Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: Bats_Galore on May 16, 2016, 05:51:40 PM

Title: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: Bats_Galore on May 16, 2016, 05:51:40 PM
Having followed the forum for a while, I have noticed that certain makers are lauded and there seems to be a consensus behind their quality, whilst others seem to languish beyond the forums gaze. I wonder why there is so much consensus and why certain brands get little coverage whilst making wonderful products and vice versa. Also given I haven't been on here for very long, what the history of these trends has been, which were the sequence of Hell 4 Leathers. Also why do such makers fall in and out of favour. I am yet to be convinced it is purely quality based. For example with the current favourite, they make good bats, and I have nothing against them, that said I have had better and worse bats from other makers, and as such am at a loss as to their pedestal.
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: ppccopener on May 16, 2016, 06:10:27 PM
It's subjective and your opinion is you own based on your experiences..
The only thing I would say is if you think the forum has a wide range of opinions and does represent some part, a small part yes, of the cricket buying public then look overall at the feedback for retailers and manufacturers on here you will get a pretty good idea of who is consistently rated.

Personally I think it helps the market that smaller brands get exposure, if you want something from the well know big brands then that's fine too.

The only thing I would say is as consumers if you choose a large famous company you are almost certainly paying to subsidise a pro cricketer they sponsor.

500-600 quid against 250-300 for a handmade one in the Uk.....there is clearly a gap in the UK market otherwise h4l, Allred,red ink etc etc simply would not exist.
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: kenbriooo on May 16, 2016, 06:13:30 PM
At one time or another and in no particular order, we've had; Fusion, Laver, Talisman, Redback, B3 and most recently Hell  4 Leather.  I'm sure there's more that I've missed.

Personally if I see good willow and good reviews I'm more than tempted to part with my cash and buy the same. It's all cyclical though, with someone else soon to be the in demand bat maker
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: edge on May 16, 2016, 06:17:58 PM
Well half the point of the forum (at least) is to find out the opinions of other bat nerds about the finest custom makers, so when we see people posting good reviews about their new bat we're bound to want a piece of the action! Quite easy to see someone's fantastic new B3/H4L/Red Ink/Aldred and decide you want a bat like that, then you go buy one and tell everyone how awesome it is, so then they buy one too = forum trend.
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: The Cricket Boutique on May 16, 2016, 06:20:56 PM
I think much of this is down to recommendations at that specific time. If a few forum members have a positive experience and post reccomendations and you are in the market for a bat then you are more likely to have a serious look at that particular company.

Further down the line at a later date you may be in the market for a different bat and it just so happens that a few forum members have had another good experience with a different company. I think it's all about timing.

I do however agree with what @ppccopener says about handmade bats that are shown on this forum and their value.
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: jd163 on May 16, 2016, 06:42:44 PM
The forum does feels like biased sometimes but i think it follows who is doing the best at the moment for example H4L trending due to the phenomenal Warbird & Custom and recently Kookaburra Ghost is making headlines.
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: FattusCattus on May 17, 2016, 07:37:48 AM
At one time or another and in no particular order, we've had; Fusion, Laver, Talisman, Redback, B3 and most recently Hell  4 Leather.  I'm sure there's more that I've missed.

Personally if I see good willow and good reviews I'm more than tempted to part with my cash and buy the same. It's all cyclical though, with someone else soon to be the in demand bat maker

Well remembered Kenneth - however, between the Fusion and the Laver, there was a brief period when everyone was raving about the Malik Sher Amin too.
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: Wickets-then-runs on May 17, 2016, 08:21:22 AM
Anyone remember SAF Bats?
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on May 17, 2016, 08:28:05 AM
Aldred?
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on May 17, 2016, 08:31:35 AM
Didn't every forum member and his dog have a GN scoop at one stage?
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: Alvaro on May 17, 2016, 08:38:35 AM
Well remembered Kenneth - however, between the Fusion and the Laver, there was a brief period when everyone was raving about the Malik Sher Amin too.

I remember the guy on Cricket Supplies who got some awesome Malik Shers and then took a scalpel to them to actually make the stickers look good. He may even have sawn the knobs of the handles too. They were great.

There was also a little Warsop fetish.

Overall though, if a maker, sponsor, or sponsor and maker put some time in, it's amazing how they seem to become a forum trend... essentially, we're sheep.
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: liscon12 on May 17, 2016, 08:47:24 AM
It would seem that everyone wants a SCAT now that Julian has retired, we're people wanting his bats as much as this when he was in business?
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on May 17, 2016, 08:59:56 AM
Wasn't sawing the top of your handle a thing, for a couple of days?
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: roco on May 17, 2016, 09:18:15 AM
trends come and go like the seasons here just seasons in Britain so 4 a day

brands types all sorts have been trends then forgotten

I remember everyone having a joker style bat as it was going to eliminate normal bats
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: tim2000s on May 17, 2016, 10:42:49 AM
I'm still buying Hunts County bats. I've yet to turn them into a forum trend though... Must be the decals...!
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: Alvaro on May 17, 2016, 11:25:06 AM
I'm still buying Hunts County bats. I've yet to turn them into a forum trend though... Must be the decals...!

nicely done
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: Number4 on May 17, 2016, 02:06:40 PM
I'm still buying Hunts County bats. I've yet to turn them into a forum trend though... Must be the decals...!

Or they just don't trust your judgement Tim ;) :D means they are just missing out big time I reckon  :D
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: Mattsky on May 17, 2016, 10:27:23 PM
That reminds me. I keep meaning to take advantage of the Vitas Cricket custom made Hunts offer...
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: Silver Bullet on May 18, 2016, 12:37:06 AM
Having followed the forum for a while, I have noticed that certain makers are lauded and there seems to be a consensus behind their quality, whilst others seem to languish beyond the forums gaze. I wonder why there is so much consensus and why certain brands get little coverage whilst making wonderful products and vice versa. Also given I haven't been on here for very long, what the history of these trends has been, which were the sequence of Hell 4 Leathers. Also why do such makers fall in and out of favour. I am yet to be convinced it is purely quality based. For example with the current favourite, they make good bats, and I have nothing against them, that said I have had better and worse bats from other makers, and as such am at a loss as to their pedestal.

Not sure if you're referring to Hell 4 Leather, but no body else in the same price range makes comparable bats. I've tried Affinity, I've tried B3, I've tried every off the shelf brand out there. I've tried buddies Blank Bats and Aldred's. Any of these bat makers can make a better bat every now and then, but every single H4L I have ever seen has been an absolute monster. Can't say that about any other brand.
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: jamferg on May 18, 2016, 10:36:02 PM
Solitaire !!! Saw one a couple of weeks ago. It went but heavy with an awful pick up
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: ridhuan on May 19, 2016, 04:18:29 AM
been a victim to the forum trend late last year, bought two h4l hellfire, what i can say, the twin perform really well, beast! photo below as per forum rule

(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g61/aridhuanmnordin/Mobile%20Uploads/20151204_210141_zpswxsporjm.jpg) (http://s53.photobucket.com/user/aridhuanmnordin/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151204_210141_zpswxsporjm.jpg.html)

(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g61/aridhuanmnordin/Mobile%20Uploads/20151204_210158_zpslcala9sm.jpg) (http://s53.photobucket.com/user/aridhuanmnordin/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151204_210158_zpslcala9sm.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: potzy248 on May 19, 2016, 05:48:28 AM
Not sure if you're referring to Hell 4 Leather, but no body else in the same price range makes comparable bats. I've tried Affinity, I've tried B3, I've tried every off the shelf brand out there. I've tried buddies Blank Bats and Aldred's. Any of these bat makers can make a better bat every now and then, but every single H4L I have ever seen has been an absolute monster. Can't say that about any other brand.

Huge call.
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: GDP1964 on May 19, 2016, 06:01:00 AM
Feedback: 0 positive I Guess we one of the Brands not doing to well 😂😂😂😂
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: SteffanLangholz on May 19, 2016, 07:52:59 AM
I think you sold just a few too many scorchers to feel looked over :-P
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: Silver Bullet on May 19, 2016, 08:58:45 PM
Huge call.

Sorry I meant to say nobody else makes comparable bats consistently.
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: Seniorplayer on May 19, 2016, 09:12:22 PM
Yes they really ping pick up a few but felt they were a little bottom heavy but have no doubt they can be custom made to pick up lighter.
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: potzy248 on May 20, 2016, 05:29:08 AM
Sorry I meant to say nobody else makes comparable bats as consistently..... In your opinion  ;)
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: procricket on May 20, 2016, 09:49:32 AM
Trends are for sponsors to really put in the over time and keep it going with hype and of course good products.

Matt been doing it for a very long time both quality and his product often speak for themself which has lengthened his reign which is well deserved.

Anybody can make a good bat and i dare say 80-90 per cent on this forum are all made of the relevant quality.

But what sets out the good from the bad is how people respond to criticism and the contest that the customer is normally right and to keep evolving with the times and staying ahead of the curve and a gang of forum users all waxing lyrics...

The other thing is the sheep culture it funny at there are some highly influential people on this forum who actually would not know a good bat if it hit them in the face but are used as part of the selling circus.

Trends will come and go but good manors and good customer service will endure.

But i must add this this forum is fussy and i mean really fussy to the mega degree (why not as well) so if you think selling as a sponsor is easy it isn't .

Hand picking always makes me laugh really does all it guarantees you is a decent looking stick or better looking in most cases.

Every bat is a reject to somebody
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: Akewstick on May 20, 2016, 09:55:50 AM
there are some highly influential people on this forum who actually would not know a good bat if it hit them in the face

Names please, we've been three days without an argument now, I'm bored.
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: procricket on May 20, 2016, 09:58:55 AM
No need to argue at all forum for debating and nobody has a monopoly on that...
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: Wickets-then-runs on May 20, 2016, 11:06:38 AM
Trends are for sponsors to really put in the over time and keep it going with hype and of course good products.

Matt been doing it for a very long time both quality and his product often speak for themself which has lengthened his reign which is well deserved.

Anybody can make a good bat and i dare say 80-90 per cent on this forum are all made of the relevant quality.

But what sets out the good from the bad is how people respond to criticism and the contest that the customer is normally right and to keep evolving with the times and staying ahead of the curve and a gang of forum users all waxing lyrics...

The other thing is the sheep culture it funny at there are some highly influential people on this forum who actually would not know a good bat if it hit them in the face but are used as part of the selling circus.

Trends will come and go but good manors and good customer service will endure.

But i must add this this forum is fussy and i mean really fussy to the mega degree (why not as well) so if you think selling as a sponsor is easy it isn't .

Hand picking always makes me laugh really does all it guarantees you is a decent looking stick or better looking in most cases.

Every bat is a reject to somebody
Right lads, grab the pitchforks: someone on here is throwing around logic again!
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: Bats_Galore on May 20, 2016, 09:55:05 PM
Definitely a lot of interesting responses. Over the weekend I will try to read through them more thoroughly. In the meantime, I wonder what people think are the most underrated brands and as such brands/ makers that should have been hyped but never have been?
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: joeljonno on May 20, 2016, 10:22:21 PM
Trends are for sponsors to really put in the over time and keep it going with hype and of course good products.

Matt been doing it for a very long time both quality and his product often speak for themself which has lengthened his reign which is well deserved.

Anybody can make a good bat and i dare say 80-90 per cent on this forum are all made of the relevant quality.

But what sets out the good from the bad is how people respond to criticism and the contest that the customer is normally right and to keep evolving with the times and staying ahead of the curve and a gang of forum users all waxing lyrics...

The other thing is the sheep culture it funny at there are some highly influential people on this forum who actually would not know a good bat if it hit them in the face but are used as part of the selling circus.

Trends will come and go but good manors and good customer service will endure.

But i must add this this forum is fussy and i mean really fussy to the mega degree (why not as well) so if you think selling as a sponsor is easy it isn't .

Hand picking always makes me laugh really does all it guarantees you is a decent looking stick or better looking in most cases.

Every bat is a reject to somebody

Handpicking gives you more than just that.  It gives you peace of mind that the response is okay at first look.  It means that you have very little chance of buying a plank when you aren't in the shop. Whether you can use the bat or not, or whether it turns out to be a gun or just half-decent, well that's a different matter.

This forum is probably the most offset group to sell bats to.  Most on here think they know a lot about bats, what's good or bad and what's what when actually 99% of cricketers around the world will probably just buy one on price or what they've seen someone else use. Prime example is at our club where Jack Leaning started now GNs are all the rage as that is who sponsors him.

We want custom made to our specific sets yet there are so many runs scored by random off-the-shelf bats that you will probably find that a player can get used to any bat, given time.

There'll always be trends and USPs on here.  That's what makes it good, interesting, diverse.  Like most things, they'll have a life span before falling away again.

Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: Sitonit on May 21, 2016, 08:01:56 PM
What some people don't understand is that each person has a difference hand eye corodination, ligament movements, muscle memory and muscle strength.

One bat that may feel super extreme nice to an internaltion pro player may have an aweful pick and feel for the other person.

Support of a bat that suits your play style, and your capabilities does matter, but at a secondary level.

Playing with a Tendulkar's personal bat will not make you play like Teundulkar. That's the point !

I was a very young kid when I met Clive Lloyd during a match's lunch break, and I picked his bat.
It had 7 grips, yes 7 grips.
It felt awful to me but that's what suited Clive Lloyed. So out of curiousity, I asked him why? He showed me his hands - and they were HUGE !!
He said the regular handle's diameter is way too thin for my hands.

The point is, will his bat make me play like him? I didn't think so.
Title: Re: Forum trends and hype.
Post by: Silver Bullet on May 22, 2016, 01:52:38 AM
What some people don't understand is that each person has a difference hand eye corodination, ligament movements, muscle memory and muscle strength.

One bat that may feel super extreme nice to an internaltion pro player may have an aweful pick and feel for the other person.

Support of a bat that suits your play style, and your capabilities does matter, but at a secondary level.

Playing with a Tendulkar's personal bat will not make you play like Teundulkar. That's the point !

I was a very young kid when I met Clive Lloyd during a match's lunch break, and I picked his bat.
It had 7 grips, yes 7 grips.
It felt awful to me but that's what suited Clive Lloyed. So out of curiousity, I asked him why? He showed me his hands - and they were HUGE !!
He said the regular handle's diameter is way too thin for my hands.

The point is, will his bat make me play like him? I didn't think so.

Yeah, you're right in that a great bat won't make you a great player, but a plank will definitely dent your confidence, impact shot selection and eventually cost you your form.