Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Companies => Off-the-shelf companies => Gray Nicolls => Topic started by: Cover_Drive on February 19, 2015, 05:14:33 AM

Title: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: Cover_Drive on February 19, 2015, 05:14:33 AM
Hello Guys,

Hope you all are doing well.

So, after my hiatus from bat buying, I decided to fulfill my yearning for Australian made Gray Nicolls, in particular of Stuart Kranzbuhler handcrafted product. I am wholly unsure of reason why I didn't pursue with it in past.

Anyways, onto the bat. I would like to devote this solely to the bat, will refrain from writing a missive. So, it was me and @ca_gold who decided to make purchase together. We initially decided to go with Gray Nicolls Legend Gold, however, we swayed away from it after checking with each and every retailer, we were not appeased by the products we saw, in particular at Meulemans which had a prodigious imperfection on front. So, after conferring with Robert Meulemans and exchange of emails with pictures, we decided to opt for XXX8 handcrafted as it was as marginally smaller in terms of profile size, almost negligible.

As we knew Rob coached Adam Gilchrist and provided bats to him, we gave him prerogative to select for us albeit I did request them to send better of the lot to @ca_gold. So, my package arrived on fourth business day via Canada Post which I believe is swift. I couldn't contain myself so I took break from work when I found out parcel had reached post office.

The bat is 2.9, as these are made in 2.8-2.9 only. It has nearly 40 mm edges with flat face, although the measuring tape might just few mm thinner which is solely due to edges being boned. We asked Robert and Justin to triple grip them as Australian handles are thinner in nature and oil and knock them (whilst it needs to be played in). I am extremely appeased and satiated with the purchase, the bat is big for its weight and is extremely well balanced. It feels very good in hands and picks up well, I personally have no reservations nor I can nitpick anything whatsoever.

The service at Meulemans is truly fantastic, one of kind. Robert, Justin, and Scott have been extremely helpful and patient with our queries. Rob has great stories to share and his vast knowledge on this motif is fascinating. Justin on other hand is extremely cooperation and amicable. Top blokes they are at Meulemans.

Enjoy the pictures, I am sure they will answer many individual(s) question(s). More so, I made a video for rebound test...

Feel free to fire any question(s).

(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/minhasuz008/FullSizeRender1_zps5p9um54k.jpg)

(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/minhasuz008/c9d03ce5-1e36-4abe-857f-2788103b9b81_zpskjs9iboz.jpg)

(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/minhasuz008/FullSizeRender2_zpsoug9zepq.jpg)

(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/minhasuz008/FullSizeRender2_zpsurbpozza.jpg)

(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/minhasuz008/FullSizeRender_zpsj27ydwwn.jpg)

(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/minhasuz008/FullSizeRender4_zps3wrzbsv0.jpg)

(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/minhasuz008/FullSizeRender3_zpsk81vpltr.jpg)

(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/minhasuz008/FullSizeRender3_zpsk81vpltr.jpg)

(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/minhasuz008/FullSizeRender1_zpsi8obez72.jpg)

(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/minhasuz008/FullSizeRender4_zpslv1xc77g.jpg)

(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/minhasuz008/FullSizeRender2_zpsluqe11do.jpg)

(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/minhasuz008/FullSizeRender4_zpsiaikx0tf.jpg)

(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/minhasuz008/FullSizeRender3_zpszyetgovv.jpg)

(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/minhasuz008/FullSizeRender2_zpssdugfge7.jpg)

(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/minhasuz008/FullSizeRender1_zpsnhmcul0d.jpg)

(http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/minhasuz/minhasuz008/FullSizeRender_zpsdpqcoaxq.jpg)


Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYCoeVpqE10 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYCoeVpqE10)
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: potzy248 on February 19, 2015, 06:53:37 AM
stunning stunning bats.
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: Bowlers Name Please on February 19, 2015, 07:05:33 AM
Beautiful looking bat mate, did you get charged any import duty etc by Customs as I was considering ordering a couple of sticks from Aus as well?
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: Northern monkey on February 19, 2015, 07:27:39 AM
Rebound looks very good as does the bat
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: potzy248 on February 19, 2015, 07:30:05 AM
Beautiful looking bat mate, did you get charged any import duty etc by Customs as I was considering ordering a couple of sticks from Aus as well?

The company i bought one from under valued the one they sent me. No customs to pay.
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: Six Sixes Cricket on February 19, 2015, 07:31:28 AM
Looks stunning CD, and watch the ceiling!!
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: Bowlers Name Please on February 19, 2015, 07:52:06 AM
The company i bought one from under valued the one they sent me. No customs to pay.

Nice one, had my eye on one of these and a Matrix for awhile so may take a punt on them.  :)
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: procricket on February 19, 2015, 08:02:15 AM
One of the best is kranzbhuler great
Bat uzair.

Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: tushar sehgal on February 19, 2015, 01:51:02 PM
That is stunning Uzair, looking forward to seeing what ca_gold's bat looks like too :)
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: uknsaunders on February 19, 2015, 01:57:55 PM
You don't get better grains than that. Lovely stick.
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: RF on February 19, 2015, 02:13:11 PM
That looks amazing
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: Cover_Drive on February 19, 2015, 03:39:23 PM
Thank you guys.

@uknsaunders I was heedless towards grains but just noticed them, they aren’t too shabby.

 I will send it to you when your nets commence, will prepare it for you by then . I am too looking forward to @ca_gold’s stick.

@d7bow I think, ceiling should watch out!! :)

@Bowlers Name Please No, Justin was considerate enough to undervalue it for me as I as requested. I have noticed chances of getting hit by customs via Canada Post are lower than courier.


I also got softs, will review them tonight hopefully.
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: rajesh500 on February 19, 2015, 04:11:58 PM
looks amazing bat.. i hope it plays well for you..
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: Cover_Drive on February 20, 2015, 04:27:25 AM
What I found interesting was when Justin said that they hand-select the willow themselves from willow plantation in Melbourne.

I always thought English conditions could not be replicated.
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: ManHOOS on February 20, 2015, 04:45:49 AM
Once again wonderful bat Uzair !!!!!!

P.S Give some of ur bats to Pakistani batsmen as well,  they might start scoring runs  :D
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: Cover_Drive on February 20, 2015, 05:28:41 AM
Once again wonderful bat Uzair !!!!!!

P.S Give some of ur bats to Pakistani batsmen as well,  they might start scoring runs  :D

If bats scored runs, I would have surpassed Sachin Tendulkar by now..
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: lazza32 on February 20, 2015, 06:14:00 AM
Every year in February one of the meulemans goes to Melbourne and hand picks around 500 clefts.

Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: InternalTraining on February 20, 2015, 07:02:20 AM
So, this bat is made by Stuart Kranzbuhler?
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: 400notout on February 20, 2015, 12:22:42 PM
Look fantastic, always fancied one made there. Teammate has a XXX or the like (can't remember which) love the profiles.

How much did it sting you?
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on February 20, 2015, 12:26:28 PM
So, this bat is made by Stuart Kranzbuhler?

Did you bother to read the post, or just look at the pictures...
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: tushar sehgal on February 20, 2015, 12:40:20 PM
Did you bother to read the post, or just look at the pictures...

be nice :)
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: skip1973 on February 20, 2015, 12:44:59 PM
GN have more than 1 bat maker.
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on February 20, 2015, 12:46:48 PM
GN have more than 1 bat maker.

They may well do, but it clearly states in the OP who made this one...
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: skip1973 on February 20, 2015, 12:48:22 PM
Guess if it's on the internet it must be true.
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on February 20, 2015, 12:52:04 PM
Guess if it's on the internet it must be true.

Back under the bridge you go mate!
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: skip1973 on February 20, 2015, 01:10:27 PM
Back under the bridge you go mate!
That highlights what clowns some of you guy's are, it's absolutely possible it's not made by SK despite the information in the post. It's suggested GN have a plantation in Melbourne which is absolutely incorrect, not done deliberately I'm sure but still incorrect. 
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: Neon Cricket on February 20, 2015, 01:23:04 PM
That highlights what clowns some of you guy's are, it's absolutely possible it's not made by SK despite the information in the post. It's suggested GN have a plantation in Melbourne which is absolutely incorrect, not done deliberately I'm sure but still incorrect.

Definitely doesn't say that - it says they go to Melbourne to pick out 500 clefts, not that the willow is grown there

Use some common sense before insulting others please
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: skip1973 on February 20, 2015, 01:24:39 PM
What I found interesting was when Justin said that they hand-select the willow themselves from willow plantation in Melbourne.

I always thought English conditions could not be replicated.
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on February 20, 2015, 01:41:40 PM
That highlights what clowns some of you guy's are, it's absolutely possible it's not made by SK despite the information in the post. It's suggested GN have a plantation in Melbourne which is absolutely incorrect, not done deliberately I'm sure but still incorrect.

The question was who made the bat, this information is clearly in the OP. SK

If you choose to beleive this is not is up to you, but I am not going to start questioning Cover_Drive's integrity.

There is only one clown on show here...
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: skip1973 on February 20, 2015, 02:01:49 PM
The question was who made the bat, this information is clearly in the OP. SK

If you choose to beleive this is not is up to you, but I am not going to start questioning Cover_Drive's integrity.

There is only one clown on show here...
I'm not questioning his integrity either, I quite enjoy his posts and enthusiasm for the game. But the post about the plantation highlights how misunderstandings can happen. I am not saying Stu didn't make this bat but it's entirely possible he didn't, and for you to suggest to suggest otherwise with no understanding or experience with GN seems bizarre.
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: InternalTraining on February 20, 2015, 02:22:35 PM
Did you bother to read the post, or just look at the pictures...

Easy there fella, why the hostility :)

I actually did read the post, a few times,  and couldn't "connect the dots".

My question is sincere.

1. I don't know much about GN-AUS structure except the head bat maker is the famous Stuard Kranzbuhler (who's been mentioned in many articles I have read).

2. @Cover_Drive mentioned that he wanted a Stuart Kranzbuhler bat but contacted "Robert Muelman"; there is no relationship mentioned between the two - Stuart and Robert. He also wrote that RM was Gillie's coach.

3. I googled Robert Muelman and turns out he runs a cricket academy in AUS. He also has bats listed on his site. Again, no connection between RM and Kranzbuhler.

4. I couldn't find a connection between RM and GN-AUS either.

5. There is no mention in the post about RM speaking with Kranzbuhler and discussing @Cover_Drive 's specs for a bat. Anyone who's had a custom bat made on this forum talks to their bat maker quite a bit - I know I have with Paul Aldread, John from Red Ink (via messages and email) and David Bacon.

6. It seems like @Cover_Drive made the presumption that readers (like myself) know the GN - AUS structure and understand the role Robert Muelman has in that organization. I confess that I have no such knowledge hence my confusion.

7. All in all, I found the write up very confusing and really couldn't connect the dots about who made the bat. It's just not clear. And, I believe my "reading comprehension" skill is decent. :)

So, my dear friend @WalkingWicket37, I hope it is clear now why I asked the question. You made me write all this to clarify a simple question. :D
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: skip1973 on February 20, 2015, 02:31:41 PM
Meulemans have a long association with GN, in fact they have designed a few shapes GN. The custom made is made to shape meulemans want, not the individual.
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: InternalTraining on February 20, 2015, 02:36:09 PM
They may well do, but it clearly states in the OP who made this one...

Actually not...see the quoted text below.


Anyways, onto the bat. I would like to devote this solely to the bat, will refrain from writing a missive. So, it was me and @ca_gold who decided to make purchase together. We initially decided to go with Gray Nicolls Legend Gold, however, we swayed away from it after checking with each and every retailer, we were not appeased by the products we saw, in particular at Meulemans which had a prodigious imperfection on front. So, after conferring with Robert Meulemans and exchange of emails with pictures, we decided to opt for XXX8 handcrafted as it was as marginally smaller in terms of profile size, almost negligible.

As we knew Rob coached Adam Gilchrist and provided bats to him, we gave him prerogative to select for us albeit I did request them to send better of the lot to @ca_gold. So, my package arrived on fourth business day via Canada Post which I believe is swift. I couldn't contain myself so I took break from work when I found out parcel had reached post office.
...
The service at Meulemans is truly fantastic, one of kind. Robert, Justin, and Scott have been extremely helpful and patient with our queries. Rob has great stories to share and his vast knowledge on this motif is fascinating. Justin on other hand is extremely cooperation and amicable. Top blokes they are at Meulemans.

There is no mention of Stuart Krazbuhler making this bat. Directly. RM did "select" the bat. Was the bat off-the-shelf? Sorry, but it is just not clear.
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: Cover_Drive on February 20, 2015, 02:39:04 PM
Oh God….

Easy there fella, why the hostility :)

I actually did read the post, a few times,  and couldn't "connect the dots".

My question is sincere.

1. I don't know much about GN-AUS structure except the head bat maker is the famous Stuard Kranzbuhler (who's been mentioned in many articles I have read).

2. @Cover_Drive mentioned that he wanted a Stuart Kranzbuhler bat but contacted "Robert Muelman"; there is no relationship mentioned between the two - Stuart and Robert. He also wrote that RM was Gillie's coach.

3. I googled Robert Muelman and turns out he runs a cricket academy in AUS. He also has bats listed on his site. Again, no connection between RM and Kranzbuhler.

4. I couldn't find a connection between RM and GN-AUS either.

5. There is no mention in the post about RM speaking with Kranzbuhler and discussing @Cover_Drive 's specs for a bat. Anyone who's had a custom bat made on this forum talks to their bat maker quite a bit - I know I have with Paul Aldread, John from Red Ink (via messages and email) and David Bacon.

6. It seems like @Cover_Drive made the presumption that readers (like myself) know the GN - AUS structure and understand the role Robert Muelman has in that organization. I confess that I have no such knowledge hence my confusion.

7. All in all, I found the write up very confusing and really couldn't connect the dots about who made the bat. It's just not clear. And, I believe my "reading comprehension" skill is decent. :)

So, my dear friend @WalkingWicket37, I hope it is clear now why I asked the question. You made me write all this to clarify a simple question. :D

1.   Okay.
2.   Brief overlook - Meulemans is a brand and cricket equipment retail store in Australia since 1963, Robert’s father and his son, Ken and Scott respectively both have played for Western Australia. Stuart Kranzbuhler make bats for Meulemans for their top range only, hence, it is listed has “handcrafted.”
3.   Yes, they are also into coaching.
4.   Just like Tim Keeley make bats for MANY UK brands, you won’t find a connection between them even while Googling.
5.   Nowhere it was said that this is a custom made bat as per my specifications.
6.   No presumptions, it is as simple as it can get. Robert Meulemans is a salesman at Meulemans Cricket Store, as simple as it can get.
7.   Each to its own.

Hope things are clear now – feel free to ask any question(s) you have.
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: Cover_Drive on February 20, 2015, 02:41:58 PM
Actually not...see the quoted text below.

There is no mention of Stuart Krazbuhler making this bat. Directly. RM did "select" the bat. Was the bat off-the-shelf? Sorry, but it is just not clear.

Well it does, just below the passage you quoted, I had written this;

Quote from: Cover_Drive's Initial Post
So, after my hiatus from bat buying, I decided to fulfill my yearning for Australian made Gray Nicolls, in particular of Stuart Kranzbuhler handcrafted product. I am wholly unsure of reason why I didn't pursue with it in past.
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: InternalTraining on February 20, 2015, 02:48:14 PM
Oh God….

1.   Okay.
2.   Brief overlook - Meulemans is a brand and cricket equipment retail store in Australia since 1963, Robert’s father and his son, Ken and Scott respectively both have played for Western Australia. Stuart Kranzbuhler make bats for Meulemans for their top range only, hence, it is listed has “handcrafted.”
3.   Yes, they are also into coaching.
4.   Just like Tim Keeley make bats for MANY UK brands, you won’t find a connection between them even while Googling.
5.   Nowhere it was said that this is a custom made bat as per my specifications.
6.   No presumptions, it is as simple as it can get. Robert Meulemans is a salesman at Meulemans Cricket Store, as simple as it can get.
7.   Each to its own.

Hope things are clear now – feel free to ask any question(s) you have.

Ah...thanks for the details.

Now, if I wanted a Kranzbuhler, I could have one made directly by Stuart Kranzbuhler or would I have to go thru an agent (like Meulmans)? Or, order one directly thru GN-AUS and hope that it is made by Kranzbuhler? Hypothetically, if I were to order a custom bat made by SK, I would obviously like to exchange my thoughts with him.
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on February 20, 2015, 02:59:58 PM
@InternalTraining hostility?
If you took that as hostility I apologise. If I'd intended to be hostile the swear filter would've been in overdrive!  :D
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: InternalTraining on February 20, 2015, 03:04:31 PM
Well it does, just below the passage you quoted, I had written this;

Quote from: Cover_Drive's Initial Post
So, after my hiatus from bat buying, I decided to fulfill my yearning for Australian made Gray Nicolls, in particular of Stuart Kranzbuhler handcrafted product. I am wholly unsure of reason why I didn't pursue with it in past.

No it doesn't. :) It expresses your desire. Rest of your post details your dealings with an agent "Robert Mueslman". Again, to someone who doesn't know GN or GN-AUS, this doesn't indicate that bat you got is made by Stuart Kranzbuhler. No connection. If anything, RM picked a GN bat for you which may or may not have been made by SK. Are all GN-AUS bats made by Stuart Kranzbuhler himself? I admit and accept that I know nothing about GN-AUS or GN in general but as a casual reader why should I make the leap that this lovely bat is made by SK himself.

Reason I read your post and asked the question is I also want a Kranzbuhler bat but I want to deal directly with him.
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: tushar sehgal on February 20, 2015, 03:06:08 PM
I think Custom here applies differently.

As I understand it, Meulemans specify their own custom shape for their top of the range and SK hand makes those for them. These are not custom as in you, the customer, goes to a bat maker and specifies weight, grains, handle, shape, middle etc.

my understanding: So if you want Sk bat you need to go to Meulemans to get their standard "custom" shape. Like all custom bats from GN UK are also standard shapes of their existing range....
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: InternalTraining on February 20, 2015, 03:06:55 PM
@InternalTraining hostility?
If you took that as hostility I apologise. If I'd intended to be hostile the swear filter would've been in overdrive!  :D

No worries. ;)

Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: InternalTraining on February 20, 2015, 03:12:01 PM
I think Custom here applies differently.

As I understand it, Meulemans specify their own custom shape for their top of the range and SK hand makes those for them. These are not custom as in you, the customer, goes to a bat maker and specifies weight, grains, handle, shape, middle etc.

my understanding: So if you want Sk bat you need to go to Meulemans to get their standard "custom" shape. Like all custom bats from GN UK are also standard shapes of their existing range....

I see what you are saying: these are Muelmans bats made by GN and the specs are provided by Muelman.

Now I understand what happened. :D
Title: Re: Gray Nicolls XXX8 Handcrafted Bat Review
Post by: Cover_Drive on February 20, 2015, 03:24:48 PM
No it doesn't. :) It expresses your desire. Rest of your post details your dealings with an agent "Robert Mueslman". Again, to someone who doesn't know GN or GN-AUS, this doesn't indicate that bat you got is made by Stuart Kranzbuhler. No connection. If anything, RM picked a GN bat for you which may or may not have been made by SK. Are all GN-AUS bats made by Stuart Kranzbuhler himself? I admit and accept that I know nothing about GN-AUS or GN in general but as a casual reader why should I make the leap that this lovely bat is made by SK himself.

Reason I read your post and asked the question is I also want a Kranzbuhler bat but I want to deal directly with him.

You sure it just "expresses my desire?"

Let me reiterate;

Quote from: from Cover_Drive's Initial Post
So, after my hiatus from bat buying, I decided to fulfill my yearning for Australian made Gray Nicolls, in particular of Stuart Kranzbuhler handcrafted product. I am wholly unsure of reason why I didn't pursue with it in past.

As stated in my earlier posts;

Quote from: Cover_Drive
Stuart Kranzbuhler make bats for Meulemans for their top range only, hence, it is listed has “handcrafted.”

No worries, we all are here to learn :)