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Companies => Off-the-shelf companies => Kookaburra => Topic started by: smilley792 on March 04, 2016, 07:37:45 PM

Title: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: smilley792 on March 04, 2016, 07:37:45 PM
So used to be a massive kook user.

The kookaburra biggest kahuna still is one of the what bats I had owned. But never found anything from the kook stable that got near it.

There larger/heavier bats were all also there random shape(kahuna t20, menace/kadejo) and there standard bats were all over concaved planks that just didn't seem to do anything for me.

So when I saw he ghost! Well wow, big bats, nice middle position, decent spin, decent edges and not concaved. I was excited and declared.

"THIS IS GOING TO BE THE GREATEST BAT KOOK HAVE RELEASED IN YEARS"


So I paid jake @Vitas Cricket  a deposit, and left him to it. Heavy ghost please. Some time passed nothing. Heaviest anywhere was 2.12(catalogue says this heaviest, kook say there are heavier).
And after a while one was bought back to vitas at a weight of 2.12.
I could take it, try it and return or wait till may when next load in. In impatient so asked him to send. And here it is!

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h76/smilley792/12079D44-138D-4FF0-B24F-03C3F17B330D_zpspp3sbatu.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/smilley792/media/12079D44-138D-4FF0-B24F-03C3F17B330D_zpspp3sbatu.jpg.html)

On arrival I have declared I was wrong earlier. In my opinion.

"THIS IS THE BEST OFF THE SHELF BAT AVAILABLE TODAY!"
I'd even go as far as to say for the last few years.

Why. Well despite it not suiting to criteria of mine, it's too light and has an oval handle. Is till love it.

Stickers are amazing!

Profile is stunning and spot on!

Pick up is amazing!

(It's soft and needs knocking) but the response in general is very very good so far.

It is one hell of a big piece of wood(there were some 2.10s in owzat recently which were just as big as this!!)
People will no be disappointed if you buy this bat.
And off course if you order from vitas, you definately won't be disappointed. Top service.

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h76/smilley792/359889EE-639A-4E43-BB3C-7AF93753BCC6_zpsysxfbmpc.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/smilley792/media/359889EE-639A-4E43-BB3C-7AF93753BCC6_zpsysxfbmpc.jpg.html)

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h76/smilley792/93E9EE80-3238-44BE-8B5E-3383EF870EBC_zpser2bb4oh.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/smilley792/media/93E9EE80-3238-44BE-8B5E-3383EF870EBC_zpser2bb4oh.jpg.html)

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h76/smilley792/899CF239-979E-4C14-9E99-483CACFEBC9A_zpsrpiyyx7f.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/smilley792/media/899CF239-979E-4C14-9E99-483CACFEBC9A_zpsrpiyyx7f.jpg.html)

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h76/smilley792/5F125814-FE26-43E3-A9CD-8E28BAB78143_zpslwfvgpzq.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/smilley792/media/5F125814-FE26-43E3-A9CD-8E28BAB78143_zpslwfvgpzq.jpg.html)

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h76/smilley792/8E1F190C-C6B1-4D35-80C7-832626C5CB82_zpsth1p97nx.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/smilley792/media/8E1F190C-C6B1-4D35-80C7-832626C5CB82_zpsth1p97nx.jpg.html)

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h76/smilley792/FDDFFE9D-151B-4BB4-B053-54E3A1E43690_zps3vnazorh.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/smilley792/media/FDDFFE9D-151B-4BB4-B053-54E3A1E43690_zps3vnazorh.jpg.html)

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h76/smilley792/0F0490E3-1F1D-4AD1-A54B-7F7F94621728_zpskaht9hio.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/smilley792/media/0F0490E3-1F1D-4AD1-A54B-7F7F94621728_zpskaht9hio.jpg.html)

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h76/smilley792/4A16B58B-E752-493A-A0C9-CB249B568BE0_zpsirtsuo3s.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/smilley792/media/4A16B58B-E752-493A-A0C9-CB249B568BE0_zpsirtsuo3s.jpg.html)

Now I was going to use this as a net bat. It may become one of my match bats some how.


Kook are missing a trick with this as a one grade pony! They need to other it next year as all grades and its own softs line.

Also tried to copy @Chad with the table shots. My table isn't as shiny as his piano!
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: Eliotroberts on March 05, 2016, 06:27:10 AM
Good mate of mine has just bought one of these. He says exactly the same. Best bat since his kookaburra kahuna. I must admit just on aesthetics alone it is 1 hell of a looker.


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Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: jbrommo on March 05, 2016, 08:47:14 AM
Totally agree these are great looking bats. i bought one from Asad and will post a review when i get it back from being knocked in.  If only they made softs to match!
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: sanredrose on March 05, 2016, 08:53:56 AM
Kook definitely did a great job with Ghost, but they should have added a Ghost 1000 or 1250 model with higher grade willow. It would have been the model to beat !!


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Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: Alvaro on March 05, 2016, 09:03:50 AM
I think one of the best things about this bat is the price point.

This one looks top @smilley792
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: petehosk on March 05, 2016, 09:09:44 AM
Kook definitely did a great job with Ghost, but they should have added a Ghost 1000 or 1250 model with higher grade willow. It would have been the model to beat !!

I have seen one retailer that seems to do a Ghost 1000 model and also a Pro model.
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: smilley792 on March 05, 2016, 09:14:14 AM
I have seen one retailer that seems to do a Ghost 1000 model and also a Pro model.

The pro model is a different profile. Meant for the pros picking from factory.

The 1000 model I've yet to see.
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on March 05, 2016, 09:15:52 AM
Saw a ghost in the flesh last night.
Stickers and profile are beautiful!

This one had a massive knob on the end of the handle, who kept getting bowled, after deciding to hit everything for 12 and not watching the ball! After realising he couldnt hit it normally, he kept getting bowled trying reverse sweeps and ramps instead... If you can't hit a normal shot, don't try the fancy stuff! It made my bowling look good though ;)

I have seen one retailer that seems to do a Ghost 1000 model and also a Pro model.

I've definitely seen a set of pro stickers for sale on eBay, too...  ;)
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: Vitas Cricket on March 05, 2016, 09:21:27 AM
Any retailer ordering 100+ units of a single grade can have an exclusive with Kook, hence the Lithium this season, the Viper in the past, etc. Cricket Direct asked if they could have an otherwise non existent grade in an existing model as their exclusive.
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: petehosk on March 05, 2016, 09:26:09 AM
Any retailer ordering 100+ units of a single grade can have an exclusive with Kook, hence the Lithium this season, the Viper in the past, etc. Cricket Direct asked if they could have an otherwise non existent grade in an existing model as their exclusive.

Yes Jake - that's indeed where I saw these models
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: smilley792 on March 05, 2016, 09:49:25 AM
@petehosk
A pro in this thread. It's a different shape

http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=37212.msg592145#msg592145 (http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=37212.msg592145#msg592145)
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: liscon12 on March 05, 2016, 10:27:32 AM
I saw these at Owzat a couple of weeks ago and I was like 'Woah this thing is huge"

The one thing that struck me was the fact it was that big and had zero concaving. Kookaburra must be doing some weird Voodoo magic on these bits of willow as I cant fathom out how they are so light and so big, over-drying possibly?

They are a good looking bat and if someone was looking for a cheap Kook I'd recommend the Ghost.
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on March 05, 2016, 10:30:08 AM
@petehosk
A pro in this thread. It's a different shape

[url]http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=37212.msg592145#msg592145[/url] ([url]http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=37212.msg592145#msg592145[/url])


That pro version is a lush shape too!
Damn it, now I want a ghost... :-[
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: liscon12 on March 05, 2016, 10:34:14 AM
That pro version is a lush shape too!
Damn it, now I want a ghost... :-[
No Cam, you're a Hell4Leather guy now, STOP!! :D :D
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: FattusCattus on March 05, 2016, 10:43:59 AM
Saw a ghost in the flesh last night.
Stickers and profile are beautiful!

This one had a massive knob on the end of the handle, who kept getting bowled, after deciding to hit everything for 12 and not watching the ball! After realising he couldnt hit it normally, he kept getting bowled trying reverse sweeps and ramps instead... If you can't hit a normal shot, don't try the fancy stuff! I

Cameron - am I the only one seeing the irony in this?  :D
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: smilley792 on March 05, 2016, 10:45:24 AM
To be fair to cam fattus he pretty much describes my batting and I just bought a ghost.

Can't remember attending his nets though.

Must be playing cricket in my sleep again!
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: FattusCattus on March 05, 2016, 10:54:20 AM
Nothing wrong with playing with your balls whilst asleep oh Angel of the North!
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: JB on March 05, 2016, 11:03:35 AM
Nice looking bat Chris, good value really for around £200 from a big brand! Never owned a kook........
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on March 05, 2016, 12:15:39 PM
Cameron - am I the only one seeing the irony in this?  :D

I'm allowed to say it because I'm an expert  ;)
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: windyroad on March 05, 2016, 03:16:08 PM
Any retailer ordering 100+ units of a single grade can have an exclusive with Kook, hence the Lithium this season, the Viper in the past, etc. Cricket Direct asked if they could have an otherwise non existent grade in an existing model as their exclusive.


Thanks for clarifying.  I saw this today and thought it might be a one off.

http://www.prodirectcricket.com/products/Kookaburra-Torre-G1-Cricket-Bat-%C2%A0Blue-White-Kookaburra-SMU-Exclusive-127995.aspx? (http://www.prodirectcricket.com/products/Kookaburra-Torre-G1-Cricket-Bat-%C2%A0Blue-White-Kookaburra-SMU-Exclusive-127995.aspx?)
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: smilley792 on March 06, 2016, 02:05:56 PM
So been playing.

A pic to see size compared to two off the shelf bats I own. A maverick colossus and a GM octane 808. Both weight 2.14 5. So heavier than the ghost by 2.5 oz

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h76/smilley792/5A9EB792-C473-4451-84BE-6E8AE175ABAD_zpsirzc3bjc.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/smilley792/media/5A9EB792-C473-4451-84BE-6E8AE175ABAD_zpsirzc3bjc.jpg.html)

The octane has a high spine at the sweet spot but is concaved and has little on the toe and shoulder. Edges smaller to.

Maverick us similar edges and a big spine, but is very concaved.





Plans are to knock this in for a long long time, gonna try and get it opening up well before use.

Not oiled it yet but spent 15 mins with the gn deluxe mallet.

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h76/smilley792/BEBC3BB4-A2CC-401D-9522-7F6C33E99CE7_zpsrdkfzspg.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/smilley792/media/BEBC3BB4-A2CC-401D-9522-7F6C33E99CE7_zpsrdkfzspg.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: smilley792 on March 06, 2016, 02:26:13 PM
Also ping video

http://youtu.be/V6JA35syJBw (http://youtu.be/V6JA35syJBw)
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: sarg on March 06, 2016, 09:30:57 PM
I saw these at Owzat a couple of weeks ago and I was like 'Woah this thing is huge"

The one thing that struck me was the fact it was that big and had zero concaving. Kookaburra must be doing some weird Voodoo magic on these bits of willow as I cant fathom out how they are so light and so big, over-drying possibly?

They are a good looking bat and if someone was looking for a cheap Kook I'd recommend the Ghost.
Over drying and under pressing is my best guess. Don't rate Kookaburras #cough SG#, but let's see how they fair for a season if prepared properly. if my guess is close it will be crack riddled.

That said they warranty their gear and replace it, so keeping the retailer and customer happy is key.

Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: smilley792 on March 06, 2016, 09:37:34 PM
Over drying and under pressing is my best guess. Don't rate Kookaburras #cough SG#, but let's see how they fair for a season if prepared properly. if my guess is close it will be crack riddled.

That said they warranty their gear and replace it, so keeping the retailer and customer happy is key.

Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk


I've knocked a few kooks in last few years and yes they've been soft.

Been knocking this in today and it's not as soft as those previous kooks.


Performance is improving as I knock in to. A mega Purchase imo.






Also last comparison maybe.

Kook ghost vs h4l Nv monster!

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h76/smilley792/E23221AE-7E1E-4149-886F-54BD4DF8AE9F_zps9vq4lg2j.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/smilley792/media/E23221AE-7E1E-4149-886F-54BD4DF8AE9F_zps9vq4lg2j.jpg.html)

The kooks bigger.......
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: edge on March 06, 2016, 11:35:36 PM
Over drying and under pressing is my best guess. Don't rate Kookaburras #cough SG#, but let's see how they fair for a season if prepared properly. if my guess is close it will be crack riddled.
Not SG made any more I believe, Kook have set up their own facility now iirc.
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: sarg on March 07, 2016, 01:37:24 AM
I hear you, however i thought there was still a link, although separate factories and design no doubt since last season. Happy to hear what happened.

 Don't worry i love both the new Ghost and Blade themes.

Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: brokenbat on March 15, 2016, 09:39:33 PM
saw one in the flesh the other day, and noticed an interesting way they have kept the weight down - the back of bat (near the sweet spot) is a few mm NARROWER than the face of the bat. @smilley792 does yours have the same thing? was almost hard to see with the naked eye, but using calipers, we found the back to be about 4-5mm narrower than the face.

don't think it effects anything other than pickup and feel, but interesting nonetheless. excellent bat.
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: jd163 on April 09, 2016, 11:06:44 PM
Just like @smilley792 is was also looking for a replacement of my Kook Biggest Kahuna and ordered this from Pro Direct.

Weight: 2-10.8
Edges: 44 mm
Spine: 68 mm

(http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/jd1631/Mobile%20Uploads/A42E8452-A234-409E-B8DA-B855438746C9_zpsy8okeaui.jpg) (http://s392.photobucket.com/user/jd1631/media/Mobile%20Uploads/A42E8452-A234-409E-B8DA-B855438746C9_zpsy8okeaui.jpg.html)

(http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/jd1631/Mobile%20Uploads/93EFED78-45E3-4BAB-9575-3D558B31A19F_zpsxmadfzfo.jpg) (http://s392.photobucket.com/user/jd1631/media/Mobile%20Uploads/93EFED78-45E3-4BAB-9575-3D558B31A19F_zpsxmadfzfo.jpg.html)

(http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/jd1631/Mobile%20Uploads/4592CE0E-C76C-4E19-9F44-B77E7ABD7F7B_zpsh3vzzgok.jpg) (http://s392.photobucket.com/user/jd1631/media/Mobile%20Uploads/4592CE0E-C76C-4E19-9F44-B77E7ABD7F7B_zpsh3vzzgok.jpg.html)

(http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/jd1631/Mobile%20Uploads/FAEBFE51-F6BC-4ED1-9359-0FDF3C30355D_zpsicylkmg6.jpg) (http://s392.photobucket.com/user/jd1631/media/Mobile%20Uploads/FAEBFE51-F6BC-4ED1-9359-0FDF3C30355D_zpsicylkmg6.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: hanif on April 09, 2016, 11:09:54 PM
That is a cracking looking bat and boy is it massive for the weight, definitely a great buy right there.
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: jd163 on April 09, 2016, 11:38:59 PM
@brokenbat the edges are tappered towards the top. Your observation is correct.
Title: Re: Kooks greatest bat in years! The Ghost 500
Post by: sanredrose on April 11, 2016, 06:44:03 AM
2lb10.8oz with 44 mm edges is massive !! @jd163 & @smilley792 - Fantastic purchase !!