Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Reviews => Topic started by: Chad on March 21, 2014, 10:58:05 PM
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Hi guys, I've done a good job of trimming my collection recently, but somehow, I keep ending up with even more bats! I've been pretty crazy about purchases in the past week or 2, thanks to spotting some absolute bargains, and this is one of them! I know, I know, I'm getting sick of reading my new topics too, but I figured this was too good a bargain not to share, so bear with me. ;) I'll give you the pictures first, and then I'll babble on about the bat etc. :)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8018.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8018.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8017.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8017.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8026.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8026.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8020.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8020.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8021.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8021.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8022.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8022.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8024.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8024.jpg.html)
Right, so I saw this on the eBay bargain spots, and I decided to keep a close eye on it, and won it for a bargain price at £107 posted, which is less than half the price of one of these new. The bat was said to have been used for a couple of throw downs, but really, it's pretty much brand new. The seller also packaged it in a ridiculous way, which meant that the bat wasn't going to get damaged, but also in a way which made it near impossible to get out!
Onto the bat itself, initially, it weighed what I thought was 2lb 9.85oz and the pick up was actually not that great if I'm honest. It just felt a touch bottom heavy and not quite balanced, so I decided I'd add a strip of lead tape to counterbalance it slightly. After adding the lead tape, I noticed that the toe guard was peeling slightly, and I managed to actually peel it off with ease, which isn't a great impression. Perhaps the toe guard adhesive needs to be a fair bit stronger! That being said, I don't really like toe guards, as they actually add a bit more weight to the bat than you would think, with this particular one weighing around 0.3oz. The bat then weighed what I thought was 2lb 10oz, and picks up a dream. Turns out I was actually a nugget, and the bat was actually 2lb 11.85oz, (2.12 now) which explained why the pick up wasn't quite right for the weight I thought it was. (Still feel it wasn't quite right for me) Because my scales only weigh in ounces, I took 42oz to be 2.8, so it explains why the pick up wasn't quite what I liked! It's now 2lb 12oz, (44oz) and has a toe weight of 25.64oz, so has a PI value of 5.83.
As you can see, it is a lovely bat with 9 straight grains, (True grade 1) and is very well made and finished. I quite like the stickers, especially the size of the front one, as it shows off the wood very nicely. The concaving actually looks pretty heavy from a side on view for some reason, but it is actually nothing major, I would say it is a minimal-moderate concave, which I quite like. The size of the bat isn't anything outrageous for the weight, but it is a good size. The edges are a good size, at 34mm, and a 60-61mm spine, and the face has a camber of 4mm. The response is good, and I feel it shouldn't take too long to get going and become something rather special. The playing area on this is pretty big, and reaches pretty low down, thanks to the spine running through the toe. After teaching the brother how to oil a bat, and making him give it an oil, the grains look even nicer! (Yes, I intend to train him to be a human knocking in machine)
All in all, a great product at a great price. (£220 I believe) I actually chatted to Garrett a while back about a potential purchase, (On Facebook) and he was very knowledgeable about everything. He was very open and honest about things, and didn't try to BS or push me into buying a bat. (Don't ask me about the exact origins, I didn't ask) Quite simple, if you want a premium product at a mid-range price, then maybe have a think about Python - proper grade 1 clefts, which have been hand picked by someone who knows more than a thing or two about bats and batting, made in England by a very good batmaker, judging by the quality of this bat, and at the price point of a Gray Nicolls Players grade bat. I know he isn't popular with everyone on here, but from my own experience and view, he's a passionate guy who knows his stuff and is just trying to get the best gear to people without them paying ridiculous prices.
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Nice shape good looking blade.
And certainly the better python stickers imo
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Nice bat Chad. Let me know when you sell ;)
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Nice bat Chad. Let me know when you sell ;)
Hahaha, that's another thing to add to the fad list! ;) I'd quite like to keep this one though, but I have so many coming through. :(
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Nice shape good looking blade.
And certainly the better python stickers imo
Yeah, not quite your weight, but I can only imagine what a 3lb would be like! I don't mind the other minimalistic ones, but these make the bat a little more recognisable, and doesn't get in the way of the willow speaking for itself.
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My python is going extremely well, after around 8 net sessions it's an animal...tops my Salix!
Quite like the snake stickers however since my kit is more plain and traditional I've opted for the minimilistic Cadbury purple ones...with the shiny silver outline I just think they ooze class. GarrettJ was the same with me, a gentleman to deal with and didn't pressure me at all into a sale, he was quite happy to answer my questions regarding weights available, clefts and cleft weights etc. All in all a top bloke who can certainly give the ball a good whack judging by his score cards. Before I get a pm like before I am in no way connected to Python or GarrettJ, just feel when I find top service and products I have to give praise...just like I do with vitas, lorimers and Uzi sports etc
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Glad you stuck with it mate is a nice bat mate
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My python is going extremely well, after around 8 net sessions it's an animal...tops my Salix!
Quite like the snake stickers however since my kit is more plain and traditional I've opted for the minimilistic Cadbury purple ones...with the shiny silver outline I just think they ooze class. GarrettJ was the same with me, a gentleman to deal with and didn't pressure me at all into a sale, he was quite happy to answer my questions regarding weights available, clefts and cleft weights etc. All in all a top bloke who can certainly give the ball a good whack judging by his score cards. Before I get a pm like before I am in no way connected to Python or GarrettJ, just feel when I find top service and products I have to give praise...just like I do with vitas, lorimers and Uzi sports etc
I agree, quite the gent. :)
Glad you stuck with it mate is a nice bat mate
Yeah bud, still within my weight range and is the same weight as my Laver, so will be using and keeping it. :)
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I think I was bidding on this too
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I think I was bidding on this too
Knowing how fussy you can be, I'm almost certain you wouldn't like it! ;) It's about 2 ounces heavier than listed, but I think from memory that you use anything around 2.11, right?
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I think I was bidding on this too
I was bidding on it too :D. Not that I need another bat
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Nice looking bat that. I'd be interested in another review, or an update, after you've had a bit of use with it... I was watching this bat myself :) she looks like a beauty, but decided not to place a bid after it went over the £100 mark! Not for any other reason than not knowing much about the brand apart from their Faceplant page.
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Chad, you got it at a bargain, below cost price. The first batch of bats came with a wafer thin handle and feel bottom heavy to me as well. It wasn't what I asked for so was disappointed given the reputation of the bat maker.
Toenails, your bat is made by a different bat maker and picks up a lot better, has a much thicker and oval handle but may be a little harder pressed. I believe they are bigger and have a little more concaving.
Both are nice performers and grade 1 willow but some of the worse looking ones (marks on the face).
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There's been some good weather up here recently, so decided to take some more snaps of this bat. Really enjoyed knocking this one in. :)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8055.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8055.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8054.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8054.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8046.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8046.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8048.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8048.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8051.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8051.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8052.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8052.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8049.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8049.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8050.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8050.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8053.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8053.jpg.html)
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Chad, you got it at a bargain, below cost price. The first batch of bats came with a wafer thin handle and feel bottom heavy to me as well. It wasn't what I asked for so was disappointed given the reputation of the bat maker.
Toenails, your bat is made by a different bat maker and picks up a lot better, has a much thicker and oval handle but may be a little harder pressed. I believe they are bigger and have a little more concaving.
Both are nice performers and grade 1 willow but some of the worse looking ones (marks on the face).
Yeah, it was a bargain! The second binding definitely did help, and just removing the toe guard and adding a bit of lead tape to the handle made it feel so much better! I've also ovalled out the handle, so it's now around 13-14cm in circumference around the bottom hand, and feels really good!
I actually found this bat to be a little firmer pressed than others like my Newbery Tour, but I've decided I won't really nitpick about pressing - as long as the bat is pressed well, it doesn't matter if it is slightly hard pressed or softer pressed, both bats will most likely go like trains if prepared properly. Really liked knocking this bat in, the sweetspot is a fair bit longer than it was initially, with the playing area extending really nicely, and the grains are opening up really nicely too! Very impressed, I think I may take it for a net today!
I was surprised when you said this is among the worse looking of the G1 bats, as it looks stunning to me! Great to see that you're sourcing true G1 willow for your G1 bats. 9 straight and pretty even grains with a little graping outside the playing area and a little imperfection on the outside edge, some brands would charge me 3-4 times what I paid for this!
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Glad you like it, I like the number of grains on this as well. The graping/blemish makes me say it isn't as nice as the others as they are clean from top to bottom.
Interesting you found it a little firm, I had them down as being soft but not overly soft. I've probably owned less than 15 bats in my life so a little less inexperienced than others on here.
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If its a python why an image of a cobra ???
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Glad you like it, I like the number of grains on this as well. The graping/blemish makes me say it isn't as nice as the others as they are clean from top to bottom.
Interesting you found it a little firm, I had them down as being soft but not overly soft. I've probably owned less than 15 bats in my life so a little less inexperienced than others on here.
I felt it was just right, which is why I said it was firmer than some like my Tour, which feel pretty soft! So yeah, I agree with it being soft, but not overly soft. There was a noticeable amount of denting when knocking it in, and that's how it should be with all bats.
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If its a python why an image of a cobra ???
You can only tell a cobra by the flaps on its face, so it's blatantly just a snake head and not a cobra .... I agree the sticker is not great. It will be changed.
Maybe you could design a nice sticker?
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I personally like the stickers here.. Would look better though if it had A61 style stripes down back and python in bold along the back of the toe..
I will see if macbook art can whip something up - anything to get away from French
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You can only tell a cobra by the flaps on its face, so it's blatantly just a snake head and not a cobra .... I agree the sticker is not great. It will be changed.
Maybe you could design a nice sticker?
I like the image. Is the model of the bat a python or is it the brand name?
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The stickers aren't the worst I've seen, although there looks to be some room for improvement.
But the profile, the willow quality and overall cosmetics look extremely lush to be honest!!
If you ever want someone with a love for decent bats to have a couple of nets with it (to get a second opinion) then I'm here for you! ;)
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Google says Brand name. :-[
let me see if I can find something python...
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(http://i763.photobucket.com/albums/xx279/knarf333/Mobile%20Uploads/Stephen-Zozaya_zpsf4994c87.jpeg) (http://s763.photobucket.com/user/knarf333/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Stephen-Zozaya_zpsf4994c87.jpeg.html)
Tree python is probably the best looking of all the pythons. I guess an artists impression of one's face would look pretty good.
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that looks nice, i cant draw hence what came out on the sticker!