Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: Howwyx on August 01, 2014, 11:47:53 AM

Title: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: Howwyx on August 01, 2014, 11:47:53 AM
Hey guys, I'm new to the site here so bare with me.

Recently been looking at a bunch of new bats, but can't decide upon what to go with. I want to go with a toptop quality bat, something like players performance willow.
Eg. http://www.eclipseallsports.co.uk/index.php/bats/ss/sangakkara-ks-84-players-edition-cricket-bat.html (http://www.eclipseallsports.co.uk/index.php/bats/ss/sangakkara-ks-84-players-edition-cricket-bat.html)

I just want to gauge your guys opinion on 'player quality willow' and what your thoughts and experiences are with CA, SS, SF etc. Are there any obvious models or makes that I should stay well clear of.

I know it comes down to the feel of the bat and the pick up and its near impossible to pick a bat on the 'looks' of it, but I have always been brought up by going into store and feeling everyone until I have a winner, but there aren't many stockists of these bats near to me.

Also onlinestockists.com is a site I keep seeing posted but I have never bought from there before. Seen plenty of good bats at competitive prices but with not really seeing much of the site Im a little skeptical about buying from there. I guess quite a few people have bought from there before?

Thanks guys
Excuse me for my broad question!

Mat
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: FvanN on August 01, 2014, 01:14:09 PM
I cant comment on SF or SS but I have two CA bats. One is a CA8000 with zero concaving and is probally the best performing bat I have ever owned. The 2nd bat is a custom CA in the exact same shape as my 8000 and after the 3 nets I have had with her she is looking like being a very good bat. 

IMHO CA make very good bats in the mid range price bracket which I'm sure you will be very happy with.. What ever you get make sure you stick some photos up for us all to see.   

Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: smilley792 on August 01, 2014, 01:32:35 PM
I have a ca kp big bang and a plus 10000

Both have minimal concave and play lovely.
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: kal_m on August 01, 2014, 01:58:29 PM
Haven't seen many using SF but I heard they are really good too (SF Optimus in particular). SS and CA are both generally good. I have seen some crackers in both but I would prefer SS. Gladiator is my fav and it had an amazing ping, probably the best I have seen. The downside would be concaving on these. Some folks on here have SS bats with no concaving. If you can find one of those then go for it.
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: fasteddie on August 01, 2014, 02:07:17 PM
Speak to the retailers here.

Paul at It's Just Cricket.
Jake at Vitas
Asad at UZI.

I'm sure there will be more guidance on it's way. Good luck.
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: CrickFreak on August 01, 2014, 02:19:00 PM
Hey guys, I'm new to the site here so bare with me.

Recently been looking at a bunch of new bats, but can't decide upon what to go with. I want to go with a toptop quality bat, something like players performance willow.
Eg. [url]http://www.eclipseallsports.co.uk/index.php/bats/ss/sangakkara-ks-84-players-edition-cricket-bat.html[/url] ([url]http://www.eclipseallsports.co.uk/index.php/bats/ss/sangakkara-ks-84-players-edition-cricket-bat.html[/url])

I just want to gauge your guys opinion on 'player quality willow' and what your thoughts and experiences are with CA, SS, SF etc. Are there any obvious models or makes that I should stay well clear of.

I know it comes down to the feel of the bat and the pick up and its near impossible to pick a bat on the 'looks' of it, but I have always been brought up by going into store and feeling everyone until I have a winner, but there aren't many stockists of these bats near to me.

Also onlinestockists.com is a site I keep seeing posted but I have never bought from there before. Seen plenty of good bats at competitive prices but with not really seeing much of the site Im a little skeptical about buying from there. I guess quite a few people have bought from there before?

Thanks guys
Excuse me for my broad question!

Mat


I wouldnt pay so much for that KS 84. I have SS DK 19, lovely bat... nice balance, no concaving, 40 mm edges and only at 2lb 9oz and fantastic ping
I have ordered SF Optimus from OLS, will post the review once i get it sometime next week.

Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: Giraffe208 on August 01, 2014, 02:41:28 PM
Hi Mat

Where abouts do you live? There may be a sponsor not too far away from you?
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: kal_m on August 01, 2014, 07:42:48 PM
Or why not get a custom made bat from one of the sponsors. They make great bats and if you like a particular profile in SS, SF or CA, I am sure they will be able to replicate that.
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: Howwyx on August 02, 2014, 01:44:54 AM
Hi Mat

Where abouts do you live? There may be a sponsor not too far away from you?

I'm from near Liverpool. From my knowledge of the Surrounding area there isn't much about, but I maybe mistaken.
Thankyou for the bunch of replies guys. Much appreciated.
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: Howwyx on August 02, 2014, 01:57:13 AM
Speak to the retailers here.

Paul at It's Just Cricket.
Jake at Vitas
Asad at UZI.

I'm sure there will be more guidance on it's way. Good luck.

Thankyou for the pointers . I'll drop them an email tomorrow.
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: mp07 on August 02, 2014, 02:40:26 AM
I have used SF, SS, and CA.  SS and CA used to be very good, but I think now they lack same touch they used to have.  On other hand SF is REALLY getting better one bat at a time.

If your budget is around 200 pounds then I would recommend one of the custom bat makers from this forum, they really do put personal touch in each and every bat, which you can not expect from big brand names.
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: @187no on August 02, 2014, 03:31:12 AM
I would go for the sf hands down , but I doubt the seller will offer any warranty of any sort.
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: shax12 on August 02, 2014, 04:28:49 AM
Go for a SS cricket bat. I bought one for �230 direct from SS and it's their top range bat made on Virat Kohli spec. Oval handle and minimum concaving. Also a low middle but it has a big sweetspot and pings well from low of the bat to high up. Lovely balance and pick up and the best pinging bat I have come across. You will love it.
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: @187no on August 02, 2014, 04:43:10 AM
Performance Willow is the way forward.
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: JB on August 02, 2014, 05:58:26 AM
IJC had a SF and CA in their top 5 bats video for July, take a look

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3X-asRTCN6c
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: Slackie on August 04, 2014, 07:48:42 PM
I can only speak for the SS models but I think that the embossed stickers really add something to the bat, I think that CA also have them! But on to the performance of the SS ... Wow it pings off most parts of the blade! Great value for money aswell!
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: petehosk on August 04, 2014, 07:55:03 PM
All produce decent bats.
But out of the three, I have seen a number of unimpressive SF bats, although the recent ones have been superb!!
The CA bats are excellent but I find the handles tend to be too thin for my liking.
I agree that the SS bats tend to offer the best all round quality and response! The players profiles are magnificent too!
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: amritpremi on August 05, 2014, 07:19:36 AM
Having used all three I would suggest going with SS, all three have good performance/ping but SS are most reliable (comparing other 2) in durability followed by SF and then CA. CA bats perform very well from the word go but have typical problems being dried and delicate bat and thin & weak handle. If durability/longevity & price is not a factor then I would go CA, SF represents best value for money imo.
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: EaglesCC on August 05, 2014, 09:48:10 AM
I've never owned an SF but would agree with the opinions about SS and CA. I can't choose between them for performance at peak. But SS win hands down for quality of finishing - which is nice to have but not high on my priority list. I would much rather have a bat which goes like the clappers for two seasons and breaks then one which takes ages to open up but lasts forever.

Which is kind of why I currently favour Asian bats. All personal preferences of course.
 
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: Howwyx on August 05, 2014, 12:41:45 PM
Thanks guys for the great replies. Really appreciate it.

I have recently spoke to Onlinestockist and he has a new SF model that is ready to be launched that he has offered me for £270 including postage. It seems a fantastic deal and having spoke to a couple people they agree its a brilliant offer.

SF Black Edition
Willow Quality - Rare Grade 1+, UltraLight Cleft
Weight - 2.9 for such a massive size
Grains 14-15 approx
Edges - 42mm approx
Profile - Long Middle, Thick Shoulder, Thick Toe,Monster
Pickup/Balance - Light
Power/Ping - Superb

I have pictures of it but with it not being launched just yet, whether I should attach them or leave you guys to fester and wait with anticipation!  ;)
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: amritpremi on August 05, 2014, 02:09:09 PM
Thanks guys for the great replies. Really appreciate it.

I have recently spoke to Onlinestockist and he has a new SF model that is ready to be launched that he has offered me for £270 including postage. It seems a fantastic deal and having spoke to a couple people they agree its a brilliant offer.

SF Black Edition
Willow Quality - Rare Grade 1+, UltraLight Cleft
Weight - 2.9 for such a massive size
Grains 14-15 approx
Edges - 42mm approx
Profile - Long Middle, Thick Shoulder, Thick Toe,Monster
Pickup/Balance - Light
Power/Ping - Superb

I have pictures of it but with it not being launched just yet, whether I should attach them or leave you guys to fester and wait with anticipation!  ;)

I am sure OS won't mind you sharing the pics as it would lead to more business for him. Go ahead and show the black beauty.
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: Howwyx on August 05, 2014, 03:50:49 PM
Very true that! I have now purchased it, so I am just looking forward to it arriving.
Also bought SF Testlite batting gloves also.

(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u300/matty3103/DSC03779.jpg) (http://s171.photobucket.com/user/matty3103/media/DSC03779.jpg.html)
(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u300/matty3103/DSC03783.jpg) (http://s171.photobucket.com/user/matty3103/media/DSC03783.jpg.html)
(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u300/matty3103/DSC03792.jpg) (http://s171.photobucket.com/user/matty3103/media/DSC03792.jpg.html)
(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u300/matty3103/DSC03795.jpg) (http://s171.photobucket.com/user/matty3103/media/DSC03795.jpg.html)(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u300/matty3103/DSC03794.jpg) (http://s171.photobucket.com/user/matty3103/media/DSC03794.jpg.html)

What do you think guys? Looks pretty damn nice to me.
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: tushar sehgal on August 05, 2014, 03:53:51 PM
Very nice indeed, whats the weight on this one?
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: Howwyx on August 05, 2014, 03:56:09 PM
OS said it was 2.9 but will be 2.10/2.11 by the time I put a second grip and such on it. Picks up very light from what he said.
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: amritpremi on August 05, 2014, 04:26:59 PM
Looks like a beast, and the profile hints the bat would pickup much lighter, it's hard to resist bats like these.
Title: !
Post by: Howwyx on August 05, 2014, 04:28:36 PM
Think I was in the right place at the right time! Cant wait to receive this!
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: CrickFreak on August 05, 2014, 06:26:33 PM
Wow... Cant get better than this..
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: EaglesCC on August 05, 2014, 06:46:56 PM
That does look very special. Tempted to see what else OS have :)
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: kal_m on August 05, 2014, 07:03:46 PM
That is a beasty black beauty.Absolutely fantastic. Any pics showing the amount of concaving??
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: Six Sixes Cricket on August 05, 2014, 08:19:25 PM
Looks a beauty. Are these round handles?
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: mp07 on August 05, 2014, 08:24:49 PM
I am sure its round handle.  Haven't seen SS or SF in oval handle. But really nice shape from SF, spine going all the way into toe.
Title: Re: Opinions across SS, SF, CA Ranges
Post by: Howwyx on August 05, 2014, 09:16:08 PM
That is a beasty black beauty.Absolutely fantastic. Any pics showing the amount of concaving??

Not yet dude,  but when it arrives I will take some pictures myself and show you guys more.

And yeah I think its a round handle, I dont mind either really