Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Bats => Reviews => Topic started by: SOULMAN1012 on October 29, 2015, 08:23:04 PM

Title: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on October 29, 2015, 08:23:04 PM
http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/soulman1012/library/Laver (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/soulman1012/library/Laver)

Evening guys just wanted to share some pics of my brand new custom Laver & Wood Reserve, special reserve profile.

Specs 2.6 finished weight
SSH
Mid high middle
Players grade willow

So I was a little worried about weight gain so ordered 2.6 but still asked for a big bat. Anthony told me James had recently received some players grade willow and could make me a 30mm bat finished at 2.6. Once that was said I was sold. I didn't really ask for anything other than the specs above and was delighted when this arrived.

So here is my review

Service - now this really was top from the guys at Laver. I made my initial enquiry and had a quick response. Like most I was asking about weight gain and I was interested to hear what they said about it, after all every person in the main states there laver increased between 2-4oz. Anthony was very much yes there does seem to be a bit of weight gain from NZ to UK and to factor that into my weight request. We spoke about clefts and I was offered pics of various players clefts but in the end I was so happy with how the email chats had gone I left to the guys to pick the best cleft. I did state I don't want an ugly bat though and that I was partial to a little heartwood if possible

The bat - so I ordered 2.6 finished weight, bat has single grip, scuff, tow guard and edge tape so I guess 2.2/3 naked weight, bat specs are 31mm edge and 67mm spine, its a fairly large bat for the weight. Grains wise there are 13 even and straight grains on a blemish free blade with the requested heartwood stripe on RH outside edge so perfect.
Its a SSH and it just feels perfect in my hands, tapping up an old ball gave superb response and a lovely deep sound. I have another Reserve with a Carbo handle and this sounds so much better. Its a super light bat and feels like a wand in the hands. This is the top piece of willow except the signature and I can say I'm really really happy this looks and seems to tap up like a top range G1 players bat, love to think what it could have made in a 2.9/10 bat but if allowed for a 3oz gain as I normally use 2.8/9
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: Turn Of Pace on October 29, 2015, 08:35:36 PM
That's a ridiculous size for 2.6. If it plays as well as it looks you'll be laughing. What was the damage?
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: Chalkie on October 29, 2015, 08:38:13 PM
Lovely looking bat, that's one helluva spine for the weight.

Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: tommo256 on October 29, 2015, 08:38:22 PM
(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u642/soulman1012/Laver/EDA71B61-F935-465B-B180-E68B4C79D6AF_zps40xfrbkt.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/soulman1012/media/Laver/EDA71B61-F935-465B-B180-E68B4C79D6AF_zps40xfrbkt.jpg.html)
(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u642/soulman1012/Laver/763A21F8-652B-4CC5-9C52-E76A9DDCB7B0_zpsdaqpjb9b.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/soulman1012/media/Laver/763A21F8-652B-4CC5-9C52-E76A9DDCB7B0_zpsdaqpjb9b.jpg.html)
(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u642/soulman1012/Laver/EBDF71E8-C9AA-48E1-B85F-44D99BD862D3_zpszppn8hww.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/soulman1012/media/Laver/EBDF71E8-C9AA-48E1-B85F-44D99BD862D3_zpszppn8hww.jpg.html)
(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u642/soulman1012/Laver/BF0C1D6D-BE7F-42B6-B934-EC3192D1FC9F_zpsvdi814cc.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/soulman1012/media/Laver/BF0C1D6D-BE7F-42B6-B934-EC3192D1FC9F_zpsvdi814cc.jpg.html)
(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u642/soulman1012/Laver/2679C19F-A000-4B50-A9AB-753CFC786CA4_zpsphbjwqdw.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/soulman1012/media/Laver/2679C19F-A000-4B50-A9AB-753CFC786CA4_zpsphbjwqdw.jpg.html)

Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: Mel Jessop on October 29, 2015, 08:41:12 PM
[url]http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/soulman1012/library/Laver[/url] ([url]http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/soulman1012/library/Laver[/url])

Evening guys just wanted to share some pics of my brand new custom Laver & Wood Reserve, special reserve profile.

Specs 2.6 finished weight
SSH
Mid high middle
Players grade willow

So I was a little worried about weight gain so ordered 2.6 but still asked for a big bat. Anthony told me James had recently received some players grade willow and could make me a 30mm bat finished at 2.6. Once that was said I was sold. I didn't really ask for anything other than the specs above and was delighted when this arrived.

For some reason I can't put individual pics up as when I try and copy across from Photo bucket then thread is deleted when I tab back across so have put an album up with pics, if anyone can share individually would be much appreciated

([url]http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u642/soulman1012/Laver/763A21F8-652B-4CC5-9C52-E76A9DDCB7B0_zpsdaqpjb9b.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/soulman1012/media/Laver/763A21F8-652B-4CC5-9C52-E76A9DDCB7B0_zpsdaqpjb9b.jpg.html[/url])
([url]http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u642/soulman1012/Laver/EBDF71E8-C9AA-48E1-B85F-44D99BD862D3_zpszppn8hww.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/soulman1012/media/Laver/EBDF71E8-C9AA-48E1-B85F-44D99BD862D3_zpszppn8hww.jpg.html[/url])
([url]http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u642/soulman1012/Laver/BF0C1D6D-BE7F-42B6-B934-EC3192D1FC9F_zpsvdi814cc.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/soulman1012/media/Laver/BF0C1D6D-BE7F-42B6-B934-EC3192D1FC9F_zpsvdi814cc.jpg.html[/url])
([url]http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u642/soulman1012/Laver/2679C19F-A000-4B50-A9AB-753CFC786CA4_zpsphbjwqdw.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/soulman1012/media/Laver/2679C19F-A000-4B50-A9AB-753CFC786CA4_zpsphbjwqdw.jpg.html[/url])
([url]http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u642/soulman1012/Laver/BFB2A53A-7E61-44FE-9723-84A23434AA62_zpsirhfm4ib.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/soulman1012/media/Laver/BFB2A53A-7E61-44FE-9723-84A23434AA62_zpsirhfm4ib.jpg.html[/url])
([url]http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u642/soulman1012/Laver/EDA71B61-F935-465B-B180-E68B4C79D6AF_zps40xfrbkt.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/soulman1012/media/Laver/EDA71B61-F935-465B-B180-E68B4C79D6AF_zps40xfrbkt.jpg.html[/url])
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: tommo256 on October 29, 2015, 08:42:17 PM
Having seen this in the flesh, its ridiculous! Just a shame its pansy bat weight ;)
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: Mel Jessop on October 29, 2015, 08:45:59 PM
Whats the edge/spine on that/

looks a lovely bat...
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: JB on October 29, 2015, 09:40:13 PM
That's a cracking size for the weight!! Looks very nice indeed
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: Nmcgee on October 29, 2015, 09:42:10 PM
That's a stunner.
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: Jamesfield on October 29, 2015, 09:52:10 PM
Wowza :o
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: simonmay5 on October 29, 2015, 09:52:49 PM
Lovely looking shape mate really like that hope it scores you plenty of runs but I pretty sure you said you was only having one bat next season is that one a week mate  :)
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: wayward_hayward on October 29, 2015, 09:59:30 PM
Mmmmmmmm, serious bat envy.
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: Jaffa on October 29, 2015, 11:07:38 PM
You never disappoint or seize to amaze Chris. Very nice willow you have there.
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: i12breakfree on October 29, 2015, 11:08:11 PM
That's a lovely bat.

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Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: potzy248 on October 29, 2015, 11:13:03 PM
That smell when you take it out of the box...mmmmmm
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on October 29, 2015, 11:21:35 PM
I'll do a full write up tomorrow for everyone
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: Lwesty143 on October 29, 2015, 11:35:54 PM
Looks amazing! is that a bit of a ding in the toe?
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: smokem on October 30, 2015, 12:15:53 AM
Looks like a great bat. Did it arrive at 2.6? Please keep us posted if it picks up weight over the coming months.
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: suraj1108 on October 30, 2015, 02:49:52 AM
wowzers!!
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: sgcricket on October 30, 2015, 03:03:09 AM
wow. lovely bat Chris and super light as well
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: amritpremi on October 30, 2015, 03:25:49 AM
That's stunning, tough to beat James' batmaking skills.
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: InternalTraining on October 30, 2015, 04:37:31 AM
Amazing looking bat!
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: Centurion on October 30, 2015, 07:44:02 AM
Looks fantastic mate! One of the best bats I've seen for a long time :D


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Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: Jamesfield on October 30, 2015, 09:11:41 AM
Just a question, thinking of getting a new bat and was wondering if a Laver and Wood was actually worth £399 as opposed to a top of the range newbery or other brands where i may be able to get one cheaper?
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on October 30, 2015, 09:17:06 AM
Just a question, thinking of getting a new bat and was wondering if a Laver and Wood was actually worth £399 as opposed to a top of the range newbery or other brands where i may be able to get one cheaper?

In short yes personally this laver would fall into the top 3 bats Iv ever owned but the top two are both Salix so if you were going to spend £400 it would be tough to choose between  Salix or Laver. Personally Newbery have never really been a brand Iv used much
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: Jamesfield on October 30, 2015, 09:20:29 AM
Okay thanks, had a v.poor  experience with Salix so may go Laver :)
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: petehosk on October 30, 2015, 09:32:40 AM
James - if you can join us for a net sometime I will bring a Salix and Laver and you can have a go with them to compare.
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: Jamesfield on October 30, 2015, 09:56:56 AM
Sounds good to me, probably when i can drive! (Hopefully December 1st!!!)
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: trypewriter on October 30, 2015, 10:17:17 AM
With that shape mate you want to hope that it gains a bit, otherwise Fattus will be convincing you to sell it to him. Looks a cracker.  ;)
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on October 30, 2015, 11:34:09 AM
Whats the edge/spine on that/

looks a lovely bat...

31edge and 67mm spine
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on October 30, 2015, 11:36:55 AM
Lovely looking shape mate really like that hope it scores you plenty of runs but I pretty sure you said you was only having one bat next season is that one a week mate  :)

No will only use 1 bat in all league cricket next season, at present either this or my B&S elite pro. Others will get done net time and T20 or Sunday action but I cleared out so many even with the few Iv bought and couple more I'm waiting on I'll only have 7 by the time season starts I think.
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on October 30, 2015, 11:38:13 AM
James - if you can join us for a net sometime I will bring a Salix and Laver and you can have a go with them to compare.

We can compare Pete your best Salix and Laver vs my top Salix and this Laver lol. Should be a close call
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: JTtaylor145 on October 30, 2015, 01:47:54 PM
Nice bat Chris, it will go very nicely with its older brother that you obtained a while ago  ;)
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on December 02, 2015, 08:37:17 PM
Just a little update on the Laver. Used last weekend at the vitas event, first outing and against bola balls. Firstly weighed her and she has out on 0.3oz in 2 months being kept under the stairs. I have though added another grip as with single grip the handle felt a little thin with gloves on.

Performance wise I was impressed the bottom area will need a little work but overall middle felt quite long and quite a few punch drives felt lovely out the bat, that almost silent feel if that makes sense that you get from really good bats. I do however feel that it will need a good bit of prep work before goes onto face the new cherry come the new season.
The balance and feel is superb although it's a light bat the feel in the hand now with the 2nd grip is second to none, at present really pleased with my laver
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: wayward_hayward on December 02, 2015, 08:45:16 PM
I saw this bat on Saturday, it's bloody gorgeous!
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: ballinger on December 02, 2015, 09:02:16 PM
Pictures ?


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Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on December 03, 2015, 07:07:46 AM
Pictures ?


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First page of the thread mate
Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: ballinger on December 03, 2015, 08:18:45 AM
Oops sorry that's a stunning bit of wood


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Title: Re: New Custom Laver & Wood Reserve
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on December 13, 2015, 04:46:57 PM
Started at 2.6 when I received in Oct now at 2.79 so picked up 1.9 ounces so far being kept under the stairs indoors. Still feels feather light