Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Companies => Custom companies => Laver & Wood => Topic started by: SOULMAN1012 on March 07, 2015, 02:52:15 PM
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Afternoon all.
I'm in the process of finally deciding on getting a laver & Wood having admired them for a while. I usually use around 2.9 in weight so I have asked for 2.7 - 2.8 max fully dressed weight as I know these can put on weight in the UK.
But from those that have them and have used them how do they rate? I know this could be a bit subjective but I am looking to only have 5-6 bats max and I have cleared a lot of room in my kit collection to get close to this number. I am looking for one more kind of obscure brand to have in my collection that's from abroad and seeing as Scat no longer produce bats I'm lea I g towards laver. Looking for some honest reviews from owners before I order.
Oh these are specs Iv discussed with Laver
Short handle
Standard blade length
2.7/8
Oval cane handle
Sweet spot mid/high extended
Profile full special (extended to very long driving area)
Special reserve Grade min 7 grains including some heartwood.
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I rate them. Bat turned up in a decent amount of time for a customer company on the other side if the world.
My order
mega profile
Special reserve
Round handle
2.14
What arrived
mega profile
decent looking stick (was expecting quite ugly)
round handle
3lb.
now weights 3.1.
weight issue and customs fee are the only bad things.
finishing and performance us amazing. Judt hnsure when ill use it due to weight gain.
Would i buy again? Maybe but i think id ask for a 2.11 abd discuss the wright gain with them before ordering.
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I'd highly recommend them - got a Reserve and a Legend in a forum deal 4y ago and they're still going strong now! Think I asked for them about 2,9 finished weight and the reserve turned out at 2,9.5 whereas the legend is actually about 2,11 (though picks up better than that) but they haven't changed noticeably in weight at all. The reserve in particular does seem a little harder pressed than my other bats, though I don't know whether I'd have noticed before I found out that that was quite common with Lavers!
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Mine (arrived just under 2'9) gained over 2 ounces in a year, stored in the same conditions as all my other bats which barely change weight, if at all. It felt a little dumpy in the hands after the weight gain.
To combat this I removed the toe guard and the very thick scuff sheet, as well as fiddling with the grip setup to get it just below 2'10 and a great feel/pickup once again just as it was when it arrived.
Be aware that the handles are spaghetti thin on the ones i've seen. I have two grips and it still feels pretty thin.
Performance wise definitely one of the top 3 best bats i've ever owned. Finishing as good as there is, no problems with customs or communication. Wouldn't buy again as it's basically the only cricket bat i ever wanted that i can't get at trade price. If this wasn't a factor i wouldn't hesitate to buy again, but would want to know their thoughts on the weight gain.
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For the money they are up there with my best bats without question.
A bit on the heavy side when it arrived, but performance and pick up etc were spot on
Would not hesitate to buy another
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Performance on mine were exceptional. I was just picky with heaps of bats and sold mine after 1 game where I got 50. Still don't know what I was thinking.
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What causes the weight gain? Assume it's the difference in humidity between NZ and the UK although also assume the willow started life here
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What causes the weight gain? Assume it's the difference in humidity between NZ and the UK although also assume the willow started life here
Assume so mate can only be moisture content I would have thought
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I've got three of them mate and was almost going to add number 4 this season before common sense came over me. Good sticks though and good customer service
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Great customer service, great bats, prefer the carbon core handle. Bats are guaranteed to gain at least 2 ounces.
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Great customer service too, if something isn't right, they'll basically bend over backwards to make sure the customer is happy.
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I have had a few over the years and found them a little hit and miss, 1 really good one and 2 that were not great, the weight has always been a bit of an issue. I have recently sent him a my favourite bat of all time to be copied, will be interesting to see how it goes. Should be with me in a week or so.
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As with most comments on this thread, the one I had was slightly heavier than ordered on arrival but then gained more weight over a period of time. I had a special reserve - cleft is picked for performance over looks. Very nice bats, a fair amount of concaving on the profile I had and they are finished very well. Mine felt as though it was pressed quite hard ( a lot of people say the take a good while to open up), I got impatient and sold it on as I couldn't be bothered to play it in for a whole season
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Hi guys,
I went and met James. (He is huge) turned out he went to same school as ajk by coincidence and played for my local rugby club moseley. He was convinced i needed a heavier bat than i asked for based on my build. Despite asking for a 2.8 to 2.9 it came through heavy. Could be same as above. I could never get on with it and its just a souvenir of my travels now.
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Back in the day when a young lass from down under headed to the UK on the big OE they were warned to watch out for the Heathrow Injection which ment that within a few months the pounds would pile on, maybe a similar affliction applies to wood sent from down under?
Just a theory anyways.
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Is there anything that can be done to stop the extra moisture being gained? Or is it just one of those things you have to accept?
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If I was knocking down the amount of bats I have - I'd definitely include the Laver in there. I have a Signature in 2.8 and a (Reserve grade) replica of my match SS Gladiator which hits 2.14 (and has stayed at that weight. Both my Lavers have three grips on them).
I love the bats and they are definitely up there in terms of as good as the best of the bats that I have. The finish is great and the bat is good to go straight away (knocked) but gets better with use, so you'll need to spend a bit of time with it before it performs at its best. Interestingly I rate my Scat just above the Lavers, but definitely love the SS replica bat.
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Love, love, love mine.
Interestingly I got it knocked in by laver and used it straight out the box. In my second innings with the bat I hit 117* and 9th innings 157. That was 2011, and now in the last 2 weekends I've just hit back to back 50's. Make of that what you will.
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Is there anything that can be done to stop the extra moisture being gained? Or is it just one of those things you have to accept?
think it's just the climate issue. I sent my bat back last year for a refurb and it came back an ounce lighter. I Will have to weigh it again to see if there is any gain.
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In my opinion, no one from experience balances a bat better. Response wise, my Reserves have been superb. A major downside is the weight issue, yes, it isn't their fault that the climate there is different than here, but they should warn all potential buyers in countries abroad about weight gain, and what they recommend as a mitigation factor. (ie. make it 2 ounces lighter) I've recently bought a Signature, which was a hefty 3 ounces heavier than requested from the original owner!
I would recommend you go for a Reserve, have found that the Special Reserves just aren't as good in terms of performance. I don't know why, but having had 3 pass through my hands, I'd say that a PB and above is the way to go. With a collection of your quality and calibre, a SR would just seem out of place!
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Prob' a stupid theory, but if the bats gain a couple of ounces over here after a while,could you not just de -humidify them back to their original shipped weight?
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Afternoon all.
I'm in the process of finally deciding on getting a laver & Wood having admired them for a while. I usually use around 2.9 in weight so I have asked for 2.7 - 2.8 max fully dressed weight as I know these can put on weight in the UK.
That's good thinking.
My first bat gained 2 ounces. Team L&W were very good about helping resolve the issue. My subsequent bats did not gain any weight except for annually scheduled oiling. My last bat was spec'ed at 3-0 lbs and arrived at 3-0.3 and is a trampoline! I recommend that you discuss the weight concern with James & co. when ordering the bat.
But from those that have them and have used them how do they rate?
Here are my thoughts:
- Finish - best I have seen on my custom bats.
- Feel/Balance - Superb! This is a shared opinion by those in my team/club who have picked up and played with my Lavers. Personally, I love the sound, rebound and balance.
- Press - Lavers do take some time to open up but that has not always been the case with mine. Some of mine opened up very early and 1 (or 2) took a while. I bought a "Special Reserve" for indoor nets and I graduated it to a match bat "status" after a season. It makes a high-pitched sound when struck.
My "heavy" started blasting balls to the boundary very early on in its career.
- Handle - I opted for oval shape and they are thin. I have tried the Carbo Cane as well as C-10 (carbon bee-hive insert). I found C-10 to be slight thicker than the Carbo Cane. In terms of performance (rebound), both have been great. Again, you can specify the circumference of your handle to the L&W team.
Let me know if you have any questions.
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Thanks to all of you, this has helped me as I will need to ask for a thick oval handle then as a few have said they have skinny handles??
Also seems like a good idea to ask for it to come knocked in as well espically if takes a while to open up.
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Thanks to all of you, this has helped me as I will need to ask for a thick oval handle then as a few have said they have skinny handles??
Also seems like a good idea to ask for it to come knocked in as well espically if takes a while to open up.
Instead of asking for a thick oval handle why don't you measure the circumference of your favourite bat handle and ask them to replicate this?
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Instead of asking for a thick oval handle why don't you measure the circumference of your favourite bat handle and ask them to replicate this?
Smart thinking mate, I certainly will send them that info,
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I've got 2 and my son has 1 and all 3 are superb. The first 2 we got were a Reserve at 2lb9oz ( my son) and a special reserve 3lb2oz (mine). Both of these are absolute guns, the finish on both was superb and I still have no idea why my special wasn't graded as Reserve as the grains are pretty gun straight. My 2nd one is my Bradman Laver at 2lb9oz and this is bloody awesome and just seems to keep getting better. Even the handle was shaped to copy one of Bradman's bats so a custom handle is certainly not out of the question. All 3 turned up with weight as requested, but I am in Aus. I knocked them in myself and didn't use them till I could see small cracks following the grains, what I call the grains opening up (others don't agree)
I may have to buy 2 more as I loved the profile of the Heritage Tim had and I also like the profile of the one Chad has/had?
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Can't say I've had a bad one, more that I've had other bats that I've preferred. The ultra I picked up for a bargain price proved to be very popular in my LMS team. I always think I should go back to them, but have ended up staying in the UK to spend my cash.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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That bradman laver needs a new home.
I have had about 7 lavers and one my private bin from a few years ago well that's a thing dreams are made of.
I think there brilliantly finished well pressed cricket bats and by and large as good as anything out there I had some of my best times with the carbo-core handle.
I still keep my one in my bag even though it passed it sell by date now great brand and great tradition.
Always promised myslef a signature at some stage only model I have not had.
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I do highly recommend them as I have been using Laver reserve and special reserve for 4 years now. I reside in U.S and I did see coupe of ounces increase in my "reserve" weight and special reserve didn't gain any weight.
I had my reserve done at 2' 10 and now its weight is close to 2' 12 and my special reserve was 2'9 when delivered and weighed it yesterday, its 2'9 bang on. but Overall great quality bats and amazing customer service. I had my special reserve replaced for no cost of mine when it cracked through the shoulder after 2 months of purchase.
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I am a big fan of LW bats i have around 10+ bats just made by LW which includes 4 Sig and 6 Reserves ,never been disappointed and yes the weight gain is an issue for me also. Customer service is really exceptional. Bat quality , finish are always up there .
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o707/ursmasti/IMG_0637_u_zps1497a4a0.jpg) (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/ursmasti/media/IMG_0637_u_zps1497a4a0.jpg.html)
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Wow that is an exceptional collection!!!! They don't look used!?!
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([url]http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o707/ursmasti/IMG_0637_u_zps1497a4a0.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/ursmasti/media/IMG_0637_u_zps1497a4a0.jpg.html[/url])
:o :o :o
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ha ha .. Nope they are used but due to climate change in USA during winter time they picked up almost 3oz of weight on all of them and i had to send them back to LW to get the weight down .
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James must love you! Glad to hear they are playing well for you mate
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Did you buy one for each of your team mate? ???🙊
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ha ha ... yes and preview of my full collection
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o707/ursmasti/IMG_0638u_zps95c1b088.jpg) (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/ursmasti/media/IMG_0638u_zps95c1b088.jpg.html)
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ams
before i joined CBF i had only 2 bats and looking at all of you my collection kept on .... Bat Porn
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ha ha ... yes and preview of my full collection
([url]http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o707/ursmasti/IMG_0638u_zps95c1b088.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/ursmasti/media/IMG_0638u_zps95c1b088.jpg.html[/url])
Lol you tease
Time for a full review then mate
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ha ha ... yes and preview of my full collection
([url]http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o707/ursmasti/IMG_0638u_zps95c1b088.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/ursmasti/media/IMG_0638u_zps95c1b088.jpg.html[/url])
Please tell me you play twice a season and bat at number 11 lol ;)
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Yes if that makes you happy ... LOL
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Where are you based mate?
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USA , California
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USA , California
Never share your address with anyone of us!! Some of us (not me) are within striking distance lol :D
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That's some collection!
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Never share your address with anyone of us!! Some of us (not me) are within striking distance lol :D
Even with the price of plane tickets, to make the trip worthwhile, you'd only need to grab 2 or 3 if you were selective! ;)
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Tushar show up at the airport and do a shout out i will show up in-front of you .. LOL
BTW just added these into my collection after getting rid of some old bats ...these are on my way and will do full review once i receive them
these weight 2.8 SH
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o707/ursmasti/image_zpsmko5yghk.jpeg) (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/ursmasti/media/image_zpsmko5yghk.jpeg.html)
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o707/ursmasti/image2_zpsmrlsu0c3.jpeg) (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/ursmasti/media/image2_zpsmrlsu0c3.jpeg.html)
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o707/ursmasti/image1_zpsu2hz63yy.jpeg) (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/ursmasti/media/image1_zpsu2hz63yy.jpeg.html)
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Excellent bats mate, maybe if I decide to escape the cold then California could be considered ;)....
Onto original topic, can't go wrong with lavers mate. They gain weight but still are some of the best bats and service around.
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@ursmasti,
Awesome collection and the new additions also look amazing too. Do me a favor when you're ready to let go of some...of these let us know.
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Tejas
i have few of my team mates waiting for same to happen ... some of the bats which i really like usually i tend to keep them around even though i dont play with them. few bats i still have which are around 8 yrs old still in my kit but dont play with them ..
Tushar
yes mate agree and always LW my favourite . As of now my Fav are LW and Salix SLX.
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Just seen this and that outs my collection to shame even at my peak it wiifm take something to better those.
I love those new Salix bats mate, I have a custom SLX and it's the best bat I own the performance is stunning mate they look too good to use.
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@SOULMAN1012
Yeah i may keep only Salix and LW in my kit and will slowly offload rest of the ones i have . I know i have too many bats but love them ..haha
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Stunning stunning collection of bats
I used to get so much grief from my teammates when I bought one laver, they thought I was mad spending that much on a bat.
Won league batting averages that year tho!
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@ursmasti please please please start a thread about your collection! Maybe something to Mr Hosks! :D :D :D
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@charliemott ha ha will do mate when i get sometime to take pictures.
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@ursmasti Thanks! :D