Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: Gingerbusiness on April 17, 2014, 04:23:30 PM

Title: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: Gingerbusiness on April 17, 2014, 04:23:30 PM
Afternoon Guys,

As promised, I said I would post pictures of the Woodstocks when they arrived, and they finally came today.

Pretext - Just to those who are new here, Greg (my clubmate) and I were chosen to take part in the AllOutCricket Gear Test on the 5th March 2014 at the Lords Indoor Cricket Centre. Out of the 40 bats tested, the Woodstock Airblade Platinum won and it was the bat Greg and I both chose as our #1 rated bat.

The bats

When I spoke to John about the two bats, I told him I wanted the exact bat which was sent to the test (Demanding I know). Greg wanted one slightly lighter with fewer grains, but still in the 'Nixon profile'.

Both bats have;

40mm+ Edges (Mine has 41mm edges, Greg's 42mm)
60mm+ Spines
Some Concaving
Very light pick-ups
Serious 'ping-ability' off the mallet (I am trademarking this word :))

Biggest difference;

Mine has 17 grains, 2lb9.9oz, oval handle with some heartwood on the RHB outside edge and
Gregs has 8 grains, 2lb9oz dead, round handle and pure sapwood.

I have taken pictures next to my M&H Amplus MKI and GM Icon F7 LE, just for comparison.

Enjoy!

General Comparison Shots

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/845/nqe2.jpg)

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/836/o03z.jpg)

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/834/16rr.jpg)

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/834/r9pi.jpg)

My Bat (AOC Gear Test Winner)

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/835/znfi.jpg)
(Bat on the Left)

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/845/k6gi.jpg)

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/843/qrdg.jpg)

Greg's Bat

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/835/znfi.jpg)
(Bat on the Right)

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/838/j0t1.jpg)

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/835/4kem.jpg)

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/845/s1e8.jpg)

Will post more of mine when it is fully prepared and ready to go. Just put the first coat of oil on it :)
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: Northern monkey on April 17, 2014, 04:31:24 PM
Two very nice bats
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: Giraffe208 on April 17, 2014, 04:32:30 PM
I would have offered to pay the delivery back of the tested bat if it were that good ;)
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: Neon Cricket on April 17, 2014, 04:34:38 PM
I thought the bat was being given away by AOC?

Looks a beauty though!
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: simonmay5 on April 17, 2014, 04:55:18 PM
Afternoon Guys,

As promised, I said I would post pictures of the Woodstocks when they arrived, and they finally came today.

Pretext - Just to those who are new here, Greg (my clubmate) and I were chosen to take part in the AllOutCricket Gear Test on the 5th March 2014 at the Lords Indoor Cricket Centre. Out of the 40 bats tested, the Woodstock Airblade Platinum won and it was the bat Greg and I both chose as our #1 rated bat.

The bats

When I spoke to John about the two bats, I told him I wanted the exact bat which was sent to the test (Demanding I know). Greg wanted one slightly lighter with fewer grains, but still in the 'Nixon profile'.

Both bats have;

40mm+ Edges (Mine has 41mm edges, Greg's 42mm)
60mm+ Spines
Some Concaving
Very light pick-ups
Serious 'ping-ability' off the mallet (I am trademarking this word :))

Biggest difference;

Mine has 17 grains, 2lb9.9oz, oval handle with some heartwood on the RHB outside edge and
Gregs has 8 grains, 2lb9oz dead, round handle and pure sapwood.

I have taken pictures next to my M&H Amplus MKI and GM Icon F7 LE, just for comparison.

Enjoy!

General Comparison Shots

([url]http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/845/nqe2.jpg[/url])

([url]http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/836/o03z.jpg[/url])

([url]http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/834/16rr.jpg[/url])

([url]http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/834/r9pi.jpg[/url])

My Bat (AOC Gear Test Winner)

([url]http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/835/znfi.jpg[/url])
(Bat on the Left)

([url]http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/845/k6gi.jpg[/url])

([url]http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/843/qrdg.jpg[/url])

Greg's Bat

([url]http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/835/znfi.jpg[/url])
(Bat on the Right)

([url]http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/838/j0t1.jpg[/url])

([url]http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/835/4kem.jpg[/url])


Will post more of mine when it is fully prepared and ready to go. Just put the first coat of oil on it :)


Very nice mate must say their is something about the tight grains hope it scores you load off runs mate  :)
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: tejasapatel on April 17, 2014, 04:59:09 PM
Amazing bats, the one with 17 grains is a stunner.
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: Gingerbusiness on April 17, 2014, 05:01:29 PM
I thought the bat was being given away by AOC?

Looks a beauty though!

I was informed by them that John wanted it sent back.

Unless he changed his mind?
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: mujju on April 17, 2014, 05:42:46 PM
Lovely bats ..really classy :) enjoy :):)
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: AlanB on April 17, 2014, 06:07:42 PM
I was informed by them that John wanted it sent back.

Unless he changed his mind?

A bit confused, is the bat pictured on the left the exact, same bat which won the test? if so, you would know what happened to it, surely
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: Gingerbusiness on April 17, 2014, 06:58:05 PM
A bit confused, is the bat pictured on the left the exact, same bat which won the test? if so, you would know what happened to it, surely

I have been told this is the bat that won.

After the gear test, the manufacturers can request all bats they enter are sent back to them. Nearly all of them do.

What I am saying is that I have been told this is the bat that won. If not, then I have been misinformed.

Sorry for the confusion, Alan.
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: kal_m on April 18, 2014, 02:34:35 AM
Absolutely stunning bats....must have been a pro cleft to get 41mm edges weighing less than 2.10
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: DaanalSeed on April 18, 2014, 04:18:24 AM
Saw this on the GCS Facebook page I think. Same bat? Looks a cracker.

Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: Blank Bats on April 18, 2014, 05:48:08 AM

What weight is that Amplus? Looks fairly small for an Amplus
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: procricket on April 18, 2014, 06:21:01 AM
Absolutely stunning bats....must have been a pro cleft to get 41mm edges weighing less than 2.10

Why is that there are techniques which allow more and under that weight

Nice bats by the way especially the end one.

May I ask what the finish is like mate
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: iand123 on April 18, 2014, 07:14:33 AM
How much did these set you back?
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: Gingerbusiness on April 18, 2014, 08:51:43 AM
What weight is that Amplus? Looks fairly small for an Amplus

It's 2lb 9oz but I asked for it to be hard pressed for long term performance, rather than a general OTS Amplus.

Jury is still out on whether I like it or not but it is certainly growing on me.
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: Gingerbusiness on April 18, 2014, 08:57:42 AM
How much did these set you back?

Been told by John that I am not allowed to reveal how much we paid him for these.

They both, funnily enough, come under his 'bespoke'' range -even though they have the 'Airblade' stickers.
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: Gingerbusiness on April 18, 2014, 09:05:07 AM
Why is that there are techniques which allow more and under that weight

Nice bats by the way especially the end one.

May I ask what the finish is like mate

I am sure B3, given these clefts and the level of technology, probably could get bigger edges are a lower weight.

The finish is actually very good. I was surprised if I am honest. Seems to be polished with silicone powder as some was still stuck to the underneath when it got to me. Seems a very well made, and prepared, bat.
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: Red Ink Cricket on April 18, 2014, 09:24:54 AM
You keep mentioning air blade. Isn't it airstream? Or is air blade a grading?
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: procricket on April 18, 2014, 09:27:22 AM
I am sure B3, given these clefts and the level of technology, probably could get bigger edges are a lower weight.

The finish is actually very good. I was surprised if I am honest. Seems to be polished with silicone powder as some was still stuck to the underneath when it got to me. Seems a very well made, and prepared, bat.

Not about b3 mate there is a way without any science of tech mate you can get a heavy cleft at 41mm edges  and that weight

Does look very good sorry if you thought I was being negative mate I certainly wasn't bud I love the profiles of both
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: petehosk on April 18, 2014, 12:11:32 PM
Around 2'10, mammoth quality profile, 17 grains, quality finish, rates highly on the pingometer scale.......sounds like my kind of spec!  :D
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: wayward_hayward on April 18, 2014, 12:27:10 PM
Both bats look huge for the weight, good luck with yours.
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: Gingerbusiness on April 18, 2014, 03:34:22 PM
You keep mentioning air blade. Isn't it airstream? Or is air blade a grading?

Sorry John.

I keep saying Airblade because we have just had a Dyson Airblade installed in the gents loo's at the cricket club and the name has stuck in my head. :-[

Airstream, Airstream, AIRSTREAM! :D
Title: Re: Woodstock Airblade Platinum (AKA AOC Gear Test Winner 2014)
Post by: simonmay5 on April 18, 2014, 04:17:10 PM
Looks very nice like the heartwood makes the bat stand out do they do a model that has no concaving at all as never tried one is on the list to get  :)