Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Cricket Manufacturers / Brands => Kippax Cricket => Topic started by: Andythomo21 on September 27, 2015, 03:16:00 PM
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After buying bats blind or off the shelf for many years, I decided it was time to visit a local bat making set-up to have a look around. I've visited Nick Nixons workshop in Malton before and used a couple of his bats, very good they are as well, but decided this time I'd head to Kippax in Methley, near Leeds.
I emailed Chris, who was very helpful, and arranged a date when he had plenty of bats in stock to choose from. He told me that they were struggling to keep up with demand during the season, and all bats were been snapped up as quickly as they could make them!
The main aim of my trip was to have a look around the workshop, select a couple of bats for myself and also get a few bats for team mates who had given me specific weights/specifications to look out for.
Anyway, I wasn't at all disappointed and Chris went above and beyond to do everything he could for me. I was there for 1-2 hours and could have quite happily stayed there all day. What Chris doesn't know about cricket, cricket bats and willow probably isn't worth knowing.
On arrival there was about 20-25 bats layed out for me, a mixture of weights, Colossus and PureBlade and all with the new 2016 stickers/decals on. A cricket lovers paradise! I was allowed to pick these bats at will, check the weight, pick-up, looks and then tap-up with a mallet and also a ball. The rebound was outstanding due to the pressing of the bats. Chris advised me that the bats from Kippax are pretty much good-to-go due to the pressing and just recommended a couple of good net sessions, one with throw downs to consistently find the middle of the bat, then a second proper session to go for your shots properly. He also recommended selection on pick-up and rebound rather than on looks.
As others have already mentioned, Kippax mainly deal in Willow clefts, and supplying them to companies/bat makers around the world. The warehouse was full of clefts ready to be shipped and turned into bats.
My visit was excellent and is highly recommended to anyone. I came away from it with an insight into the full batmaking process as I was walked and talked through it by Chris. Not to mention the beautiful bats I came away with which have made me and my teammates very happy indeed.
Look out for a review of my Colossus in the very near future and possibly a couple of Kippax' on the 'For Sale' section very soon.
Andy. :D
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Also saw some of the new Kippax Sancta Grail bats which looked beautiful but slightly out of my price range and a couple of prototypes for the new Colossus + bats. The size of these is just ludicrous!!
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Do the 2016 stickers look much different?
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Agreed. The Sancta Grail bats are beautiful.
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Do the 2016 stickers look much different?
Some on their twitter page. https://twitter.com/kippaxcricket
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I am not a fan of the back sticker. Too much wood taken up for me. The red is also a bit garish but it will be a performer I have no doubt.
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Yeah not too keen on the red but the blue is okay even if its baby blue. Also you seen that rediclous Colossus?
https://twitter.com/mickeymondo/status/633963520061800448?s=09
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The stickers are not too much different to last years. Speaking to Chris from Kippax, he said the reason for the stickers being big, bold and standing out is to get as much exposure as possible from their sponsored players when shown on TV.
Do agree that the large back sticker does leave very little wood on show though!
Will do a bat review of my Colossus with a few photos soon.
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Yes, the colossus+. Saw one on allrounder cricket at the end of last year. Seriously considered one for hit and giggle cricket but I could not justify the £400 price tag. It seems, however, that there is a real demand for that type of bat; the new b3 oversized clefts, Warner replica etc. Fingers crossed I might get to use one!
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Also saw some of the new Kippax Sancta Grail bats which looked beautiful but slightly out of my price range and a couple of prototypes for the new Colossus + bats. The size of these is just ludicrous!!
Also a couple of pics of that Colossus + on All rounder website now. They do look ridiculous. They are huuuge!
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Kyle Coetzer was using one against Holland, I think. You certainly noticed it!
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I remember being told that Kilpax had an exlusive retail contract with allrounder cricket. This might just be my inexperience all sales showing but I would have thought having only a single retailer would be detrimental to growing their brand.
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Yeah, not totally sure of the reasoning behind this decision? Its correct though, you can only buy kippax gear from Allrounder or by contacting/visiting kippax directly.
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They are local to me I am very tempted to pay a visit. Were you let down by your mates, seen a couple of these paxs on bay
Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk
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A couple yes, suppose it's the risk you take!
Certainly worth a visit though, I found it very interesting.
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Just found this thread :D
I may well have stole a Pax off Andy.. and it's a bloody gun!! Even a back-foot defensive push flies off it! Very impressed - as is everyone who's seen it! No effort, and the ball flies - and a 2lb 13 bat that picks up like a 2lb 10, well, it's a beauty!
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Just found this thread :D
I may well have stole a Pax off Andy.. and it's a bloody gun!! Even a back-foot defensive push flies off it! Very impressed - as is everyone who's seen it! No effort, and the ball flies - and a 2lb 13 bat that picks up like a 2lb 10, well, it's a beauty!
Haha.I must admit Ollie, I couldn't believe how light the Colossus' picked up!
Glad its going well for you mate.
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Like the look of these bats tempted to try one, I got my first 50 many years ago with an old Kippax that was donated to our club by a retiring player so I have a real soft spot for them.
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@cumbrian-cricketer - Well, with the news he's (Chris) has bought a new kiln, they're supposed to be lighter this coming year. However, I believe there will be a price increase of circa £50 - sure they'll look after you if you go direct!
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@cumbrian-cricketer I don't have any experience with Kippax bats, just being nosey and wondering who you play for?
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Hi I play for Leven Valley in the Westmoreland league