Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Companies => Custom companies => Topic started by: liscon12 on April 11, 2016, 12:39:47 PM

Title: Boss Cricket
Post by: liscon12 on April 11, 2016, 12:39:47 PM
From what I can gather they are an Australian brand I think but not 100% sure, IJC are selling there stuff and appear to be an exclusive retailer for now.

Has anyone had any experience with them?

Personally they just look like a white sticker brand like CP, Piripiri etc etc
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on April 11, 2016, 12:46:07 PM
By my powers of eBay browsing, I think there may be some kind of link to Phantom
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: Tom on April 11, 2016, 12:56:13 PM
Same company as Focus Cricket, I think.

Perhaps a way to get round the license with Vitas?
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: liscon12 on April 11, 2016, 01:13:18 PM
Same company as Focus Cricket, I think.

Perhaps a way to get round the license with Vitas?
I can see similarities in the sticker design and how the bats are photographed.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: edge on April 11, 2016, 01:24:03 PM
http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=31751.0 (http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=31751.0)

Looks like it is a Focus offshoot, guessing IJC are doing something similar with licensing the brand for the UK? Noticed they're lurking on this topic, wonder if we'll see a post.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: chrisbd on April 11, 2016, 02:29:10 PM
Hello. Talking on my personal account.

It's Just Cricket has taken the decision not to post about BOSS Cricket on Custom Bats Forum. We feel it would only lead to accusations, speculation, and distraction from the product.

We have all the information necessary online, and in our London store where you can try it all out. Video reviews to come soon.

Have a good day all
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: liscon12 on April 11, 2016, 02:38:37 PM
Hello. Talking on my personal account.

It's Just Cricket has taken the decision not to post about BOSS Cricket on Custom Bats Forum. We feel it would only lead to accusations, speculation, and distraction from the product.

We have all the information necessary online, and in our London store where you can try it all out. Video reviews to come soon.

Have a good day all
Fair enough and I agree that it could cause heat on here. Will await your video reviews to get the low down :)
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: skip1973 on April 11, 2016, 02:46:49 PM
Interesting the note about warranty only if it's "professionally" knocked in. If my bat snapped in half due to a fault in the willow or the handle breaks but I have knocked in myself there is no warranty?
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: Tom on April 11, 2016, 02:48:16 PM
One has to wonder, if you're the exclusive stockist of a brand - what happens to all the bats you don't handpick that they've 'manufacturered'?
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: liscon12 on April 11, 2016, 02:52:44 PM
One has to wonder, if you're the exclusive stockist of a brand - what happens to all the bats you don't handpick that they've 'manufacturered'?
I think you can buy from them (BOSS I mean) directly as well as IJC
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on April 11, 2016, 02:55:01 PM
Interesting the note about warranty only if it's "professionally" knocked in. If my bat snapped in half due to a fault in the willow or the handle breaks but I have knocked in myself there is no warranty?

I know this will come accross as cynical, but that sounds like a great way to avoid ever replacing a bat to me...
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: chrisbd on April 11, 2016, 02:59:37 PM
All warranty cases are reviewed individually, naturally. Thus, the storm damage or handle issues are moot. This is designed to stop people who fail to prepare their bat properly and rely on the warranty as a failsafe if it breaks. You'd be surprised how many people have damage on the edges from lack of knocking in etc. These sort of damages far outweight the storm damage numbers we see. It's also helping the customer, as it dramatically reduces the likelihood of damage from negligence.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: Vitas Cricket on April 11, 2016, 03:05:15 PM
[url]http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=31751.0[/url] ([url]http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=31751.0[/url])

Looks like it is a Focus offshoot, guessing IJC are doing something similar with licensing the brand for the UK? Noticed they're lurking on this topic, wonder if we'll see a post.


BOSS is Phantoms cheaper offering to my knowledge. Focus act as part of a wider partnership/co-operative when it comes to negotiating with suppliers.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: chrisbd on April 11, 2016, 03:10:39 PM
It's not as simple as that.

FOCUS and Phantom have both had something of an influence, although I can't exactly give a full disclosure due to the nature of our agreement when stocking BOSS.

But yes, for those in the know, FOCUS cricket UK is a Vitas Exclusive, but that doesn't mean that's the extent of the FOCUS entry into the market for this season.

Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: edge on April 11, 2016, 03:12:20 PM
All warranty cases are reviewed individually, naturally. Thus, the storm damage or handle issues are moot. This is designed to stop people who fail to prepare their bat properly and rely on the warranty as a failsafe if it breaks. You'd be surprised how many people have damage on the edges from lack of knocking in etc. These sort of damages far outweight the storm damage numbers we see. It's also helping the customer, as it dramatically reduces the likelihood of damage from negligence.
Some people may not like it but requiring a proper knocking in sounds like a fair enough move to me to be honest, justifiable with the amount of badly knocked in bats you see break. Would be interested to hear more about the company/arrangement etc, must be something a little different if IJC think it will cause controversy! ;)
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: liscon12 on April 11, 2016, 03:18:28 PM
I think the art of knocking in a bat has died a death now that manufactures are slapping pre-prepared or factory prepared stickers on them, so I think the idea about the warranty is okay but its maybe not worded in a good way, just makes it look like its forcing you to spend an extra 20.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: Tom on April 11, 2016, 03:21:14 PM
It's not as simple as that.

FOCUS and Phantom have both had something of an influence, although I can't exactly give a full disclosure due to the nature of our agreement when stocking BOSS.

But yes, for those in the know, FOCUS cricket UK is a Vitas Exclusive, but that doesn't mean that's the extent of the FOCUS entry into the market for this season.



With the stocking of what appears to be another restickering brand, who's provenance is not going to be clearly answered, I do have a little chuckle reading this back:

http://www.itsjustcricket.news/cricket-bat-manufacturers-vs-cricket-bat-brands/ (http://www.itsjustcricket.news/cricket-bat-manufacturers-vs-cricket-bat-brands/)
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: skip1973 on April 11, 2016, 03:26:42 PM
I think the art of knocking in a bat has died a death now that manufactures are slapping pre-prepared or factory prepared stickers on them, so I think the idea about the warranty is okay but its maybe not worded in a good way, just makes it look like its forcing you to spend an extra 20.
Warranties cover manufacturing issues, not cracking from edging, water damage, cheap balls etc. It just seems a bit like a scare tactic to spend more coin.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: chrisbd on April 11, 2016, 03:26:46 PM
Hence why I didn't want to get into this conversation.

Ask yourself this question. If IJC was going to go against its principles in order to make some money, who would we do it with? An (at the moment) unknown company like BOSS, or someone like NB or GM? Doesn't really add up does it?

I have pictures of the guys behind the brand with the bat-maker, I have pictures of them with numerous different shapes which they discarded, I have pictures of them visiting and tweaking the shape. These bats are all made in England, and they are open about not making the bats, similar in a way to Phantom. However, they are in charge of the shape, they hand select the clefts before made by the bat-maker, and they hand select the bats once they've been made, and before they reach us. That's not a white label or a stickering brand Tom.

With respect, we have never once challenged or criticised your business. It comes across as petty and tarnishes all our reputation.

CBD
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: edge on April 11, 2016, 03:30:04 PM
Chris, if you dont want an debate about the origins of the bats, possibly the best way to clear it up would be to tell us about the bats? As it is, with the lack of information, Tom or anyone else is perfectly entitled to speculate, and obviously will.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: chrisbd on April 11, 2016, 03:34:01 PM
The origins of the bats.

They are English made. That's all I can tell you.

If there's this much excitement, come and see them. Let your eyes tell you what the truth is, not speculation.

I just feel that the speculation from someone else in the industry is unnecessary and a little bit tacky if I'm honest. We've never slated or put down anyone else in this industry - certainly not without hard and factual evidence. That was my only point!
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: Vitas Cricket on April 11, 2016, 03:34:55 PM
It's not as simple as that.

FOCUS and Phantom have both had something of an influence, although I can't exactly give a full disclosure due to the nature of our agreement when stocking BOSS.

But yes, for those in the know, FOCUS cricket UK is a Vitas Exclusive, but that doesn't mean that's the extent of the FOCUS entry into the market for this season.

We own and operate Focus Cricket UK rather than simply stocking it as an exclusive brand, so we have total control over our process. Anyway enough back and forth as I'm taking it off topic. Best of luck with Boss.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: chrisbd on April 11, 2016, 03:36:02 PM
Indeed. Important to note that BOSS has nothing to do with FOCUS Cricket UK. More the Australian side of FOCUS.

Thanks Jake, likewise with you and the FOCUS Cricket UK stuff, looks some nice sticks you've put photos up of!

Chris
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: Northern monkey on April 11, 2016, 03:36:12 PM
220 quid plus another 20 to 'professionally ?' knock it in!! For grade two??
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: chrisbd on April 11, 2016, 03:46:24 PM
Here's a comparison.

And our knocking in is all done by hand also! And you can choose the weight of it exactly! And get specific photos of it! And free shipping, so works out £6 cheaper than the same option from H4L! (Not to say H4L are expensive, more to show you it's in line with the market!)

(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad145/thebd11/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-11%20at%2016.38.43.png)[/URL]

I'm getting photos of the bats soon. You'll laugh at how they've been graded as 2s. I've seen G1 plus bats look, and ping, worse!
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: Tom on April 11, 2016, 03:53:06 PM
The origins of the bats.

They are English made. That's all I can tell you.

If there's this much excitement, come and see them. Let your eyes tell you what the truth is, not speculation.

I just feel that the speculation from someone else in the industry is unnecessary and a little bit tacky if I'm honest. We've never slated or put down anyone else in this industry - certainly not without hard and factual evidence. That was my only point!
Was anything in my above post linking to the blog inaccurate? If so please PM me and I'll happily edit or remove it. I do try to comment here in a personal capacity, but appreciate with my links it might come off as petty.

To come back to your post - I'm not putting you or IJC down, rather making a point was that your post made a massive deal about honesty and the importance of provenance for consumers. Despite this you are yet to clarify who this brand is, where in the country the bats are manufactured and what they're selling. Your site which you linked us to barely does it. The site says Made in England, but isn't that the same as the 50+ other brands you mentioned in that blog post?

You're partial to more information about Boss, and I'm not doubting your decision making process, it's your business. But as your blog post said "Ask them the tough questions and see how they respond."
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: Alvaro on April 11, 2016, 04:06:07 PM
Do IJC ever do due diligence?
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on April 11, 2016, 04:07:02 PM
Hi @chrisbd
How's the forum hiatus going?  :)

Here's a comparison.

And our knocking in is all done by hand also! And you can choose the weight of it exactly! And get specific photos of it! And free shipping, so works out £6 cheaper than the same option from H4L! (Not to say H4L are expensive, more to show you it's in line with the market!)

([url]http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad145/thebd11/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-11%20at%2016.38.43.png[/url])[/URL]

I'm getting photos of the bats soon. You'll laugh at how they've been graded as 2s. I've seen G1 plus bats look, and ping, worse!


So how much would a G1 warbird, including knocking in be from you?  ;)
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: Batbuddy99 on April 11, 2016, 04:28:19 PM
Am I the only one thinking BOSS Cricket sounds like Chris Gayles new brand or something?
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: uknsaunders on April 11, 2016, 04:38:52 PM
Am I the only one thinking BOSS Cricket sounds like Chris Gayles new brand or something?

I keep thinking of all the hugo boss stuff or BOSE. Not sure it's a name I would choose but good luck. I do share others concern that you can't really be open and honest as a company, yet so secretive about the brand. Isn't it a contradiction?
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: FattusCattus on April 11, 2016, 04:49:28 PM
Ok - just so I'm absolutely clear -

Boss Cricket is a joint venture between something to do with Phantom, and something to do with Focus Australia, but the bats are made in the UK. They are nothing to do with Focus UK, who are something to do with Focus Australia, but are independently owned and operated by Vitas in the UK, who are nothing to do with Boss. IJC stock Boss, Vitas stock Focus, which are nothing to do with each other.

People seem to like rubbing Chris up the wrong way, except for Tom who didn't mean to rub Chris up the wrong way, but Chris thought he was anyway.

Clear?
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: RoCo Da Pixie on April 11, 2016, 04:50:19 PM
Who can be labeled as a professional in regards to knocking in a bat? Surely there are grey area's all over that statement?

For instance Mr X at a local shop isn't deemed a professional but Paul at IJC is. How would the brand differentiate who is a pro??
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: Sivlar13 on April 11, 2016, 04:54:49 PM
I don't want to sound like 'that guy,' but IJC said they weren't going to comment on the brand, and have preceded to make quite a few comments about it in the thread.

I'm not trying to stir the forum pot so to speak, just an observation.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on April 11, 2016, 04:55:21 PM
Who can be labeled as a professional in regards to knocking in a bat? Surely there are grey area's all over that statement?

For instance Mr X at a local shop isn't deemed a professional but Paul at IJC is. How would the brand differentiate who is a pro??

I imagine @procricket B3 and @ProCricketer1982 will be doing s lot of knocking in soon. I don't think @ProWannabe88 (RP Cricket) will validate the warranty though, as by his own confession he's only a Wannabe  ;)

Disclaimer - before anyone has a strop this is a joke, as was my last post to Chris!
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: smilley792 on April 11, 2016, 05:06:50 PM
I'm not commenting on chris dark edition, ijc or boss.

Neither am I commenting on cam floutin forum laws and making a joke.



But I will say this, I've never understood why manufacturers don't fully knock in all bats, will save confusions, and investigation into weather a broken bat should be replaced or not.
Supply knocked in, replace if broke. Simples!
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: chrisbd on April 11, 2016, 05:15:43 PM
Right.

Here it is.

BOSS Cricket is a collaboration between Phantom, Ares Cricket South Africa and Focus Cricket Australia.

The UK operation is operated by Phantom. The bats are UK made entirely. Make of that what you will.

Questions about due diligence? Did people not see my post about having seen the bat-maker make the bats etc? I know exactly where the bat has been, from the willow source, to the Platinum Lounge. I'd say that's fairly good due diligence!

RE the knocking in. Each case is reviewed on merits, but I believe that professional services are done by people who offer the service for a fee - that's what makes someone a professional. IE whether it's H4L knocking in, B3 adding on, Jake at Vitas, etc etc. For Phantom and BOSS though it's easier. They are exclusive to us, and so likely to be knocked in by us, since that's often the most cost effective way of doing it.

I'll be open. Any more questions? I have commented on the provenance of the brand. I'd say it's a good thing. Three international boutique brands are bringing their experience into an accessible level of the market. The target isn't the forum bat nerds etc, it's the average club cricketer who wants quality at a good price, and don't perhaps know as much as people on here.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: RoCo Da Pixie on April 11, 2016, 05:17:22 PM
Chris,

Makes it clearer on the knocking in.

Like the other Chris said would be much easier if they came fully prepared so the warranty is 100% valid.

I am sure they will sell well.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: InternalTraining on April 11, 2016, 05:18:27 PM
I'm not commenting on chris dark edition, ijc or boss.

Neither am I commenting on cam floutin forum laws and making a joke.



But I will say this, I've never understood why manufacturers don't fully knock in all bats, will save confusions, and investigation into weather a broken bat should be replaced or not.
Supply knocked in, replace if broke. Simples!

I was told by an owner of a cricket store that if bats sit on shelves for a long time, they need to be knocked again. It sounded like initial knocking of a bat is not permanent and wood fibers tend to revert to the old shape. Knocking following by nets ensure that top layer of the bat stays compressed and tight.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: chrisbd on April 11, 2016, 05:19:01 PM
I agree with that.

BOSS and Phantom are planning on doing this in the future. Making them come pre-prepared so that the confusion is being taken away, and the warranty is 100% guaranteed and valid (with the usual exclusions). This is something we are aware of, and have suggested.

Chris
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: procricket on April 11, 2016, 05:19:06 PM
Why should a bat that cracks anywhere other than handle or shoulder replace at any stage

Knocking in is no fool proof way or guarantee a bat will not crack in the toe or edges at all so why should anybody have any guarentee with knocking in

Remember what bats are meant for hitting balls out of the middle it not your bat suppliers fault if you hit it on the edge or toe it called miss timed and no amount of knocking in will stop that could be ball one or ball 6000

Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: InternalTraining on April 11, 2016, 05:20:00 PM
Why should a bat that cracks anywhere other than handle or shoulder replace at any stage

Knocking in is no fool proof way or guarantee a bat will not crack in the toe or edges at all so why should anybody have any guarentee with knocking in

Remember what bats are meant for hitting balls out of the middle it not your bat suppliers fault if you hit it on the edge or toe it called miss timed and no amount of knocking in will stop that could be ball one or ball.

True all of that!
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: procricket on April 11, 2016, 05:20:54 PM
But if people want to offer a "pro knocking in Service" which includes a new bat every time it cracks I'm in because every bat cracks
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: liscon12 on April 11, 2016, 05:21:26 PM
So what shapes do Boss do @chrisbd ?
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: ElPerro on April 11, 2016, 05:22:15 PM
seen the pics on the website and I really like the profile/branding, looks really good :)
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: Batbuddy99 on April 11, 2016, 05:24:56 PM
Love the stickers and the pads
Not so sure on the gloves tho
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: edge on April 11, 2016, 05:27:19 PM
Right.

Here it is.

BOSS Cricket is a collaboration between Phantom, Ares Cricket South Africa and Focus Cricket Australia.

The UK operation is operated by Phantom. The bats are UK made entirely. Make of that what you will.

Questions about due diligence? Did people not see my post about having seen the bat-maker make the bats etc? I know exactly where the bat has been, from the willow source, to the Platinum Lounge. I'd say that's fairly good due diligence!

RE the knocking in. Each case is reviewed on merits, but I believe that professional services are done by people who offer the service for a fee - that's what makes someone a professional. IE whether it's H4L knocking in, B3 adding on, Jake at Vitas, etc etc. For Phantom and BOSS though it's easier. They are exclusive to us, and so likely to be knocked in by us, since that's often the most cost effective way of doing it.

I'll be open. Any more questions? I have commented on the provenance of the brand. I'd say it's a good thing. Three international boutique brands are bringing their experience into an accessible level of the market. The target isn't the forum bat nerds etc, it's the average club cricketer who wants quality at a good price, and don't perhaps know as much as people on here.
And there we go, thanks Chris. Wouldn't it all have been nice and easy if your first post was something like this!

Do Phantom have the same warranty policy as this then?
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: chrisbd on April 11, 2016, 06:20:09 PM
Well - it would have been. Not so sure about my job security now - breaking rules left right and centre to post on here.

The knocking in doesn't guarantee it'll be replaced. It just means the warranty is active. The case will still be reviewed individually. All it means is that without a knocking in service there is a 0% chance of a replacement or repair.

CBD
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: procricket on April 11, 2016, 06:27:50 PM
So if a bat goes in the handle what your effectively saying is it your fault it not knocked in.

Also shoulder splits too ???
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: chrisbd on April 11, 2016, 06:45:41 PM
So if a bat goes in the handle what your effectively saying is it your fault it not knocked in.

Also shoulder splits too ???

I can't comment on individual cases. Clear manufacturing faults, where knocking in vs no knocking in would have no difference are a different ball game. You'll know yourself Dave how many bats you get back where the customer hasn't knocked it in at all and has taken it straight into the nets against a new ball, seam marks all over it, and then when it has a tiny chip on the razor sharp edges, expects a free replacement bat! That's the situation this is designed to counterract. No more, no less. I'm surprised more people don't do it!

CBD
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: simonmay5 on April 11, 2016, 06:48:27 PM
Well - it would have been. Not so sure about my job security now - breaking rules left right and centre to post on here.

The knocking in doesn't guarantee it'll be replaced. It just means the warranty is active. The case will still be reviewed individually. All it means is that without a knocking in service there is a 0% chance of a replacement or repair.

CBD


So basically if I bought a bat from ijc and knocked it in myself and it broke you would not replace or repair if that's the case feel sorry for the guys who have spent hours knocking in their bats then to be told I not replacing or sending off for a repaire
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: procricket on April 11, 2016, 06:48:46 PM
We fix em if that's the case mate usually free of charge within a time frame I do know what it is like indeed.

But then again unless a bat catastrophically breaks early or handle issue or shoulder you will not get a replacement and I thought that was industry standard knocking in or not.


But good luck Chris hope your cricket is going well buddy
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: iand123 on April 11, 2016, 06:57:01 PM
Well - it would have been. Not so sure about my job security now - breaking rules left right and centre to post on here.

The knocking in doesn't guarantee it'll be replaced. It just means the warranty is active. The case will still be reviewed individually. All it means is that without a knocking in service there is a 0% chance of a replacement or repair.

CBD

Hardly my area of expertise but is it legal to only offer a warranty on a product if a further service or item is purchased?
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: edge on April 11, 2016, 07:02:56 PM
Hardly my area of expertise but is it legal to only offer a warranty on a product if a further service or item is purchased?
Ah the cry of the internet -'is that legal?'. Cars are a good analogy here - the manufacturer aren't going to honour the warranty if you haven't got it serviced at the appropriate times.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: iand123 on April 11, 2016, 07:09:43 PM
Ah the cry of the internet -'is that legal?'. Cars are a good analogy here - the manufacturer aren't going to honour the warranty if you haven't got it serviced at the appropriate times.

To be fair I did say it wasn't my area of expertise hence my question. I thought selling goods that are defective should be offered a replacement by law (caveat by age and proof of purchase amongst other criteria), having re-read Chris's posts I don't think he is suggesting that they wouldn't do this if the bat was proved to be faulty
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: iand123 on April 11, 2016, 07:13:06 PM
http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/problem/what-do-i-do-if-i-have-a-faulty-product (http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/problem/what-do-i-do-if-i-have-a-faulty-product) not sure this helps, sounds like a bit of a minefield in general, who'd be a manufacturer!
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: edge on April 11, 2016, 07:15:17 PM
To be fair I did say it wasn't my area of expertise hence my question. I thought selling goods that are defective should be offered a replacement by law (caveat by age and proof of purchase amongst other criteria), having re-read Chris's posts I don't think he is suggesting that they wouldn't do this if the bat was proved to be faulty
Only messing, don't worry mate ha. Warranties and defective goods are technically separate anyway I believe - defective goods legally have to be dealt with by the supplier, I don't think there is any legal obligation to provide a warranty for goods sold (hence sold as seen being ok legally etc).
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: iand123 on April 11, 2016, 07:17:16 PM
Yep think you are right (link I posted really didn't help my understanding)
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on April 11, 2016, 08:02:56 PM
I'm not commenting on chris dark edition, ijc or boss.

Neither am I commenting on cam floutin forum laws and making a joke.



But I will say this, I've never understood why manufacturers don't fully knock in all bats, will save confusions, and investigation into weather a broken bat should be replaced or not.
Supply knocked in, replace if broke. Simples!

Only brand I know who does supply fully hand knocked in is rob pack but I'm sure there must be another. It is an easy way to make a few quid though
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on April 11, 2016, 08:07:25 PM
Only brand I know who does supply fully hand knocked in is rob pack but I'm sure there must be another. It is an easy way to make a few quid though

GM come "Ready to play" but I don't know if they're done by hand or on a machine.

Didn't M&H say all their bats came knocked in too? (I think I recall some comment about claims they can fully knock a bat in half an hour)
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: wilkie113 on April 11, 2016, 08:08:25 PM
Surely this has got to be a scouse cricket company? haha
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on April 11, 2016, 08:11:17 PM
GM come "Ready to play" but I don't know if they're done by hand or on a machine.

Didn't M&H say all their bats came knocked in too? (I think I recall some comment about claims they can fully knock a bat in half an hour)

Cool,,three then. Certainly seems better for the customer as they can walk away from the shop that day with a match ready bat
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: justnotcricket86 on April 11, 2016, 08:44:12 PM
Right.

Here it is.

BOSS Cricket is a collaboration between Phantom, Ares Cricket South Africa and Focus Cricket Australia.

The UK operation is operated by Phantom. The bats are UK made entirely. Make of that what you will.

Questions about due diligence? Did people not see my post about having seen the bat-maker make the bats etc? I know exactly where the bat has been, from the willow source, to the Platinum Lounge. I'd say that's fairly good due diligence!

RE the knocking in. Each case is reviewed on merits, but I believe that professional services are done by people who offer the service for a fee - that's what makes someone a professional. IE whether it's H4L knocking in, B3 adding on, Jake at Vitas, etc etc. For Phantom and BOSS though it's easier. They are exclusive to us, and so likely to be knocked in by us, since that's often the most cost effective way of doing it.

I'll be open. Any more questions? I have commented on the provenance of the brand. I'd say it's a good thing. Three international boutique brands are bringing their experience into an accessible level of the market. The target isn't the forum bat nerds etc, it's the average club cricketer who wants quality at a good price, and don't perhaps know as much as people on here.

I have a question, Chris. You handpick these bats in person, correct?
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: chrisbd on April 11, 2016, 08:51:51 PM
To clarify re knocking in.

This only is for BOSS and Phantom. And yes, customers will still get a repair / replacement if the manufacturing is faulty. No one is trying to escape that one!

The car is a good analogy. If it hasn't been serviced well, it's a problem of negligence. Same as taking a packet fresh bat against a new ball! Just isn't feasible for the manufacturer to have to cover the costs every time a numpty does that and doesn't care for their bat properly!

Yes, we handpicked them in person......
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: Seniorplayer on April 11, 2016, 09:21:20 PM
But if people want to offer a "pro knocking in Service" which includes a new bat every time it cracks I'm in because every bat cracks

All bats should  eventually crack if they don't they are over pressed.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: skip1973 on April 12, 2016, 01:26:22 AM
Hardly my area of expertise but is it legal to only offer a warranty on a product if a further service or item is purchased?
Not here in Australia.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: Number4 on April 12, 2016, 06:52:10 AM
I think you can buy from them (BOSS I mean) directly as well as IJC

Is there a Boss website?
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: Neon Cricket on April 12, 2016, 07:56:23 AM
Isn't Boss just the way for Ares/Focus(AU) to sell off their lower grade willow that has to be purchased when buying their higher grade willow? I was approached by the collective probably 2 years ago now and that's what was put to me at the time (hence all of the Boss bats being G2/G3 and then Phantom only selling G1).

It's a clever idea, however the costings involved were ridiculous IMO - I'll have to have a dig and read through it again.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: GoldenArm on April 12, 2016, 08:29:14 AM
Isn't Boss just the way for Ares/Focus(AU) to sell off their lower grade willow that has to be purchased when buying their higher grade willow? I was approached by the collective probably 2 years ago now and that's what was put to me at the time (hence all of the Boss bats being G2/G3 and then Phantom only selling G1).

It's a clever idea, however the costings involved were ridiculous IMO - I'll have to have a dig and read through it again.


http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=31751.0 (http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=31751.0)

Thought I remembered this popping up before. Think people need to cool it giving IJC cricket a hard time, it's getting ridiculous now. Have to say I'd have zero interest in this brand though, there's so many others out there I'd be far more interested in than this. I'm struggling to understand why it's necessary. And the branding doesn't exactly excite in either looks or concept.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: uknsaunders on April 12, 2016, 10:25:26 AM
Price wise, isn't that the same as an entry level H4L (excluding devil grade)? I know which one I would buy.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: sarg on April 12, 2016, 01:06:50 PM
I had a BOSS Menace.

Supposedly the same profile as Shikah Dhawan and made in India by his bat maker. I guess that would make it a Sareen/TON, not  sure who, but definitely indian. Definitely  the UK and Aussie one are different. Anyway it was 80% heartwood and pinged like a gun, but didn't suit me. Was pretty dry too. Sold it on. Can dig up photos if it is important.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: billyb on April 12, 2016, 02:34:14 PM
This forum has literally become a witch-hunting ground for cricket nerds.
:(
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: ItsJustCricket on April 12, 2016, 05:56:53 PM
The BOSS intro video is now online. Bat reviews to follow next few days....
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: smilley792 on April 12, 2016, 05:59:08 PM
As paul and Chris left the site in there official capacity(Chris returning on personal account ). Is this Amos??
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: tushar sehgal on April 12, 2016, 06:00:58 PM
Good luck with Boss IJC!!
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on April 12, 2016, 10:11:56 PM
Design wise they look ok but what I don't get is pricing £175 + £20 for knocking in to give you a hope of a warranty for G3 bat and £225 + £20 again for a G2 bat from a brand that no ones heard of and no idea of who makes them.

I'm sorry but personally I don't like the phantom brand or how it seems to operate, just my view but seems to me to be exactly what someone said as a way to off load the low end willow you have to buy when getting top end and you now have to buy more lower end to meet the amount of top grade as willow merchants don't have as much as in previous years.

Good luck to IJC and the people behind it for a new brand but it's not for me.
Title: Re: Boss Cricket
Post by: kaartman on April 13, 2016, 03:17:16 AM
Design wise they look ok but what I don't get is pricing £175 + £20 for knocking in to give you a hope of a warranty for G3 bat and £225 + £20 again for a G2 bat from a brand that no ones heard of and no idea of who makes them.

I'm sorry but personally I don't like the phantom brand or how it seems to operate, just my view but seems to me to be exactly what someone said as a way to off load the low end willow you have to buy when getting top end and you now have to buy more lower end to meet the amount of top grade as willow merchants don't have as much as in previous years.

Good luck to IJC and the people behind it for a new brand but it's not for me.

exactly my thoughts...for that money if I can get a hand made/ custom from B3/redink/h4l etc