Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Companies => Off-the-shelf companies => Gunn & Moore => Topic started by: Chad on September 28, 2014, 07:14:08 PM
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While I'm still in the posting mood, I may as well do this one too!
So, a little while back, I saw the GM Argon F2 OLE bats for sale on PDS, and seeing as GM don't let anyone handpick bats, and treat their retailers all pretty much equally, I figured I'd take the plunge. I ended up with a 7 grainer, all sapwood with some blemishes on the outside edge, which I was actually pretty pleased with. (Grains were very evenly spaced and straight) However, there were small cracks all up the inside edge, so I asked around, and finally contacted GM.
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8271.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8271.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8268.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8268.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8267.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8267.jpg.html)
I was told to send the bat to GM, and they would replace it, as the willow had been overstressed. Thing is, I really liked the feel off the mallet, and the weight was nice, with it being around 2lb 9.8oz with a pick up index of 2. The bat arrived at GM on Thursday, I got a letter through, explaining I was going to get a replacement on Friday, and the bat arrived on Monday, so I was pretty chuffed with the service direct from GM. (I had expected them to go through the retailer, but I figured the process would have been essentially the same, except more tedious for the retailer and myself) Here's what I received:
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8342.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8342.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8336.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8336.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8344.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8344.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8343.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8343.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8345.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8345.jpg.html)
I was initially a little disappointed by this, the hard bar and it also didn't feel so good off the mallet. I did give it a good 20 minutes with the LV mallet though, and the bat is an absolute rocket! All 3 Argons (One being the returned one) that have passed through my hands have changed my opinion bit by bit of GM. (Used to feel they were overpressed, and took forever to play in) I would say this is as good as almost anything I've used. It weighs a little more at 2lb 10.25oz (2lb 10.5oz with the new grip), and had an Index of 3, which was a little disappointing to begin with, but I tend to use a medium weight, so absolutely fine. The pick up and balance are nice, and though the handle is really thin, it feels just about right after replacing the control grip with a snakeskin one.
I would say that this is my favourite profile that GM have made in all the years I've played, with the Icon and Flare following behind. Would recommend you get one while you still can, as GM are discontinuing the shape unfortunately! (Wish they did away with the Octane instead personally, just haven't really connected with that shape) Also, a quick thing about the F2 and F7 variant while I'm still at it, I now prefer the F2 over F7, simply because I just feel I get more directional control. It just feels like you get a little more behind the ball if you don't quite middle it, and I don't quite like my cover drives going through point! (Should probably learn how to play one properly!) Worst part of the F2 offering is rounding the edges though! An absolute pain in the ass with the scuff sheets already on!
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Looks a cracker mate!!!
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I agree that for an OLE I would have expected blemish free but it still looks decent. Perhaps on this occasion they sacrificed some appearance to add some bang for your buck instead?
Either way, as long as you are pleased that is all that matters! Got to agree that Im loving the profile on that too
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Definitely a nice profile, never been a fan of GM but so many good reports lately are making me change my mind.
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Argon shape with Octane stickers/colour scheme wouldve been perfect!
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I'd have this over the SF you showed off earlier every day of the week.
Great customer service too - echoes every dealing I've had with GM.
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Great customer service by GM.
Looks like the LV mallet is easing the knocking process for you.
We do need one bat cave pic :)
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Definitely a nice profile, never been a fan of GM but so many good reports lately are making me change my mind.
I would get in contact with Vitas Cricket and see if they have any lower grades lying around. From experience, they can perform just as well as higher grades!
Argon shape with Octane stickers/colour scheme wouldve been perfect!
To be honest, I'm not sure. I'm a bit of a sucker for green, so I think the Argon is perfect. ;)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/20140928_214150.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/20140928_214150.jpg.html)
I'd have this over the SF you showed off earlier every day of the week.
Great customer service too - echoes every dealing I've had with GM.
I would too, as the GM is much more expensive! :P In all honesty, this is a better made bat, higher quality finish, higher quality wood and also much more consistent across the board. :) Just love this profile though, really is one of my favourites! Agree RE customer service, couldn't quite believe the quick turn around! GN took 2 months to rehandle my bat!
Great customer service by GM.
Looks like the LV mallet is easing the knocking process for you.
We do need one bat cave pic :)
Hahaha yes, the LV mallet is great, although I wish the handle was shorter, and the mallet heads were more rounded! Lovely mallet nonetheless, and does the job very well! Hahaha maybe I'll post one up sometime in the near future. :)