Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: six and out on February 18, 2017, 02:53:48 PM

Title: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: six and out on February 18, 2017, 02:53:48 PM
I haven't read it in full yet so not sure if it's any good....

Scroll down and you should have a window to download to PDF the guide.

http://www.thecricketer.com/default.aspx?pageid=1223&catid=71&topicid=42876#iwoP8IG5LRT4oKW4.97 (http://www.thecricketer.com/default.aspx?pageid=1223&catid=71&topicid=42876#iwoP8IG5LRT4oKW4.97)

Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on February 18, 2017, 02:58:43 PM
Had a look yday, seems to be a lot of repeated quotes from the testers (see #1 chase bat and Owzat Optimax bat) who both scored 9 out of 10.

Think all of he kit tested is meant to be stocked by Owzat but not 100% sure as the Paynter boots are in there that are exclusive to All Rounder I thought?
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: smilley792 on February 18, 2017, 03:15:01 PM
Why do all the newbery bats look awful and the stickers look like they were applied by someone out on the lash?
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Buzz on February 18, 2017, 03:22:52 PM
Chase won the top bat for bigger brands, woodstock for smaller brands.
The number of mistakes in it is a little embarrassing

I also note that Chase have a very large advertising feature in the download.

As do GM (who came second in the test) and others.

The range of testers seem odd, but I am just jealous!
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: edge on February 18, 2017, 03:29:52 PM
The range of testers seem odd, but I am just jealous!
Skimmed it this morning and this is what I thought, doesn't come as a massive surprise with a lot of them that an u15 girl thinks the pickup on a 2lb11 bat is a bit heavy! Seemed Alex Tudor's opinions pretty much constantly differed from the rest of the testers too.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Sivlar13 on February 18, 2017, 03:48:44 PM
Chase won the top bat for bigger brands, woodstock for smaller brands.
The number of mistakes in it is a little embarrassing

I also note that Chase have a very large advertising feature in the download.

As do GM (who came second in the test) and others.

The range of testers seem odd, but I am just jealous!

Chase have a lot of advertising and they still got where they made them wrong.

Thought they went more on look than anything else, that's why All Out Cricket's test is better as all the bats are blank!
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on February 18, 2017, 04:02:01 PM
I didn't get past the advert for Merchant Taylors' school.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Rahul_K on February 18, 2017, 04:40:15 PM
Why do all the newbery bats look awful and the stickers look like they were applied by someone out on the lash?

Because someone suggested they are made by a former sponsor, so someone on here feels the need to put the knife in? :D
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: smilley792 on February 18, 2017, 04:49:04 PM
Because someone suggested they are made by a former sponsor, so someone on here feels the need to put the knife in? :D

By here do you mean the forum?

If so what does the forum have to do with a magazines review having badly stickered bats?
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Rahul_K on February 18, 2017, 04:50:59 PM
By here do you mean the forum?

If so what does the forum have to do with a magazines review having badly stickered bats?

It has more to do with someone feeling the need to point it out :D

'The weather is nice today, and Aldred makes (No Swearing Please) bats'.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: smilley792 on February 18, 2017, 04:55:45 PM
It has more to do with someone feeling the need to point it out :D

'The weather is nice today, and Aldred makes (No Swearing Please) bats'.

I point out what i see. And I had no clue Aldred made newbery, last I heard they were sf made low ends and tk was making the last few hundred top end  as part of a severance package.

As for Aldred being a former sponsor, why do you think I care? This isn't my forum? I'm not an admin?
I think your barking up the wrong tree lad
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Rahul_K on February 18, 2017, 05:13:57 PM
I point out what i see. And I had no clue Aldred made newbery, last I heard they were sf made low ends and tk was making the last few hundred top end  as part of a severance package.

As for Aldred being a former sponsor, why do you think I care? This isn't my forum? I'm not an admin?
I think your barking up the wrong tree lad

My point is that whenever someone ceases to sponsor this forum, there seems a need to generally badmouth them for some time afterwards. Never understood it.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: tom line on February 18, 2017, 05:19:17 PM
Gary has recently left the forum and I don't think I've seen anything negative about B&S

I don't really see how what you're saying is related to the gear guide at all, but the point you raise I'll address anyway:
Often forum sponsors leave as they have fallen out with the forum whether that be the admin or the people on here, therefore it isn't a negative comment ensuing once they've left but more it becomes more obvious as the admin do less to protect them or at least that's what I presume and people feel freer to say what they think
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: edge on February 18, 2017, 05:26:19 PM
'The weather is nice today, and Aldred makes (No Swearing Please) bats'.
Nuts. Find me one post with someone saying 'Aldred makes (No Swearing Please) bats'. Chap makes excellent bats, don't think anyone's ever denied that?
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: tom line on February 18, 2017, 05:27:44 PM
No ones ever said that they aren't good bats, just that his philosophy on pick up vs weight is often questioned the bat quality themselves I've always heard as very good
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on February 18, 2017, 05:36:30 PM
Mountain out of a molehill here, but... Do people badmouth the former sponsors on here?

B&S no longer sponsor the forum but their gear still gets good reviews (and the link stickers are the dogs dangles!)

Paul Aldred no sponsors the forum, but he had more digs at us lot than anyone has ever made at him (I don't actually recall any...)

It's Just Cricket are no longer sponsors, yet I'm sure a lot of the forum still watch their YouTube channel and enjoy the content.

Laver & Wood no longer sponsor the forum and I'm sure they still get a lot of love on here.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: JB on February 18, 2017, 05:38:48 PM
You have to be seriously paranoid to see a dig at Aldred in a post about the stickers on a Newbery being applied poorly!!  :o
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: GDP1964 on February 18, 2017, 05:54:56 PM
B&S enjoyed their time on the Forum and any comments good or bad were and still will be more than welcome and hopefully useful.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Vulcan Cricket on February 18, 2017, 05:56:28 PM
Like most magazines there main income comes from adds so if you pay for a add sure they are going to give you a good review as let's face with out it they wouldn't be going . And if it was purely on magazine they sell then they would be long gone
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: FattusCattus on February 18, 2017, 06:20:09 PM
My point is that whenever someone ceases to sponsor this forum, there seems a need to generally badmouth them for some time afterwards. Never understood it.

Rubbish. There were a few spats about Paul's bats whilst he was still a sponsor on the forum. People voiced their opinions whilst he still had the choice of engaging with them on here.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Rahul_K on February 18, 2017, 06:38:08 PM
Mountain out of a molehill here, but... Do people badmouth the former sponsors on here?

B&S no longer sponsor the forum but their gear still gets good reviews (and the link stickers are the dogs dangles!)

Paul Aldred no sponsors the forum, but he had more digs at us lot than anyone has ever made at him (I don't actually recall any...)

It's Just Cricket are no longer sponsors, yet I'm sure a lot of the forum still watch their YouTube channel and enjoy the content.

Laver & Wood no longer sponsor the forum and I'm sure they still get a lot of love on here.

Gary still posts frequently, so hasn't left, despite declaring over a year ago that he was leaving.

Aldred left because the attitude of some on here was the final straw for him. Considering the time he had taken to write pieces and make videos for the benefit of this place, some people were just rude. He was never comfortable with certain other sponsors seemingly being afforded greater reign either.

IJC left because of precisely the attitude I spoke about. No one was forced to agree with their choices, but in the end it just became a pathetic free for all that the powers that be had absolutely no interest in stopping. It isn't everyone, it isn't many. It's just a few who seem to have the need to prove something, the same ones every time. Even here, it's the same names trying to rubbish the 'newbie' for daring to state an opinion.

Laver have not been a sponsor in the time I've known of the forum. I will have to take your word on that.

Look at the Aldred/Newbery thread. A handful of people making the same snide remarks. Just move on guys!
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Rahul_K on February 18, 2017, 06:39:43 PM
Rubbish. There were a few spats about Paul's bats whilst he was still a sponsor on the forum. People voiced their opinions whilst he still had the choice of engaging with them on here.

And like clockwork it's the admin's lapdog!
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Calzehbhoy on February 18, 2017, 06:44:54 PM
😴😴😴😴
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: tom line on February 18, 2017, 06:46:14 PM
Hmmm 14 posts and half defending someone no longer on the forum, have we got ourselves a fan boy?
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Bwcc on February 18, 2017, 06:53:10 PM
Anyone questioning the criticism of the newbery bats do me a favour and take a close look at the quantum in there and tell me it doesn't look a bit like it was finished in the dark
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: smilley792 on February 18, 2017, 07:04:34 PM
And like clockwork it's the admin's lapdog!

See it seems your looking for a fight with certain members. Even if there isn't a fight there


 my critisms stands on the newbery stickers, which if Aldred did make, I very much doubt he stickered them up.
My Aldred was a lovely stick to. Made well, pinged and the stickers were fitted straight.

Also where is this apparent Aldred/newbery thread? I'd like a read.

And have a good evening
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: procricket on February 18, 2017, 07:07:10 PM
Let's be honest and blunt.

Of course forum sponsors will post things it not a too bad sales tool both reviews and direct sales. And I you think anything Aldred or others say is not to promote there brand your simply wrong

The whole industry is a Cess pit of Half truths and even total fabrication.

Take any review or hand picked Speil all you want like any of the magazines reviews it all marketing tool and people pay for that.

Funny you have to read half the things on here with a pinch of salt nowadays.

Too many unused bats and not enough playing for me too man spout things yet in truth never even use bats!!!
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: tom line on February 18, 2017, 07:08:04 PM
It's titled "New Batmaker" mate @smilley792
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: roco on February 18, 2017, 07:29:30 PM
It's all a conspiracy geared towards who ever gives the admins the most free kit or biggest discount
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on February 18, 2017, 07:30:46 PM
@smilley792 fight, where? I'd be up for a featherweight match! ;)

As trying to have a reasonable discussion is apparently "the same names trying to rubbish the 'newbie' for daring to state an opinion" I'll give up.
In fact, I will take the admin's lapdog approach and have a drink or 12! I'm off down the boozer. If anything exciting happens here I'll catch up later...
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: simonmay5 on February 18, 2017, 07:36:10 PM
@smilley792 fight, where? I'd be up for a featherweight match! ;)

As trying to have a reasonable discussion is apparently "the same names trying to rubbish the 'newbie' for daring to state an opinion" I'll give up.
In fact, I will take the admin's lapdog approach and have a drink or 12! I'm off down the boozer. If anything exciting happens here I'll catch up later...

You leaving honey g at home tonight mate 😂
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on February 18, 2017, 07:40:55 PM
You leaving honey g at home tonight mate 😂

She'll be waiting for me in trap 3!  ;)
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: smilley792 on February 18, 2017, 07:58:47 PM
It's titled "New Batmaker" mate @smilley792

Yeah just gone over that thread, there is one comment that could be taken as bad blood, and a joke there after. But I personally can't see an entire forum in there (or atleast the "usual suspect") laying into Aldred.

Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: roco on February 18, 2017, 08:02:57 PM
Yeah just gone over that thread, there is one comment that could be taken as bad blood, and a joke there after. But I personally can't see an entire forum in there (or atleast the "usual suspect") laying into Aldred.

Your just a bullying lapdog

Be at peace with it
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: FattusCattus on February 18, 2017, 08:17:21 PM
And like clockwork it's the admin's lapdog!

And yes, he bites! Excellent input Mr Rahul, you're more than a match for me!

I shall slink off with my tail between my legs and sniff some admin bottoms!
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: hell4leather cricket on February 18, 2017, 08:20:08 PM
Just feel asleep going through that equipment guide!  I used to look forward to reading it , now it's just poor
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Calzehbhoy on February 18, 2017, 08:32:38 PM
Much prefer AOC's version with the stickerless bats. Makes it feel much more impartial.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Bwcc on February 18, 2017, 08:43:37 PM
@Calzehbhoy couldn't agree more.. talk less about the stickers and just focus on the bit of wood
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: t2ylo on February 18, 2017, 09:00:10 PM
There are some nice photos of bats - which I enjoyed, but it's really a creative writing/pseudo advert hybrid.
Not my cup of tea but shifted some adverts & probably pays the bills for a while.
My guess would be that this is a big edition for income for them
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on February 18, 2017, 09:14:58 PM
Anyway, if Paul is making bats for Newbery, surely the stickers wouldn't be applied at his end?
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Bwcc on February 18, 2017, 09:21:38 PM
@Bats_Entertainment I can say 100% from first hand experience that they sticker the bats in hove
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on February 18, 2017, 09:23:52 PM
@Bats_Entertainment I can say 100% from first hand experience that they sticker the bats in hove

There you go then. Not Paul's fault. Whether he makes them or not.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: tom line on February 18, 2017, 09:26:31 PM
And there we go, the answer to a question that was never asked or implied
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on February 18, 2017, 09:28:47 PM
And there we go, the answer to a question that was never asked or implied

Another day discussing not much at all...
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: uknsaunders on February 18, 2017, 09:33:44 PM
Just noticed Dan Hampton appearing in the Woodstock advert @pistol101 page 33.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: tom line on February 18, 2017, 09:34:22 PM
Anyone else notice the Lekka neck guards?
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Bwcc on February 18, 2017, 09:34:28 PM
Why do all the newbery bats look awful and the stickers look like they were applied by someone out on the lash?

I think this implied it slightly considering how certain everyone seems to be Alfred is making newbery bats now @tom line
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on February 18, 2017, 09:39:03 PM
Is everyone certain? How? When? Why?
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: smilley792 on February 18, 2017, 09:39:27 PM
I think this implied it slightly considering how certain everyone seems to be Alfred is making newbery bats now @tom line

I didn't know! And I was the one that said it. FFS!!


I'll have to start writing small print on here.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: ppccopener on February 18, 2017, 09:41:58 PM
I didn't know! And I was the one that said it. FFS!!


I'll have to start writing small print on here.

Hahahahahahana Smiley gets blamed again !!! This thread has been hilarious. Bruce the lapdog.

It's gold absolute gold.  :)
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: tom line on February 18, 2017, 09:42:05 PM
I don't see anything implied in that comment at all. Some others might but for me it's just Chris saying that the stickers look like they've been applied lousely and with no real care, nothing of it to me implies that @smilley792 is trying to bad mouth Paul
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: uknsaunders on February 18, 2017, 09:50:10 PM
Anyone else notice the Lekka neck guards?

Just seen that,  £9.95 including world wide delivery and buy one get one free?  Doesn't say what helmet the neck guards are for. Hmm.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: smilley792 on February 18, 2017, 09:50:27 PM
Look a the stickers! Look at them!!

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h76/smilley792/7F05178F-FB1B-4850-BB02-2DF835C0DA3E_zpsea8u9ggv.png) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/smilley792/media/7F05178F-FB1B-4850-BB02-2DF835C0DA3E_zpsea8u9ggv.png.html)

It messes with my ocd and I'm not even OCD!!


What on earth that has to do with Aldred is beyond me! But keep the conspiracy theories going if you wish.
I'm out!
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: uknsaunders on February 18, 2017, 09:51:46 PM
Sadly @FattusCattus isn't admins lapdog and we don't get any free kit,  we live in hope. Stay on topic please.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on February 18, 2017, 10:00:46 PM
"If it were a celebrity: Kate Moss."

Possibly all we need to know?
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Mel Jessop on February 18, 2017, 10:51:50 PM
"Aldred left because the attitude of some on here was the final straw for him. Considering the time he had taken to write pieces and make videos for the benefit of this place, some people were just rude. He was never comfortable with certain other sponsors seemingly being afforded greater reign either."

If Paul actually took as much time to listen to his customers requirements them I am sure he would still be here, all too often the pick up over dead weight would come up as an issue, base line if someone asks for a 2.10' bat they don't want a 2.13/14' bat that in another persons opinion picks up 2.10 end of.  But that said Paul's bats are well made and finished impeccably, so if you get the correct weight you will be happy.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: jamesisapayne on February 18, 2017, 11:07:53 PM
Having worked in magazine publishing for years, I'm always very, very sceptical about any sort of impartiality surrounding test results or awards.

It's a shame as it would be nice to look on the results with an open mind, but having seen how much of an influence advertising revenue has across a magazine's copy and editorial stance I haven't bought a mag for years.

Take that as you will, but personally I'm taking the guide results with a fairly substantial pinch of salt.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Gurujames on February 18, 2017, 11:15:43 PM
It makes no sense. Just comparing the SF and the GN velocity. The SF scores higher in every category and is £15 cheaper, yet it is rated as worse value for money.
Also, I have seen 3 Macers  and they have all been abosolute planks. Even worse than both MSR's I've owned.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: The Cricket Boutique on February 18, 2017, 11:38:26 PM
We were in talks with The Cricketer for quite some time and the boutique section was going to be from the bats we stock. Slightly closer to the time of sorting the format we received information about advertising costs for the brands that were going to be involved. Shortly after this we didn't hear much about doing the gear guide anymore.

We have a lekka helmet neck guard that we are testing at the moment. So far quality looks good but we will see after more nets
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Rahul_K on February 19, 2017, 04:13:29 PM
Just seen that,  £9.95 including world wide delivery and buy one get one free?  Doesn't say what helmet the neck guards are for. Hmm.

You guys really do write your own punchlines.

Lekka? It must be rubbish, right?

No wonder this place is a laughing stock.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Rahul_K on February 19, 2017, 04:19:29 PM
"Aldred left because the attitude of some on here was the final straw for him. Considering the time he had taken to write pieces and make videos for the benefit of this place, some people were just rude. He was never comfortable with certain other sponsors seemingly being afforded greater reign either."

If Paul actually took as much time to listen to his customers requirements them I am sure he would still be here, all too often the pick up over dead weight would come up as an issue, base line if someone asks for a 2.10' bat they don't want a 2.13/14' bat that in another persons opinion picks up 2.10 end of.  But that said Paul's bats are well made and finished impeccably, so if you get the correct weight you will be happy.

Tell me, how many times do you have evidence of it happening? Note, evidence, not conjecture. I've bought 2 bats from him. Both arrived at weight requested.

Weren't Laver notorious for supplying overweight bats and then blaming it on some magical occurance on the flight overseas? Yet because they've now 'solved' this issue (bought new, accurate scales), it's all good?

Wasn't there fanfare about a new B3 bat that has 48mm edges, yet anyone who ordered one under 3 pounds got one with 40 mm edges?

Be critical, goodness it should be encouraged, but also be consistent.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: adb club cricketer on February 19, 2017, 04:23:58 PM
One thing surprising from the bats list is that there are 5 newbery models in it and it doesn't include the Kudos2, which apparently came tops in the rankings a year or two ago...I guess it is more to do with advertising or with the particular bat specimens that the testers used, whilst offering not much useful info to the buyer...
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: RoCo Da Pixie on February 19, 2017, 04:26:00 PM
You guys really do write your own punchlines.

Lekka? It must be rubbish, right?

No wonder this place is a laughing stock.

@Rahul_K If this place is a laughing stock why sign up and care what people say about brands?
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Vitas Cricket on February 19, 2017, 04:28:10 PM
Tell me, how many times do you have evidence of it happening? Note, evidence, not conjecture. I've bought 2 bats from him. Both arrived at weight requested.

Weren't Laver notorious for supplying overweight bats and then blaming it on some magical occurance on the flight overseas? Yet because they've now 'solved' this issue (bought new, accurate scales), it's all good?

Wasn't there fanfare about a new B3 bat that has 48mm edges, yet anyone who ordered one under 3 pounds got one with 40 mm edges?

Be critical, goodness it should be encouraged, but also be consistent.

Mel is one of two customers who happened to be in our shop at the same time. Both had asked for Aldred bats at 2'10. When we weighed both of their bats they were both almost 2'15. Mel has all the photographic/email evidence should you need it, including a flat denial from Aldred that he had made the bat smaller after it was sent back for a weight reduction and arrived back to Mel still heavier than 2'10 but trimmed down from the toe to be approx the same size as a Harrow.

I'm sure @ursmasti still recalls his experience of asking for 2'7s and being sent 2'11s.

I've currently got a bat in for repair that's 2'12 without a grip or binding. Admittedly this is a huge bat and I don't know what weight the buyer asked Aldred to make it.

All bats I've seen have been made and finished superbly, weight seems to be the consistent sticking point with many of the people I've come across.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: adb club cricketer on February 19, 2017, 04:39:23 PM
... weight seems to be the consistent sticking point with many of the people I've come across.

And weight is top criteria for many buyers. If weight is not an issue and allowed to go 2-15 or so, then one can get a G3/G4 SS TON (for e.g.)  that will ping like a cannon whilst still quite cheap...The challenge in making a top quality bat is to get a top performing bat at a light weight/at the same weight as the buyer wants.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Rahul_K on February 19, 2017, 04:41:43 PM
Mel is one of two customers who happened to be in our shop at the same time. Both had asked for Aldred bats at 2'10. When we weighed both of their bats they were both almost 2'15. Mel has all the photographic/email evidence should you need it, including a flat denial from Aldred that he had made the bat smaller after it was sent back for a weight reduction and arrived back to Mel still heavier than 2'10 but trimmed down from the toe to be approx the same size as a Harrow.

I'm sure @ursmasti still recalls his experience of asking for 2'7s and being sent 2'11s.

I've currently got a bat in for repair that's 2'12 without a grip or binding. Admittedly this is a huge bat and I don't know what weight the buyer asked Aldred to make it.

All bats I've seen have been made and finished superbly, weight seems to be the consistent sticking point with many of the people I've come across.

So...one example then.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Rahul_K on February 19, 2017, 04:46:06 PM
@Rahul_K If this place is a laughing stock why sign up and care what people say about brands?

Because I've followed this place for long enough to remember when it wasn't. When the two grandest arbiters of respect were not, as today, post count and how many threads beginning with 'my new...' you have, but instead those people who actually understood the industry.

It's is a genuine shame that the only flurries of activity on here now are when someone dares to express a contraversial opinion.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Gurujames on February 19, 2017, 05:00:21 PM
I asked Paul for a bat in the 'Supreme' profile with a lightish pick up. That's what he gave me. Albeit the dead weight was 2lb 12oz. Pick up is subjective and I challenge anyone to accurately guess a bat's dead weight. Additionally, virtually every Review I read about peoples' new bats claims the pick up 3oz lighter than its dead weight, therefore, if someone asks for a 2lb10oz they should be made a 2lb13oz, then it will surely feel as they wanted and not too light.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Rahul_K on February 19, 2017, 05:05:28 PM
I asked Paul for a bat in the 'Supreme' profile with a lightish pick up. That's what he gave me. Albeit the dead weight was 2lb 12oz. Pick up is subjective and I challenge anyone to accurately guess a bat's dead weight. Additionally, virtually every Review I read about peoples' new bats claims the pick up 3oz lighter than its dead weight, therefore, if someone asks for a 2lb10oz they should be made a 2lb13oz, then it will surely feel as they wanted and not too light.

I like what you've done there.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Mel Jessop on February 19, 2017, 05:38:30 PM
Nope, if you ask for a 2.10' then a 2.10' u should get, as it was I didn't actually ask for any particular weight, I was shown several ready made bats and told the weight of the one I particularly liked the look of, I was told it was 2.10', I therefore expected it to be the weight I had been told!  Is that not a reasonable expectation?

Paul did take the bat back (at my expense) and reduce the weight, when I got it back it felt much better, but something appeared wrong, then I put the bat alongside another bat, the blade was now the same length as a warbird but without the longer handle!  I felt pretty upset at that attempt to pull the wool over my eyes tbh, I returned the bat (again at my expense) for a refund, now I have not until now shared my experience with anybody other than Jake on here but felt I needed to explain alittle of where I am coming from when I posted last night.

It was a real shame as I loved the shape of the spectre and the finish was impeccable with a great ping, but nearly 5oz extra would take its toll during a longer innings for sure.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Gurujames on February 19, 2017, 05:46:49 PM
Didn't know that. In that case it's a bit poor really. Sorry you had that experience.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Rahul_K on February 19, 2017, 06:07:51 PM
Nope, if you ask for a 2.10' then a 2.10' u should get, as it was I didn't actually ask for any particular weight, I was shown several ready made bats and told the weight of the one I particularly liked the look of, I was told it was 2.10', I therefore expected it to be the weight I had been told!  Is that not a reasonable expectation?

Paul did take the bat back (at my expense) and reduce the weight, when I got it back it felt much better, but something appeared wrong, then I put the bat alongside another bat, the blade was now the same length as a warbird but without the longer handle!  I felt pretty upset at that attempt to pull the wool over my eyes tbh, I returned the bat (again at my expense) for a refund, now I have not until now shared my experience with anybody other than Jake on here but felt I needed to explain alittle of where I am coming from when I posted last night.

It was a real shame as I loved the shape of the spectre and the finish was impeccable with a great ping, but nearly 5oz extra would take its toll during a longer innings for sure.

Again, one person's experience. Are there more to justify the ' AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH he makes bats half a pound heavier than requested AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH' position that the forum takes?
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 19, 2017, 06:10:10 PM
ffs, I had 4 bats.. I asked for 2.9 and all were 2.12. The bats were lovely, pinged well but he weight was just not what I asked for (sure you could reduce their weight but they'd then be small bats and why would I buy a small bat ?

Sadly, it put me off promoting his stuff in glos. I'm sure if you get one live then it'll be as good as any
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Rahul_K on February 19, 2017, 06:15:09 PM
ffs, I had 4 bats.. I asked for 2.9 and all were 2.12. The bats were lovely, pinged well but he weight was just not what I asked for (sure you could reduce their weight but they'd then be small bats and why would I buy a small bat ?

Sadly, it put me off promoting his stuff in glos. I'm sure if you get one live then it'll be as good as any

Do you have evidence of this or are you going to get someone to post for you that you haven't turned up because you are ill.

Two years running.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: RoCo Da Pixie on February 19, 2017, 06:19:11 PM
Do you have evidence of this or are you going to get someone to post for you that you haven't turned up because you are ill.

Two years running.

I am guessing you're a long time member here. Did your old account get banned? Now you've come back as Rahul?
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Bwcc on February 19, 2017, 06:28:10 PM
You're really looking for a fight tonight aren't you @Rahul_K
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Alvaro on February 19, 2017, 06:31:43 PM
The good thing about this guide is the discount code in the end matter.

 
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Bwcc on February 19, 2017, 06:43:42 PM
@Alvaro  tell me more...
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Rahul_K on February 19, 2017, 06:45:02 PM
I am guessing you're a long time member here. Did your old account get banned? Now you've come back as Rahul?

Guess what you like  :D
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Rahul_K on February 19, 2017, 06:45:53 PM
You're really looking for a fight tonight aren't you @Rahul_K

Just looking to cut through the hypocracy :D

The fight will come from those who take issue with that.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Alvaro on February 19, 2017, 06:56:53 PM
@Alvaro  tell me more...

There's a serious cricket code and I needed some new club stash...
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: smilley792 on February 19, 2017, 07:02:30 PM
There's a serious cricket code and I needed some new club stash...

Does it work yet?
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: mcgill123 on February 19, 2017, 07:29:22 PM
So...one example then.
I've only had one Aldred, asked for 2lb 8/9 oz got 2lb 12oz but other matters during the sale were even more deceitful, put me off buying from him again suffice to say that he cemented my theory of never trusting anybody.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: roco on February 19, 2017, 07:43:25 PM
You go for a walk and miss all the fun

Personally had 3 Aldreds all what I asked for and all comms and everything great with 3 great bats
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: geeders on February 19, 2017, 07:45:03 PM
You guys really do write your own punchlines.

Lekka? It must be rubbish, right?

No wonder this place is a laughing stock.

£2.99 on eBay for a lekka neck guard including shipping from Bangkok.

I have no comment on the quality or materials but as a safety critical piece of equipment I'd have my doubts.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: ursmasti on February 19, 2017, 07:48:37 PM
I've only had one Aldred, asked for 2lb 8/9 oz got 2lb 12oz but other matters during the sale were even more deceitful, put me off buying from him again suffice to say that he cemented my theory of never trusting anybody.
Msg from paul when i asked for 2.7 bat --. these are actual words of paul --- Other thing I meant to say was if you want 2-7 feel you want 2-10 dead weight ....  @Vitas Cricket dont sell me 2.10 bats and say they feel 2.7 😂😝😀
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: fromthehip on February 19, 2017, 07:51:19 PM
Can't get the ss style glove at £24.99 from woodworm have I missed a secret code...?
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Alvaro on February 19, 2017, 09:36:50 PM
You go for a walk and miss all the fun

Personally had 3 Aldreds all what I asked for and all comms and everything great with 3 great bats

What weight bats do you generally use?
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: roco on February 19, 2017, 09:40:13 PM
2lb11-13 long blade

Must say haven't weighed any of them as I go by feel

I can understand if weight is important to someone it needs to be spot on
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Alvaro on February 19, 2017, 10:02:51 PM
Yeah - there's no doubt Alfred makes a great 2.12 bat
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: smilley792 on February 19, 2017, 10:18:53 PM
You go for a walk and miss all the fun

Personally had 3 Aldreds all what I asked for and all comms and everything great with 3 great bats

I asked for an Aldred grade 3 in a weight between 2.12-13. It arrived bang on 2.12. Unfortunately it picked up very light which felt like a twig to me.
I sold it on to a guy that seemed very happy with his purchase.

Not Paul's fault I couldn't get on with it, I asked for dead weight and got it. The bat was well made and pinged lovely.



Currently I use between 2.14 and 2.15. I don't bat for long so dead weight and fitness don't really count for me. So if someone can make me a 3.2 bat that picks up and feels 2.15 that would be perfect please?
Where's Paul's email.........
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: jd163 on February 19, 2017, 10:36:12 PM
Paul struggled to get an adult size bat under 2-10 till last year.. i saw a lot of full profiled bats around 2-7 or 2-9 recently.
I agree with most of the Aldred bat owners on the weight vs pickup thing but his craftmanship is one the best i have seen.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: jd163 on February 19, 2017, 10:39:07 PM
Currently I use between 2.14 and 2.15. I don't bat for long so dead weight and fitness don't really count for me. So if someone can make me a 3.2 bat that picks up and feels 2.15 that would be perfect please?
Where's Paul's email.........

Give GN 50+ a try.. those pick exceptionally well almost 3oz lighter.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: procricket on February 19, 2017, 10:58:12 PM
Paul struggled to get an adult size bat under 2-10 till last year.. i saw a lot of full profiled bats around 2-7 or 2-9 recently.
I agree with most of the Aldred bat owners on the weight vs pickup thing but his craftmanship is one the best i have seen.

Got to love his new website I have nothing against him bats I have seen have been good and there now doubt he has passion,

he wrote this

"CNC shaping accounts for the majority of all other UK produced cricket bats, reducing hand operated processes and individual treatment of the cleft, blade and bat, i.e. mass production". (I know this statement is a crock of pony).

followed by this rather bizarre statement

" With the majority of cricket bats now being made on machines the beauty of hand made bats is that you can have the bat made with concaving, big edges or truly traditional shapes but with the perfect pick up and ultimate performance regardless of the grade of willow you choose".

(So does this statement read you cant have a part shaped machine made bat with big edges or traditional shape or concaving or a perfect pick up or ultimate performance) I think TK,B3 and many others will disagree.


This is why I'm glad I'm away from the industry at current as much animosity with each other I suspect the margins are getting smaller the pie is cracking with so many vultures.

No cricket bat is totally hand made not one and if it is good luck- bat pressing..

anyway the bats I have seen of his look and played well and the users where happy good luck to him I say...
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: roco on February 20, 2017, 06:10:44 AM
Yeah - there's no doubt Alfred makes a great 2.12 bat

Must do as more than happy with with mine

This is a lot like trip advisor on here lately

Take things with a pinch of salt.Everyone posts a bad experience few post the good ones

I e had some horrible experiences with brands on here from being told 35mm edges and concaving was big for a 2lb14 long blade to being told a straight line is a curve but I just take my business elsewhere if not happy
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: JTtaylor145 on February 20, 2017, 08:39:01 AM
I'm not an overly active forum member but I must say I'm a bit disappointed with some of the posts on this section. Nobody is having a pop at the quality of Aldred's bats. I've had three bats from Paul and the standard of finishing on them are excellent but there are downsides to having a bat from Paul. He will generally make the bat for you that he wants to. I wouldn't describe him as 'overly' customer service orientated and in this day and age he will no doubt have lost some customers to other brands with his sometimes prickly responses. Now, Paul may not care too much as he is very busy and clearly doing well as a bat maker. Paul is a very fine bat maker but you may wish to go elsewhere if you want a truly custom bat made for you. If you buy an Aldred you will get a fine bat but it won't be tailor-made necessarily to your exact specifications. 
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Kulli on February 20, 2017, 08:40:49 AM
I'm not an overly active forum member but I must say I'm a bit disappointed with some of the posts on this section. Nobody is having a pop at the quality of Aldred's bats. I've had three bats from Paul and the standard of finishing on them are excellent but there are downsides to having a bat from Paul. He will generally make the bat for you that he wants to. I wouldn't describe him as 'overly' customer service orientated and in this day and age he will no doubt have lost some customers to other brands with his sometimes prickly responses. Now, Paul may not care too much as he is very busy and clearly doing well as a bat maker. Paul is a very fine bat maker but you may wish to go elsewhere if you want a truly custom bat made for you. If you buy an Aldred you will get a fine bat but it won't be tailor-made necessarily to your exact specifications.

This is exactly how I'd have put it.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: roco on February 20, 2017, 09:08:13 AM
I'm not an overly active forum member but I must say I'm a bit disappointed with some of the posts on this section. Nobody is having a pop at the quality of Aldred's bats. I've had three bats from Paul and the standard of finishing on them are excellent but there are downsides to having a bat from Paul. He will generally make the bat for you that he wants to. I wouldn't describe him as 'overly' customer service orientated and in this day and age he will no doubt have lost some customers to other brands with his sometimes prickly responses. Now, Paul may not care too much as he is very busy and clearly doing well as a bat maker. Paul is a very fine bat maker but you may wish to go elsewhere if you want a truly custom bat made for you. If you buy an Aldred you will get a fine bat but it won't be tailor-made necessarily to your exact specifications.

I couldn't really agree as my specs are not in norm with double binding long blade bow shape etc but always seem to get what ive asked for and know quite a few that have

so you can get a fully custom bat from paul but like other makers sometimes they mess up and are not happy when questioned about it as ive had this with some on here that have been lauded for there customer service

perception is king as I find paul easy to get on with but can see why others would take him wrong way
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: Kulli on February 20, 2017, 09:17:37 AM
Aldred seems to be the star of this topic for the wrong reasons sadly; I searched for the word "Aldred" in the guide but could not find it! If his brand is not even listed in the guide why not leave him alone and stick to the subject and the brands / products in the guide?

did you read the topic when doing your search?
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: smilley792 on February 20, 2017, 09:29:30 AM
"The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here..."

Did I miss something @Kulli?

He said topic, not topic title.
Title: Re: The Cricketer Good Gear Guide 2017...download here...
Post by: avkrish on February 20, 2017, 09:45:05 AM
He said topic, not topic title.

Oh!!! Ok, I have removed my posts on this topic.