Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Companies => Off-the-shelf companies => Bellingham & Smith UK => Topic started by: Chad on May 21, 2016, 05:23:22 PM
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Hi chaps, firstly, an apology to Gary, as I bought this a good while back and have only had time now to put up a review! Anyways, back story behind this is that I saw it on a thread, and Gary had mentioned it had been the best bat he had received so far this season. The profile and grains looked top notch, so I got in touch, and eventually purchased this alongside a duffle and some gloves. (Fantastic quality, but forgot to snap some pictures) Gary was extremely helpful, and confident that I would be happy with this! Here are the pics:
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8864.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8864.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8865.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8865.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8869.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8869.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8870.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8870.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8871.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8871.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8872.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8872.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8873.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8873.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8868.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8868.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8867.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8867.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8866.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8866.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8875.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8875.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8879.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8879.jpg.html)
(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8878.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8878.jpg.html)
Specs:
Weight - 2lb 11.48oz (With Scuff and Shoegoo)
Edge - 40mm & 38mm (Rounded)
Spine - Approx 68-70mm
Shoulder - 15mm
Toe Edge - 21mm & 18mm
Toe - 27mm
Handle - Oval
Concaving - Absolutely none
From the pictures and the specs, you can tell this bat is an absolute brute for the weight! Incredible dimensions, and a generous bow. Having used it once in a game and in nets, it certainly packs a punch, and reminds me of an older B&S I once had which was 2.13. Monstrous on the drive - I can't wait to use this once I get back into form and begin hitting through the line better. Pick up wise, it is actually surprisingly light for the weight and shape, but is not surprising considering the origins of this bat and the skill behind the craftsman. The hitting zone is about 3 inches from the toe to just under where the scuff sheets ends, so is very long. The sweetspot itself is also very generous, about 4-5 inches in length, starting from 5 inches from the toe.
In terms of looks, there are 10 straight and prominent grains, with the odd speck. Almost all sapwood, with a very very slight heartwood discolouration on the RH outside edge. The profile itself is very similar to Sachin Tendulkar's profile, with plenty of meat in the driving zone. There are lots of handmade signs as well, with the toe being slightly uneven, and edges being a touch off, but none of these bother me even a bit. The bat itself is a very beautifully made one, with the finishing and the flow of the spine and edges being trademarks of a master craftsman. The pictures really do not do the stickers justice, but they are excellent - very understated dark colours, but yet striking up close once you see the detailing, texturing and chrome.
Once again, a big thank you to Gary over at B&S, an absolute gent to deal with, and very prompt in replying to emails. He even sent a follow up email to check I was happy with everything, which I am indeed!
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Stunning bat mate as always, loving my B&S this season and love that profile, just need to find one a few ounces lighter
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That looks stunning. Another quality stick coming out of B&S this season, such a nice shape.
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Love the profile, and still long for the bat that I stupidly sold to you @Chad 😢
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That's a top notch shape and those stickers just make the bat look even better
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Amazing profile..
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Very kind words Chad hope your form returns soon and the runs start to flow it's nice to receive feed back good or bad it' helps to improve our service and product
Cheers
Gary
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Great review Chad, nice to see people joining the B&S bandwagon
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That looks a great shape, very imposing. Top shots as always @Chad.
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looks like a cracker.... Have to say i too am loving the BS this season. It might have been a slightly older one purchased off a forum member but i think this season i have faced a total of 45 ball across 3 games and scored 36 runs, all in 4's bar a brace of 2's... the ball is staying hit when i hit it... if only i could hang around a bit longer!!!
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Looks a class bat!
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Seriously this forum is bad for me. Everytime I think I've decided on a bat, these stunners show up and I'm back to square one. Looks a stunning bat Chad, hope it serves you well. Looks like B&S is now on my ever growing list of bats I need to own lol.
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@Chad . Looks like some serious bow on the bat. does the Bat has that huge bow or is it the Pictures???? Nevertheless...great looking blade there.