Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Other Gear => Topic started by: jamielsn15 on January 03, 2015, 03:41:46 PM
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Afternoon all,
As promised in a separate thread I've finally had the opportunity to look at what will fit into my new Kook Pro Players duffle, a pressie from Santa, so its a trip up into the loft. I figured it would be interesting to do this for the forum 'live,' in the sense that I haven't filled it before. I've recorded the process in the photos below.
My bag for last year was the Kook Pro Players holdall
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1600.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1600.jpg.html)
It was packed as follows.
Top tier - odds 'n' ends - grips, lotion, hand towel, mallet, tape, spikes, etc.
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1601.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1601.jpg.html)
2nd tier - Clothes. Sun hat, club baggy green, socks x 4, Aero baselayer shorts, baselayer tops x2, club whites, cable knit jumper and sleeveless tops, shower bag, towel (not pictured), club training top and shorts.
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/9834be78-9ded-4a04-aa6a-eea59e4e1d33.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/9834be78-9ded-4a04-aa6a-eea59e4e1d33.jpg.html)
Bat pockets - room for 3, currently has 2, B3 3 stripe bespoke and Kook Bubble Legend
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1603.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1603.jpg.html)
3rd tier - Kit. A lot of this will be updated, so don;t judge, this is a bag review! Ayrtek ACIS helmet, B3 keeping pads, gloves and inners, Kook Ice pads, Kook Ice gloves, Kook Ricochet sausage finger gloves, box, Aero P2s.
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1604.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1604.jpg.html)
Shoe pocket - room for one pair only
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1605.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1605.jpg.html)
The bag has been great for the past season - no wear, no rips, fits everything in very well, as you can see. The issue isn't when we play at home, we have a large changing room, but virtually all away games I either leave it outside or stand it against the wall in rooms you can't swing a cat in. After departing from the Gray Nics Nitro stand up bag (poor quality and a too deep main compartment) which I used in 2012 and 2013, I decided I need another stand up bag for away games. I will also be downsizing the car from a four door saloon to most likely something the size of a golf or mini. So my wife bought me this for Christmas. Here's how I packed it the first time. There is obviously scope for better organisation, but illustrates its capacity very well I reckon.
Here's the kit.
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1606_1.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1606_1.jpg.html)
Easy one first up - bats into bat pockets. B3 is in with its bat cover. The flap doesn't cover the B3 (SH but longer blade) but does cover the Bubble.
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1607.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1607.jpg.html)
Second step also easy - bonus, it fits two pairs of daisies...
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1608.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1608.jpg.html)
Pads next. Fit very well either side in the main compartment and sit nicely on the outside of the boots in the compartment below. Ayrtek fits very well between the pads.
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1609.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1609.jpg.html)
I'm an occasional keeper, and always take my gear if I'm pre selected to keep or someone drops out/doesn't turn up. I thought about putting the pads in the main compartment, but found they fit very well in the side pockets. In fact, almost perfectly...
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1610.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1610.jpg.html)
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1611.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1611.jpg.html)
Next step was loading the main compartment. I want to keep clothes and kit separate, so in goes keeping gloves, batting gloves x2, strippers and box. Easy fit with room to spare.
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1612.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1612.jpg.html)
Closed the main compartment with ease - easily room for towel, smaller bags for gear, etc. I'd intended the top compartment for clothes. It was snug, but unless you're worrying about ironing your gear before play, I managed to get in; cable knit sweater and sleeveless, club shirt and trousers, sun hat, baggy green, baselayers x2, aero shorts, socks, training kit
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1613.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1613.jpg.html)
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1614.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1614.jpg.html)
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1616.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1616.jpg.html)
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1617.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1617.jpg.html)
Finally, the front pocket - bat care stuff, sunglasses, sun lotion, shower bag.
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1618.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1618.jpg.html)
Packed. Everything that was in the holdall is in the duffle. Except the duffle has an extra pair of shoes...
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1619.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1619.jpg.html)
(http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh597/jamielsn15/IMAG1620.jpg) (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/jamielsn15/media/IMAG1620.jpg.html)
Conclusion. Absolutely delighted with it. Haven't even used the exterior pockets. It has the benefit of separating your kit like a multi-tier holdall and therefore although the main compartment is huge you don't lose everything to the bottom of it. It feels very comfortable on your back (but would benefit from a waist strap) and distributes the weight well.
I can see me using this every week. Hope it helps those who are thinking about buying one.
p.s. it also fit the wife in it. So if you have designs on moving a 5 foot 4 81/2 stone person, it zips shut with ease. Didn't do much for her claustrophobia though. I should also probably point out that she volunteered to get in it!
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Good to see someone else back up what I said in my video review with proof of how much this bag can hold. Not everyone believes me when I tell them that a bag that costs £50 has more storage capacity than some bags that are double the price!!
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Great review, i'm rather envious of your Ricochet sausage gloves.
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Good to see someone else back up what I said in my video review with proof of how much this bag can hold. Not everyone believes me when I tell them that a bag that costs £50 has more storage capacity than some bags that are double the price!!
I must admit when I saw all the kit laid out I wasn't sure! There is still room to spare. It's a very well designed bag and I'm sure I can pack it better still...
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Great review, i'm rather envious of your Ricochet sausage gloves.
Keep an eye out in the for sale section in the coming weeks ;)
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Keep an eye out in the for sale section in the coming weeks ;)
I'm assuming you've been using it a fair amount now - still the same sentiments on the bag? Not too heavy to lug around?
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I have. Been using it for nets, absolutely no complaints. It's not light, but is comfortable for the short distances I travel from car to sports hall...
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I have got the same bag and I rate it very highly easy to store and fits all my gear and keeping gear in only down side is it can be heavy to lug around when full
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What about comfort while carrying the bag...do the spines of the two bats poke you in the back?
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The back of the bag is well padded and so are the straps so didn't feel the spine of the bats on my back.
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I Just bought a TON Elite Duffle, Its good for its price (Paid 18.33 pounds), but Its seriously lack features. It doesn't have separate section for Shoes and other small pockets, other than that its a huge bag and fits 4 bats, Clothing, Gloves, pads, helmet and shoes. Definitely easy to carry than the wheelies.
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I don't feel the spines. But then that's cos I put the bats in a bat cover. And then in the bags bat sleeves, having the spine facing into the bag with the pads then over them to protect.
not that with a separate shoe and helmet pocket there's anything left to protect them from
Good bag.
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Just bought a Pro Players Duffle today, the blue and yellow one took my fancy and hopefully I'll have it come the second game next week. Can't wait for it :D
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Just bought a Pro Players Duffle today, the blue and yellow one took my fancy and hopefully I'll have it come the second game next week. Can't wait for it :D
It's a great bag. Did a review on here a while ago and am v pleased with it!
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It's post like these that make this forum so great. Thank you for taking the time to do this, very helpful
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Bag has arrived :D Will transfer all my gear into it tonight and give my thoughts about it, I'm expecting to be pleasantly surprised.
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When you have your batting gear on - does the bag just fall flat on the floor, or does it stay upright?
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When you have your batting gear on - does the bag just fall flat on the floor, or does it stay upright?
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Depends.
If I put a pair of shoes in the bottom. It stays up.
Otherwise it does fall over.
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Depends.
If I put a pair of shoes in the bottom. It stays up.
Otherwise it does fall over.
Thanks mate - your video review was pretty cool. What do you think is the most ergonomic / efficient way to pack your kit for nets / games?
I am thinking of getting it too (like you, not a keeper).
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any opinions on other alternative duffles just for comparison, or is this one by far the best in its class?
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For me it's the best out their at the moment it's a brilliant bag
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Well I've got all my gear in it, not too much just your average kit.
- 2 Bats
- 1 set of pads
- 2 pairs of gloves
- 2 pairs of shoes
- 1 helmet
- Inner and Outer thigh pad
- misc stuff like bat tape etc etc
- Full set of whites (2 pants, 2 t-shirts & 2 jumpers)
I have to say it all goes in well with plenty of room to spare if I decide to get any extra kit. Both bats are in the internal bat covers and both pairs of shoes fit in the section at the base of the bag easily however I wouldn't like to try and fit another pair in though. My whites are in the top section with plenty of room as well to spare. Over all I'm happy with my purchase and it's miles better than my old Kook 600 wheelie (which my brother now has). One thing to note is that its a lot heavier to lift and carry on your back and I wouldn't want to carry this for extended periods of time however it'll be fine for just carrying to nets/pavilion from my car etc. The only concern is the straps on the back either tearing or breaking with time due to the weight of the bag when putting it onto your back, has anyone found this to be a concern?
Oh and finally I think if you leave at least one bat in the bag it should stay upright.
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not to labour the point, but on Owzat cricket there are similar-ish duffles from Gray Nicolls and Gunn & Moore which are both cheaper than the Kook version...
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I have a GN1000 - if I was buying again I'd go for the Kook.
Whilst the GN is a good bag, if you stack it pad->helmet<-pad left to right, it's pretty tight and the side pockets are pretty useless. Also, the top compartment (for helmet/whites/whatever) is mostly taken up by the bat handles. I can just about squeeze my whites in there.
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Thanks mate - your video review was pretty cool. What do you think is the most ergonomic / efficient way to pack your kit for nets / games?
I am thinking of getting it too (like you, not a keeper).
How I pack.
2 pairs of boots in boot pocket.
Thigh pad set in main compartment on top of boots.
Pad either side
Gloves in helmet, helmet in front pocket.
Bat in either bat pocket.
Whites in top pocket.
Hats, drink and a bit of food in one side pocket.
I have nothing in the to her side pocket, and could fit lots more in the main pocket and whites section. Just don't need to.
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Ended up getting it - what a gem. I decided to divide up the gear in the following way:
Main Compartment: batting gear I use most frequently, arranged so that I access items in the correct order. So at the very bottom is my helmet, on top of that my current pair of gloves, on top of the gloves is my elbow guard and box. The pads are on either side of the helmet, and have the thigh / chest guards hugging them.
Side Pockets: extra / backup pairs of gloves (I hated getting different pairs mixed up in a wheelie bag), sidearm, balls
Top Pocket: whites, shades, sunblock, headphones (in case I need some pump-you-up music before batting).
Front Pocket: replacement spikes, "medical kit" (tape, spray, etc).
Still loads of space left over. Love it. Only thing is to make sure one lifts / swings the bag safely (in case anyone has a tweaky back). But its much lighter than any wheelie bag i've seen.
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Having been using the Ton duffel for a while, the separation that provides looks great. Interested to know if anyone has compared this with the GM duffle, which looked to be huge and have separation?
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Tim, after seeing yours and the gn together when we're at the oval I ended up going for this. It has the size and space of the ton but the practicality of the gn. I think the gn felt more compact but a lot of listings have them as the same size. It might be a bit more pricey but I think it's worth it.
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anyone know if this is still in stock anywhere?
as its a 2015 model wondering what the latest versions are that may be comparable
like the size, it seems to have a lot more capacity than most other duffles available
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Ive got a purple and black available. Dont know if they are available in store anywhere
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used or new?
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Great review of the duffle, looks a fantastic bag.
Are those white grips Salux hybrid grips? If so could you let me know where you get them from, please, as I can't find them anywhere. Thanks.
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you might find the odd one or ebay or somewhere but they dont come up very often. i have one and love it.
for this season kookaburra redisgned the duffle and made it a but smaller but still farly similar with the pockets and layout
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I own two as they are so good. Just perfect duffle bags in my opinion, fit all your kit in and more. Excellent product shame they messed with it in the newer version.