Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Bats => Custom Made => Topic started by: raymond on September 30, 2009, 01:55:28 PM

Title: Black cat bats
Post by: raymond on September 30, 2009, 01:55:28 PM
Anyone seen or used these?

Claim to have numerous pros buying bats off them.

http://www.blackcatcricket.co.uk/ (http://www.blackcatcricket.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Black Cat Cricket on September 30, 2009, 02:11:08 PM
Hi mate,

I have just created a new topic here http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=2854.msg32059;topicseen#msg32059 (http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=2854.msg32059;topicseen#msg32059) to talk about Black Cat Cricket, hope that suits...

Cheers
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: FattusCattus on September 30, 2009, 07:17:22 PM
Good Lord! That's some prices
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: e4sby on September 30, 2009, 07:29:40 PM
They made my bats look dirt bloody cheap!

Like the website, the stickers are ok but the prices.....
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: SAF Bats on September 30, 2009, 07:38:59 PM
If they are selling at those prices then why not I say

Charlies btw your email address in your signature is missing a "c" for la chat
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Black Cat Cricket on September 30, 2009, 10:27:56 PM
Can't blame me gents if people are paying it...
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Black Cat Cricket on September 30, 2009, 10:28:28 PM
If they are selling at those prices then why not I say

Charlies btw your email address in your signature is missing a "c" for la chat

thanks mate- amended
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: raymond on September 30, 2009, 11:18:06 PM
Are they shaped differently to the bats of the person who makes them?
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Black Cat Cricket on October 01, 2009, 10:22:19 AM
Yes- they are entirely our design.  Looking for similar shaped bats would not give much of a clue
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: WALSHY on October 01, 2009, 10:23:28 AM
Why bother when you can just get this shape made for 100 pounds?
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Black Cat Cricket on October 01, 2009, 10:39:07 AM
Why bother when you can just get this shape made for 100 pounds?

there's more to a bat than the shape...
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: WALSHY on October 01, 2009, 10:43:07 AM
Yes, so what does your bat have that the other don't?
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Black Cat Cricket on October 01, 2009, 10:48:36 AM
A whole manner of things- top quality willow, better pressed willow, top quality handles...
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: WALSHY on October 01, 2009, 10:50:04 AM
Yes, so do most other custom companies mate!
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Black Cat Cricket on October 01, 2009, 10:53:21 AM
Yes, so do most other custom companies mate!

That has not been our, or our customers', experience...
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Tom on October 01, 2009, 10:53:46 AM
It's going to be a hard sell on this forum considering that people on here know quality manufacturers like Newbery, Redback, Warsop etc who can make bats at a lower price with quality pressing and handles.

The forum however doesn't represent the rest of the UK and you may find someone who will swallow what you're saying.
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: WALSHY on October 01, 2009, 10:55:04 AM
So have you had a bat from every company under the sun?
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Black Cat Cricket on October 01, 2009, 10:57:09 AM
It's going to be a hard sell on this forum considering that people on here know quality manufacturers like Newbery, Redback, Warsop etc who can make bats at a lower price with quality pressing and handles.

The forum however doesn't represent the rest of the UK and you may find someone who will swallow what you're saying.

You make it sound like I'm a con man!  Newbery SPS bats sell for £250+ and it's not just my opinion that Black Cat bats are consistently better quality.  

This could go on forever, but I had hoped someone would try the bats and be able to provide an honest review...
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: aidy1098 on October 01, 2009, 10:58:14 AM
Yes, so do most other custom companies mate!

Walshy Give Him A Break!, Just Coz Other Companies Do doesnt mean that they are the same quality no one knows that, until they have used them!, Just stop satisfying ur boredom by getting on people's cases and as usual asking irrelevant questions (other topics), And posting Every Where! Sorry! Just Annoying Me, As u have started this now instead of the famous How much postage to Aus etc.

Cheers Aidy

And Bit Of a Hypocrit As U Bought an Adidas and i can gurantee thsi bat is 50 times better than that piece of rubbish!, u have just been suckered into it!
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Black Cat Cricket on October 01, 2009, 10:58:38 AM
So have you had a bat from every company under the sun?

No, but I have, of course, tried bats from all our major competitors. (M&H, Salix, Newbery, Redback, Warsop etc.)
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Tom on October 01, 2009, 10:59:53 AM
I'm not saying you're a conman, but Newbery's on here are bought from sellers like Talisman for less than yours. Warsop and Redback are around the £180 mark pressed well, good handles and finished nicely. Buyers on the forum have heard of these companies and can get them at a lower price than yours.

People on here dig deeper than stickers or marketing spiel as you've probably guessed from the posts on here.

Many on here will claim Newbery are the best pressers of bats in the business, they also press for a number of other custom companies. What makes you think your pressing is better than theirs?
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: WALSHY on October 01, 2009, 11:01:34 AM
It is not an Adidas mate it is a custom made bat wit 19 grains half heartwood and pings like nothing else!!!
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Black Cat Cricket on October 01, 2009, 11:05:58 AM
I'm not saying you're a conman, but Newbery's on here are bought from sellers like Talisman for less than yours. Warsop and Redback are around the £180 mark pressed well, good handles and finished nicely. Buyers on the forum have heard of these companies and can get them at a lower price than yours.

People on here dig deeper than stickers or marketing spiel as you've probably guessed from the posts on here.

Many on here will claim Newbery are the best pressers of bats in the business, they also press for a number of other custom companies. What makes you think your pressing is better than theirs?

When you hit a newbery with a mallet/ball, it feels nice, when you hit a Black Cat with a mallet, there is noticably more ping, like the bat is spring loaded!

I don't doubt that warsops are cheaper but I've sold bats to guys that have had warsops for a while now (our club has good links with warsop), and they have paid more for my bats after trying a few.

I take all of your points, but I don't want this to go on forever...
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: WALSHY on October 01, 2009, 11:16:27 AM
When you hit a newbery with a mallet/ball, it feels nice, when you hit a Black Cat with a mallet, there is noticably more ping, like the bat is spring loaded!

I truly doubt it, prove it with a video!
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Howzat on October 01, 2009, 11:23:40 AM
Send me a bat and then you will be able to get your review. ;)
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Johnny on October 01, 2009, 11:24:27 AM
Maybe it uses Max Recoil Technology!

From experience, 'ping' is a personal thing - i've gotten on really well with bats that other people thought were planks and vice versa.

Amongst the custom brands newbery, M&H, Laver etc can command a £250 price tag as they are established brands with a great reputation for producing great bats.

Amongst this market I think it's going to be hard to jump in at that price without getting more support behind the product first.

If you take Fusion as an example, their Super-best bats were being sold around the £160-£180 (iirc) originally, but having gathered momentum and established their reputation as a great bat maker they can now charge £250 for there product (and even then some people were still put off!)
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: WALSHY on October 01, 2009, 11:36:58 AM
I say send a bat to Leo!!!
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Tom on October 01, 2009, 11:38:27 AM
I would say send a bat to someone who will actually test it properly, a Uni or somewhere. Then you'd have hard facts to go on, e.g x% more power.
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: WALSHY on October 01, 2009, 11:43:27 AM
How was the mongoose tested?
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: SAF Bats on October 01, 2009, 11:55:00 AM
Yep the Mongoose from what I can see via there website has been tested twice... The second time it was done in more detail and inclusive of Coefficient of Restitution and centre of precussion
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Tom on October 01, 2009, 11:56:49 AM
Being tested a 3rd time now as we speak against 2 bats bought randomly from a store which retail at the same price.
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: SAF Bats on October 01, 2009, 12:19:03 PM
Can I just add something here as I read this with some amusement.  Cricket bats and people are generally not a great mix.  You could make a barnstorming Cricket bat that pings from the outset and someone wont like.  All of a sudden the ball is carrying further, lofting a bit higher and they find themselves getting out all of a sudden it is a bad bat.

The trick is to get a bat that suits you, as a custom bat manufactuer you ask the person questions.  How do you play, what was your favourite bat and why.  What shot/shots do you generally play and which ones get you out etc etc.  You then make them a bat that suits.... You also tell them the bat is special, it is yours, made for you, hand shaped,finished & buffed and middle to suit your game.  They go away full of confidence in the bat themselves and hey presto they love the bat....  A lot of it is in the mind for a player if they are convinced they will play well with it then your 90% there.  If they aren't and you haven't mollycoddled them and left them with unanswered questions or haven't asked the right question they go away  in 2 minds.  Thinking did I make the right decision here, is this bat any good?  

That is why you pay for a custom made bat, that is why some people are convinced they can charge a certain price for a bat.  If the guy is convinced that you are getting the best he can offer and is generally available and can convince the customer of the same then why not charge what you can.  We'd all like to charge more and we all come up with ideas to help us get there....

Reviews, testing etc means little in my opinion it helps you decide who you may buy from but it doesn't mean you get anything you want.  eg. for testing half the time I spout off about techie stuff most people haven't got the faintest idea what the heck I'm on about!!!!!  The same [appologies Tom] for the mongoose tests, yep they have result a conclusion so to speak no one really understands how they got there mind you but a % number at the end is convincing [I for one like it though but I'm strange like that....]

Also reviews are done by club crickets even in Wisden, and reviews from joe public [people on the forum].... If I told you 4 or 5 bats [maybe more] with high scores of the brands in the 2009 Bat review where all made by the same person would it surprise you.... So I think reviews are unconvincing as well!!!!!

[Tom in reply to the 3rd test are they all going to be the same weight this time - that just me getting techie again  ;D]


Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: FattusCattus on October 01, 2009, 07:45:13 PM
Hey PussyCat Man - are you considering offering a G2 or lower grade that us mere mortals could afford?

Also, out of interest, how many bats are you selling, as this would certainly be a good indicator of how many people are prepared to shell out for yours.

Whilst I'm taking a bit of a deep breath about the price, I love the branding, the stickers etc and the shape as far as i can see. Good luck to you, I hope the brand is successful. Personally, with your branding, I would certainly consider moving into softs.

I too am based in London, could you PM me with where you are based, and where I may be able to see one in the 'flesh' so to speak?
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Talisman on October 01, 2009, 09:13:07 PM
Oooooh I do love a good scrap.....

I'll throw my two pennies worth in the ring.

1, The price, £240 is a lot of money, I would be prepared to go that far if the claims are correct, we forget that brands that have bats made in India such as Kookaburra, Slazenger and Hunts sell their top bats for a lot more than £240. The only reason for making in India is because it is cheap.

2, The performance, for my money the best pressing is Newbery, however before them someone else was the best and someone will no doubt raise the bar again. I know people who have ideas that if proved would result in a better pressing. If the bats play we will know about it very quickly.

3, Walshy, you are opinionated but ignorant and spent 6 months telling me you owned a brand yourself and telling me you had stickers printed in Australia so don't try to play the big man here, in my opinion you are a silly little child who should improve his postings.

4, Black Cat, lets get a sample bat into Leo's hands, he asked first and should give an honest review, he should be allowed to use it for a few weekends in nets unless he is still playing on grass.

Rant over.
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Black Cat Cricket on October 01, 2009, 09:23:22 PM
Oooooh I do love a good scrap.....

I'll throw my two pennies worth in the ring.

1, The price, £240 is a lot of money, I would be prepared to go that far if the claims are correct, we forget that brands that have bats made in India such as Kookaburra, Slazenger and Hunts sell their top bats for a lot more than £240. The only reason for making in India is because it is cheap.

2, The performance, for my money the best pressing is Newbery, however before them someone else was the best and someone will no doubt raise the bar again. I know people who have ideas that if proved would result in a better pressing. If the bats play we will know about it very quickly.

3, Walshy, you are opinionated but ignorant and spent 6 months telling me you owned a brand yourself and telling me you had stickers printed in Australia so don't try to play the big man here, in my opinion you are a silly little child who should improve his postings.

4, Black Cat, lets get a sample bat into Leo's hands, he asked first and should give an honest review, he should be allowed to use it for a few weekends in nets unless he is still playing on grass.

Rant over.

More than happy to do this- I'll PM Leo...
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: FattusCattus on October 01, 2009, 09:27:03 PM
Put yer two pennies back in yer pocket, and get yer instamatic out!
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Talisman on October 01, 2009, 09:29:10 PM
The dog ate it......
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: jandgcricket on October 01, 2009, 11:07:17 PM
Leo will be over the moon.
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Apple on October 02, 2009, 05:40:15 PM
unless perhaps you should give a couple out, and one to a younger memeber of the forum . . .hint . . . .
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: yvk3103 on October 02, 2009, 06:24:47 PM
What are we paying £240 for a good performing bat or the IDs on the bat. I feel there will buyers at every price point.  The value for money and the degree of satisfaction will vary from person to person.

Some may find a £100 quid Solitaire very good and others may feel it is a plank. Similarly for a £150 or a £200 or whatever price bat.

Some not so good bats like Smasher etc. sell for about the same price as a Black Cat and many of them are not even made in the UK. Similarly for Hunts County bats.

I do agree (to a large extent) with the point that the £240 price to start with a bit too steep and probably it would have been a good idea to start with a £160-£180 price range

Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: Apple on October 02, 2009, 07:01:48 PM
like warsop
Title: Re: Black cat bats
Post by: yvk3103 on October 02, 2009, 09:41:16 PM
like warsop

Warsop is the best example of value for money. In my opinion Warsop bats offer the best value for money and performance for their price. Only if Tony made some more different profiles (like Newbery)....