Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Reviews => Topic started by: steelcouch on April 11, 2015, 04:39:40 PM
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Took delivery of a really nice looking bat from Gary at Spyder the other day.
I contacted Gary some time ago asking for a particular type of cleft. I don't like anything over 2lb 8, but also want a big bat with lots of grains AND performance. not much to ask for! Gary was honest enough to say he did not currently have anything in fitting that description, but he would contact me when he did.
When he came back to me I had the choice of three different bats which he sent me pictures of and answered my various questions.
In the end he suggested one particular bat which i went with and i have to say i am very happy with it and is certainly right up there with the best bats that i have owned.
It weighs in at 2lb 8 and a half and has excellent pick up. I would have normally changed the grips to get it down to 2lb 8, but i wont bother as it is a really well balanced bat so feels great in the hand as it is.
It has 40mm edges and is 60 mm at the highest ridge, so is a big bat. It also has 10 ruler straight grains and pings well from an ever so slightly lower than average middle. The handle is semi oval and the bottom and one the smaller side, which suits me perfectly. The bat is built nicely and you can really tell that the batmaker knew what they were doing with the distribution of the weight, leaving the wood where it is needed and taking it away where not required.
Job's a good un.
I was also really impressed with the customer service from Spyder I have to say. This was my second purchase from Gary, having bought a pair of his hand spiked trainers before and I would say that the bat buying experience was as good customer service as i have experienced over the last few years.
This combined with someone that clearly knows his stuff and is honest enough to say that he hasn't got what you want at this time gets Gary 5 gold stars.
I am afraid i might not be good enough for this bat, but be assured i will treat her well and take great pleasure smearing a few bowlers to all parts with her. Thanks Gary, i will be back!
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Any pics? :D
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cant upload them for some reason
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Have you tried uploading them to photo bucket and linking from there? There is a topic about uploading images but I'm not sure where its located :)
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(http://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/w466/markprickett/cricket%20bat%201_zpsp6gmovn3.jpg) (http://s1077.photobucket.com/user/markprickett/media/cricket%20bat%201_zpsp6gmovn3.jpg.html)(http://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/w466/markprickett/cricket%20bat%202_zpso3rczm7s.jpg) (http://s1077.photobucket.com/user/markprickett/media/cricket%20bat%202_zpso3rczm7s.jpg.html)
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all my gear is also from spyder and i can only echo what OP has said. Fantastic customer service with great products at a great price. Just could do with a website :D
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My first comeback bat was a secondhand affair from Gary at an amazing 2lb 5oz Spyder Legend. I have been on the hunt for an identical replacement for the last 3-4yrs, and whilst I have bought many nice/ excellent bats since, it seems she doesn't exist. Still Gary has been good enough to send me photos from time to time of possible lightweight bats but the timing has never been right. Good bloke. Needs a decent website. Would definitely get my business again...
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why no stickers ?
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I'm fussy about weight and stickers and protective face can add to that. I wanted it bare at first, but actually the pick up is good so I might add them, now you mention it!
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Every time I've tried visiting their website for the last 3 years it just says: 'We're just updating our website! We will be back shortly with a new and updated one!'
Define shortly? heh
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Top bloke is Gary and some great products
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Best bat I've ever had was a Spyder custom intended for a pro.
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I'm fussy about weight and stickers and protective face can add to that. I wanted it bare at first, but actually the pick up is good so I might add them, now you mention it!
Do you really find that Stickers make a noticeable difference to your bat weight and pick up?
I'm actually interested not being smart.
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Just adds slightly to the overall weight.
A bare bat with a chevron grip can weigh upto an ounce lighter than a bat with a heavy grip and big stickers. It's not much, but it makes a 2lb 8 into a 2lb 9
You get it bare and decide what you want to do. Get it stickered and it feels a bit heavy...
I have some photos of it stickered up actually. It looks nice. The livery is nicer in the flesh!
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Proper gear at spyder, im sure this bat is made by rns larsons as he has a batch come in. they supply some of kohlis bats. great gear in spyder!
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Quick update. i used this bat in a game this weekend for the first time and Oh my god it absolutely flies! The first shot i hit near the middle and i was thinking , this is a good one, but i caught three or four near the middle with some bat speed and the ball absolutely disapeared. The bat is very well balanced and that combined with a slightly thinner, more indian handle made me feel i had a lot fo control.
Love it! this is one of the best bats i have had ( and i have had a few) try one