Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Your Kit => Topic started by: zijuber on May 13, 2015, 02:09:32 PM

Title: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: zijuber on May 13, 2015, 02:09:32 PM
Hi All! I am new to this forum. I looked around, but couldn't find what I was looking for.

I am planning on buying a new cricket bat in the USA. I just got back into cricket after quite a few years and started playing a cricket league.  I am looking for a cricket bat with a flatter (as flat as possible for control) blade face and large edges. I typically play almost all different shots (although I tend to play front foot shots more than anything else), depending on the bowling. I look for every opportunity to strike for boundary. I am looking for a light-to-medium weight bat (2.8-2.10). I play in both low and high bounce pitches. What would be your recommended bat for my kind of play? My budget is up to $400 USD.

I used GM bat selector tool and it recommended me a Mogul F4.5. I don't have any cricket store nearby, so I am not able to see the bat in person and will have to rely on online information. I am worried about the mid-low sweet-spot of the Mogul, thinking that I will have difficult time slow scoring through the gaps using this bat. Another thing I am concerned with is the flatness of the F4.5. I think F4.5 is kind of curved and provides less control.

I was also looking at a GM Icon bat. But, due to it's higher than mid sweet-spot I am concerned that I will have to play my shots later in the bowl travel.

I also looked at the GM Octane F2 (I think F2 has more flatter face than the F4.7). However, I think the sweet-spot on this bat is even more lower than Mogul and might not be suitable at all for back foot shots.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any quick description about each of the GM bats and what each of them are best for. Any advice is appreciated.

I am leaning toward a bat with oval-ish handle, as bats with round handle sometimes slips of my grip and changes the ball direction (if the bowling is very fast) than I intended.

I also looked at Kookaburra Kahuna. But, I am concerned with their quality/hardness for long lasting. I think GM bats are pressed and will last longer and provide more power.

As you can see, I am kind of all over the place. I appreciate any help on selecting a good cricket bat for me.
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: zijuber on May 13, 2015, 04:52:19 PM
I narrowed down bats from GM into the following two:

Octane F2 DXM: http://www.gm-cricket.com/range/adult_bats/octane-f2-dxm.aspx (http://www.gm-cricket.com/range/adult_bats/octane-f2-dxm.aspx)

Mogul F4.5 DXM: http://www.gm-cricket.com/range/adult_bats/mogul-f45-dxm.aspx (http://www.gm-cricket.com/range/adult_bats/mogul-f45-dxm.aspx)

What do you think each of these bats are best for?
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: TBONTB on May 13, 2015, 05:33:59 PM
In all honesty GM does not get a great fan fare on here because many think they are pressed too hard. It is really budge dependant, but you could easily get something from a sponsor that is custom to your requirements, weight, handle etc, and you are not buying blind from the interwebs. Mid middle could well be your best bet as its probably most forgiving!
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: zijuber on May 13, 2015, 05:36:55 PM
Do you have recommendation for a different brand and bat? I am open to pretty much any brand that would be a good fit for me.
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: i12breakfree on May 13, 2015, 05:46:27 PM
Do you have recommendation for a different brand and bat? I am open to pretty much any brand that would be a good fit for me.

At that price you can get some very good options on this forum. I have owned 2 bats from Blank Bats and both are top quality. H4L and aldred are also highly recommended.
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: tushar sehgal on May 13, 2015, 06:37:55 PM
Gonna sound like a broken record H4L, RPC/Blueroom or BB all fantastic options. You can get a Custom RPC for 350 including shipping to the US, BB can meet your request for weight and middle and provide you with a beast for about the same amount. H4L G2 is in range but G1/pro might be more expensive although if you buy from Vitas Cricket or IJC you will get VAT off.

Where in the US are you based out of?
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: zijuber on May 13, 2015, 06:40:12 PM
I live in Michigan, USA. I am trying to avoid purchasing from outside of US in concern of paying import duties. But, If my best options are outside of US, then that's where I will go.
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: Chad on May 13, 2015, 06:43:41 PM
Hi mate, I'd recommend not going for a flat face if you haven't played in years. It will give a twisting feel if you hit off centre, and you probably won't like it. 4.5 is the best of both worlds in my view, and I think H4L, B3, BB and B&S use this. (Good control while maintaining good feel)

My personal recommendation would be a B&S Impi at 2.10 from Vitas Cricket. Excellent value for money, mid sweetspot which is good for all round strokeplay. (Costs £210, and you'd get VAT taken off that too!)

Also, from experience, you're better off with a slightly higher middle than a middle that is too low. Just find that higher middled bats tend to give a better coverage and balance!
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: tushar sehgal on May 13, 2015, 06:45:24 PM
I live in Michigan, USA. I am trying to avoid purchasing from outside of US in concern of paying import duties. But, If my best options are outside of US, then that's where I will go.

Basically in the US unless you have contacts you will be paying $200-300 for $100-150 bat plus shipping. From the UK depending on how it gets shipped you are looking at the same amount but a bit higher quality gradewise and finished product wise as these are smaller brands where as US is mostly big brands like GM, Kooka etc.

Also depends on how quickly you need a bat, if you don't need it super quick sale section on site like prodirectcricket it worth a look even though you are buying blind most of the time bats is worth the money you pay. I am in Canada (east coast) and most times you can expect duties from $50 to $80 for bat that cost around $300-350....highest duty i have ever paid was for a bat from US at about $200
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: tushar sehgal on May 13, 2015, 06:47:03 PM
Hi mate, I'd recommend not going for a flat face if you haven't played in years. It will give a twisting feel if you hit off centre, and you probably won't like it. 4.5 is the best of both worlds in my view, and I think H4L, B3, BB and B&S use this. (Good control while maintaining good feel)

My personal recommendation would be a B&S Impi at 2.10 from Vitas Cricket. Excellent value for money, mid sweetspot which is good for all round strokeplay. (Costs £210, and you'd get VAT taken off that too!)

Also, from experience, you're better off with a slightly higher middle than a middle that is too low. Just find that higher middled bats tend to give a better coverage and balance!

Thats a good option too, very good bat and you'll get VAT off
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: Buzz on May 13, 2015, 08:04:05 PM
Not sure I agree with this at all, this year's GM's especially have been good, the octane would be a decent option, but as others have said the sponsors on here can help you out.
In all honesty GM does not get a great fan fare on here because many think they are pressed too hard. It is really budge dependant, but you could easily get something from a sponsor that is custom to your requirements, weight, handle etc, and you are not buying blind from the interwebs. Mid middle could well be your best bet as its probably most forgiving!
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: InternalTraining on May 13, 2015, 08:14:07 PM
Get a CA. There are several dealers in the state who carry the brand.

Hi All! I am new to this forum. I looked around, but couldn't find what I was looking for.

I am planning on buying a new cricket bat in the USA. I just got back into cricket after quite a few years and started playing a cricket league.  I am looking for a cricket bat with a flatter (as flat as possible for control) blade face and large edges. I typically play almost all different shots (although I tend to play front foot shots more than anything else), depending on the bowling. I look for every opportunity to strike for boundary. I am looking for a light-to-medium weight bat (2.8-2.10). I play in both low and high bounce pitches. What would be your recommended bat for my kind of play? My budget is up to $400 USD.

I used GM bat selector tool and it recommended me a Mogul F4.5. I don't have any cricket store nearby, so I am not able to see the bat in person and will have to rely on online information. I am worried about the mid-low sweet-spot of the Mogul, thinking that I will have difficult time slow scoring through the gaps using this bat. Another thing I am concerned with is the flatness of the F4.5. I think F4.5 is kind of curved and provides less control.

I was also looking at a GM Icon bat. But, due to it's higher than mid sweet-spot I am concerned that I will have to play my shots later in the bowl travel.

I also looked at the GM Octane F2 (I think F2 has more flatter face than the F4.7). However, I think the sweet-spot on this bat is even more lower than Mogul and might not be suitable at all for back foot shots.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any quick description about each of the GM bats and what each of them are best for. Any advice is appreciated.

I am leaning toward a bat with oval-ish handle, as bats with round handle sometimes slips of my grip and changes the ball direction (if the bowling is very fast) than I intended.

I also looked at Kookaburra Kahuna. But, I am concerned with their quality/hardness for long lasting. I think GM bats are pressed and will last longer and provide more power.

As you can see, I am kind of all over the place. I appreciate any help on selecting a good cricket bat for me.
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: edge on May 13, 2015, 08:32:00 PM
Don't worry about flatness of face, I'd personally say I think a rounder face gives you more control! Regardless of the stick they may or may not get on here, GM make some superb cricket bats. I've never owned one but I've borrowed and used some absolute guns, none of which were top grade bats. Moguls look lovely too, wouldn't say they're a low middle though.
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: zijuber on May 13, 2015, 08:38:33 PM
I have been playing with CA (12000, 10000, and 5000). 12000 is a great bat, but not well balanced. I want to try something different and with oval handle. I think oval handle will help me get a better grip of the bat and maneuver with more control.

I spoke with a distributor in the US (from whom we usually buy our bats). He stocks both the Mogul and Octane. He also recommends Mogul. I am yet to hear back from him as to why he recommends Mogul over Octane.

Edge, how would you describe the sweet spot location of Mogul?
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: zijuber on May 13, 2015, 09:01:07 PM
Is Cricket Direct a legit web site/store in UK?

http://www.cricketdirect.co.uk/catalogue/product.aspx?node_id=097a9494-f09d-4b6c-8036-a3c300fc7a76 (http://www.cricketdirect.co.uk/catalogue/product.aspx?node_id=097a9494-f09d-4b6c-8036-a3c300fc7a76)

I used Duty Calculator and it estimated that I have to pay less than $12 for duty. 

http://www.dutycalculator.com/new-import-duty-and-tax-calculation/saved_calculations/view_details/192577383/ (http://www.dutycalculator.com/new-import-duty-and-tax-calculation/saved_calculations/view_details/192577383/)
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: addidasf55 on May 13, 2015, 09:06:59 PM
You mention Kookaburra Kahuna, so I thought I'll add my two cents about it as I currently use one.
Personally it's an excellent bat: it's got 40mm edges, with very slight concaving and a flat face. It's a 2.8 bat and picks up as a 2.8 which I like. It's got quite a big middle which is quite handy as I play shots both off the front and back foot like you.

As for it breaking? Well I've used it for two months and have had no problems, although I do take care and not use it in the nets, it's just a match bat for me.

Personally never used GMs before, although I agree they get some unwarranted bad press. My mate uses one and the ball flies off his bat.
Got any more questions regarding the Kahuna, then ask away.
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: zijuber on May 13, 2015, 09:09:14 PM
Which model of kahuna do you use? How durable do you think they are? I handed few of them and they have excellent balance.
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: addidasf55 on May 13, 2015, 09:17:40 PM
Which model of kahuna do you use? How durable do you think they are? I handed few of them and they have excellent balance.
A kahuna players.
As I said, been using the bat for 2 months only with a match ball and see no signs of damage. I took extra precaution with the bat and actually had it knocked in twice as I was worried about durability like you. No problems yet.. Touchwood.
And yes couldn't agree more about the balance, one of the nicest bats I've picked up.
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: Cin88 on May 13, 2015, 09:27:14 PM
I've got this year's Kahuna 400, its looks like a solid bat, i'll be able to tell you more info if I actually get out to the middle to bat this week. I have a 2.7-2.8 version and the balance is pretty much perfect for me, the hitting area is quite big as well so it'll suit my awkward batting style. The Kahuna is quite popular at my club though and so far they've all held up pretty well, the only complaints i've heard are from the second team captain over the grip being too slippy on the top hand.
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on May 13, 2015, 09:55:19 PM
Ah GM, a love of mine that I've sadly let go  :(

I've had a few GMs (about 11 off the top of my head) so feel fairly qualified to comment on this!  ;)

The octane has a very low middle and picks up heavy. It has a lot of wood in the hitting area for a front foot player, but back foot shots that came higher off the blade could feel a bit 'vibratey'.

The Icon is well, an icon! Mine had a very nice pickup (nobody ever guessed it was 2lb13 from waving it round!) and had a lovely long sweet spot. Don't let the "high middle" put you off, it's a good bat for shots all round.

Another bat I'd suggest is the Six6.
F4.5 face so not massively rounded and not dead flat. The balance and pickup is good and the sweetspot on the ones I owned was lovely and long. If you can get one to play with before you buy id recommend it.

The Mogul I haven't personally used but I love the shape. Maybe a mid-season purchase if I have an emergency!  ;)
Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: InternalTraining on May 14, 2015, 04:17:39 AM
Millichamp and Hall Amplus fits the bills. It is my favorite bat right now.

I have been playing with CA (12000, 10000, and 5000). 12000 is a great bat, but not well balanced. I want to try something different and with oval handle. I think oval handle will help me get a better grip of the bat and maneuver with more control.

Title: Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?
Post by: zijuber on May 14, 2015, 02:09:36 PM
Thanks! I will keep these in mind. I spoke with the dealer our team normally does business with. He stocks GM, Kookaburra and many other brands. He told me that due to GM bats being hard pressed, they don't play well/powerful right away and needs time to break-in. He personally recommends Kookaburra Kahuna. I think I will head in that direction, although I doubt Kookaburra makes oval handle bats.

Also, we usually play with hard tennis balls most of the time. We rarely play/fool around with hard cricket bat. So, I don't think the GM bats will break-in anytime soon with the hard tennis balls.

Ah GM, a love of mine that I've sadly let go  :(

I've had a few GMs (about 11 off the top of my head) so feel fairly qualified to comment on this!  ;)

The octane has a very low middle and picks up heavy. It has a lot of wood in the hitting area for a front foot player, but back foot shots that came higher off the blade could feel a bit 'vibratey'.

The Icon is well, an icon! Mine had a very nice pickup (nobody ever guessed it was 2lb13 from waving it round!) and had a lovely long sweet spot. Don't let the "high middle" put you off, it's a good bat for shots all round.

Another bat I'd suggest is the Six6.
F4.5 face so not massively rounded and not dead flat. The balance and pickup is good and the sweetspot on the ones I owned was lovely and long. If you can get one to play with before you buy id recommend it.

The Mogul I haven't personally used but I love the shape. Maybe a mid-season purchase if I have an emergency!  ;)