Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: Overdrive on January 08, 2014, 03:08:06 AM
-
Just some general research...aside from the quality of the willow, what factors influence you when you make a purchase. I am aiming at the custom bat market specifically so avoiding brand power of the big boys. Im trying to establish how much significance you place on the design of the bat, the individuality of design, the branding, colours, shape, quality etc
Let me know your thoughts. :)
-
Price!?
Where the middle is - I am having trouble finding it!
-
for me I would say the quality that you get from the finished product, in the finishing, playability, customer service etc. I think larger brands for some offer safety in the money they are spending they are getting a fair price for what they receive. this however is not true in my eyes..... shall we open the can of worms that is pro sponsorship ?? kids ask for bats they see their international hero's using when in fact it is made at a farm in Kent instead of by the advertised company !
-
the pick up and a large size to weight ratio.
-
Performance and feel, then looks.
I would rather have confidence in the bat, knowing it will perform well with a nice pick up and balance, than having a really good looking one with nice stickers.
-
you cant tell whether a bat is good unless you have used it for say 100 overs???
-
customer service.
if the bat has issues, is a dud or breaks early in its life. i wanna know im gonna get a repair/replace in a reasonable time.
If you have to wait months, or spend hours on telephone sending emails toget anywhere. what's the point?
-
you cant tell whether a bat is good unless you have used it for say 100 overs???
Tapping it up with hammer, ball or fingernail you can hear and feel it whether it will be good or not. Obviously how good will not be determined until you have knocked it in and used it. But first impressions count for a lot.
You can spot a dud at the out-set and I would pay more for a bat that I have had the chance to see before purchase.
-
Reputation of the brand/ bat maker. Especially if I hear really positive reviews from this website or in life from people who know their cricket and also have many bats. I think it is hard to judge a 500 $ + bat if you have only used 1-2 top grade bats. But a lot of lads here literally own 10 + top class bats, so I would trust their reviews.
-
Tapping it up with hammer, ball or fingernail you can hear and feel it whether it will be good or not. Obviously how good will not be determined until you have knocked it in and used it. But first impressions count for a lot.
You can spot a dud at the out-set and I would pay more for a bat that I have had the chance to see before purchase.
I would love to learn how to do that.. I presume it all comes down to the sound if you are using your fingernails?
-
I was presuming that performance was a given...i.e. pressed properly with good grade of Willow.
I'm more looking at the buying decision, so yes reputation and pricing is key too. What about something that is new that is a little different?. Is there a certain type of people that will be attracted to this?
-
Can I get it in my kit bag without her indoors finding out!!!!
-
I'm more looking at the buying decision, so yes reputation and pricing is key too. What about something that is new that is a little different?. Is there a certain type of people that will be attracted to this?
Honestly, people with some extra cash wanting to try out the new brand.
If I'm going to buy a g1 top class bat with a big price tag and want it to last at least a few years, I'm probably going to go with a laver and wood, screaming cat, choice or salix etc and not a new brand that has not had many reviews.
I guess most companies initially put their prices lower in order to attract a fan base who can spread the word of their quality.
You could also send it in to places that will review and have an audience already. Cricketstorelonline etc. ( I have seen them review bats that they do not sell). That will get you a reputation quicker. An example of this would be affinity bats for me. They are new ( at least to me) but I am drawn to them because of some really enthusiastic reviews iv seen.
-
I was presuming that performance was a given...i.e. pressed properly with good grade of Willow.
I'm more looking at the buying decision, so yes reputation and pricing is key too. What about something that is new that is a little different?. Is there a certain type of people that will be attracted to this?
when you set up you'll have to work all this out ....
-
Some very interesting opinions already raised here. It does depend on what you want from the bat and what the bat is for, if that doesn't sound ridiculous. Net or match bat, something to see you through the rest of the season or a longer term option. A bat for some slap & thrash T20 type stuff or more of a stroke-makers match / best bat, etc.
As I am now buying not only for me but for my 14 yr old, I can speak for both of us when I say value for money! I do like a bargain... The feel of the bat and it's pick are more important than dead weight and the mallet / ball test is key, as I would go for performance over looks if I am being honest, although having said that, I wouldn't be caught dead these days walking out to the crease with an absolute munter irrespective of how well it goes! What, out in the middle, with my reputation... I'd also want a decent bat to last, at the very least two seasons, which is where a net bat can come in, although ideally a net bat would of course need to be an almost perfect match to replicate what you'd use in a game at the weekend. And a net bat might be your retired match bat of course. Obviously it also depends on the type of player one is, the amount of cricket being played, where you bat in the order (to some degree), etc. My lad plays a lot - school, juniors, District, seniors, cricket academy, nets, etc. I managed to notch almost 600 runs last season too, so we warrant the expense and need a decent stick or two, as we keep telling his mum (him more than me now that I am in the twilight of my career).
I think it may be difficult to get consistent answers to this question as for many, budget may be the driver, which is where value for money may come in and getting best value for ones cash, at whatever price point... this being the ideal forum from which to get good value I feel. At whatever level / grade - I guess performance is the number 1 attribute we are all looking for.
An interesting topic.
-
you have to offer a free return service if someone buys a bat without seeing it first as chances are the pick up might not be suitable eventhough the deadweight is what they think they like.
-
Rather than in terms of 'years' or 'seasons'. How many balls should bats last for ? By last I mean perform properly and not turn into bog standard or planks.
People mention scoring 600 ish runs in a season, probably about 800-1000 balls only. What about of someone is scoring 2000-2500 runs so facing 2500 ish balls etc ?
-
Very interesting topic
I've just bought two Affinity bats, based on reviews posted online, and after visiting its just cricket.
I waited a year though, to make sure the initial positive reviews posted,,were not negated by any poor reviews posted later.
To be honest,,it was Marcus's passion for his products as much as anything,that convinced me...he just won't sell anything other than the best he can
I've also got the impression Peter Aldred turns out a similar high quality product, and that again, is based solely on online reviews/you tube etc,,,I will buy a couple from him very soon
I had a laver and wood made, purely on reviews,(best bat I've ever had, before the affinity)
To some extent, looks are important,,grains/shape/stickers etc but, the bats got to feel right in the hands, pick up how you want, and if it's possible to bounce a ball on it, have a half decent soft feeling middle.
But I suppose because a bats a natural product, your never guaranteed that the bats gonna suit your game, until you've had a decent knock with it, out in the middle
One thing I have noticed over the last ten years or so, is the decline in quality of ,off the shelf mainstream bats,
I suppose it's opened the door for the boutique bat makers to jog the big guys memories, with what today's customers expect
-
Very interesting topic
I've just bought two Affinity bats, based on reviews posted online, and after visiting its just cricket.
I waited a year though, to make sure the initial positive reviews posted,,were not negated by any poor reviews posted later.
To be honest,,it was Marcus's passion for his products as much as anything,that convinced me...he just won't sell anything other than the best he can
I've also got the impression Peter Aldred turns out a similar high quality product, and that again, is based solely on online reviews/you tube etc,,,I will buy a couple from him very soon
I had a laver and wood made, purely on reviews,(best bat I've ever had, before the affinity)
To some extent, looks are important,,grains/shape/stickers etc but, the bats got to feel right in the hands, pick up how you want, and if it's possible to bounce a ball on it, have a half decent soft feeling middle.
But I suppose because a bats a natural product, your never guaranteed that the bats gonna suit your game, until you've had a decent knock with it, out in the middle
One thing I have noticed over the last ten years or so, is the decline in quality of ,off the shelf mainstream bats,
I suppose it's opened the door for the boutique bat makers to jog the big guys memories, with what today's customers expect
Most things we buy now are declining in quality
Mars bars
Snickers
House builds are far worse
Fresh fruit and veg are smaller and go out of date faster
Etc etc
Various reasons for it.. Mostly to increase profit though :(
-
We are a different breed though most on here to the bat buying public.
If you go through the history of CBF trends have been formed and in time there trends have passed.
On here what buys bats i guess a mixture of reputation and various other things.
Many people will tell you they produce the best but in truth 90 per cent of bats are all the same.
To many single so called boutique brands call themself "we" when it should be "I" make but like i said we buy differently on here.
I think away from the forum Price and sticker are king pure and simple and being about getting them out there going to ground putting in the hard yards until others sell your product.
Not seen anybody break into the big brand catogory for quite a bit there undercurrents of a few trying and doing it time will tell.
-
Yup, I agree
But then we have, affinity,Aldred etc showing the big guys, what should be sold.
It wasn't that long ago, when a £100 grade two bat, would have been an amazing bat. And a grade one bat,,exceptional
Now tho,,,it's hard to trust what's on the shelves...
A bit sad really
Kids want whatever Pieterson or whoevers using, no matter who makes it,,,and unfortunately companies, will exploit that
-
And so they should they put big money into that marketing and like it or not most people keep going back.
It seems it is not hard to trust what on a shelf they keep selling them i agree the quality is varied but it because there showing you the full range.
Has the quality really gone down i doubt it has because who gets the most willow gets the better looking grades by percentage.
Do you really believe the custom makers/ brands on here make the best bats better than the big boys better than most Asian brands at half the price.
All opinion but what sells bats local is price and reputation nationally it is marketing
-
And so they should they put big money into that marketing and like it or not most people keep going back.
It seems it is not hard to trust what on a shelf they keep selling them.
Has the quality really gone down i doubt it has because who gets the most willow gets the better looking grades by percentage.
Do you really believe the custom makers/ brands on here make the best bats..
I'd trust a human over a machine to get the pressing right for each cleft. Apart from that probably not difference IMO
-
But that is incorrect every bat is pressed by a machine and normally a man feeding that machine a cleft.
So what is your point???
-
But that is incorrect every bat is pressed by a machine...
True, but the amount of pressing will be either a standard machine amount or human judgement amount. Unless I miss understand how pressing is done ? ( and I've only seen rob pack and Gary at choice so not a big selection)
-
Most use Human judgement mate the ones i have seen have or claim too.
As long as it not over pressed a decent bat can be made and to most us mere mortals it wouldn't matter anyway.
-
Most use Human judgement mate the ones i have seen have or claim too.
As long as it not over pressed a decent bat can be made and to most us mere mortals it wouldn't matter anyway.
So it sounds like it's a case of 'do you trust mr Indian machine feeder' or 'do you trust mr English machine feeder'
Personally I trust one more than the other and yes, I agree that 99% of people wouldn't notice. That can apply to anything though in life. Proven many times ref food, drinks etc.. That's how waitrose, Mercedes etc stay in business :)
-
My point is,
The smaller boutique bat makers /suppliers, just can't afford to sell bad bats.if they do, then they won't be in business for long
My opinion of the larger suppliers, is they no longer care.
As regards what's on shelves,variety cost etc, I don't think it matters....it still seems to be a lottery whether you pick up a half decent Kooka/gray nicks/Gm etc for whatever cost
-
My point is,
The smaller boutique bat makers /suppliers, just can't afford to sell bad bats.if they do, then they won't be in business for long
My opinion of the larger suppliers, is they no longer care.
As regards what's on shelves,variety cost etc, I don't think it matters....it still seems to be a lottery whether you pick up a half decent Kooka/gray nicks/Gm etc for whatever cost
You would be surprised what a sticker can do or a reputation or miff of making good bats can do to your mind..
-
Some excellent points being made on this thread. Many thanks in advance.
I see that price is obviously a major issue. What are your price points for grade 1,2,3 etc I' looking at fair value pricing rather than grudgingly pay. So the price we are happy at with a handmade bat rather than heading to a mass market brand.
Also, if you would be kind enough to let me know your thoughts around 'boutique' brands;
- Do you have a sense of pride around supporting the small brand?
- Are you rebelling against the big brands?
- How do your clubmates with big brand bats perceive you and your custom bats?
- Do you feel 'special' having something nobody else has?
Apologies for the list of questions, i am just trying to put together a pattern of behaviour and trigger points. Putting together buying behaviour. I have already seen that some retailers active on here stock smaller brands like Uzi...ItsJustCricket (very enthusiastic videos). It would be helpful to hear their interpretation on the sales process and how they believe customers approach the non mass market bats they offer.
-
- Do you have a sense of pride around supporting the small brand?
No unless i get to know them and like Northern Monkey who knows Marcus it like that you feel loyalty if your getting a good bat and good deal.
- Are you rebelling against the big brands?
No because most of them pay there dues and some produce cracking kit.
- How do your clubmates with big brand bats perceive you and your custom bats?
Some will think there small for a reason and most do not care. If your a decent batsman and score runs with it there always going to be interest.
- Do you feel 'special' having something nobody else has?
Yes and no i have a actual Trott bat not a reproduction a actual one i guess knowing it was made for him did give me confidence. I currently know have a shape made for a opening bowler who has retired so i do not know what that says about me. Most of the bats are the same but a bit of a story behind a bat can inspire confidence.
-
- Do you have a sense of pride around supporting the small brand?
Not particularly. I fell happy to support people that look after me, but pride isn't what I feel.
- Are you rebelling against the big brands?
No, I have plenty off kit from big brands, and without there r and d(and abit if plague ism) I doubt the small brands would supply the choice they do
- How do your clubmates with big brand bats perceive you and your custom bats?
To be honest a little envy. We have 4playes that rock b3 and 1 Charlie French. And many off the juniors, and adults with less expendable income, often comment how the "wish I could afford one of these" when they have a play at practice/warm up
- Do you feel 'special' having something nobody else has?
No, as I don't have anything others don't. All the kit I have is warily accessible to others.
-
Sense of pride,,,no,,,,loyalty, yes,absolutely. But that only goes so far
Rebelling? No. I've got kit from most manufacturers, and would happily recommend them
Club mates both in Oxfordshire , Somerset/ nth Devon/ and Lancashire all couldn't care less, the majority buy whatever's on a shelf with nice stickers, I've given up trying to convince them to look elsewhere. Oop north lads thought I was mad to buy a laver!ha. . Some,( when I score a few) might take a closer look at my bats
Special? Again, I couldn't care less. . As long as the bat is the best I can afford, that's all I'm bothered about...if it is , I'm more than happy to shout its merits.