Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Forum News and Suggestions => Old Advertisers => Admin Board => It's Just Cricket => Topic started by: ItsJustCricket on April 22, 2014, 06:47:13 PM
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This afternoon I ventured to the Medway City Estate in Rochester, Kent, where Spartan have recently acquired some warehouse space. They have just received a big new batch of bats, and I was pleased to be informed that we were one of the first shops to get our hands on them! :) The bats included the brand new MS Dhoni range...
Here are some photos and commentary of the day...
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no photos? lol
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That's very close to wear I live, maybe a little venture is on the cards?
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literally 5 minutes from me...... might have to pop down / break in :)
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Where's the pics? Tease........
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Although they have only been there for a couple of months or so, the place is very organised and I felt the visitor experience was superior to other similar warehouse venues i.e. Kookaburra, Slazenger and Gray-Nicolls. There's basically one warehouse worth of softs, and a side room where they have moved all the bats. This made everything very easy to find and saved time and energy as there was no need to walk constantly up and down narrow aisles likes at the other places. Here is what they called "the new bat cave", which they said had only been set up a couple of weeks ago in readiness for this big delivery...
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-3_zpsa9e75a17.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/ItsJustCricket/media/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-3_zpsa9e75a17.jpg.html)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-1_zpsc1382cf7.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/ItsJustCricket/media/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-1_zpsc1382cf7.jpg.html)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-2_zpsb410040c.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/ItsJustCricket/media/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-2_zpsb410040c.jpg.html)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-4_zpsc71deb2c.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/ItsJustCricket/media/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-4_zpsc71deb2c.jpg.html)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-12_zpsce45469a.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/ItsJustCricket/media/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-12_zpsce45469a.jpg.html)
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literally 5 minutes from me...... might have to pop down / break in :)
I don't think they would allow the public to come in and look at bats, Ian, sorry!
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And finally, here is the much anticipated MSD bat. I think the stickers are really cool on these, with each grade having a different colour scheme, and all very loud and brash - I think kids, especially, will go crazy for them! :) They look even better in the flesh. They are currently the only stickers in the Spartan range to be embossed, which is apparently something that the rest of the range will have from next year. I like the shape too - really balanced pick-up despite a mid-low middle, and minimal concaving too. Apparently it is a replica of MSD's actual bat...
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-5_zps4f4b7eba.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/ItsJustCricket/media/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-5_zps4f4b7eba.jpg.html)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-6_zpsec45c908.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/ItsJustCricket/media/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-6_zpsec45c908.jpg.html)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-7_zps99fc8530.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/ItsJustCricket/media/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-7_zps99fc8530.jpg.html)
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Are these made in India?
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And here are some photos of our bounty, which are due to arrive in our store on Thursday...
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-13_zps52a841ec.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/ItsJustCricket/media/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-13_zps52a841ec.jpg.html)
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o538/ItsJustCricket/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-11_zpsd1c1a801.jpg) (http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/ItsJustCricket/media/SpartanVisit-22ndApril-11_zpsd1c1a801.jpg.html)
Some final observations... Spartan clearly order in a lot of willow, and as such, I felt that their bats generally looked nicer than a lot of other brands' offerings for this year, especially in the top grades. Not many blemishes or heartwood amongst this lot, especially in the Clarke range. I also feel that their entry level (4000/5000) bats offer incredible value for money and I was glad to see that they don't have fake face covers, unlike other bats in a similar grade/price point...
Can't wait to get these bats in and then review them on our YouTube channel - stay tuned!! :)
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Are these made in India?
The stickers on the boxes should give you a pretty good idea!! :)
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Nice bats and nice pictures. Surprised the MSD bat has a good pick up for that shape.
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I don't think they would allow the public to come in and look at bats, Ian, sorry!
Break in it is then :)
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Paul - do you know if they plan to change the MC stickers to the yellow luminous version for next year?
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I see heartwood pops up again and from what I see on this forum its not LIKED ? which I find strange as 90% of the pros that use B&S bats in South Africa always request some heartwood in there bats is this just a SA thing ?
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Paul - do you know if they plan to change the MC stickers to the yellow luminous version for next year?
Yes, they will be launching this in Aus for the 2014/15 season and i assume UK for the 2015 season.
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The stickers on the boxes should give you a pretty good idea!! :)
So does this mean all Spartans are made in India and not by Reg Taylor?
Surely not more misleading marketing from a bat company about where their bats are allegedly made?! ;)
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I see heartwood pops up again and from what I see on this forum its not LIKED ? which I find strange as 90% of the pros that use B&S bats in South Africa always request some heartwood in there bats is this just a SA thing ?
Personally I like heartwood or a blemish as to me it means the willow has lived a little I know sounds a bit stupid but a perfect bat with perfect grains is a bit over the top to me as it's just to manufactured for perfection.
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I see heartwood pops up again and from what I see on this forum its not LIKED ? which I find strange as 90% of the pros that use B&S bats in South Africa always request some heartwood in there bats is this just a SA thing ?
Purely because bats are graded on looks and not performance
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Pros get free bats and don't care if they need to use 5 bats a season as long as there is instant performance.
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They don't get 5 from Mr Bellingham he runs a very tight ship I will call him tomorrow and find out why they request the heartwood if its for instance performance good on them
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Paul, what's a fake face cover?
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Paul, what's a fake face cover?
What is sometimes called a grain sheet. It's a stick on facing with printed on grains.
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What is sometimes called a grain sheet. It's a stick on facing with printed on grains.
Sent from my LG-D802 using Tapatalk
Yep, exactly. Various other brands use them for bats in that price point.
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Thanks for the info. Much Appreciated
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Yes, they will be launching this in Aus for the 2014/15 season and i assume UK for the 2015 season.
Thanks jake. Shame as I think the MC stickers in the blue look much better
How much are the LE's Paul?
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What are your thoughts on the SVR bats Paul?
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So does this mean all Spartans are made in India and not by Reg Taylor?
Surely not more misleading marketing from a bat company about where their bats are allegedly made?! ;)
Not a bad bloke ol' Reg. I had a couple of refurbs from Reg last year and he did superb work.
God only knows exactly what his role with Spartan involves.
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I see heartwood pops up again and from what I see on this forum its not LIKED ? which I find strange as 90% of the pros that use B&S bats in South Africa always request some heartwood in there bats is this just a SA thing ?
Sorry....but who gives two knobs of goats poo what SA pros prefer?
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Sorry....but who gives two knobs of goats poo what SA pros prefer?
I'd quite like to know, always interesting to see the opinion of actual quality cricketers rather than us lot... haha
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Yeah...sorry....just being an antagonising bast**d. SA is my least favourite test nation. Even less than the Brits...and I'm an Aussie....
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I guess the real question I have here, Paul, is are these bats any better than their Asian counterparts?
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Anything new to report on the soft goods side Paul? Specifically, any sign of the MSD keeping gear?
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Or the MSD duffel?
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We've ordered some Dhoni duffles, no sign of them yet.
I must say, having seen them on our stock today, the new embossed stickers are a big step forward.
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Anything new to report on the soft goods side Paul? Specifically, any sign of the MSD keeping gear?
MSD bags haven't arrived - won't be in for a month or so apparently.
We didn't order any MSD keeping gear as I believe it is massively overpriced. Have ordered some MC and MSD softs, but I didn't see any of them yesterday - far too busy picking out bats!
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I'm looking forward to the new MC batting softs. Hopefully small mens le pads
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Sorry....but who gives two knobs of goats poo what SA pros prefer?
Yeah...sorry....just being an antagonising bast**d. SA is my least favourite test nation. Even less than the Brits...and I'm an Aussie....
I turn your quote back at you, who gives a toss about your opinion!
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Touche. Must have annoyed every Saffer on the forum with that one.
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Touche. Must have annoyed every Saffer on the forum with that one.
We are on this forum for the common love of cricket.
If you want to slag other teams or Countries off, then go to the football terraces!
If you want to stay on this forum, I suggest you get rid of that chip off your shoulder quickly!
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Looks like I've blown any chance of a discount with B&S.
I must say, sincere apologies Paul as I have well and truly hijacked your thread. Let's return to the subject of those nice looking Spartan bats.
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Couple of lads at my club have had a Spartan last year. I noticed they were pressed very softly and the lads ended up snapping their bats after a few hundred runs scored with them.
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wouldnt it make more sense to buy an SS instead of paying extra to cover their sponsorship costs? Same bats after all.
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wouldnt it make more sense to buy an SS instead of paying extra to cover their sponsorship costs? Same bats after all.
The stickers are much prettier on a Spartan. Obviously worth paying more.
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Couple of lads at my club have had a Spartan last year. I noticed they were pressed very softly and the lads ended up snapping their bats after a few hundred runs scored with them.
i noticed a couple of my bats snapped after scoring a few ducks with them... It might have been the way they landed against the wall that helped that though... :)
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wouldnt it make more sense to buy an SS instead of paying extra to cover their sponsorship costs? Same bats after all.
Buy a hunts. Even cheaper.
Etc
Etc
Etc
Etc
Etc
Etc
Blah
Blah
Blah
Bored.
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Clearly the market is there. They have a strong brand image now and will sell a lot of bats. Same with everything, you pays your moneys, you makes your choice! Not for me, but then Indian bats aren't my deal anyway!
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Buy a hunts. Even cheaper.
Etc
Etc
Etc
Etc
Etc
Etc
Blah
Blah
Blah
Bored.
What has Hunts got to do with a Spartan bat coming out of a box clearly marked Sareen Sports?
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Having seen that lol, I now completely agree with you. Didn't realise they were SS bats. Thought you were just making a sweeping comment.
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7th picture in the tread....
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What has Hunts got to do with a Spartan bat coming out of a box clearly marked Sareen Sports?
Internet rumours.
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h76/smilley792/BD682CB9-4E44-4DF2-825D-C211CB99716E_zpshrzprb9s.png) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/smilley792/media/BD682CB9-4E44-4DF2-825D-C211CB99716E_zpshrzprb9s.png.html)
There's always something cheaper that's "the same" apparently.
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This should probably be adjusted and/or deleted before some-one gets a call from SS' and/or Spartan's lawyers. Glaring proof that Spartans aren't 'Spartans'.
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smiley
there is a key word you are missing out in your interpretation of his statement ........... MOST
not ALL bats are from SS and I believe the top ones are hand made in the factory in England as Vitas has pointed out before.
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smiley
there is a key word you are missing out in your interpretation of his statement ........... MOST
not ALL bats are from SS and I believe the top ones are hand made in the factory in England as Vitas has pointed out before.
I believe the customs are the only handmade in the uk hunts. But unless hunts say otherwise. Who knows. There website doesn't state uk or Indian made on either. Just "English willow"
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Aside from all of this "who makes this and that" like its been mentioned before, people have a choice in what they buy. The bats do look nice so if someone wants to buy one then its up to them.
I suppose people dont worry about who makes their trainers and if other cheaper brands use the same supplier.
If you like a bat, buy it, doesnt matter what others think.
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Aside from all of this "who makes this and that" like its been mentioned before, people have a choice in what they buy. The bats do look nice so if someone wants to buy one then its up to them.
I suppose people dont worry about who makes their trainers and if other cheaper brands use the same supplier.
If you like a bat, buy it, doesnt matter what others think.
Amen to that. As an aside mate, can I email you some video footage of me batting for you to have a look at please?
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Don't want to hijack the thread, just wanted to say the Hunts Turbo bats are made here, i believe the Caerulex are too but I am not 100% sure as I have never actually asked. And of course the custom bats they do for people.
It must also be said, regardless of stickers, Sareen produce a great bat at every price point. I have Spartan bats for less than £100 and these compare very well with their TON counterparts at similar prices.
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In the interest of fairness and equality......
Paul - do you find that bats in shrink wrapping are harder to judge the performance of as opposed to bats that are not in shrink wrap? Or does it not make any difference.
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The shrink wrapping is usually very thin and I don't think it make any major difference in judging the bat ping.
Scuff sheets are thicker than shrink wraps.
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The shrink wrapping is usually very thin and I don't think it make any major difference in judging the bat ping.
Scuff sheets are thicker than shrink wraps.
Thank you for the reply ;)
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In the interest of fairness and equality......
Paul - do you find that bats in shrink wrapping are harder to judge the performance of as opposed to bats that are not in shrink wrap? Or does it not make any difference.
How dare you ;)
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Video review of the MSD LE bat uploading to YouTube now...
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Video review of the MSD LE bat uploading to YouTube now...
waiting...... :)
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The shrink wrapping is usually very thin and I don't think it make any major difference in judging the bat ping.
Scuff sheets are thicker than shrink wraps.
Agree 100% - thanks, Amit! :)
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waiting...... :)
Slowly but surely... Can't wait until I upgrade to fiber optic!! :-[
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Just watching the t20 tournament on sky sports 2. The new Matt Prior range looks really good, have lost the st George's cross and gone with simple black and silver
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What t20 tournament was that?
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Some emirates village t20 hit and giggle thing. Sussex and a few invitational teams
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Had the chance to have a hit with an MC LE yesterday. Very nice bat, but you'd expect it to be. As for "Is it better than x, y or z?", well, it felt as good as my Aldred, not far off my Dynadrive, and about the same as my Hades. What does that tell you? All of them are good pieces of willow that are well pressed, and not a lot more....
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What does that tell you? All of them are good pieces of willow that are well pressed, and not a lot more....
And different stickers of course, which create a price differential.
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Had the chance to have a hit with an MC LE yesterday. Very nice bat, but you'd expect it to be. As for "Is it better than x, y or z?", well, it felt as good as my Aldred, not far off my Dynadrive, and about the same as my Hades. What does that tell you? All of them are good pieces of willow that are well pressed, and not a lot more....
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I've always thought it a shame that MC wasn't sponsored by Hammer...
I'll get me coat... :D :D :D :D :D
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Or your harem pants... :D
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I'll be taking a closer view of these bats when I'll be popping down to the shop next week.
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I'll be taking a closer view of these bats when I'll be popping down to the shop next week.
Sounds good! Hopefully we will still have some left by then - they've been selling like hot cakes!!