Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: wayward_hayward on December 03, 2014, 06:18:03 PM
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After my last visit to David at Norfolk Bats about 6 weeks ago, I agreed to take a rather special bat off his hands. This bat was the only butterfly he had as a trial to see if his Pro players fancied a go. None of them had taken it so I offered to take it off
(http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/ncfcrgr8/Mobile%20Uploads/20141202_211615.jpg) (http://s931.photobucket.com/user/ncfcrgr8/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141202_211615.jpg.html)
(http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/ncfcrgr8/Mobile%20Uploads/20141202_211627.jpg) (http://s931.photobucket.com/user/ncfcrgr8/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141202_211627.jpg.html)
(http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/ncfcrgr8/Mobile%20Uploads/20141202_211634.jpg) (http://s931.photobucket.com/user/ncfcrgr8/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141202_211634.jpg.html)
(http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/ncfcrgr8/Mobile%20Uploads/20141202_211719.jpg) (http://s931.photobucket.com/user/ncfcrgr8/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141202_211719.jpg.html)
(http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/ncfcrgr8/Mobile%20Uploads/20141202_211756.jpg)
(http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/ncfcrgr8/Mobile%20Uploads/20141202_211725.jpg) (http://s931.photobucket.com/user/ncfcrgr8/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141202_211725.jpg.html)
(http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/ncfcrgr8/Mobile%20Uploads/20141202_213123.jpg)
(http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/ncfcrgr8/Mobile%20Uploads/20141202_212211.jpg)
I got the full custom treatment when I was there last night, picking from profile shape through to stickers and grip. This was my first custom bat and I thought the experience was fantastic, being involved during all stages of the process.
I decided on using the Michael Clarke profile as a template for the bat, with the finished article pretty similar to the Spartan range from memory. The idea was to keep a decent sized edge and spine, while keeping as much wood in the 'hitting zone' as possible.
The handle used for the this bat is rather special, designed especially for a cricketing legend. It offers a larger amount of flex compared to a standard handle so will be interesting to feel the difference when using it.
The butterfly stain gives the bat some real character, with 10 straight and even grains prominent through the blade and toe. This bat would easily be grade 1 without the butterfly stain.
The performance of the bat feels excellent considering it hasn't been knocked it at all. Both with a ball and mallet, it feels responsive across a large area and makes a lovely crack when tapping it up. It certainly has that x factor that makes you want to feel bat on ball.
To some up the experience, I loved my time spent with David, who has a wealth of experience in the industry. It was a pleasure to speak about all things cricket and learn from a master. The beauty of reviewing the bat at all stages of shaping has created a bat that feels great to pick up. Even the little bits, like the double binding on the bottom half of my grip and the pink stickers give that personal touch.
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Lovely stick buddy, lovely tight grains on that bat so Shiism play well for you mate. Where are they based and do they do all on house?
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They are based in Lyng, on the outskirts of Norwich. David does everything himself including the pressing, handling and shaping.
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I'm a big fan of butterfly bats and that looks a cracker. I reckon it'll perform really well for you. Have Norfolk bats got any plans to offer this grade as part of their range?
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Yep - I'll go along with that - I think that stain really gives the bat character, and I would mind it at all.
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They are based in Lyng, on the outskirts of Norwich. David does everything himself including the pressing, handling and shaping.
Not doubting you for a minute but from his Twitter pics it looks like he gets part shaped and part mades in. Either that or he has access to a copy lathe/cnc and copies the keeley way of handling with the grips. Not that there is anything wrong with that, just the impression I got from the pics.
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How many bats you on now? Lol
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Not doubting you for a minute but from his Twitter pics it looks like he gets part shaped and part mades in. Either that or he has access to a copy lathe/cnc and copies the keeley way of handling with the grips. Not that there is anything wrong with that, just the impression I got from the pics.
He uses exactly the same method as Keeley. He has access to all parts of the process including the lathe and press etc. At his workshop in Norfolk, he then handles, shapes and finishes the product. David is proud of the fact he is involved from raw cleft to finished product.
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How many bats you on now? Lol
Ummmm, 9..... :D you can see them at the weekend.
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Ummmm, 9..... :D you can see them at the weekend.
Looking forward to it mate ;)
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I'm a big fan of butterfly bats and that looks a cracker. I reckon it'll perform really well for you. Have Norfolk bats got any plans to offer this grade as part of their range?
David was more than happy to get further clefts in.
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Quick update on this
I have used this for a few nets and I'm so surprised up the ping. Considering this has had no knocking in, it pings really well. A combination of the pressing and butterfly stain has produced a beauty of a bat. The sound produced is slightly different but I like the individual sound against everyone else's bat. A mate used it last night and said he has never hit a ball harder.
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Always liked the look of Norfolk bats.
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A lad at my club has a. Norfolk bat and it's a serious piece if willow huge for the weight at 2.11 but picks up a absolute treat and it goes like a cannon with the most amazing sound. Added to the fact the lad is a gun bat it's a trundlers nightmare lol
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Considering the lack of time spent preparing the bat, it's already challenging my Salix for my match bat. Highly impressed considering the the skiddy low bounce of our winter nets, it's pretty difficult to find the sweetspot!
If you anyone wants to visit the workshop, I should be able to get a time and date with David set up.