Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Companies => Off-the-shelf companies => Gray Nicolls => Topic started by: chrisbd on September 26, 2014, 12:20:59 AM

Title: My new F18
Post by: chrisbd on September 26, 2014, 12:20:59 AM
Hi all,

Went down to Robertsbridge to pick up my kit allocation for the coming Aussie season. Ian Ellis was, as always, incredibly efficient and helpful in picking a bat and certainly helped me walk away with a stunner. Access to the "special cupboard that doesn't really exist" is a really good benefit of sponsorship, and whilst in there I got to see some specific players profiles, and learn about which pro is using which model for the coming season. Alas, I must remain tight lipped about these things (I will tell you Trego is using the Lucky 7 though ;) ). Also saw about 100 pairs of the gold gloves in every model, which was pretty cool! The guys also sent me a pair of Aussie Legend gloves which are quite cool and just something a little bit different which you don't always see here in the UK.

Anyway, my specific bat is the F18, and I managed to get it early and before general release, and as such myself and Paul did a video review on the stick, which can be found here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0_O2k3U6e0&list=UUIerErbsjvrlqWp_0TgIYjw. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0_O2k3U6e0&list=UUIerErbsjvrlqWp_0TgIYjw.) If you like the look of it, we have listed our pre orders already - but please note this is a slightly tweaked version of a normal F18.

Photos hopefully will come up!

(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad145/thebd11/DSC_0165.jpg) (http://s930.photobucket.com/user/thebd11/media/DSC_0165.jpg.html)

(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad145/thebd11/DSC_0166.jpg) (http://s930.photobucket.com/user/thebd11/media/DSC_0166.jpg.html)

(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad145/thebd11/DSC_0167.jpg) (http://s930.photobucket.com/user/thebd11/media/DSC_0167.jpg.html)

(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad145/thebd11/DSC_0168.jpg) (http://s930.photobucket.com/user/thebd11/media/DSC_0168.jpg.html)

Again, thank you to the guys at GN for giving me another stunner, hopefully helps me with a few runs come this Aussie season!

Cheers guys,

Chris
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: tugga on September 26, 2014, 01:12:59 AM
That is a crazy high middle, I can imagine it picking up like a feather?
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: tugga on September 26, 2014, 01:14:18 AM
Actually on second look not as high as I thought haha
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: InternalTraining on September 26, 2014, 01:16:04 AM
You lucky, lucky man!

Hi all,

Went down to Robertsbridge to pick up my kit allocation for the coming Aussie season. Ian Ellis was, as always, incredibly efficient and helpful in picking a bat and certainly helped me walk away with a stunner. Access to the "special cupboard that doesn't really exist" is a really good benefit of sponsorship, and whilst in there I got to see some specific players profiles, and learn about which pro is using which model for the coming season. Alas, I must remain tight lipped about these things (I will tell you Trego is using the Lucky 7 though ;) ). Also saw about 100 pairs of the gold gloves in every model, which was pretty cool! The guys also sent me a pair of Aussie Legend gloves which are quite cool and just something a little bit different which you don't always see here in the UK.

Anyway, my specific bat is the F18, and I managed to get it early and before general release, and as such myself and Paul did a video review on the stick, which can be found here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0_O2k3U6e0&list=UUIerErbsjvrlqWp_0TgIYjw. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0_O2k3U6e0&list=UUIerErbsjvrlqWp_0TgIYjw.) If you like the look of it, we have listed our pre orders already - but please note this is a slightly tweaked version of a normal F18.

Photos hopefully will come up!
Again, thank you to the guys at GN for giving me another stunner, hopefully helps me with a few runs come this Aussie season!

Cheers guys,

Chris
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: TopShot on September 26, 2014, 01:26:50 AM
Looks like an awesome shape and a cracking bat. Best of luck for the new season mate!
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: AverageCricketer on September 26, 2014, 01:35:07 AM
I love that profile as well. In Australia, they make an XL version as well, and it picks up so well. They weigh around the 3lb 2oz mark, but they pick up like a 2lb 12oz bat, ridiculously light pick up
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: mp07 on September 26, 2014, 01:50:12 AM
wow...this is a super high middle, but nice full profile.  Hopefully it will bring you lot of runs, best of luck!
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: gerhard303 on September 26, 2014, 01:50:48 AM
I saw these in GCCC at the beginning of the season. I am massively impressed by the GN range this year (custom range, Matrix and particularly the F18)- currently so many light years ahead of the Aussie Kookaburra range IMO.

I almost walked out the door with a super short handle version of the F18 in 2.8. The only drawback for me was its thin, round handle. I'm a huge fan of semi-oval - oval handles and unfortunately this turned out to be a bit of a deal breaker for me. There was a bloke eyeing the bat off whilst I was giving it a few air swings. I'm pretty sure he picked up that bat went straight to the cash register. Hope he's not playing against me this season!!
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: Marc28 on September 26, 2014, 06:49:03 AM
Looks a belting bat bud,
Wondering what will be the best seller over in Australia out of the Grays range as I do like the Matrix and F18 models
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: tugga on September 26, 2014, 07:31:42 AM
Do you find the middle position is the same position as the swell? or a bit lower?
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: ItsJustCricket on September 26, 2014, 09:54:35 AM
Although it has a high middle, I was surprised by how well the bat responds (off the mallet) down low.  And the pick-up is incredibly light - it's 2.9 but I first guessed it as being 2.7.  I think Chris's bat is a bit more bowed than the standard F18 shape, but otherwise I haven't noticed any differences.
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: El Nino on September 26, 2014, 10:19:17 AM
Where abouts are you playing in Aus?
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: Seniorplayer on September 26, 2014, 11:16:35 AM
Excellent review as always Chris also enjoy your time in Australia.
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: Vitas Cricket on September 26, 2014, 11:19:52 AM
Had a couple of bats from the special cupboard myself over the past couple of years. Looks a nice one.
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: Bowlers Name Please on September 26, 2014, 11:48:21 AM
Jealous of the bat and the fact you are off to wield it in Aus!

All the best mate.  :)
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: jamielsn15 on September 26, 2014, 12:57:46 PM
Stunning looking bat fella!

The F18 is rapidly becoming the bat that could challenge my 'no new bat for 2015' philosophy...
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: InternalTraining on September 26, 2014, 01:17:42 PM
I love the bow on this bat. Ever since. I started playing with a bowed bat, I can't go back to flat bats.
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: Vitas Cricket on September 26, 2014, 01:20:41 PM
Stunning looking bat fella!

The F18 is rapidly becoming the bat that could challenge my 'no new bat for 2015' philosophy...

Still available with a pre-order discount from us :)

Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: Cover_Drive on September 26, 2014, 02:39:27 PM
Lovely! Hope it serves you well.

What are possibilities that a forum sponsor can source a bat (preferably a professional players bat) from that cupboard?
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: ioand1988 on September 26, 2014, 02:48:12 PM
Lovely looking bat u got there. Enjoy your time in Australia.
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: jamielsn15 on September 26, 2014, 02:48:41 PM
Still available with a pre-order discount from us :)

Not helping Jake!  You need to stash all the bats away whenever I'm netting.  All of them.
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: chrisbd on September 26, 2014, 02:59:45 PM
Lovely! Hope it serves you well.

What are possibilities that a forum sponsor can source a bat (preferably a professional players bat) from that cupboard?

To sell to the general public I would say it is impossible,  I know we weren't allowed in the with ijc.
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: Chad on September 26, 2014, 03:18:47 PM
Lovely! Hope it serves you well.

What are possibilities that a forum sponsor can source a bat (preferably a professional players bat) from that cupboard?

I know that Jake and Asad can get bats custom made to your weight and shape preference at Robertsbridge from their players willow! I think I'll be saving my pennies for one for a while though, as it's over £300!
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: kal_m on September 26, 2014, 08:12:25 PM
Nice look bat that. Never used a bat with a high middle.Might try one next season. And good luck to you in Oz.
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: Silver Bullet on September 29, 2014, 02:48:59 AM
Wowww... That bat is a beauty. What does it retail for ??
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: ItsJustCricket on September 29, 2014, 12:53:17 PM
Wowww... That bat is a beauty. What does it retail for ??

The "suggested retail price" is £424.99 for this grade (LE), but I would imagine most shops will sell it for around £340.
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: Twelfth Man on September 30, 2014, 05:06:02 AM
If I won the lottery twice, I'd buy one! I still couldn't justify that much for a bat even if I won the lottery ;) Lovely bat though, hope it goes like a train! Where abouts are you playing in Australia if you don't mind me asking?
Title: Re: My new F18
Post by: Noproblem on November 14, 2014, 03:30:49 PM
Got mine two weeks ago from Robertsbridge along with a PowerGen X and Scoop. Nice guy's at GN. F18 is made in India from what the chaps told me. So will have less moisture and will be similar to it's aussie counterpart.