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Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: billyb on January 19, 2018, 07:19:15 PM

Title: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: billyb on January 19, 2018, 07:19:15 PM
Answers on a postcard!
Considering a Kook small mens or GM Academy this season, but I'm a little hesitant.
Has anyone used one before?
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: InternalTraining on January 19, 2018, 08:24:35 PM
Heavier weights in those sizes are hard to come by. I suspect the reason prices are low for those bats is because bat-makers choose smaller clefts that are unusable for larger bats. Downsizing a larger cleft to a smaller bat might not cost effective.

The other thing I have noticed is getting the balance right in a smaller, heavier bat. It'd be hard to do it without a high spine or a much thicker evenly spread mass which again leads to a big cleft reduced to fit the size. Hence, costly.

I hate Laver now because they were the first to tout the bat sizing tool but he did make me an amazing size-6 in a 3lb weight...I got a cracker of a cleft too ...could be a Signature worthy cleft but it is stickered as a Reserve.

Because of my tennis-elbow, I will be using a 2-8, size 6 bat in the nets in pre-season. They are fun little bats to whip around. :D
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: billyb on January 20, 2018, 08:43:02 PM
Interesting. I might just have to bite the bullet and see! I netted with a harrow a couple of years ago and I was able to time the ball so much better, but assumed I was just playing well... Maybe it's time to have another look.
The prices are really, really reasonable too.
£180 for Kahuna Pro or Blaze Pro (2018)
£200 for a GM Zelos Original.
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: jayralh on January 20, 2018, 09:02:43 PM
@billyb I am not sure if I am allowed to say it here but I got GM Chrome 909 brand new.

If not allowed to sell please warn me once.

Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: Smmatle1 on January 20, 2018, 09:28:12 PM
Interesting. I might just have to bite the bullet and see! I netted with a harrow a couple of years ago and I was able to time the ball so much better, but assumed I was just playing well... Maybe it's time to have another look.
The prices are really, really reasonable too.
£180 for Kahuna Pro or Blaze Pro (2018)
£200 for a GM Zelos Original.


Onyx pro small mens £149
https://www.3dsports.co.uk/2016-kookaburra-onyx-junior-pro-cricket-bat.html (https://www.3dsports.co.uk/2016-kookaburra-onyx-junior-pro-cricket-bat.html)

Zelos original academy £189 (they did have a chrome original for £164...I was tempted but now sold out).
http://www.morrant.com/cricket_bats/gunn__moore_zelos_original_cricket_bat_academy/161404_p.html (http://www.morrant.com/cricket_bats/gunn__moore_zelos_original_cricket_bat_academy/161404_p.html)

I have one of the old style newbery 7 academy bats (player grade back then, the newer models i think are lower grades) it's a decent size 2'8.5lbs and the performance is good. As previous poster mentioned it maybe harder to balance...mine certainly feels quite bottom heavy. Width as with most academy bats is 4mm narrower but I don't notice it. IJC do a video review of the old version.
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: beaver5 on January 20, 2018, 09:42:57 PM
I have a harrow H4L nv that I used as my match bat for 2 seasons. It's 2.8 with 2 1/2 grips and goes very well. The minimal width difference isn't noticeable, it's just in your head! It's a g1 and cost just £125. So significant saving for no realistic difference in performance.
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: jayralh on January 20, 2018, 10:00:25 PM
Interesting. I might just have to bite the bullet and see! I netted with a harrow a couple of years ago and I was able to time the ball so much better, but assumed I was just playing well... Maybe it's time to have another look.
The prices are really, really reasonable too.
£180 for Kahuna Pro or Blaze Pro (2018)
£200 for a GM Zelos Original.

(http://i68.tinypic.com/2dadapd.jpg)
If you interested.
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: billyb on January 20, 2018, 11:43:44 PM
Cheers for the recommendations chaps, I looked at the Newbery 7 a few seasons ago, but I had an absolute aberration of a Mjolnir SPS a few years back that put me off them (asked for 2lb 7oz, got 2lb 13oz).
That Zelos deal is tasty.
Looks like a nice stick @jayralh, what's the profile on a Chrome like?
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: Nmcgee on January 21, 2018, 07:25:19 AM
I love my SM Impala. About 2.6. Well worth trying out and seeing if it works for you.

(http://u.cubeupload.com/Noodlesmcgee/34C3940659224AA1A34D.jpeg)
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: Six Sixes Cricket on January 21, 2018, 08:06:48 AM
Interesting. I might just have to bite the bullet and see! I netted with a harrow a couple of years ago and I was able to time the ball so much better, but assumed I was just playing well... Maybe it's time to have another look.
The prices are really, really reasonable too.
£180 for Kahuna Pro or Blaze Pro (2018)
£200 for a GM Zelos Original.
Kook also do a kahuna 1000 in small adults as well
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: jayralh on January 21, 2018, 08:15:18 AM
Cheers for the recommendations chaps, I looked at the Newbery 7 a few seasons ago, but I had an absolute aberration of a Mjolnir SPS a few years back that put me off them (asked for 2lb 7oz, got 2lb 13oz).
That Zelos deal is tasty.
Looks like a nice stick @jayralh, what's the profile on a Chrome like?
https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/GM-Chrome-909-Cricket-bat-Grade-1-brand-new/173103661850?hash=item284dc8431a:g:jRkAAOSwVRtaXleb

Edges are actually 35 not 37. You can do with second grip and good to go.
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: billyb on January 21, 2018, 08:48:04 AM
https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/GM-Chrome-909-Cricket-bat-Grade-1-brand-new/173103661850?hash=item284dc8431a:g:jRkAAOSwVRtaXleb

Edges are actually 35 not 37. You can do with second grip and good to go.

Sorry buddy, I'm after a small men's instead of a harrow! Thanks though.

A slightly shorter blade Kook sounds mighty tempting! I didn't realise they did them. Do they do Ghosts as well?

Only the Kahuna and Blaze this year I think!
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: Smmatle1 on January 21, 2018, 02:18:07 PM
Found that kook onyx pro small men's cheaper. They also mention weights between 2'8.5 and 2'10.5. £129.99

https://seriouscricket.co.uk/equipment/clearance/kookaburra-onyx-pro-junior-cricket-bat-2016/ (https://seriouscricket.co.uk/equipment/clearance/kookaburra-onyx-pro-junior-cricket-bat-2016/)

I'm also tempted by the kook kahuna 2000 small men's for £89.99!

https://www.3dsports.co.uk/2016-kookaburra-kahuna-2000-junior-cricket-bat.html (https://www.3dsports.co.uk/2016-kookaburra-kahuna-2000-junior-cricket-bat.html)
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: billyb on June 07, 2018, 12:12:56 AM
I thought I would offer an update on how the 'Small Adult' experiment went.
I will qualify by saying that I've only played a couple of games with it, so if I had time to give it longer there is a slim chance it could work for me.

However, I don't think it will make a difference.

My Blaze is very light, at around 2/4 I think, and ultimately it is too light. It seriously lacks the power to make big shots, especially with my limited muscles.
I've been out twice now basically due to the bat (.... kind of) - both times I've been caught short by the lack of 'go' after timing it well. I found the increased vibrations through the handle really frustrating too- it made it feel flimsy when batting against a not-very-sharp bowler.

Whilst my RPC is very, very dead, it is for me at the moment a better bat. In the future I'd probably look to go for a SH at around 2 10 to see what having a little extra weight could do for my batting. I miss the power!

I think there is probably a place for small adults bats, but unfortunately it isn't my kitbag.
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: InternalTraining on June 07, 2018, 12:39:10 AM
I have never understood (nor accepted) the romance with small/light weight bats. They simply don't pack a punch. PRos who are able to use them effectively basically hit the middle everytime which is not possible for clubbies. At minimum you need a 2-8 bat but with a tremendous muscle power/bat speed.

With weights 2-10 and up, you can develop your reflexes by practicing in the nets as well as lifting some weights. :D Once you have sorted out the muscle, reflexes, getting-in-position-quickly issues, these bats are a lot of fun. :)

Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: skip1973 on June 07, 2018, 02:00:00 AM
I have never understood the need for people to offer advice on things they clearly have very limited knowledge on.
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: InternalTraining on June 07, 2018, 04:40:48 AM
I have never understand the need for people to act holier than thou know-it-alls and offer nothing! 2-4 to 2-6 bats are not punchy and useless! Maybe you love to compete against little school kids and use their 2-4/2-6 bats.

Why don't you sit their quietly on your perch and look skippy.
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: skip1973 on June 07, 2018, 05:49:43 AM
Read post above.
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on June 07, 2018, 11:16:47 AM
2lb 4oz to 2lb 6oz adult bats are very rare but I disagree with the comment of light weight bats don't pack punch. Personally speaking I have used bats between 2.7 and 2.9 most of my playing career of 20 years I'm not a small bloke but as an opening bat I like lighter bats. However I have sent the ball as far with thee weights I use as those that use 2.12

Thee argument for me isn't valid as it's like people say that bigger edge bats hit further than old 15mm edge bats well Viv Richards and botham etc hit as far then as pro,s do now and clubbies are the same

What you are basically saying is in your opinion light weight bats don't pack a punch which for the way you bat etc may be the case but from my knowledge and playing experience I can time the ball and get it to the fence or over it as far as some others who slog the ball just depends what your bat preference is
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: Seniorplayer on June 07, 2018, 11:34:51 AM
have a GN pro performance at 2lb 4 ounce  with 11 grains it pings makes a lovely soft sound as well also have a 2lb 4 ounce GN prestige with correct timing  the ball flys of it.
Brought a GN SH at 2lb 7 ounce and cut 3/4 of the bottom to make a small men's blade now 2lb 6 ounce  and that starts to  pings from close to the bottom of bat.
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: Neon Cricket on June 07, 2018, 11:40:33 AM
have a GN pro performance at 2lb 4 ounce  with 11 grains it pings makes a lovely sort sound as well also have a 2lb 4 ounce GN prestige with correct timing  the ball flys of it.

I didn't realise GN made pro performance bats in academy size? Must be a rare bat that one - 2lb 4oz is incredibly light (too light to make anything of much use full size that's for sure!)
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: Six Sixes Cricket on June 07, 2018, 12:17:56 PM
We have small mens/academy bats in store from GM & Kook. All weigh around the 2.4lb mark. These bats are not big, they are probably smaller than the harrows we have. If your looking for a massive bat for a light weight then these are not for you.
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: InternalTraining on June 07, 2018, 12:45:41 PM
Read post above.

Obviously your reading comprehension is suspect which is why you are not getting what I wrote. It was meant for you. :D
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: billyb on June 07, 2018, 03:18:04 PM
Are you seriously arguing?  :D

I've also used 2/7, 2/8 bats throughout my career, and they do just fine for me. My point is that 2/4 is too light for me- it really lacks the power. For a junior, this is a fantastic bat, it pings all over.
For me though, I need something a little bit more substantial, unfortunately! I tried it though. I'm sure for someone else 2/4 is perfect, but I don't have the skill/ability/strength to do much damage with it.
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: Dooey__ on June 07, 2018, 09:14:20 PM
lol this argument is incredibly futile, I'm a very average sized chap and used bats from 2.6-2.12.

as long as the bat is well made (and you time it) they go?? I'm using a BB which came out at just over 2.7 fully finished, and goes like any other "proper" weight bats.

I also used to use a 2.7 CA which was a remarkable bat! So I'm not buying any of this nonsense 
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: InternalTraining on June 08, 2018, 01:43:56 AM
I have yet to meet a 2-6 bat that went like a 2-10+ bat!

I can see a 2-7 CA being great since they make amazing bats despite the moaning you hear from some corners. :D
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: Gurujames on June 08, 2018, 06:52:34 AM
I have yet to meet a 2-6 bat that went like a 2-10+ bat!

I can see a 2-7 CA being great since they make amazing bats despite the moaning you hear from some corners. :D
I had a 2.6 that was at least as good as many of my heavier bats. Possibly the biggest straight six I have ever hit was when using this bat too.
I used a 2.6 to many many years and scored/av raged far higher and ban I do now. My strike rate was higher too.
Bat speed and timing should never be discounted.
Title: Re: Are Small Mens/Academy bats actually any good?
Post by: billyb on June 08, 2018, 10:43:29 AM
I'm not talking about a 2/6 or 2/7 bat though, am I? That's my normal weight and I can play just fine with those, no complaints.

I'm saying that the Small Mens 2/4 is a bit of a compromise in performance, unfortunately, in my opinion. It would be a phenomenal bat for a junior though, seriously! 

That's the point of the experiment.

We should get forumites to test it out at a net session to see what they think! (Donations to the Billy Bat Fund)