloody far drive. For a bat that may not suit.
Profile shot is the money shot! But if they don't wanna sell the bats, then keep the secrecy going.
I'll buy a toro instead.........
But while you're there, I'm sure you could find another bat that would suit, and therefore make the most of the long drive!! ;)
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the issue I have with pics like these is that they look great, but give no real idea of the profile of the bat.
it is all about the branding.
given the quality of Marcus' bats, I think that is a huge shame. I realise that people mainly just like the stickers but even so... please can I have an in focus profile shot!
The way I see it, providing a profile shot now would be like having sex on the first date. What more would you have to look forward to, then?! ;) :D
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The way I see it, providing a profile shot now would be like having sex on the first date. What more would you have to look forward to, then?! ;) :D
Sex on every date??? :D
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Sex before the first date - with a random stranger?
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Sex before the first date - with a random stranger?
This can be achieved in a cottage on a clapped out common or something.
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This can be achieved in a cottage on a clapped out common or something.
Alvus, what you do in your spare time is entirely up to you :D
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How do we get from conversations about bat profiles to ones like this so often on this forum ???.
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How do we get from conversations about bat profiles to ones like this so often on this forum ???.
Fattus....
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Seems to be a 1940's comic book theme going on, what next, The Shazaam, The Flash, The Avenger, The Spectre??? :D
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How do we get from conversations about bat profiles to ones like this so often on this forum ???.
You play cricket, where we regularly talk about boxes to keep balls in, shining balls, and guarding the middle peg and you ask this question?
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After that little bit of fun, back on topic: Marcus has just written this on our Facebook page:
"It's Just Cricket Ltd will have all the details by this time next week. This will be the first place you'll see a Phantom in its entirety."
So, I guess that long awaited profile shot will never arrive - you will have to see it for yourself in our shop! No sex before marriage in the eyes of Affinity!! :D
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Fattus....
:D
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The way I see it, providing a profile shot now would be like having sex on the first date. What more would you have to look forward to, then?! ;) :D
what a crock of b s
love at first sight is free.
a lovely, memorable date can cost virtually nothing.
a pic of the profile of a bat will sell you more bats than a load of flashy crap.
men see something and buy it. women need to be teased.
men buy cricket bats.
have you asked Marcus why these bats only say designed in England, or did he make some good friends in India in his trip last year?
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Gotta agree with Buzz and others here. There is no way I am going to purchase or travel for a couple of hours for a bat which all I've seen is a few pictures that more or less may as well be from any bat you want. Just don't quite see the marketing tactics behind it :-[.
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I think everyone on this post is contributing to the marketing tactics which in of itself makes it a good campaign. I'd rather hear the rationale behind the offset It's something I think can be very useful for certain batsmen / batting techniques.
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End of the day a bat is a bat. No amount of marketing can disguise that. If no pics are provide then people will vote with their feet. Teasers only work for so long before they have the opposite effect and piss the customer off. Reality is often a let down.
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From the picture it looks like the spine runs right from the handle and flattens out in the last few inches before the toe. The swell looks low down which makes me wonder where the off set is.
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If anyone is interested! Affinity are seeking their 2014 softs for £100. Pads and Gloves!! Bargin!
http://twitter.com/AffinityCricket/status/410378402231635969/photo/1 (http://twitter.com/AffinityCricket/status/410378402231635969/photo/1)
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I was just about to put the same link up, softs look very good - although they're a familiar design.......
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Looks like they have changed supplier?
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Looks like they have changed supplier?
Actually, it appears that they are basically continuing with Ayrtek's soft range. Check it out here;
www.facebook.com/AffinityCricket (http://www.facebook.com/AffinityCricket)
It seems pretty decent.
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If anyone is interested! Affinity are seeking their 2014 softs for £100. Pads and Gloves!! Bargin!
[url]http://twitter.com/AffinityCricket/status/410378402231635969/photo/1[/url] ([url]http://twitter.com/AffinityCricket/status/410378402231635969/photo/1[/url])
I was impressed with what I saw at the IJC net - the pads were excellent.
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An Affinity Ayrtek with matching pads and gloves for £400 is not a bad shout.
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Yes Affinity has taken on our softs designs as they are no longer being produced by us as we don't have a brand name within the market due to the adidas link up. After the hard work we put in getting them sampled and produced it would be a shame to see them die a death and collect dust on the shelf.
The quality is upto the usual high spec and Marcus has put his own finish on them by tweaking the colour schemes to give them a new fresh look.
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Delighted to say that the Phantom is officially available now, as it has just been uploaded to our website. The bats are due in on Tuesday. Here is the link... http://www.itsjustcricket.co.uk/cricket-bats-c17/senior-cricket-bats-c18/affinity-phantom-cricket-bat-p852 (http://www.itsjustcricket.co.uk/cricket-bats-c17/senior-cricket-bats-c18/affinity-phantom-cricket-bat-p852)
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Delighted to say that the Phantom is officially available now, as it has just been uploaded to our website. The bats are due in on Tuesday. Here is the link... [url]http://www.itsjustcricket.co.uk/cricket-bats-c17/senior-cricket-bats-c18/affinity-phantom-cricket-bat-p852[/url] ([url]http://www.itsjustcricket.co.uk/cricket-bats-c17/senior-cricket-bats-c18/affinity-phantom-cricket-bat-p852[/url])
hi Paul, can you please send me some pics of the Phantom? Loving the Kudos you sent me: I've had TAS edge inserts fitted to it and it is even more amazing, mate!
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what do u fee the benefit of having the TAS fitted offers mate?
Interested in them as all my bats seem to let go on the inside edge :( if they prolonged the lifespan of the bat it would be worthwhile investing in some perhaps ???
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Tom/paul are you able to answer where these are made?
for £315 that is the same price as some salix bats.
these are "designed" in England. from that I would assume that Marcus hasn't personally made the bats and outsourced the making.
normally it wouldn't really bother me but Marcus made such a big thing about hand making the bats, pressing them all himself and charging premium prices for a premium product.
it just feels to me that after all that to build up his brand profile, to then give his customers Indian made bats at uk hand made prices instead would be a little unfair and not transparent for his customers.
custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=21476.msg345722#msg345722
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what do u fee the benefit of having the TAS fitted offers mate?
Interested in them as all my bats seem to let go on the inside edge :( if they prolonged the lifespan of the bat it would be worthwhile investing in some perhaps ???
the inserts are made from curved oak and are fitted to the bat edge going against the natural curve of the oak. This, according to TAS imparts energy into the bat face even before hitting the ball. This was tested at Swinbourne University and proven to add around 25% more energy into the shot with the same force used.
They also act like a toe insert where they stop any cracks going through the blade etc. Apparently Slazenger had no TAS bats come back in for warranty work which is pretty good by all accounts...
I personally rate them but be aware they add 2 ounces to your bats dead weight. :)
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Cool thanks mate, interesting stats
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hi Paul, can you please send me some pics of the Phantom? Loving the Kudos you sent me: I've had TAS edge inserts fitted to it and it is even more amazing, mate!
Hi Mark, glad you like the Kudos! Interesting move with the TAS inserts too, but if it works for you, then great! :) The Phantom will be officially launched when our launch review is uploaded to YouTube next week. We cannot send any photos of the bat, or any further information until then. When the video goes live I will link it on this thread. Hopefully that will give you - and everyone - all the information they need on the profile, pick-up etc.
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not going to answer the "designed in england" question? Its a strange sticker to put on a bat.
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not going to answer the "designed in england" question? Its a strange sticker to put on a bat.
Possibly, I have to admit I was a little surprised myself by that sticker, but there is a reason behind it and all will become clear very soon...
Also, a "designed in England" sticker certainly doesn't mean that the bat isn't also made in England. Lots of jumping to conclusions on this forum!! :o
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Without any real answers and info on the bat shrouded in secrecy. People will always jump to conclusions.
Out of internet is the secrecy malarkey working? Do you have loads of pre orders?
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Without any real answers and info on the bat shrouded in secrecy. People will always jump to conclusions.
Out of internet is the secrecy malarkey working? Do you have loads of pre orders?
There has been lots of interest generated, Chris - which is the main reason for taking this approach. No pre-orders as of yet because, I agree, many would rather wait and see the profile shape before parting with £315! They were only listed on our site yesterday evening too!
At the end of the day, though, I am a massive fan of the Affinity bats, and am very pleased to help spread the word about how good they are because I know that anyone who buys one will be a very happy person, and this in turn makes me happy. And this approach has really helped spread the word...
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Personally I think you'd have to question someone's mental state if they pre-ordered a bat before they've seen anything or known anything about it so it's hardly surprising many haven't been pre-ordered. I guess all of this is designed to do exactly what all of us are doing - talking about it. Builds a bit of buzz and debate but I bet most people will be watching the review etc - bet Paul will love that for his YouTube stats!
Proof is always in the pudding and no amount of hype or intrigue will replace that.
Will be interesting to see this bat in the flesh or some reviews from people who own one.
Agree re the comments about "designed in England" that people are likely to jump to conclusions. Paul seems to suggest he knows more on this but if you don't release all f the info then people will naturally start to fill in the blanks themselves, not always accurately either
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Personally I think you'd have to question someone's mental state if they pre-ordered a bat before they've seen anything or known anything about it so it's hardly surprising many haven't been pre-ordered. I guess all of this is designed to do exactly what all of us are doing - talking about it. Builds a bit of buzz and debate but I bet most people will be watching the review etc - bet Paul will love that for his YouTube stats!
Proof is always in the pudding and no amount of hype or intrigue will replace that.
Will be interesting to see this bat in the flesh or some reviews from people who own one.
Agree re the comments about "designed in England" that people are likely to jump to conclusions. Paul seems to suggest he knows more on this but if you don't release all f the info then people will naturally start to fill in the blanks themselves, not always accurately either
You make a lot of valid points there, Ian - thanks.
My frustration is that we have already said on several occasions that all the info will be revealed in due course ie. in the video and afterwards on our respective websites, but people on here don't seem to be prepared to wait for the factual information that all of this will provide and instead jump to their own conclusions that have no grounding and just appear to be wild guesses, with no concrete evidence to back them up! Please, guys, just be patient and the truth will come out!
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An open letter, blog article, life story ( as i need to get the lounge decorated )
Ok, where to start. Don’t forget you asked for this… are you sitting comfortably.
Also out of respect i’ll try not to use my brand label if i can get away with it. I don’t pay to be on here so i shouldn’t get a mention. So please stop talking about us!
Let’s deal with the elephant in the room.
Why “Designed in England”?
Easy, but I do get that the words on their own cause confusion to anyone looking further than what was written above it.
Offset Edge.
Those that really want to pursue this will know I worked along side a pretty talented bloke called Andy at SafBats two years ago or so. For the important stuff we clashed and my intensity to ask question etc would have tested a saint. Although things ended in a cloud the guy gave me nearly everything i had from a decent understanding to challenges, later motivation and ultimately (and annoyingly) more questions. The one thing i admired was the offset edge argument, i still have the first Hades he made and it sums up everything positive that a creative artisan can achieve. I both love it for what it reminds me of and at the same time hate it for what it reminds me of. Only one person will ever get this if i decide to part with it and he gets that reason.
The idea of the offset is his (Andy) and his alone in that he saw something beneficial in the redistribution of wood from toe and edge. Yes it has been done before by other, I have even had one of Tony’s old bats from Warsop come in which had to all intents and purposes an “offset edge”. But this guys saw reason to promote it and for the first time “market it”. I get that too, I had a bat i kept aside for month after leaving Saf almost as a two fingers up as i had replicated the hades in a childish response to say anything you can do… It was as i say childish. The offset design though is both valid and viable, i have my own theory and rules i apply and as i went to work on a new bat for a younger generation I employed the idea. Its very purpose is to make the hitting area more forgiving than as concentrated as other i had designed and made. The label that carries the words “offset designed in england” whist subtle for some, confusing for others is my way and was my intention to ensure that stayed with him. Am i going to put his name on something i do… not a chance. But for those that “really” know me will get why i would find it hard to take credit for it. I was not the first, it’s simply not mine to claim ownership of.
Next question you’ll want to be asking.
Do you as an individual make very bat?
Answer hell no! I planned Affinity as an idea more than 2 years ago, take your theories Marcus and put your money where your mouth is. Kinda show your workings rather than simply talk a good game on forums and alike.
I started with the hope that I could maybe get 30-40 sales in a calendar year based on two shapes i had a “theory on”. I used a small willow supplier to get 50 pieces in … waded through it and saw 8-12 i liked so bought more. Step and repeat until i had willow i liked the look and sound of. The Carbine proved to be a pain in the bum and i had the rough cut bat part made as it saved a shed load of time (literally) and allowed me to get stuck into the Spectre. For those that knew me on the run up to christmas last year would have know i work solid from late august right up until a week before christmas. Even the forum owner swung by im sure to pay me a visit rather than have a look to see what was going on.
What happened after january has shaped what we have done since, i use “we” as no one man can do all this as its impossible. By March and before the season had started i’d seen 15 bats head to the US alone and more interest by the day. Carbines were a little slow but with 5-6 gone and we hand’t even had a local friendly game played i thought i’ll be undoing all the work if the whole waiting “2 months for a bat issue” arose this time in my care. The cricket industry is a tight knit one, most people are in their roles for 20-30 years and if you plan to be around a while, walk slow, respect the traditions however frustrating and earn you seat at the table. There is nothing however in the cricket manufactures etiquette handbook that stops you asking for help. So I did exactly that, since late march i have spoken and spent time with 8-9 owners, makers and in one case a sports group god. In that you get a feel for who you can trust and also who will with all their experience listen to your thoughts and theories. From that month onward i had a bit more of a decent infrastructure and old school eye contact agreements for help. I am more than pleased to say I have made good mates of the back of it too. Guys that either run their own business or work independently have supported the growth but done so on my terms. Whilst necessary, until you have worked and seen all they have its a big ask for them to alter how they’d work The ones that care do. Even now i’ve been looking at what will happen if we have a growth spurt next season and will it put these guys under too much pressure, do you employ people, do you rent an industrial unit? do you borrow more money?
It’s not easy to uncover everything and in some respect nobodies business, but the foundations and ethics of what i set out to do are there in everything that has our label on. Whilst i’ll be responsible for possibly 1 in 5 of every bat that leaves and 100% of all the specials and custom work. I am also the guys that sees everything before it leaves. Nothing is left to chance. Been there, too controlling (a bad thing) to change that. The truth is a gap will naturally appear as we balance growth and ambition with the realisation that to grow you must invest heavily. No doubt until I am in a position to employ full or even part time I’ll have to use people i trust to cover the numbers. After a period of growth it could well leave us in a position to invest in premises and staff but without an investor first up its a long road. Me i’ll always have my shade and my garage as thats where the passion lays, the solace of being able to design and create new things. I have been opened up the garage for a few people to come in, when a lads comes from holland even if on work… its the least you can do!
For those of you still awake ;-)
India!
Am i responsible for importing Indian bats to the UK to sell, YES.
Not only have i spent a little time in india and made friends i still have a vested interest in the sub continent as a whole. The way things are made, growth along with the well being of the people i work with and their staff. (real people not just drones as they can often be thought of) As i have been to India i’ll soon be going to Pakistan too to gain a little more knowledge and spend time with a manufacture and their family. Has this anything to do with the name in this thread.. sorry but no.
It’s not really a secret but since july i have worked through a few ideas for not only designs, growth of a business but also the loyalty and fascinations of trends within cricket. A lot of people invest to work the uk typical english cricketer and this as we know is saturated. Next year with the help of another from this very forum and with the help of some great local friends both Indian and Pakistani i’ll start (i have to name a “brand name” here admins as it adds context to the argument) a small company called Khan Cricket. I have possibly 60 odds bats from a number of manufactures in Jalandhar and Meerut as i searched for a regular source to get the shapes we need made for Khan. As you can appreciate the Asian bat market is a lower cost but i still think their can be a few cool things done. Why shouldn’t an englishman want to work in that arena? its intoxicating, vibrant challenging and exciting. If you have seen some of the work that comes out of india and often in one or two factories in Pakistan you’ll know like i do they “ can” make some of the most special bats. I have and always will be infatuated with a Beat All Sports bat i once owned and also one a forum legend owns that i cleaned up for him.
So yes, i do intend to design bats that will be made in india to be sold in the uk but from Khan cricket.
Are indian bats used for my Aff adult work, no.
Will they be used in some of the junior ranges as we grow. Yes.
It’s simply too much to ask someone to spend £££ on a bat smaller than a harrow, most grow out of them in a year. Keep the cost down but do what you can to get the best. You’ll see all this later from march anyway.
Back on track.
I set up a business to show my theories and ploughed my own time and money into it. It’s grown beyond what i thought possible and i continue to do the best i can to not only maintain a responsibility to those people that trusted the label but build on it and kick on. Passion alone doesn't get you where you need to go, but having a built up a decent contact list many makers on the forum too that are at the end of a phone as we bitch, whine and put the world to rights its important I stay true to what i set out to do. The truth is I can only do so much. As in any business, those attached to it, part of it, grow with it or as a purchaser invest in it need to know as much as you can offer and have a right to know something they may believe in is true. That responsibility is not lost on me as the simple term follower on something like twitter comes with it’s own responsibilities.
We know people can take all this seriously and we know the marketing of products can be love or hate. We also know that people”listen” to what you push or promote. That why we do push the charity events like we do and use the interest from certain day to day forgotten items as ways to generate money for charities.
I know some don’t get it all, but having seen over £4000 go into charities this year off the back of our use of social media and over £1000 of our own money given or used for prizes I am personally comfortable with it.
Why the fuss? and for a nobody and nearly unheard of?
I am not the man to ask. But the truth is the isn’t really the response an instigator wants. Some just want to see harm, cause gossip, undermine or simply get under the skin of an “individual” as a company has no feelings.
If such a passionate crusade is all encompassing, expect to see them ask many others in the coming months and follow it all up with vigour. If not and I'm deleted or edited then you have your real response. The full email is sent to a few on here that gave me the heads up. They may send it to you if i do get edited.
If by some way i have not answered any of the points, get in touch… be warned i do talk the leg of a chair.
To those that have spoken with me, know me and spend time with me cheers!
To those that aren’t sure what to believe, or just don't want to thats free will and also not life or death now is it.
And you have the choice to buy what you want.
If you got this far you are as driven as me!! well done ;-)
PS, apologies for any typos and merry christmas.
Marcus
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Woah. Waffle and a half.
Any chance of a straight answer for us simpletons?
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hi Marcus, thank you so much for taking the time to come on here and sharing what you are doing.
everyone on here who has seen your bats has been impressed with them.
personally I think it is a shame that your bats say Designed in England but I get why you have gone down that route.
good luck with the business.
p.s. others read the post, the answers are there and clear
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Fantastic response Marcus, I wish you and your business well.
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Great honest piece marcus.
I think to take the time to write it shows great passion and regardless of forum positives or negatives, the bats look decent!!
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It's a shame Marcus was forced to come on here and clear up all the speculation, when it could have been solved with a simple question. What's even more unfortunate is that the same vociferous dissection of someones hard work isn't afforded to other brands that put in a fraction of the effort and are guilty of far worse.
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An open letter, blog article, life story ( as i need to get the lounge decorated )
Ok, where to start. Don’t forget you asked for this… are you sitting comfortably.
Also out of respect i’ll try not to use my brand label if i can get away with it. I don’t pay to be on here so i shouldn’t get a mention. So please stop talking about us!
Let’s deal with the elephant in the room.
Why “Designed in England”?
Easy, but I do get that the words on their own cause confusion to anyone looking further than what was written above it.
Offset Edge.
Those that really want to pursue this will know I worked along side a pretty talented bloke called Andy at SafBats two years ago or so. For the important stuff we clashed and my intensity to ask question etc would have tested a saint. Although things ended in a cloud the guy gave me nearly everything i had from a decent understanding to challenges, later motivation and ultimately (and annoyingly) more questions. The one thing i admired was the offset edge argument, i still have the first Hades he made and it sums up everything positive that a creative artisan can achieve. I both love it for what it reminds me of and at the same time hate it for what it reminds me of. Only one person will ever get this if i decide to part with it and he gets that reason.
The idea of the offset is his (Andy) and his alone in that he saw something beneficial in the redistribution of wood from toe and edge. Yes it has been done before by other, I have even had one of Tony’s old bats from Warsop come in which had to all intents and purposes an “offset edge”. But this guys saw reason to promote it and for the first time “market it”. I get that too, I had a bat i kept aside for month after leaving Saf almost as a two fingers up as i had replicated the hades in a childish response to say anything you can do… It was as i say childish. The offset design though is both valid and viable, i have my own theory and rules i apply and as i went to work on a new bat for a younger generation I employed the idea. Its very purpose is to make the hitting area more forgiving than as concentrated as other i had designed and made. The label that carries the words “offset designed in england” whist subtle for some, confusing for others is my way and was my intention to ensure that stayed with him. Am i going to put his name on something i do… not a chance. But for those that “really” know me will get why i would find it hard to take credit for it. I was not the first, it’s simply not mine to claim ownership of.
Next question you’ll want to be asking.
Do you as an individual make very bat?
Answer hell no! I planned Affinity as an idea more than 2 years ago, take your theories Marcus and put your money where your mouth is. Kinda show your workings rather than simply talk a good game on forums and alike.
I started with the hope that I could maybe get 30-40 sales in a calendar year based on two shapes i had a “theory on”. I used a small willow supplier to get 50 pieces in … waded through it and saw 8-12 i liked so bought more. Step and repeat until i had willow i liked the look and sound of. The Carbine proved to be a pain in the bum and i had the rough cut bat part made as it saved a shed load of time (literally) and allowed me to get stuck into the Spectre. For those that knew me on the run up to christmas last year would have know i work solid from late august right up until a week before christmas. Even the forum owner swung by im sure to pay me a visit rather than have a look to see what was going on.
What happened after january has shaped what we have done since, i use “we” as no one man can do all this as its impossible. By March and before the season had started i’d seen 15 bats head to the US alone and more interest by the day. Carbines were a little slow but with 5-6 gone and we hand’t even had a local friendly game played i thought i’ll be undoing all the work if the whole waiting “2 months for a bat issue” arose this time in my care. The cricket industry is a tight knit one, most people are in their roles for 20-30 years and if you plan to be around a while, walk slow, respect the traditions however frustrating and earn you seat at the table. There is nothing however in the cricket manufactures etiquette handbook that stops you asking for help. So I did exactly that, since late march i have spoken and spent time with 8-9 owners, makers and in one case a sports group god. In that you get a feel for who you can trust and also who will with all their experience listen to your thoughts and theories. From that month onward i had a bit more of a decent infrastructure and old school eye contact agreements for help. I am more than pleased to say I have made good mates of the back of it too. Guys that either run their own business or work independently have supported the growth but done so on my terms. Whilst necessary, until you have worked and seen all they have its a big ask for them to alter how they’d work The ones that care do. Even now i’ve been looking at what will happen if we have a growth spurt next season and will it put these guys under too much pressure, do you employ people, do you rent an industrial unit? do you borrow more money?
It’s not easy to uncover everything and in some respect nobodies business, but the foundations and ethics of what i set out to do are there in everything that has our label on. Whilst i’ll be responsible for possibly 1 in 5 of every bat that leaves and 100% of all the specials and custom work. I am also the guys that sees everything before it leaves. Nothing is left to chance. Been there, too controlling (a bad thing) to change that. The truth is a gap will naturally appear as we balance growth and ambition with the realisation that to grow you must invest heavily. No doubt until I am in a position to employ full or even part time I’ll have to use people i trust to cover the numbers. After a period of growth it could well leave us in a position to invest in premises and staff but without an investor first up its a long road. Me i’ll always have my shade and my garage as thats where the passion lays, the solace of being able to design and create new things. I have been opened up the garage for a few people to come in, when a lads comes from holland even if on work… its the least you can do!
For those of you still awake ;-)
India!
Am i responsible for importing Indian bats to the UK to sell, YES.
Not only have i spent a little time in india and made friends i still have a vested interest in the sub continent as a whole. The way things are made, growth along with the well being of the people i work with and their staff. (real people not just drones as they can often be thought of) As i have been to India i’ll soon be going to Pakistan too to gain a little more knowledge and spend time with a manufacture and their family. Has this anything to do with the name in this thread.. sorry but no.
It’s not really a secret but since july i have worked through a few ideas for not only designs, growth of a business but also the loyalty and fascinations of trends within cricket. A lot of people invest to work the uk typical english cricketer and this as we know is saturated. Next year with the help of another from this very forum and with the help of some great local friends both Indian and Pakistani i’ll start (i have to name a “brand name” here admins as it adds context to the argument) a small company called Khan Cricket. I have possibly 60 odds bats from a number of manufactures in Jalandhar and Meerut as i searched for a regular source to get the shapes we need made for Khan. As you can appreciate the Asian bat market is a lower cost but i still think their can be a few cool things done. Why shouldn’t an englishman want to work in that arena? its intoxicating, vibrant challenging and exciting. If you have seen some of the work that comes out of india and often in one or two factories in Pakistan you’ll know like i do they “ can” make some of the most special bats. I have and always will be infatuated with a Beat All Sports bat i once owned and also one a forum legend owns that i cleaned up for him.
So yes, i do intend to design bats that will be made in india to be sold in the uk but from Khan cricket.
Are indian bats used for my Aff adult work, no.
Will they be used in some of the junior ranges as we grow. Yes.
It’s simply too much to ask someone to spend £££ on a bat smaller than a harrow, most grow out of them in a year. Keep the cost down but do what you can to get the best. You’ll see all this later from march anyway.
Back on track.
I set up a business to show my theories and ploughed my own time and money into it. It’s grown beyond what i thought possible and i continue to do the best i can to not only maintain a responsibility to those people that trusted the label but build on it and kick on. Passion alone doesn't get you where you need to go, but having a built up a decent contact list many makers on the forum too that are at the end of a phone as we bitch, whine and put the world to rights its important I stay true to what i set out to do. The truth is I can only do so much. As in any business, those attached to it, part of it, grow with it or as a purchaser invest in it need to know as much as you can offer and have a right to know something they may believe in is true. That responsibility is not lost on me as the simple term follower on something like twitter comes with it’s own responsibilities.
We know people can take all this seriously and we know the marketing of products can be love or hate. We also know that people”listen” to what you push or promote. That why we do push the charity events like we do and use the interest from certain day to day forgotten items as ways to generate money for charities.
I know some don’t get it all, but having seen over £4000 go into charities this year off the back of our use of social media and over £1000 of our own money given or used for prizes I am personally comfortable with it.
Why the fuss? and for a nobody and nearly unheard of?
I am not the man to ask. But the truth is the isn’t really the response an instigator wants. Some just want to see harm, cause gossip, undermine or simply get under the skin of an “individual” as a company has no feelings.
If such a passionate crusade is all encompassing, expect to see them ask many others in the coming months and follow it all up with vigour. If not and I'm deleted or edited then you have your real response. The full email is sent to a few on here that gave me the heads up. They may send it to you if i do get edited.
If by some way i have not answered any of the points, get in touch… be warned i do talk the leg of a chair.
To those that have spoken with me, know me and spend time with me cheers!
To those that aren’t sure what to believe, or just don't want to thats free will and also not life or death now is it.
And you have the choice to buy what you want.
If you got this far you are as driven as me!! well done ;-)
PS, apologies for any typos and merry christmas.
Marcus
Very well written mate and a very frank and honest assessment of what you an Affinty stand for and where you came from. Made a great read whilst I had a cuppa.
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There is a part of that that is not true...
Hate to be the bearer but i have a Laver made by James Laver which pre dates Andy off set edges sorry but agree he did publicize it.
Good read and fair play...
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There is a part of that that is not true...
Hate to be the bearer but i have a Laver made by James Laver which pre dates Andy off set edges sorry but agree he did publicize it.
Good read and fair play...
He said there were bats before Hades with them and states that Andy was the first to "publicise".
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Sorry i can't spell Kudos to you mate who is Andy bud???
Sorry i think the bats will sell i guess there to much cloak and dagger from too many brands.
I guess as the big depression hit i guess people want the maximum bang for our buck on here and as where all a bit geeky round here we all want to know everything which is not possible.
As you have stated charity work using a new brand can not have been easy fair play i have heard good things about your bats .
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Sorry i can't spell Kudos to you mate who is Andy bud???
Sorry i think the bats will sell i guess there to much cloak and dagger from too many brands.
I guess as the big depression hit i guess people want the maximum brand and as where all a bit geeky round here we all want to know everything which is not possible.
As you have stated charity work using a new brand can not have been easy fair play i have heard good things about your bats
Apologies, I was not picking up on your spelling, I was highlighting that there are bats before Andy promoted the offset at Hades, as stated above. Andy is a "pretty talented man at SAF bats" (or was, possibly no longer).
Laver, you have said, he mentions Warsop.
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I know who Andy is mate i'm pulling your leg we spent many a hour talking "bat crusts" bud.
I bet Northern Monkey posts in a minute
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Many brands work with off set edges but andy did perfect the off set spine.
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I know who Andy is mate i'm pulling your leg we spent many a hour talking "bat crusts" bud.
I bet Northern Monkey posts in a minute
I thought you were testing me in a way to show I had read the long post above.
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Good to know that Affinity will remain made in England - the Spectre I have had pass through my hands was one of the most beautifully pressed bats I've held. I am looking forward to seeing the profile shape of this Phantom - I'm also a fan of the offset edge. (Have one on my Laver, and it seems to lengthen the playing area)
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I've enjoyed reading the various articles and discussions on this forum,,,,,
But I must admit,,there seems to be an almost witch hunt type, undercurrent at times on here?
Please forgive my comments, if some take offence to this,,but hey ho
I've owned literally hundreds of bats,,spent way too much,,on what turned out to be over pressed over weight planks...
I don't care where the wood comes from,,where the bats shaped/finished/stickered or whatever,,,,or who influenced who etc..As long as the ball runs off like a scalded cat, after I've hit it!
I've got two bats from Marcus@Affinity,,,,both are exceptional,,compared to the M&H and Laver I also have...
My son has an Affinity Carbine,,which is stunning!
Their not cheap to buy,,but you definitely get what you pay for,,,
As regards the new Phantom bat,,,,I'm saving up for one now!
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We now have two Affinity Phantom bats in stock. The weights are 2.9 and 2.10 respectively. We will be shooting a video review this evening, which will hopefully be up on our channel by the end of the week...
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We now have two Affinity Phantom bats in stock. The weights are 2.9 and 2.10 respectively. We will be shooting a video review this evening, which will hopefully be up on our channel by the end of the week...
Any sneaky pic of the profile?
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We now have two Affinity Phantom bats in stock. The weights are 2.9 and 2.10 respectively. We will be shooting a video review this evening, which will hopefully be up on our channel by the end of the week...
If you'd put these up earlier Paul then I might have won your Nike shoes comp, considering all of the interest this release seems to be generating!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
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Sorry guys, photos won't be made public until the video review has gone live.
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If you'd put these up earlier Paul then I might have won your Nike shoes comp, considering all of the interest this release seems to be generating!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk ([url]http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1[/url])
Ha, yes, unlucky! I can see you were just one day early!
We had five entrants guess correctly (December 17th) and will draw the winner in a video later today...
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We now have two Affinity Phantom bats in stock. The weights are 2.9 and 2.10 respectively. We will be shooting a video review this evening, which will hopefully be up on our channel by the end of the week...
Anymore on this Paul?
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Here you go, guys - the official launch review! :)
It's a bit longer than our traditional bat reviews, but I guess there was a bit more to talk about, so I hope you guys will watch until the end! At least the profile shot is revealed early on!! :D Enjoy! :)
Affinity Phantom Cricket Bat - LAUNCH REVIEW!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFzoAyU55z0#ws)
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That Does look a lovely profiled bat. The offset edge is not as extreme as I was expecting though, especially as that is part of the marketing of the bat.
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That Does look a lovely profiled bat. The offset edge is not as extreme as I was expecting though, especially as that is part of the marketing of the bat.
I agree I did think that with all the hype and secrecy that we were going to see something new or different, agree nice profile and nice stickers but almost feel that's about it really nothing I couldn't get from anyone else that offers custom shapes etc. I'm sure they will sell well and be like all other affinity bats that seem to have a great rep but really did think I was going to see something new.
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It's nice, without being blown away. Can see why they went with the teaser photos of stickers, as they're the most unique thing about it.