Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: abdulwq on February 26, 2016, 10:33:55 PM
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Hi
I have been mastering the art of knocking the bats since last year as i feel this is the most important factor in the life and performance of bat.
In the market for a new mallet so please recommend which mallet to buy Lignum Vitae Mallet (1kg) or OAK mallet from same guy (700gm) and which mallet shape would suit best?
For now i am leaning towards Samson shape as it will cover max hitting surface.
Also if the mallet in Lignum Vitae wood worth 80£+shipping and also hitting the bat with 1 kg mallet can result in broken bat.
Please share your views.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cricket-Bat-Knocking-In-Mallet-LIGNUM-VITAE-OAK-/111903825164?var=&hash=item1a0dfcdd0c:m:mj1JJqcCiDUBEP6_5_Tlzrw (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cricket-Bat-Knocking-In-Mallet-LIGNUM-VITAE-OAK-/111903825164?var=&hash=item1a0dfcdd0c:m:mj1JJqcCiDUBEP6_5_Tlzrw)
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I looked into it but ultimately settled for a GN short handle mallet. Instead of investing In a heavier mallet, I have created a nice little base (made of old pillows) to rest the bat on when I'm knocking it. It makes the process efficient and it's easy on your arms. Try it.
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I have the oak mallet in the Ulysses shape and have used in on my two recently purchased bats. One of the bats I knocked in with the GN/Puma/Millichamp mallet and it wasn't making any more indentations so I thought it was ready to be used. I then got the oak mallet and this made indentations and has made a significant difference in the response of the bat, obviously - so in my eyes it was £30 well spent.
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I have a lv mallet. Best money I've spent! Knocked hours of each bat(A godsend with the amount I buy).
Far far to superior to the gray nics deluxe one I had previous, I still use this to round the edges, as easier to be precise. But once that's done. Time for the big guy to pound away.
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@smilley792 did you buy yours from this elviar chap?
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@smilley792 did you buy yours from this elviar chap?
@Vitas Cricket sourced mine, so you'd have to ask him where it came from.
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This may shock some people, but I bought some cricket related stuff I didn't really need the other day! ;)
This time I got myself a used LV mallet off the bay of E last week for a mere £35 posted.
It was used and has a few cracks, but on first impression it does a superior job to the other cheap mallets I have used.
As Chris said, use a lighter mallet for the precise bit of rounding the edges, then away you go!
Mine is only a baby one, weighing "only" 855 grams, but I'm more than happy with it, especially at better than half price :)
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160224_190253_zpstcsxgzwf.jpg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160224_190253_zpstcsxgzwf.jpg.html)
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160224_190305_zpsbdnppvqs.jpg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160224_190305_zpsbdnppvqs.jpg.html)
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160224_190332_zpskiyiayqe.jpg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160224_190332_zpskiyiayqe.jpg.html)
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160224_190351_zpsbypxdaak.jpg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160224_190351_zpsbypxdaak.jpg.html)
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160224_190502_zpszhepw7p8.jpg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160224_190502_zpszhepw7p8.jpg.html)
How it looked after a coat of oil
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/IMG-20160225-WA0012_zpsl0u6kmsw.jpeg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/IMG-20160225-WA0012_zpsl0u6kmsw.jpeg.html)
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stupid question but, what the heck is the difference in all the mallet shapes? but also had a quick search and there are some carvers and bossing mallets, would either of the two of them be effective as they are also LV but in particular the bossing one as you could go across the face to help round off the edges with the thinner side but the larger for the face?? sorry if it is a silly, amateur question :-[
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@smilley792 did you buy yours from this elviar chap?
Elviar sells on eBay. You can reach out to him via email. I got one from him as well. He was kind enough to engrave my initials on the mallet head.
Will post pics shortly ...
Sent using Tapatalk
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@WalkingWicket37 bro this is used elviar mallet which he was selling on his fb page as used for 40£ which i wanted to grab but got sold:(
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What weight mallet is "best"? And what head size/shape?
Thanks for info! Am tempted by one of these - my wife hates it when I'm knocking bats in - and with my boy now having his first size one bat (GN Blaze - he's 4 and a half - but happy to play with 4 3/4oz ball) the amount of knocking in I'm going to be doing may have just doubled!
Cheers
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Just to update if anyone is still reading this - I answered my own question after emailing Les Ross (Elviar).
He makes all of these in the shed in the bottom of his garden and apparently is one of the few people left still making LV mallets by hand.
He has sold to the GN factory and internationally apparently.
After discussion, I have ordered a Samson long handle. He suggested the mallet with the two head shapes (Hercules) - one flatter and one curved - but I preferred the symmetry and form of the Samson. The Delilah is a LV replica of the GN mallet i.e. a bit smaller than the Hercules/Ulysses/Samson. The Goliath is too big and likely to cause user fatigue with knocking in apparently. Unless you are big gunned of course.
Interestingly (to me, anyway) GN use a Goliath to test the ping of their bats and have two Ulysses mallets for knocking in.
Anyway, I quite like supporting a small business like this and have taken the plunge and ordered a Samson - if theres any interest, I'll put up some photos and thoughts. All the hammers are made from the same size block of LV - about 6" x 3" and weighing in around 1kg+ to start.
Cheers
rbanners
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Mine is elviar I've looked. And as its humongous I'm gonna presume it is the Goliath.
Yes it causes fatigue!
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@rbanners @abdulwq How has been your experience using the LV mallet? I am also looking to get one..may be the samson
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I think it's great - I have the heavy weight Samson.
Observations:
1. I was worried that there isn't enough of a curve to the face of the Samson, but for the face of the bat, the increased strike area increased efficiency.
2. This is important because about 10mins use is enough to give me tennis elbow unless I force myself not to use my wrist but instead strike from the elbow. The first day after using it for the first time I was really in pain. Perhaps I need to do more weights tho.
3. They are well made and Elviar is a pleasure to deal with and will take time to answer any queries you may have.
4. I don't use it on the edges - the heavy one is too much IMHO.
5. Compared to an ash or oak mallet, it is more efficient overall and will either improve or shorten the knocking-in process. To me anyway.
6. It is expensive by with a little care should last for ages.
I would recommend it. It's not magic but is good. And I like supporting businesses like Elviar.
Cheers
Rbanners
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My Hercules has paid for itself over and over again. I do 15 minutes at a time and only use it on the edges after they have had at least 20 mins each of rolling. Even then it is light taps initially only. You only use the weight of the mallet head to knock for the first hour on the face and toe. You will crack the bat if you are not careful. Most factory made bats can be done in 3 -4 hours max. Decent bats like the forum sponsors and others sometimes need an hour or two max.
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I do like mine but haven't seen it for 6 months as ProCricket has comendeared it.....
Might be for sale in the future when I get it back.
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Thanks for the feedback guys. Gonna place the order :)
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Thanks for the feedback guys. Gonna place the order :)
I plan to invest in a hard wood/heavy duty mallet. Any economical options??
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I plan to invest in a hard wood/heavy duty mallet. Any economical options??
Nope, not for Lignum. here's why:
He about the only person left making them. It’s an expensive raw material and it also wears out his tooling quickly hence his prices.
Pay the man, he’s worth every penny.
Elviar does also do Oak mallets which are a bit cheaper but not as good in my opinion.
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Ive got a two in 1 ulysses mallet where the handle works as a boning tool. Quite heavy! Just under a 1kg.
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Ive got a two in 1 ulysses mallet where the handle works as a boning tool. Quite heavy! Just under a 1kg.
Are you more satisfied with bat prep with this mallet. How much did it cost you?
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Its a very impressive mallet. Edges can be rounded off with ease. You can even press the face of the bat with it. Only issue is the weight of it. It is heavy and takes a little while getting used to. Perfect for a strong person with large hands. I would recommend the delilah model which is easier to handle.
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It cost me 100. By the way Les the maker is a legend and top bloke. Really cares about his customers and will help you understand what mallet is best etc.
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I spoke to Les this morning and he’s put a mallet and Boning tool into production for me, I currently have one of his oak mallets that weighs 666g so he’s making me an LV one that’s a bit heavier.
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where did people find his contact details?
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He’s on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ssoreilsel (http://www.facebook.com/ssoreilsel) very responsive given I messaged him about 10pm last night, he prefers to speak on the phone though as he’s busy in the workshop... 07745015492
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where did people find his contact details?
They're on his website, you can either email or text him
http://www.elviar.co.uk/ (http://www.elviar.co.uk/)
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I have one of his LV mallets, top notch and he was great to deal with too.
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great find.
This may shock some people, but I bought some cricket related stuff I didn't really need the other day! ;)
This time I got myself a used LV mallet off the bay of E last week for a mere £35 posted.
It was used and has a few cracks, but on first impression it does a superior job to the other cheap mallets I have used.
As Chris said, use a lighter mallet for the precise bit of rounding the edges, then away you go!
Mine is only a baby one, weighing "only" 855 grams, but I'm more than happy with it, especially at better than half price :)
([url]http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160224_190253_zpstcsxgzwf.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160224_190253_zpstcsxgzwf.jpg.html[/url])
([url]http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160224_190305_zpsbdnppvqs.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160224_190305_zpsbdnppvqs.jpg.html[/url])
([url]http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160224_190332_zpskiyiayqe.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160224_190332_zpskiyiayqe.jpg.html[/url])
([url]http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160224_190351_zpsbypxdaak.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160224_190351_zpsbypxdaak.jpg.html[/url])
([url]http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160224_190502_zpszhepw7p8.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160224_190502_zpszhepw7p8.jpg.html[/url])
How it looked after a coat of oil
([url]http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/IMG-20160225-WA0012_zpsl0u6kmsw.jpeg[/url]) ([url]http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/IMG-20160225-WA0012_zpsl0u6kmsw.jpeg.html[/url])
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She’s a beauty, took the plunge to upgrade to a LV mallet and also a boning tool that’s not far behind and currently in production. Massive than to Les for churning this one out:-
Cricket Bat Knocking In Mallet
DELILAH-LV. SN2019-234
Head: Lignum Vitae
Handle: Oak
Weight: 850g
(https://i.postimg.cc/8z6bqrZ3/D068-BED4-078-F-4-E29-A06-D-54-B80-EC5-F158.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BjJDFt9c)
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To keep the post running, here is Delilahs mate.....
Les is a genius.....
Cricket Bat Knocking In Mallet
HERCULES-LV. SN2019-233
Head: Lignum Vitae
Handle: Ash
Weight: 825g
(https://i.postimg.cc/LhxXyy9m/IMG-2946.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LhxXyy9m) (https://i.postimg.cc/bsMvPsSM/IMG-2948.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bsMvPsSM)
(https://i.postimg.cc/cvnLL0QJ/IMG-2949.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cvnLL0QJ) (https://i.postimg.cc/zV3f4nvK/IMG-2950.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zV3f4nvK)
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Will stick up a few more pics when I’ve actually received it 👍
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How long did you guys wait for yours after paying? I’m awaiting my Samson still...
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I ordered and paid for it on the 7th Nov.
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How long did you guys wait for yours after paying? I’m awaiting my Samson still...
well worth the wait believe me!
if not for the knocking in but the incredible smell of the LV! haha
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I had the misfortune of being dragged to Westonbirt Arboretum by my wife and daughter a couple of weeks ago, and they had a fine selection of Lignum Vitae trees. They’re actually quite small, and I reckon I could have gone back in the middle of the night and liberated one if I 1. Was shameless enough to do so, and 2. Could be bothered.
Neither were impressed by my interesting Lignum Vitae fact about it being the densest wood on the planet. Tough crowd.
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Careful @SouthpawMark
Missus SouthPaw may have not shown any interest in your Lignum Vitae fact, but she could have taken note. Her dilema now will be deciding to hit you with a Stokes players edition GM or something made of Lignum Vitae when she discovers your latest bat purchase! ;)
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Careful @SouthpawMark
Missus SouthPaw may have not shown any interest in your Lignum Vitae fact, but she could have taken note. Her dilema now will be deciding to hit you with a Stokes players edition GM or something made of Lignum Vitae when she discovers your latest bat purchase! ;)
He is praying she chooses the Stokes edition and that its one that is soft pressed as the mallets certainly are not!!!! if two bats more arrive after black friday it could be messy!!!!!
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He is praying she chooses the Stokes edition and that its one that is soft pressed as the mallets certainly are not!!!! if two bats more arrive after black friday it could be messy!!!!!
So far I haven’t made a purchase. Am feeling quite proud. :D
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When you post those weights, is it just for the head or does it include the handle?
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The entire hammer, the oak one I’ve got is 666g including the grip on the handle.
(https://i.postimg.cc/9QpJK1SF/40-B67-EC3-09-B8-404-D-8-E82-B8-A68-E7-FCD99.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QFFQWghR)
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The entire hammer, the oak one I’ve got is 666g including the grip on the handle.
(https://i.postimg.cc/9QpJK1SF/40-B67-EC3-09-B8-404-D-8-E82-B8-A68-E7-FCD99.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QFFQWghR)
I'd never use English made chevron on a mallet! They are too rare....for me at least.
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When you post those weights, is it just for the head or does it include the handle?
Mine was excluding the grip on the handle but total weight. Using it as a winter workout right now!
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She’s arrived...and what a beauty she is. #LV
LV Delilah on the left and Oak Ulysses on the right.
880g vs 637g (having taken a grip off).
(https://i.postimg.cc/13Rb45f9/57-B6-CF76-AA1-D-4-E55-9-CA5-E714229-FAC70.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BXymV3Ty)
(https://i.postimg.cc/vBnNC4Sv/9031-B497-CD18-4-E8-B-8940-37-BD7-AC3-F260.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mzbjHg4c)
(https://i.postimg.cc/VNdTBGqp/C91-C1-CC7-3033-423-C-86-F5-102727-C2-BBAC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nsf0n1wG)
(https://i.postimg.cc/J0W28RfC/D5491016-34-DF-4303-AA80-B3-EBFECBBA05.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TLC9qv2t)
(https://i.postimg.cc/DwCHGkX1/E3292910-2397-4996-8-F01-3-D020-F622-A08.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mPHmxnVr)
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Very nice whackers.
How much time do you think these reducing knocking in by, compared to a bog standard mallet?
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I’m hoping it reduced if by a min of 50% 😄
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I’m hoping it reduced if by a min of 50% 😄
Blimey, that’s pretty impressive. Might have to treat myself to one, as it’s the length of time it takes that puts me off more than anything.
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That mallet looks stunning Tom,,, I’ve just ordered one, can’t wait to have one of these in my little workshop
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(https://i.postimg.cc/bYn0VdVy/6-F9-C6-ED7-F0-C7-4545-806-D-F3-EBAD652367.png)
Off down to Eastbourne tomorrow to pick it up,,, absolutely stunning workmanship
Can’t wait to use it
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Worth the investment if ur using it on a commercial basis mate
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After chatting to Les, mine is due to arrive on Wednesday... seeing your examples of what he has been sending out it makes me even more excited to receive mine!!
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What model have u gone for @JG ?
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I went for an LV Samson along with a LV boning tool. These bat knocking in orders are starting to pile up so need a better/more efficient way of getting through them.
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Worth the investment if ur using it on a commercial basis mate
@Ayrtek Cricket worth it if you a member of the forum and not commercial given the way it creates an addiction to bat buying sadly ......
Now to get some used (oh and i think i blame you for an LE bat that arrived today too :D !)
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@Ayrtek Cricket worth it if you a member of the forum and not commercial given the way it creates an addiction to bat buying sadly ......
When I first joined this forum, I had 6 bats and now I have 136 bats.
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^ That's a huge number! Which ones are your favorites? Got any 2-10 rocket ships that you want to off load?
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^ That's a huge number! Which ones are your favorites? Got any 2-10 rocket ships that you want to off load?
I have so many that I am always confuse which one to use during my matches..every week, I use a different one.
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^ I use the same one for every game. Others are just chillin'. :D
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A Kilo of power
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49109766562_f2fb2a8946_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hPEoD9)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2hPEoD9) by Six Sixes Cricket (https://www.flickr.com/photos/137931451@N08/), on Flickr
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A Kilo of power
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49109766562_f2fb2a8946_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hPEoD9)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2hPEoD9) by Six Sixes Cricket (https://www.flickr.com/photos/137931451@N08/), on Flickr
Thats a beast! Looks like Les is going to be busy for a few weeks!
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That’s it. I’m ordering one.
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Thats a beast! Looks like Les is going to be busy for a few weeks!
Had mine a few years now, its well used!!
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That’s it. I’m ordering one.
Will it just look nice in between the row of bats - or is it to be actually used? ;)
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Will it just look nice in between the row of bats - or is it to be actually used? ;)
I’ll use it for 5 minutes, before likely getting bored. Going to go for the Goliath, so 3 or 4 knocks and the process should be done.
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There are many YouTube clips showing how to knock in a bat with the regular light weight mallet.
With these heavier ones, is there any significant difference in the knocking technique?
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There are many YouTube clips showing how to knock in a bat with the regular light weight mallet.
With these heavier ones, is there any significant difference in the knocking technique?
Start easy until you get a feel for the willow. If you go in all guns blazing you'll crack the edges quite easily.
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Just for a little bit of enjoyment from the 'mine is bigger than yours' game, my mallet weighs 1.2kg :D
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Just for a little bit of enjoyment from the 'mine is bigger than yours' game, my mallet weighs 1.2kg :D
and my BAT weights 1.13 kg..... not sure that hitting it with another bat will help me though ;)
I think i'll stick with mine at 850g, and it does smell good too :)
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and my BAT weights 1.13 kg..... not sure that hitting it with another bat will help me though ;)
I think i'll stick with mine at 850g, and it does smell good too :)
If there is ever a prolonged period when you don't use it then store it in a sealed bag. It will smell better after it comes out of storage as long as you follow Les' instructions and smother it in linseed oil and fully seal it in the bag.
Mine now reeks of times gone by. It's a nice smell but a shame it is almost extinct now, like the whiff of chalk dust, football boot dubbin or a fresh yellow pages.
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If there is ever a prolonged period when you don't use it then store it in a sealed bag. It will smell better after it comes out of storage as long as you follow Les' instructions and smother it in linseed oil and fully seal it in the bag.
Mine now reeks of times gone by. It's a nice smell but a shame it is almost extinct now, like the whiff of chalk dust, football boot dubbin or a fresh yellow pages.
Thanks @KettonJake i'll make sure i do that.... just need to stop buying bats now to use it!
What are these mysterious things you mention? chalk dust? football boot dubbin? or a fresh yellow pages? ;)