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Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: The Palmist on March 20, 2015, 05:02:27 PM

Title: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: The Palmist on March 20, 2015, 05:02:27 PM
Hi Guys,
I am considering  a harrow bat this year. I am 5'8.5" tall and have typically  used SH. Any one uses harrow in senior cricket  and noticed much  difference  to adult  size bats. Reason for using harrow are mainly  the lighter options. Any thing else I should know please share.

thanks
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: Gurujames on March 20, 2015, 05:08:20 PM
they are slightly narrower so when a feint snick goes to slip you will curse the narrower bat as it would have been a 'steer to third man' with a SH. The same is true when you get Yorked. But, if you get along with one the world of cheaper bats opens up.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: billyb on March 20, 2015, 05:15:17 PM
I had an experiment where I netted last season with a harrow GM Icon Original, and it transformed my game. Long story short, didn't play that season and forgot all about till now!
You can get a top of the range harrow for £100- even as an experiment it is worth it in my eyes.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on March 20, 2015, 05:40:31 PM
Pros

They're cheaper

They're lighter

Cons

They're narrower (so slight you won't notice and you could argue more of the mass is near where you hit the ball)

They're shorter (again not a big difference and you don't notice when using it)

The handles are anorexic (easily resolved by adding binding or grips)

You can get 3 top quality harrows for the price of one SH so you'll have more bats to chose from

They don't come in 2lb13 LB for T20 twatage
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 20, 2015, 05:51:19 PM
can you buy a harrow but put a thick handle on it?
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: Seniorplayer on March 20, 2015, 05:56:47 PM
I  open the batting and have used different weights last one was a  a 2lb 6 ounce S/H  with an inch shorter handle i then changed to an Harrow 2lb 4 ounce GN pro performance not only did the pickup and feel improve my bat speed increased considerably which compensated for the lack of wood not only am i hitting the ball further i am middling more shots i can also get into position quicker and adjust my shot particularly  when pulling hooking  driving.and cutting nicked a few new balls in defence from the quicks which  failed to carry to the slips which would probably would have done so using a S/H.
Also my arms no longer tire.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: Red Ink Cricket on March 20, 2015, 05:58:30 PM
Or you just get one mate to order with a decent sized handle, full width blade and Harrow length.

I will need to check specs but I may have a couple of Harrow sized or slightly smaller blade bats in the workshop. From memory they had some minor pressing cracks which can be repaired quite easily. Would be going cheap if you were interested.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: KIPPERS on March 20, 2015, 06:10:51 PM
If you find some do tell I'm trying to persuade some of my colts not to buy Indian railway sleeper and play with bats that are the right size for them. They were gobsmacked when I lent them my little brothers Newbury 7even fantastic bat that. and only half an inch shorter but same width as a SH at 2.4lb and still has a lot of wood in it.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: Seniorplayer on March 20, 2015, 06:33:37 PM
I think at 5ft 8inch tall John ( Red Ink) suggestion of a S/H 4 1/4 wide  harrow lentgh blade would work for you.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: The Palmist on March 20, 2015, 06:45:38 PM
I think at 5ft 8inch tall John ( Red Ink) suggestion of a S/H 4 1/4 wide  harrow lentgh blade would work for you.
5ft 8.5inches mate
that half inch can make all the difference ; -)

I will be in touch with John to see what is available.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: ijmorgan on March 20, 2015, 06:50:48 PM
I'm in the same boat probably just over 5'8'' but have quite long arms so having been toying with the idea, it's funny in golf you take a WTF measurement not height which to me seems a better way of doing it as everyones limbs are different. I would imagine you could get a lot of middle in a 2'9lb bat in harrow size.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: InternalTraining on March 20, 2015, 08:26:01 PM
I am 5'7'' and have used both used Harrow and size-6 (custom, SH blade width) bats. I love bats shorter than SH size as I don't scrape the toe of the bat when I drive. I also comfortably use them for indoor cricket. I hold the size-6 (custom) from the very top of the handle. The amount of bat speed you can generate is just ridiculous with these bats! I have also tried a 3-lb size-6 (custom) and it's a cannon. I don't use it that often because I can't control the bat's swing speed for cross-bat shots.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: smilley792 on March 20, 2015, 08:40:58 PM
Our second team skipper is 5.4. He uses a Harrow.  Scored a few tons too.

He keeps mentioning custom made bats...... but then turns up with another Harrow. 
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: Boondougal on March 20, 2015, 09:14:31 PM
John @Red Ink Cricket made me a great custom SSH. Pretty much the same size as a harrow but at the weight i wanted. I'm about 5'7 and although i'm not the best bat int he world its definitely made a noticeable difference. Obviously one of Johns bats would have  been great no matter what size but getting the right size just felt right in my stance.

I'm on the look out for a Harrow at the right price but most of them are just too light.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: Boondougal on March 20, 2015, 09:15:50 PM
Or you just get one mate to order with a decent sized handle, full width blade and Harrow length.

I will need to check specs but I may have a couple of Harrow sized or slightly smaller blade bats in the workshop. From memory they had some minor pressing cracks which can be repaired quite easily. Would be going cheap if you were interested.

John.. based on the bat i had off you would any of the ones with minor pressing cracks be similar to my specs?
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: The Palmist on March 20, 2015, 09:21:37 PM
John @Red Ink Cricket made me a great custom SSH. Pretty much the same size as a harrow but at the weight i wanted. I'm about 5'7 and although i'm not the best bat int he world its definitely made a noticeable difference. Obviously one of Johns bats would have  been great no matter what size but getting the right size just felt right in my stance.

I'm on the look out for a Harrow at the right price but most of them are just too light.
sounds  good I have  sent him a message
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: FattusCattus on March 20, 2015, 09:34:26 PM
How are things in the shire?

It's raining up here.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: Red Ink Cricket on March 20, 2015, 10:05:08 PM
I will check what I have over the weekend and let you know.

Mr Fattus. Yours is pretty much done. Binding is done and will sticker up and grip over the weekend. It's definitely got a bit of a booty on it! Hope you like curves in the right place!
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: FattusCattus on March 20, 2015, 10:13:19 PM
Send me a finished pic and I'll post it on here for all the nerds to salivate over!
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: golders on March 20, 2015, 10:39:40 PM
Kookaburra small mens are worth considering. Junior prices but full width,shorter handle and blade but only slightly.more like a super short handle.Asad at Uzi sports has some nice ones and I'm sure vitas could pick one out for you.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: VKS on March 20, 2015, 11:40:31 PM
You should also consider one of the GM bats in Academy size. Certainly would be better for you, than using a Harrow.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: InternalTraining on March 21, 2015, 04:48:35 AM
If looking for off-the-shelf bats, check out CA bats as they are half-inch shorter than normal SH bats.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: EaglesCC on March 21, 2015, 11:31:46 AM
I can't help but think going for a shorter bat may affect your game in other ways.

Would you not have to adjust your stance so you don't crouch/ put pressure on your back. Or adjust your grip to be higher up the bat.

Just a thought.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: The Palmist on March 21, 2015, 12:11:18 PM
I can't help but think going for a shorter bat may affect your game in other ways.

Would you not have to adjust your stance so you don't crouch/ put pressure on your back. Or adjust your grip to be higher up the bat.

Just a thought.
valid points mate
I have  ordered a harrow to try anyway. Academy GM are out of my budget.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: beaver5 on March 21, 2015, 01:27:27 PM
I'm 5' 4" and currently using a H4L NV harrow which weights 2.9 and it's going great. I've got 2 1/2 grips on as I like chunky handles. The handle is shorter, but there is almost no noticeable difference between that and my SH bat. It's all psychological with regards the width and mates have borrowed it without realising it's a harrow. Before I had a Newbery Uzi with has a shorter blade than a harrow with a longer handle. It weighed 2.12 and was one of the best bats I ever used. So if you get the weight right for you it shouldn't make any difference in performance and will save you a stack of money also.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: Cedrictoad on March 21, 2015, 04:43:44 PM
Hi Guys,
I am considering  a harrow bat this year. I am 5'8.5" tall and have typically  used SH. Any one uses harrow in senior cricket  and noticed much  difference  to adult  size bats. Reason for using harrow are mainly  the lighter options. Any thing else I should know please share.

thanks

Go for the harrow... if a bloke 6.2 foot can use a SH easily then surely someone 5.8 foot can use a harrow.  I am 5.7 foot and a heavy harrow is perfect for me.  The hardest thing is finding one on the 'heavier' weight range... they are all 2.5lb etc.

Harrows are so much cheaper you can get a G1 spec bat for the price of the entry level model in SH.

I have a GM Argon 808 in Academy size (which is SH length with a SSH and harrow width) and find that the extra 0.5 inch of blade is a waste of wood... I would rather have it in the middle than the extra shoulders (which is essentially the difference... and I haven't scored many runs with the shoulders of my bat recently).  Stick with the harrow.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on March 21, 2015, 04:58:17 PM
@Cedrictoad I saw 4 runs scored off the shoulder of a bat last year. It was a quick bowler with the new nut on a lively deck. One popped off a length and just happened to hit the shoulder of the bat on the way through. It has hit the sight screen (1 bounce) before the keeper moved.
I can't recall seeing it on any other occasion in the 9 seasons I've been playing.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of using a harrow bat in senior cricket
Post by: Cedrictoad on March 21, 2015, 05:04:07 PM
@WalkingWicket37 glad I wasn't facing up to that

I suspect more people would be caught off the shoulder than score runs off the shoulder... bring back the Newbery Excalibur I say!

http://www.cricketstoreonline.com/blog/strange-cricket-bats-part-4-the-excalibur-made-by-newbery/ (http://www.cricketstoreonline.com/blog/strange-cricket-bats-part-4-the-excalibur-made-by-newbery/)