Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Companies => Custom companies => Laver & Wood => Topic started by: Brennanx on April 07, 2016, 12:18:57 AM

Title: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Brennanx on April 07, 2016, 12:18:57 AM
My new 2.10 Special Reserve arrived today! Thought I would share some pictures.


(http://i.imgur.com/x2Z1fGn.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/y5icR5U.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/wFlTYGI.jpg)

Not the prettiest face I have seen, the ghosts seem excited though.
(http://i.imgur.com/5UUJtTE.jpg)
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: brokenbat on April 07, 2016, 02:09:59 AM
Looks quite pretty to me! Should go like a rocket.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: InternalTraining on April 07, 2016, 02:14:02 AM
Oh my!!
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Ridenmarke on April 07, 2016, 02:43:53 AM
Nice profile mate, it looks a bit pale though?
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: FattusCattus on April 07, 2016, 08:21:42 AM
Must be the strange camera angle - but that spine looks way off!
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: i12breakfree on April 07, 2016, 08:23:34 AM
That's a nice bat :)
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Brennanx on April 07, 2016, 09:44:17 PM
Must be the strange camera angle - but that spine looks way off!


It's a bit of both, the left side is 3mm longer too the spine than the right. Another thing I have noticed is the right hand toe of the bat is also a lot higher than the left by about 4-5mm.  Visually displeasing but I hope it won't effect the performance.

(http://i.imgur.com/KT1pChn.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/fn8jJFi.jpg)
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on April 07, 2016, 11:00:02 PM
2lb10 you say

It will probably be 3lb by the end of the season :-[
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: brokenbat on April 08, 2016, 12:20:20 AM
You should call them about the toe..and also ask about the weight fluctuations. Best to be put at ease by the maker himself.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Brennanx on April 08, 2016, 02:01:14 AM
You should call them about the toe..and also ask about the weight fluctuations. Best to be put at ease by the maker himself.

Will do, I actually live in New Zealand and I think the big weight gain generally occurs in the UK?
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: brokenbat on April 08, 2016, 03:05:42 AM
Will do, I actually live in New Zealand and I think the big weight gain generally occurs in the UK?

Apparently...though I think they'll say they've changed their process so now doesn't happen. I'd actually be more curious about their take on that toe! Have seen it a few times in handmade bats to be fair.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: FattusCattus on April 08, 2016, 07:44:26 AM
Now, it's just me, and I'm sure everyone else won't be bothered by it, but for what this bat probably cost, I would say the spine and the toe being so obviously out, is a bit poo.

Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Brennanx on April 08, 2016, 10:24:32 AM
This Laver was my replacement for this shocker bought online http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=37921.0 (http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=37921.0). Maybe it's time for me to hand pick my bats.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: sanredrose on April 08, 2016, 09:57:11 PM
@FattusCattus - Friend ordered the same bat for 425 USD incl shipping to USA.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: hanif on April 08, 2016, 11:35:59 PM
Love the side profile looks an awesome shape. As for the spine and toe your not having much luck, but looks a lot better than the puma. As you are in NZ hopefully they can rectify this for you.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: well past my peak on April 09, 2016, 02:22:39 AM
sorry mate, but I just would not accept that, that's just very poor workmanship, and to have two in a row :(
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: brokenbat on April 09, 2016, 03:47:23 AM
This Laver was my replacement for this shocker bought online [url]http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=37921.0[/url] ([url]http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=37921.0[/url]). Maybe it's time for me to hand pick my bats.


hard to argue with pics...did you send them to James and co?
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Brennanx on April 09, 2016, 05:27:22 AM
hard to argue with pics...did you send them to James and co?
Will hear back Monday hopefully.  I also recently bought a helmet that had all the screws on different heights making it impossible to put the grill on too :)
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: potzy248 on April 09, 2016, 07:23:57 AM
Just checked my new Laver and it too has a toe that is not straight. Its not much and I only noticed when reading this topic. End of the day if you're not happy send it back and get them to fix it.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Brennanx on May 01, 2016, 01:17:49 AM
Just thought I would update this.

I have emailed Laver & Wood and James replied saying that hand made bats do get these issues but if I’m unhappy I can send it back and they will try realign the issues.

I will probably send it back for realignments tomorrow, although realigning the spine would mean losing some wood which would be better off centre than not there at all. This is my only bat at the moment so sending it back is a big deal!

I also noticed the larger toe issue appears to go up that entire side of the bat making the toe, edges and even the shoulder larger and higher on the one side. I'm curious if you guys have had any of these problem before with your handmade bats and if you considered it a problem or not?


Larger left shoulder plus you can see the spine being slightly off-centre.
(http://i.imgur.com/tw5fXeo.jpg)

Larger toe, the edges are 2mm higher on this side too.
(http://i.imgur.com/XaNCDSS.jpg?1)


 
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: jd163 on May 01, 2016, 02:36:27 AM
@Brennanx i just noticed that the toe on my laver is not aligned either.

(http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/jd1631/Mobile%20Uploads/869560B6-E857-4F7A-8C79-512E3F1814F5.png_zps8f9ajimc.jpeg) (http://s392.photobucket.com/user/jd1631/media/Mobile%20Uploads/869560B6-E857-4F7A-8C79-512E3F1814F5.png_zps8f9ajimc.jpeg.html)
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: avkrish on May 01, 2016, 04:54:57 AM
This seems to be a common issue with the handmade bats. I had a look at the profiles of a few bats I have after reading the post and the profiles of handmade bats do seem a bit misaligned as compared to the machine made bats (the finishing of which again is done by hand, as far as I know) but it is hardly noticeable, at least on the bats that I have. On a positive front, this is also one of the factors that make each handmade bat unique :).
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Wickets-then-runs on May 01, 2016, 05:27:11 AM
My Warner profile GN made by SK had exactly the same difference in the toe. It didnt effect performance and must just be one of those things with a hand made product....
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: ManHOOS on May 01, 2016, 06:36:31 AM
Thats very common in handmade bats,  you probabbly will post him back he will remove little bit wood to make it straight,  post back to you,  waste of money imo, there will be no effect on performance either,  but do what you want to do as choice is yours.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Brennanx on May 01, 2016, 07:42:43 AM
Thanks for the response guys, I will just keep the bat as it is then and save some money.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Bats_Galore on May 01, 2016, 08:20:39 AM
Whether you decide to send the bat back or not, I would suggest that the issue you have should be highlighted with the batmaker, not because it will affect performance, but rather because it will help them to improve and hopefully reduce mistakes in the future. All businesses and craft businesses especially only improve if they are made aware of errors so that they have made. I am aware that handmade products have natural variation, but in this instance it is quite obvious, and should have been picked up before it left the workshop. By saying nothing it only makes it more likely the same will happen again, resulting in more unhappy customers and damaging their business. 
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Ridenmarke on May 01, 2016, 08:26:57 AM
Whether you decide to send the bat back or not, I would suggest that the issue you have should be highlighted with the batmaker, not because it will affect performance, but rather because it will help them to improve and hopefully reduce mistakes in the future. All businesses and craft businesses especially only improve if they are made aware of errors so that they have made. I am aware that handmade products have natural variation, but in this instance it is quite obvious, and should have been picked up before it left the workshop. By saying nothing it only makes it more likely the same will happen again, resulting in more unhappy customers and damaging their business.

That's a great point
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Brennanx on May 02, 2016, 01:55:05 AM
Whether you decide to send the bat back or not, I would suggest that the issue you have should be highlighted with the batmaker, not because it will affect performance, but rather because it will help them to improve and hopefully reduce mistakes in the future. All businesses and craft businesses especially only improve if they are made aware of errors so that they have made. I am aware that handmade products have natural variation, but in this instance it is quite obvious, and should have been picked up before it left the workshop. By saying nothing it only makes it more likely the same will happen again, resulting in more unhappy customers and damaging their business.

Don't worry, I did email them with pictures attached along with a couple other forum members who had the same issue with the toe.  I also had a look on their facebook page and noticed quite a few of the bats seem to have the right sided toe larger than the left.  My real problem was just the spine not being centred properly, it's no where near as bad as the Puma but still has made me a little disappointed.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: mp07 on May 02, 2016, 03:26:03 AM
Yeah, spine is def. off center.  Hopefully, they will get you a replacement without any cost.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Andythomo21 on May 02, 2016, 08:07:50 AM
I agree that hand crafted products may have very slight discrepancies with alignment, slight size differences etc but I would not be happy with how far out that spine is!  No doubt that James is a gifted Podshaver but he offers a premium product at a premium price so things like this should be right!

I'm sure if you sent any of the forum batmakers a photo of their work been that far out/off they would probably be slightly embarrassed?  At the end of the day I'm sure it's not too hard to get a tape measure/ruler and getting the basics right like a reasonably centralised spine.

If I paid top money for a certain weight bat and the spine was out like that, I'm afraid simply taking wood out to correct their mistake wouldn't be good enough!
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Northern monkey on May 02, 2016, 09:08:45 AM
That's poor workmanship end of
I'd be very embarrassed if that left my workshop!
There's a lovely old saying, that if something looks right, it generally is
That's so obviously wrong

This is when you want a company, no matter how small, to hold their hands up and say sorry, what can I do to make that right.
A mm or so, is generally not easy to spot, and most bats, even those machined on cnc routers or copy lathes etc, will have small descripencies due to the sanding whilst finishing.
But that lavers miles out
Such a shame, as I'm a big laver fan
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: brokenbat on May 02, 2016, 12:26:26 PM
That's poor workmanship end of
I'd be very embarrassed if that left my workshop!
There's a lovely old saying, that if something looks right, it generally is
That's so obviously wrong

This is when you want a company, no matter how small, to hold their hands up and say sorry, what can I do to make that right.
A mm or so, is generally not easy to spot, and most bats, even those machined on cnc routers or copy lathes etc, will have small descripencies due to the sanding whilst finishing.
But that lavers miles out
Such a shame, as I'm a big laver fan

yes, I agree. being handmade is not a valid excuse. if we were using digital calipers to point out teeny tiny discrepancies, that would be unreasonable. but this can be seen with the naked eye. 5 minutes of just looking up and down the bat would have caught this.

i am a laver fan too, but this isn't really cool.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: sanredrose on May 03, 2016, 05:31:26 PM
I have seen this off-centre spine on my old Kookaburra bat as well, which btw is my favorite reference bat for all purposes. Sometimes these small things don't matter until you notice it. Once you notice it, you can't seem to get it off your head which i believe is natural. Start playing with the bat and once you start scoring big runs, you will find that the off-centre thing doesn't look bad right now ... I am just trying to make you feel comfortable :-)

Reach out to James and give him your feedback. Next time if you are ordering with them, ask them to confirm with a tape as to how stuff works out in their lab. I wouldn't be surprised if these mistakes happened in Nov/Dec which lines up close to australia/nz summer season, but right now its end of the season and they should be a little more relaxed schedule in the workshop. Did James or Anthony give any reason for this ? I am quite confident with these guys as they have solved some problems for me in the past. I am sure they would do the same for you.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Six Sixes Cricket on May 03, 2016, 05:56:45 PM
Who actually made the bat? James or Toby?
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Brennanx on May 04, 2016, 12:46:55 AM
Yeah, spine is def. off center.  Hopefully, they will get you a replacement without any cost.
Don't think that's an option, I have only been offered a reshape of the spine.
Who actually made the bat? James or Toby?
Not sure, how can you tell?
I have seen this off-centre spine on my old Kookaburra bat as well, which btw is my favorite reference bat for all purposes. Sometimes these small things don't matter until you notice it. Once you notice it, you can't seem to get it off your head which i believe is natural. Start playing with the bat and once you start scoring big runs, you will find that the off-centre thing doesn't look bad right now ... I am just trying to make you feel comfortable :-)

Reach out to James and give him your feedback. Next time if you are ordering with them, ask them to confirm with a tape as to how stuff works out in their lab. I wouldn't be surprised if these mistakes happened in Nov/Dec which lines up close to australia/nz summer season, but right now its end of the season and they should be a little more relaxed schedule in the workshop. Did James or Anthony give any reason for this ? I am quite confident with these guys as they have solved some problems for me in the past. I am sure they would do the same for you.
Haha thanks for trying to make me happier with my bat. The bat was ordered in March so the end of our season here and the only reason for the toe/spine was that custom made bats end up having these problems as they are hand made.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Wickets-then-runs on May 04, 2016, 09:45:12 AM
As for being offered a reshape of the spine, thats all well and good but if the bat weight is altered dramatically by doing this, then it now isnt the bat you ordered and therefore are entitled to a replacement. Just make sure you are clear with them your expectations when you send it back to avoid having to post it back AGAIN in a few weeks time.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: dougydee on May 04, 2016, 11:44:31 PM
I had an issue with a laver that came with a crooked handle. One email and I had a new replacement bat sent. Upon receiving that I returned the one sent initially. Awesome service for my issue. I'm a laver fanboy and have had over 10 of their sticks so that might have made a difference.

Be polite and respectful when dealing with them on this issue and I'm sure you'll reach a desired outcome.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: brokenbat on May 04, 2016, 11:52:37 PM
I had an issue with a laver that came with a crooked handle. One email and I had a new replacement bat sent. Upon receiving that I returned the one sent initially. Awesome service for my issue. I'm a laver fanboy and have had over 10 of their sticks so that might have made a difference.

Be polite and respectful when dealing with them on this issue and I'm sure you'll reach a desired outcome.

Well in this case, they haven't really offered him a replacement. What can he do?
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: dougydee on May 05, 2016, 12:01:35 AM
Well in this case, they haven't really offered him a replacement. What can he do?
If he wanted a replacement he should have asked for that initially. He should still do so that if that is the outcome he wants.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Shortpitch on May 05, 2016, 02:58:23 AM
Precisely the reason, I would like to go with Laver is the after sale service, without trying to blame you for anything. In my case replaced a cracked from shoulder special reserve for free except shipping charges after 4 months of use. The first thing James/Anthony said after looking at pics was that the cleft might be too dry and had a crack from shoulder. Because I  Paid for shipping for the replacement, they gave me better deals for my subsequent 2 more bats.

Here in US, instead of contacting them direct, people buy it from dealers and also lavers stickered up as other brands, which wouldn't get the same service as the manufacturer.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Bats_Galore on May 05, 2016, 06:25:27 AM
I would imagine that if the bat hasn't been used it is much more likely to be replaced, that way they can adjust the current bat and re sell to someone else. If the bat is used, it becomes useful for firewood, hence there may be some understandable reluctance to remake. Further whilst I agree some after sales is required, it is a little different to a shoulder crack which makes the bat useless. As infuriating as the shape issue may or may not be, it is purely cosmetic.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: Brennanx on May 05, 2016, 11:10:02 PM
If he wanted a replacement he should have asked for that initially. He should still do so that if that is the outcome he wants.
I just don't think that's an option, I sent them a bunch of pictures and asked if they would be happy with the bat and I got this reply "to be honest the spine running into the toe is only an aesthetic trait in the bat that takes more wood down low in comparison and is more common in bats that have a lot more concaving than yours."

Paying $500 I would hope to get a better aligned bat but at least now I have an excuse when I get caught on the boundary.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: brokenbat on May 07, 2016, 03:15:59 AM
That's a nothing answer tbh. If you don't feel anything strange then I guess not worth fighting with them, but am a bit surprised they don't hold themselves to higher standards.
Title: Re: Special Reserve - Mega Profile
Post by: well past my peak on May 08, 2016, 03:52:52 AM
to be honest, I was looking into purchase a Laver but after reading this thread I now have doubts