Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Cricket Manufacturers / Brands => Stretton Fox => Topic started by: Calzehbhoy on March 24, 2018, 10:56:50 AM
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https://instagram.com/p/BgqjFOklflI/ (https://instagram.com/p/BgqjFOklflI/)
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My lord they could save some pain
His inbox is going to be flooded now
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Great idea
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After 2 years? 3?
This is how slow and backwards cricket gear industry really is! Something simple as a shoe toe guard has taken this long to market.
What happened to the revolutionary gloves? Pads?
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After 2 years? 3?
This is how slow and backwards cricket gear industry really is! Something simple as a shoe toe guard has taken this long to market.
What happened to the revolutionary gloves? Pads?
If it that backward as you put it why have you not come up with something!
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@InternalTraining have you dealt with George before?
He’s a perfectionist, he wouldn’t make something available until he was completely satisfied that the product was the best that it could be!
He’s also a very busy man
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After 2 years? 3?
This is how slow and backwards cricket gear industry really is! Something simple as a shoe toe guard has taken this long to market.
What happened to the revolutionary gloves? Pads?
Stop sitting behind your keyboard and moaning and instead get out there and change it.
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My samples arrived this morning 👍
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If it that backward as you put it why have you not come up with something!
Yup, that's how bad things are!
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After 2 years? 3?
This is how slow and backwards cricket gear industry really is! Something simple as a shoe toe guard has taken this long to market.
What happened to the revolutionary gloves? Pads?
The pads were made as a joke to show that you didn’t need anything other than fresh air to protect your legs
He’s involved in many other industries, most of which are frankly more exciting and almost certainly more lucrative than cricket
It still amazes me that someone with the talent and vision that George has even wastes his time with cricket when he cops criticism like this, and no doubt when a product does arrive to market the first thing that will happen is someone will ask him for a discount...
He does it (like so many of us) because he has a passion for cricket. If/when his products arrive I welcome them with open arms.
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Well said Jacob 👌
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It still amazes me that someone with the talent and vision that George has even wastes his time with cricket when he cops criticism like this, and no doubt when a product does arrive to market the first thing that will happen is someone will ask him for a discount...
Part-timers are ruining the sport for all of us. I agree.
Where are the pros? GM? GN? NB?
That's why I keep saying that cricket industry is a giant scam. They don't provide what people need, and what they provide is nothing better than shiny stickers. This scam will continue unless consumers speak up which they don't.
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The issue with the cricket market is it isn’t subsepable to change, innovation is slow to be embraced and even brand new products are discounted.
People are in it for the love of the game not to make their millions.
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Still waiting for the day you bring out your revolutionary velocity-bow-weight-swing-6-3-ping-rebound-o-meter @InternalTraining ! Don't know why you're taking your time over it so much tbh, only reason nobody's done it already is because cricket companies are too lazy or too busy designing new stickers right?
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Hello everyone!
Crikey it's been too long since I've been on this forum, I do apologise.
Bit of a crazy year or 2, working on a massive cycle helmet project that is finally (blooming hope so) coming into production. Had a stroke, that was a bit crap and stopped most things for a few months, and bespoke orders are so busy that theres not really time available to do anything else!
Toe guards are basically something I've wanted to do as no one else seems to have bothered, especially as so many people are wearing the most lightweight shoes I've seen which offer very little or no defence against cricket balls.
Pads, gloves, all those good things are pretty well covered for now, so with the small amount of time available I wanted to just add into an area where there appears to be a need, especially since copping one right on the end of the foot in January, that was the last straw :)
Again, apologies for the delay and huge amount of time, no excuses really it does only take a few mins to log on.
You guys are awesome, very kind words and it's forums like this that can actually come up with the topics to provoke change in the industry so keep being your nice selves!
George
PS Tom, let us know how you get on you're a week or 2 ahead of all the other testers. Of course it's not that I thought I could let you get injured before anyone else just in case they're pants!! :) Speak soon!
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@InternalTraining .....i dont get the stretton fox hate . If George has been busy , ill , etc or even if he simply had other priorities then the only issue is we consumers/fans have to wait longer for new s.f gear....so what ? Thats my/our issue if we are so impatient.
George has been more creative in bringing new tech to the protection market then anyone else in recent memory and his thigh pads are less mainstream /conventional than anything on the market...and bespoke . And they are the only comparable alternative to remfrys . Thats providing the cricket market with something (something creative , new , improved , different, all those things you were complaining about , that noone does ?) ? No ?
I had a knee/shin bolster issue with my morrant international batting pads ( i had options but none were totally to my satisfaction). George worked with me to come up with bespoke , custom , bulletproof , lightweight bolsters ....and now i have an awesome solution that is comfy ,super protective , unique (truly one of a kind) , and cool to look at . Who else could have done that other than stretton fox? George fills a void in the market and we should be happy to have such an option , no ?
Okay , so you didnt like a couple of his marketing moves , like the 'holey' batting pads and wifey bat labels. Fair enough, but its no biggie is it ?
I for one am sick of getting smashed toes from bowling machine yorkers....as are so many . NO other company is willing to try to solve the problem , so shouldn't George get some kudos for that at least ?
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Is there a row on this thread, let me see who's involved..................
Oh.
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@InternalTraining .....i dont get the stretton fox hate .
@InternalTraining . Don't take all of this personal. It's not your fault.
You get 'offended' and think we all owe you something. It's a generation thing.
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@InternalTraining . Don't take all of this personal. It's not your fault.
You get 'offended' and think we all owe you something. It's a generation thing.
What he said
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I thought it was just a lack of tact from InternalTraining.
Regardless, keep up the good work @StrettonFox Sports! I love seeing your designs come to fruition.
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George has had a stroke for God's sake!
Basically a small heart attack.
Throw the chap a freakin' bone...
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Probably not a generation thing per say, more someone just being a knob.
Good to see you going well again, George. Strokes are horrible things so awesome that you’ve made a good recovery! Everything you put seems to be massively worth the wait anyway so keep up the top work!
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@Biggie Smalls not hate just calling out "cheeky" marketing which makes "revolutionary" claims but delivers nothing.
@Jaffa , "generational"? HAHA. How about truthful and from rumors I hear, more truthful than some people I hear. :D
Look folks, no need to get teary eyed or emotional. You will get better products from the vendors when you change your behavior and mindset. You guys act like these vendors are doing you a favor. You are used to "Sir, can I have some more porridge" mindset. And porridge you get. It IS your money and you are paying FULL retail prices most of the time. DEMAND better products and services. Enough of this "village" consumer mind set that shop-keeper will shoo you away if you ask for more. Sometimes I feel, this is like a "Doc Martin" episode. :D
Remember, ask for better products. Right now, we, cricket consumers have a pretty sub-standard market. Until, we consumers, demand better, we will get the same old "porridge". You are easy customers. :D If there were more than 12 of you, I'd get in this business myself. :D
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You know what pal I shall give up and just eat my porridge.
I do not use STRETTON but I respect the brand and the products and the bloke.
So when I go for my breakfast and ask my wife for porridge tomorrow I expect it to be porridge.
The brands are not vendors either there brands who use vendors to get there soft goods point of origin stuff. If your going to chat about industry stuff use the correct words and that’s from a illiterate bumpkin.
You want to know something have some manners mate
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Im wondering @InternalTraining .....legit questions here , not being a smart alec- what revolutionary changes /improvements can be made to more cricket products ?
Shoes are an area that has been very slow to gain advancements , but since sl22 boosts and paynters etc , perhaps we are on the way to getting actual running shoes with spikes....but there is the custom spiking route too , so we can get it if we want it .
Re bats , you cant add carbon handles or backing etc etc , and you cant expect too much advancement in size with new icc regs , but shapes like the b3 beluga are trying to maximise what we can out of a bat that fits through the gauge .
Re helmets , ayrtek are setting a great standard in looking for new advancements( tom even introduced a new style box recently !), and even masuri are trying to continuously improve. Geez, even moonwalkr tried a new concept recently.
Re thigh pads , chest and arm guards , we are well sorted with conventional offerings and stretton fox offer less conventional offerings of top quality.
Then concerning bags , duffles are slowly improving and there are wheelie offerings like wheeliecase if you need or want something totally different. The ecb nb wheelie is a great style and aero products set a high standard in my book .There are countless other brands and models of high quality for different needs and tastes. Basically , short of a self driving , remote controlled wheelie bag , I'm not sure how much advancement can be made in this area in the short term .
Re training equipment things have improved a bit in recent years. What i would have given for a catchet ramp or sky catcher as a kid ! Even traditional slips cradles made in molded plastics are way better than what was around in my youth . Then there is one advancement i know you are keen on since you own it yourself - the bola junior machine....how cool is that product ?! That was a great bit of advancement in portable bowling machine kit . Even things like sidearms , roboarm , and spingballs are all cool recent advancements .
So whats left ? Bating gloves and pads and keeping gloves and pads . Well you can always buy morrants or moonwalkr or aero if you want something super lightweight and different. The conventional offerings really do a good job though . Other than slowly whittling away at the weight by introducing new materials as they become available, i don't think they can reinvent the wheel . And thats another thing.... these companies are all dependent on new materials being developed and cant move any faster than tne parameters the materials development industry creates .
I think we arent doing too bad as consumers , but @InternalTraining, id like to hear what you feel we are missing out on .
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Im wondering @InternalTraining .....legit questions here , not being a smart alec- what revolutionary changes /improvements can be made to more cricket products ?
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I think we arent doing too bad as consumers , but @InternalTraining, id like to hear what you feel we are missing out on .
I think this is a great question! Forum like this should have OPEN dialog about what direction cricket gear/bats should take. We don't. People are either too scared, too content, or just too "traditional" to think out of the box.
I have been pretty vocal about products I like. Bola JR is a great example! Ayrtek helmet is another. Aero P1 leg guards are phenomenal!
I will respond in detail later.
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The brands are not vendors either there brands who use vendors to get there soft goods point of origin stuff. If your going to chat about industry stuff use the correct words and that’s from a illiterate bumpkin.
You want to know something have some manners mate
My original response to you is removed. Censorship. :D
Again, look at the big picture and put aside this litany about brands/vendors. I am sure you can come up with substance than nit picking verbiage.
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Nope i can not, I know a lot of people work hard for very little gains in the industry you poo-po quite a bit.
Your a guy with all the words and anwsers so i will leave you to figure it out.
In the meantime i will go and watch bats being made in the knowledge somebody somewhere is inventing a bat quality measuring system.
What does Verbiage is this a grade of williow.
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@StrettonFox Sports - Nice to see back on here. Pads I got from you is going pretty strong. Wanted to place another order. Email or PM? What works best for you?
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Aero P1 leg guards are phenomenal!
And yet this is a product that they can barely give away, their reps don’t even carry samples to show to retailers as they know that no-one buys them.
You talk about a revolutionary change to the industry and customers combining to make a difference and demand this change, but I’d wager you’re in a very small minority. I had one person in 6 years want to buy aero batting pads, and when I offered to get them in he changed his mind ‘oh I thought they’d be cheap as they look stupid’
No disprespect to Tom as I love ayrtek helmets and own one myself, but by its very nature it is a niche product.
From the above statements I’d say the overwhelming majority of the cricket buying public don’t share your view on the need to change/improve.
For your call for change to gain traction there needs to be an actual reason, a dissatisfaction. And whilst the majority are scoring boundaries with their bats and being reasonably well protected (it is a dangerous sport at the end of the day) than the demand from customers won’t be there even if there was some sort of magical revolutionary product improvement sat there waiting to go, if only some evil manufacturer just interested in money would take the chance on launching it.
You must also consider that the whole sport never mind just the cricket equipment industry is a very traditionalist one. Things are how they are and for the most part this is how they will be for the medium to long term. Many recent innovations have been met with short shrift from lawmakers. Carbon handles, laminated bats, graphite backed bats, bats bigger than a certain size, etc. Where’s the incentive for a manufacturer to think outside the box? In the back of their mind they know that it will probably get outlawed.
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@Biggie Smalls not hate just calling out "cheeky" marketing which makes "revolutionary" claims but delivers nothing.
@Jaffa , "generational"? HAHA. How about truthful and from rumors I hear, more truthful than some people I hear. :D
Look folks, no need to get teary eyed or emotional. You will get better products from the vendors when you change your behavior and mindset. You guys act like these vendors are doing you a favor. You are used to "Sir, can I have some more porridge" mindset. And porridge you get. It IS your money and you are paying FULL retail prices most of the time. DEMAND better products and services. Enough of this "village" consumer mind set that shop-keeper will shoo you away if you ask for more. Sometimes I feel, this is like a "Doc Martin" episode. :D
Remember, ask for better products. Right now, we, cricket consumers have a pretty sub-standard market. Until, we consumers, demand better, we will get the same old "porridge". You are easy customers. :D If there were more than 12 of you, I'd get in this business myself. :D
Hi,
I do see where you are coming from - however, when you talk about "sub-standard market" then you also have to focus on the fact that sports industry is not overwhelmingly innovative, no sports, I repeat, no sports has evolution like from Henry Ford to Elon Musk.
Talking about better products in cricket, things have changed drastically. I recall that helmets in early 2000s were nothing less than like of plastic with no sweat guard and just few pieces of foam, now we have carbon fibre shell helmets, titanium grill, double layer of carbon fibre and so on.
Talking about the mindset, I really think that it is not truly. I have been part of this forum for past eight or so years with almost six years in administration. The "porridge" mindset is least applicable here, the consumers here are not saying "sir, can I have some more porridge" rather they are asking for different stuff. If they weren't getting better products, there would not be any exchange of gear, the people on this forum are perhaps the ones who change the gear the most and try/use most different vendors, they are perhaps most educated about the product technically and use different batmakers to all. Hence, the majority of the consumers on this forum don't use off shelf stuff rather custom and bespoke item because they want that "extra" thing in their item, that is certainly not porridge because they make the manufacturer do something that he doesn't usually do/
I began playing cricket in 2009, and since then to 2018, I notice drastic difference in all equipment's. Bats have evolved, not just in edge sizes or shapes, but handles are thinner which is good as not everyone can get along with thicker handle. Pads have become lighter, yet more protective. Pads straps have towel, foam and what not. You have gel knee role where pads in past from knee were very wider.
Box have had carbon fibre, D30, are unbreakable and all from a thin plastic which could cut your skin.
I can go for each and every equipment gear....products are better, but then it depends what your comparison point is. Every piece of equipment is better than before, but is it better than one or the other in the market? Absolutely, it is.
Again, as you said, it narrows down to consumers. When they don't ask for it, then no one gets anything. The industry needs consumer support, because that is where the money comes for manufacturers. With a lot of ranges, a lot of companies, the companies can not afford to invest thousands and thousands in Research and Opportunity when the return is little. They need to survive, so they keep on doing what they are doing and make it better, that is what the era is about. It is capitalist era, and sadly we don't have time machine to change it.
However, I am not advocating for George but your sentiments in regards to his innovation were genuinely upsetting and absurd, he has been most innovative to this industry with perhaps incredible research and opportunity given how it is just one person operating, from luxury to basic. Few highlights of his cricket career.....
1. Thigh pads which are malleable, more so which can be customized.
2. Protection for the umpires which would be worn beneath the shirt and is breathable.
3. Customized protection for individual.
4. Luxurious thigh pads, having the leather which is imported from Italy and is used on Hermes bags.
5. Making bat covers which again, are from leather imported from Italy.
6. Coffins, again, made in UK and from the best of the best in the business to keep the lightness and durability.
7. Leather grips, again the leather which is imported from Italy.
8. Helmet neck guards, again, this is a life saving invention.
Again, you have to think "out of the box" and that is exactly what George did. 20 years ago, if Elon Musk had told someone that he will make electric cars, everyone would probably have laughed at him, so ideas are always out of box rather than in the box.
Number three, it is person most important thing he does. I know people who have gotten specifically measured items which offer incredible protection, those are people who are not from a cricketing background like everyone here but his health conditions don't allow him to play, but someone like George has made something for him which can make him happy playing bowling once a year and cherish it for rest of the year! It is heartfelt moment.
And George is perhaps the LAST person who "shoo's" people away. So, you really have to be kidding when you talk about service when it comes to George, because he is best in the business. Period. A very ignorant claim, but I have worked with manufacturers, retailers and even professional cricketers to make this claim.
Oh, those few highlights of George which I listed, are from past five years (I believe) when he got into the cricket industry where he spends just 3-5 hours (4 being average) towards cricket every week, which comes to 1,040 hours over five years which averages to 2.38% of his time (on average) towards cricket over past five years. So, to achieve all that and have one of worlds best batsman wear your product is rather remarkable where he can get anything made from his sponsors for gratis, yet he chose to pay for the protection.
Oh, regarding your business opportunity, you can really do it and should go with it. The world have over seven billion individuals, I am sure you can find more than 12 :D.
Again, I can't change your mindset nor will I bother with that, but just thought I would say something on this fine night...
Alas, I will end with....
"You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink".
Sleep well!
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getting back on track somewhat - did anyone email to take part in the trial of these? I did - and have been accepted to take part which is very exciting
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Yep, mine have arrived and fit very nicely into my SL22 Boosts 👌
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ah excellent I have those boosts too so glad they fit
Could you take some photos Tom?
I am looking forward to trying them out
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@Ayrtek Cricket - what shape are they? Do you think I could fit one to each of my plums?
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getting back on track somewhat - did anyone email to take part in the trial of these? I did - and have been accepted to take part which is very exciting
Yep me too, I imagine half the forum will have!
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ah excellent I have those boosts too so glad they fit
Could you take some photos Tom?
I am looking forward to trying them out
Yeh I’ll snap a few in a bit just juggling a baby, a 2 year old and a phone atm!
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(https://s14.postimg.org/o7g67vb5d/279_A74_D9-_C84_A-4_AD4-81_B2-_E4_EA1_CC1000_D.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/jlk1zipm5/)
(https://s14.postimg.org/jlk1zixc1/5_F7_C0_F48-2_D4_D-40_DE-8456-6_E4_FE9926_F05.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/vnffto6kd/)
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Bahh! Not quite big enough!
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Yep, mine have arrived and fit very nicely into my SL22 Boosts 👌
Cant wait to get mine too...and mine will also be going inside a pair of boosts . Is that saying something about our choice of footwear ? :D
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And yet this is a product that they can barely give away, their reps don’t even carry samples to show to retailers as they know that no-one buys them.
Those who use them, never look back. I wish people would get beyond the "stupid" look mindset.
No disprespect to Tom as I love ayrtek helmets and own one myself, but by its very nature it is a niche product.
Same as P1. Use it once and you are a fan. I don't think it is a niche product, I see more Ayrtek helmets in my league than Morrant pads.
For your call for change to gain traction there needs to be an actual reason, a dissatisfaction. And whilst the majority are scoring boundaries with their bats and being reasonably well protected (it is a dangerous sport at the end of the day) than the demand from customers won’t be there even if there was some sort of magical revolutionary product improvement sat there waiting to go, if only some evil manufacturer just interested in money would take the chance on launching it.
This is where I disagree. People are hitting sixes with their bats but it takes a lot of work to get a bat prepared. Very few bats are ready to play and hit sixes with out of the box. My Kranzbuhlers required little to no work in getting them to hit bix sixes. In fact my XP2000 saw no net time. People who stay in the sport, are die hard fans who overlook the gear inadequacies and don't complain much about the knocking/prep bat time. Other than that, many people don't stick around. If ICC wants to open up bigger markets like the US, you can forget about young kids sticking with the sport if the bats take 1 whole season to open up. They'd move on to something else.
You must also consider that the whole sport never mind just the cricket equipment industry is a very traditionalist one.
That would have to change if the sport is to expand into $$$$ markets like the US.
Things are how they are and for the most part this is how they will be for the medium to long term. Many recent innovations have been met with short shrift from lawmakers. Carbon handles, laminated bats, graphite backed bats, bats bigger than a certain size, etc. Where’s the incentive for a manufacturer to think outside the box? In the back of their mind they know that it will probably get outlawed.
The whole bat size discussion was steered in the wrong direction by Ponting et al who did a huge disservice to non-pro market. I say bring back laminates, carbon handles, and big bats. Let clubbies buy novel gear. Leave the traditional bats for pros like baseball.
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Those who use them, never look back. I wish people would get beyond the "stupid" look mindset.
Same as P1. Use it once and you are a fan. I don't think it is a niche product, I see more Ayrtek helmets in my league than Morrant pads.
This is where I disagree. People are hitting sixes with their bats but it to hit bix sixes. In fact my. I say bring bac
I used them and whilst they are very light they made sweeping very awkward due to the lack of give in too hat of pad. I no longer use them for this reason.
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I used them for a season or so but found they were hopeless against spinners it close catchers as the slightest inside edge ballooned so much could could be caught on the fence.
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Hi everyone!
Can I start by just thanking you all so much for such kind words, genuinely love this stuff and appreciate the support enormously.
Absolutely awesome when a subject provokes conversation, it's entirely this which can result in changes happening, there are other ways of course! but as long as everyone has fun along the way ;) everyone's enthusiasm really shines through on this forum :)
My product range is definitely somewhat "scatty" if seen as a whole! Body armour is certainly the core and it's going well. This will be expanding into new tech, but this has genuinely taken 2-3 years of slow development. Rather than over-excitedly making the same mistake of promising a drop for a particular time, I'll just keep going and let you know when it's done :)
All the cases, sleeves and leather is from my past work in Europe. When allowed, I'll post some images of a cricket travel wardrobe just commissioned last month (it's got a champagne cooler! why not!) for gents of England.
The 1900's kit was mainly for fun, but there is a more serious element to it (part of a bigger project which again I won't go into now!)
Every year I like to just do one bat which has something to make a talking point, first was the RPC with a diamond set in the blade, then Wifey (apologies to anyone who found it offensive) The whole point is to generate discussion and give those interested something to talk about :) This year the 3rd bat will drop mid-season, very different, again I can't wait to see what happens!!
Right then, toe guards..
Thank you Tom for the images, they are standard size and very simple, made from a high density PU so they flex but manage shock very well. Ideally you would put them "in" whilst padding up.
Theres been over 100 emails asking to trial, so I'm going to have to ask for a bit to cover postage but otherwise theres no charge for anyone who would like to have a go this season.
Officially they are going to be in stores for 2018, giving adequate time to apply any revisions etc.
Just drop an email to george@strettonfoxsports.com, again, sorry for not getting back to everyone straight away!
Thank you very much again,
George
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Anyone who loves cricket has got to love this man. :D
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This is why @StrettonFox Sports is an asset to cricket and to this forum.
I'd like a pint of your positivity please! Fabulous stuff.
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Mine just arrived-simple but hopefully very effective-seem a good quality:)
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Mine just arrived-simple but hopefully very effective-seem a good quality:)
Got mine today also, first thoughts are that they might not fit shoes which are already very snug and I might have issues with my feet being very wide.
Will have to test properly
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Hopefully mine will arrive tomorrow....along with another little something....
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Got mine
Can’t see them fitting payntrs unless you can shrink them
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I got mine - tried them in one pair of spikes and they feel okish (as they are uncomfortably snug with them in!)
I do have a pair of Ascis spikes that are half a size too big - but I suspect these could be my best bet to use as batting shoes! But that wouldn't be too bad as I love them.
Then I can use the Boosts for fielding, as they are a snug 11.
Does anyone else feel that they will only fit nicely with a little extra room?
On a very positive point, my toes are safe with them!! No more broken toes whilst batting :D
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I got mine - tried them in one pair of spikes and they feel okish (as they are uncomfortably snug with them in!)
I do have a pair of Ascis spikes that are half a size too big - but I suspect these could be my best bet to use as batting shoes! But that wouldn't be too bad as I love them.
Then I can use the Boosts for fielding, as they are a snug 11.
Does anyone else feel that they will only fit nicely with a little extra room?
On a very positive point, my toes are safe with them!! No more broken toes whilst batting :D
Yes, I feel I'd need to go half a size up to accommodate them and maybe use extra-cushioned toe socks with a liner sock to make them comfortable.
I use trail/fell running shoes (not for cricket) which have a protective rand on the outside much like many walking boots, if the toe guards were incorporated into the footwear I think they'd be great.
I'm keen to play around with them and make them work.
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I got mine - tried them in one pair of spikes and they feel okish (as they are uncomfortably snug with them in!)
I do have a pair of Ascis spikes that are half a size too big - but I suspect these could be my best bet to use as batting shoes! But that wouldn't be too bad as I love them.
Then I can use the Boosts for fielding, as they are a snug 11.
Does anyone else feel that they will only fit nicely with a little extra room?
On a very positive point, my toes are safe with them!! No more broken toes whilst batting :D
I concur! With my ASICS,they don't fit perfectly as in don't go all the way to the end of the shoe-I did feel it press up against my big toe while batting,and I fear I have an ingrowing toenail which didn't help. My suggestion to George would be to make the lining/inside of the product to be a bit more spongy if that makes sense? I did feel a LOT more secure though, although I didn't take any blows this evening
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Received mine from George (Thank You) fitted them in my spiked up trainers and within 3 Steps had to remove the shoe . Toes rubbed against the plastic and felt very uncomfortable I would think wearing them for any length of time blisters on toes would appear . Unless I am doing something wrong I can't see my self using them. Sorry George
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Mine didn’t arrive today :-(
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Hey everyone, thank you for the feedback and please keep it coming. Second dispatch going out this week so hang in there if you haven't received yet.
Good shout about the amount of space they are taking up, fit is always going to be absolutely key as it's in such a delicate area with toes etc. Yes they need to be able to push right up against the end of your shoes.
Immediate thoughts / questions would be:
1) can we get a photo?
2) if the material was softer would this help? there would still be plenty of protection
3) Interesting to see what size feet you have and therefore what size cap you would need to have a good fit
Big thanks to everyone for feedback, this is how we can make these toe protectors really work properly. PS if you're part of the testing programme, when these are sorted and release officially you will of course get a proper pair as a thank you!
Very best regards,
George
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Hi George
About the 2nd question, i find the big toe and next 3 toes are fine. But the little toe may rub? It would certainly help a lot if:
A. The guard was softer
B. The opening was a little more plyable and flexable
I am guessing the b would follow a hopefully.
It is certainly good that you are taking on this area as it must me a nightmare trying to get one guard to fit all cricket shoes and all shaped feet/toes!!
Hope you carry on and get there, as most of us would be interested :D
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Hi George
Don’t know if it’s becacuse I use payntrs which are narrow but can’t get them within a couple of inches of toe as way too big
If the were softer maybe more plyable
I’ll try them in my trainers at nets to see fit in them
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If the variable sizes of feet and shoes may make this approach too difficult, I have a proposal.
What if you developed socks with D30 or similar wrapping around the toe area as padding?
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The material left over from the forming process (inside protector) also runs on my big toe. I've tried to file and cut the excess material out to see if it helps.
Like most people the protector does go far enough in and is causing issues with rubing.
I'm curious as to how you've got them fitted @StrettonFox Sports and how you've found them. What shoes have you been using ?
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Hey George,
Just to echo some of the above comments, the the protectors are a little too wide at the front of the foot, which prevents them fitting nicely into any of my trainers. Also they are unnecessarily large (height) - I can fit two fingers into the gap between the protector and the top of my toenail.
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Thanks everyone, this is great please keep it coming!
OK i've got 3 pairs of shoes and will shoot a quick video showing how they fit and feel. Hopefully this will be useful. But so far My take on this is we could go with a more flexible version. The protection will still be great (it's about bridging over the toes not necessarily how hard the cap is, to a degree anyway!) but this would be more malleable for different shaped shoes?
Thanks again, and please shout at me if I haven't done a video within a day or so!
Very best!
George
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Just got a pleasant surprise!!! A packet turned up at my office just a few minutes back with a set of SF toe guards. Had mentioned to George a few days back that I would like to try it out but being abroad I will not qualify. From the post mark, I see that it was sent out before I sent the email. Can only thank George @StrettonFox Sports for his generosity.
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Hey everyone!
So for those still waiting for their toe guards, apologies they are going out daily and I'll push to complete all dispatches this week.
Some great feedback already, I think there are some obvious points coming up regarding sizing and hardness, there are some "fixes" which can be done to your existing toe guards (video coming Thursday after nets!) and I'll video them in my shoes as well (soft running shoes as well as proper batting shoes).
Thanks again, this is fun!
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I eagerly await the vid George !
Mine arrived yesterday . Thanks again mate , really appreciate being included in the trial , and i applaud your continued innovation.
I tried them in 3 pairs of cricket shoes (2x asics and adidas sl22 boosts ) and they didnt fit to the end of the shoe , so a no go there.
I tried them in 3 pairs of runners ( nb fresh foam vangos , nb fresh foam zante 2s , adidas ultra boosts ). They only fit inside the nb vangos - which are by far the widest toe shoes I own .
I put them in the vangos by taking out the inner sole then replacing the inner sole after inserting the toe protectors. I found the little circular molded bit in the middle /inside a bit irritating at first , and my two outer toes felt slightly squished . I left them in and went out for a couple hours and did about 6kms of walking . They started to feel a lot more comfortable although by the end of the walk the balls of my feet were a wee bit sore...im thinking it was due to the toe-sole area being a bit raised by the bottom part of the protector that hooks under the inner sole . I reckon if this part was slightly thinner (and made less of a hump in the toe-sole area then that would increase comfort.
I agree that if the material was a bit softer that would aid comfort but I'd be fine with them basically as is....so long as they could fit in more shoe shapes ( softer , bendier material may help with this ? ).
I'm going to have a 2hr bowling machine session tomorrow. I will get the machine up to 80 odd mph and will face some yorkers - and , ironically for once, will hope to cop a few sandshoe-crushers to see how they go .
Oh, and as a 'gram weenie' , I'd pay a premium for an ultralight version ! :D
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I used mine yesterday for a 2hr bowling machine session. I had a total of about 30min walking in them prior/after too . By the time i got home my big toes were a wee bit sore , but nothing too bad at all , kinda like wearing steel caps .
I got hit on my front foots big toe by a yorker at 75mph . There was a bit of pain, but it was minimal and didnt last for long .... from prevoius similar impacts I've had a bruised toe for 1-3weeks . So they definitely work .
Now its just a matter of working on tweaking the prototype and we could eventually have a game changer .
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I used mine yesterday for a 2hr bowling machine session. I had a total of about 30min walking in them prior/after too . By the time i got home my big toes were a wee bit sore , but nothing too bad at all , kinda like wearing steel caps .
I got hit on my front foots big toe by a yorker at 75mph . There was a bit of pain, but it was minimal and didnt last for long .... from prevoius similar impacts I've had a bruised toe for 1-3weeks . So they definitely work .
Now its just a matter of working on tweaking the prototype and we could eventually have a game changer .
Sounds like they work if you can get them into the shoes, which I can’t. What shoes (make and size) did you use and were they any bigger than you usually wear?
@StrettonFox Sports - George, Just wondering if heating them - hairdryer or very hot water may make them more malleable and easier to fit into the ends of shoes, or will damage them?
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Used them a few times now and been hit a couple of times. It’s saved a bruised toe each time. I’ve only used them in my netting trainers (NB’s) which fit easily and after the first few mins I literally don’t notice them. Had them on for about 4hours yesterday.
I’ll have them on most days now and will do some shuttles in them to see if twisting and turning regularly has any effect. I’ve got spiked trainers for batting in this year so no need for me to look at normal spikes
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Sounds like they work if you can get them into the shoes, which I can’t. What shoes (make and size) did you use and were they any bigger than you usually wear?
@StrettonFox Sports - George, Just wondering if heating them - hairdryer or very hot water may make them more malleable and easier to fit into the ends of shoes, or will damage them?
Shoes were mentioned in my previous post ,n.b fresh foam vongo . They are my normal size /fit , u.s 12 , but the widest runners I own ( and the protectors dont fit in any of my other shoes ) .
It really is just a width issue , as with my adidas ultraboosts in u.s 12 or my sl22 boosts in u.s 12.5 the protectors dont fit in either due to narrow width of most adidas .
Im thinking of getting more n.b vongos now i know the protectors fit , and will take the protectors with me when purchasing /trying on new spikes ( n.b may be a better bet for spikes for me too if i want to use these protectors) , and may consider getting different trainers to spike up then i normally would .
A lot of brands have runners in a wide version , so getting wider than normal versions in your size is probably going to work better than going up in size .
I'm considering looking for some thin memory foam to glue into the toe area for a bit more cushioning too.
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@Chalkie ....just for your reference mate - my n.b vongos are a 2E width.....what ever that means . ;) :D
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Thanks everyone, this is great please keep it coming!
OK i've got 3 pairs of shoes and will shoot a quick video showing how they fit and feel. Hopefully this will be useful. But so far My take on this is we could go with a more flexible version. The protection will still be great (it's about bridging over the toes not necessarily how hard the cap is, to a degree anyway!) but this would be more malleable for different shaped shoes?
Thanks again, and please shout at me if I haven't done a video within a day or so!
Very best!
George
@StrettonFox Sports request prod regarding the video
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https://vimeo.com/264881242
- Too rigid, cuts into toes when sprinting
- Fit not ideal, fits into soft old trainers but not new cricket spikes!
- Too wide, possibly try cutting a bit off the length / width
- If they fit, they're ok for nets where you possibly don't have to run, but otherwise we need to make some changes!
Awesome updates everyone,I'll be honest theres a way to go but we certainly have a direction, it's awesome to make this with everyone being involved "The People's Toe Guard!"
I'm asking the factory about a silicone / 50% softer version, as well as looking into sizing. Parallel to this there is also a company in the UK who are going to make a different version as a direct answer to the issues raised so far and echoed on this page by most of you!
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So I returned from holiday to my toe guard/cap things and as I wa splaying thought I’d make a video.
Got to be better than typing about it.
Cheers to George @StrettonFox Sports for sending them. And yes I attempt thief myself at the end of the video
https://youtu.be/ZWEiKe37iFg
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Tried these today in a net, my. God are they uncomfortable!! My second toe was crumpled into the end of it, they wouldn't fit my shoes properly l, and they were quite tight across the width of my foot. However, that being said I did get hit and it didn't hurt nearly as much as it should have so that's a bonus. I'd say the key changed needed are making them more malleable and making them a better fit generally, perhaps offering a wide and normal fit?
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Just found this thread and i'm following with interest - i broke my little toe last season after being hit with a yorker. The pain was unreal and it left me struggling for quite a while afterwards and its left me a bit wary when batting.
Be interesting to see how these guards develops!
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OK, first proposal for ver1.2.
What if...
A material that is as soft as a strip of chewing gum, with application of heat, theres a chemical reaction and it goes hard. This would mean everyone gets a half moon shaped piece of this material, you squish it into your shoe, cutting off excess for a good fit, then when all correctly shaped and in place, get a hair dryer in the show for 30 secs and it's ready. Bespoke toe cap but available off the shelf, guess a similar mode of operation to getting a gum-shield.
? What could this be like from your points of view?
The material does exist as well, not just theoretical ! :)
Very best,
George
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I’ve batted twice in mine now(couldn’t be assed to vid as noninterest in vidnone)
If they didn’t rub on the little toe(and a slight extension is just needed) I’d not even realise they were there
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OK, first proposal for ver1.2.
What if...
A material that is as soft as a strip of chewing gum, with application of heat, theres a chemical reaction and it goes hard. This would mean everyone gets a half moon shaped piece of this material, you squish it into your shoe, cutting off excess for a good fit, then when all correctly shaped and in place, get a hair dryer in the show for 30 secs and it's ready. Bespoke toe cap but available off the shelf, guess a similar mode of operation to getting a gum-shield.
? What could this be like from your points of view?
The material does exist as well, not just theoretical ! :)
Very best,
George
Why does it have to slide inside the shoe? Why not put it on top of the shoe and somehow wrap it around like a field-hockey goalie's shoe cover or a leg-pad (leg guard) but a smaller version to cover the toe and top of the foot? I have been hit on top of my foot (the pointy bone part) many times and it hurts like hell! The laces for this cover system/tie-system could just circle around the spikes or rubber sole of the shoe and to the side along the ankle? If you are using light material, weight wouldn't be an issue. Plus, you could also put some sponge-like material under a light-weight hard shell surface top. The concept is exactly like a leg-pad/leg-guard but it just sits on top of your front foot.
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OK, first proposal for ver1.2.
What if...
A material that is as soft as a strip of chewing gum, with application of heat, theres a chemical reaction and it goes hard. This would mean everyone gets a half moon shaped piece of this material, you squish it into your shoe, cutting off excess for a good fit, then when all correctly shaped and in place, get a hair dryer in the show for 30 secs and it's ready. Bespoke toe cap but available off the shelf, guess a similar mode of operation to getting a gum-shield.
? What could this be like from your points of view?
The material does exist as well, not just theoretical ! :)
Very best,
George
I’d be up for trying them mate as if you can customise might fit the tighter shoes better
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OK, first proposal for ver1.2.
What if...
A material that is as soft as a strip of chewing gum, with application of heat, theres a chemical reaction and it goes hard. This would mean everyone gets a half moon shaped piece of this material, you squish it into your shoe, cutting off excess for a good fit, then when all correctly shaped and in place, get a hair dryer in the show for 30 secs and it's ready. Bespoke toe cap but available off the shelf, guess a similar mode of operation to getting a gum-shield.
? What could this be like from your points of view?
The material does exist as well, not just theoretical ! :)
Very best,
George
Are you still after testers? Would be pleased to offer services - especially after having my toe broken last season so i'm definately more wary about my feet now!!
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Bespoke yet off the shelf ! I like this idea a lot George .
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(https://s7.postimg.cc/g0eajvl1j/IMG_1763.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/g0eajvl1j/)
(https://s7.postimg.cc/z5hjtnmuv/IMG_1764.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/z5hjtnmuv/)
(https://s7.postimg.cc/n3m5zhy6v/IMG_1765.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/n3m5zhy6v/)
(https://s7.postimg.cc/xqfz4wqwn/IMG_1766.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/xqfz4wqwn/)
(https://s7.postimg.cc/ctjr07y0n/IMG_1767.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ctjr07y0n/)
(https://s7.postimg.cc/srsgqbpnr/IMG_1768.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/srsgqbpnr/)
I received my toe guards from George today and have got some immediate thoughts, though I haven't yet netted with them and I have only tried them in my match boots and not in any trainers.
I actually started discussing toe guards with George over a couple of years ago, and as one would expect from someone like George, he remembered, and got in touch about his prototypes. I've broken my left big toe twice, both times in nets against yorkers. I could get better at batting or quit cricket, but instead, while I was waiting for these, I bought some steel toe cap trainers from Screwfix which have been working fine for bowling and batting in nets. But they're blue!
Initial thoughts on these:
1. the protection is fantastic - more than enough at my level, and better than anything currently available, short of steel toe caps.
2. Issues with fit should be evident from the photos - you can see that they fit on the ends of my toes, rather than over the whole of the "toe box".
- this creates an issue when squashed in an average boot, since typically i would imagine, boots do not have room to accommodate the toe guard
- where you can see my little toes on the edge of the guard, even not squashed in a boot, it digs in and can hurt
- squashed into the boot, the little toes on the outside edge, it hurts to stand and i imagine will hurt more to run
- as with anything squashed into the front of your boot - e.g. thicker socks vs thinner socks - your big toe ends up being squashed a little too
3. Ppl have mentioned and George himself has said that maybe a more pliable material would be better. My personal feeling is that it boils down to fit as much as the material.
- there is a video further up of someone showing us the guards in a mesh-material shoe - there is enough give in that material that fit isn't an issue - in my old leather boots, despite the leather having moulded to my feet, there isn't room or enough give for these without it being uncomfortable
- i might have bought a half size up knowing i have these, and then keep them as batting boots,
- with the toe guards taken out, that half size would mean my feet would slide around in them when fielding
- i suppose some ppl have batting and fielding/bowling boots already, and therefore the idea that you have two boots is not ridiculous - in my case, it would have prevented two toe fractures, with ongoing stiffness and pain - £60 on an "extra" pair of batting boots is fine by me, and ultimately what i will end up doing
4. Coming back to fit - since so many of George's goods are "Custom", in keeping with the name of the forum, a custom option that fits exactly across the width of your toes may be another option to explore, if it is viable for George's production process.
- As they are by necessity somewhat rigid, unlike boots and shoes, a one-size fits all option is probably not viable.
- a range of sizes would be another option, but inferior to sending George an outline of our toes +/- a measure of the "height" of our big toe perhaps?
Lastly, my email exchanges with George have been very rewarding. I like the way he goes about his work. His methods, like the toe-caps, may not be a one size fits all thing, but it fits fine with my customer service expectations.
Happy to discuss the toe guards further and answer any questions/post more photos.
Cheers
Banners
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OK, first proposal for ver1.2.
What if...
A material that is as soft as a strip of chewing gum, with application of heat, theres a chemical reaction and it goes hard. This would mean everyone gets a half moon shaped piece of this material, you squish it into your shoe, cutting off excess for a good fit, then when all correctly shaped and in place, get a hair dryer in the show for 30 secs and it's ready. Bespoke toe cap but available off the shelf, guess a similar mode of operation to getting a gum-shield.
? What could this be like from your points of view?
The material does exist as well, not just theoretical ! :)
Very best,
George
George,
Do you mean something Rolyan Aquaplast - like stuff that is used to make castes - starts as a sheet, soak in hot water bath, mould and allow to cool set, and then use hairdryer to reset?
Does it have as much "give"? And aquaplast can also leave sharp edges which need smoothing off?
Cheers
Banners
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OK, first proposal for ver1.2.
What if...
A material that is as soft as a strip of chewing gum, with application of heat, theres a chemical reaction and it goes hard. This would mean everyone gets a half moon shaped piece of this material, you squish it into your shoe, cutting off excess for a good fit, then when all correctly shaped and in place, get a hair dryer in the show for 30 secs and it's ready. Bespoke toe cap but available off the shelf, guess a similar mode of operation to getting a gum-shield.
? What could this be like from your points of view?
The material does exist as well, not just theoretical ! :)
Very best,
George
That sounds like the perfect idea for update (v1.2)
Bring it on!
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@StrettonFox Sports
Having just tried mine in my Puma cricket boots, here's a few of my thoughts:
With the toeguards as they are, I'd have to get the next shoe size up (or two sizes up) for the toe guards not to squash my toes.
Problem with that is the shoe could then probably be too loose elsewhere.
If the toeguards were initially malleable (perhaps from heating) so they could form a bespoke fit for the boot, and then harden, that could be ideal.
Or could the malleable material comprise the same stuff that @Ayrtek Cricket boxes are made from George? D30 isn't it? Initially soft, but instantly harden on impact? (Ooo-errr.)
If the toeguards had softer padding or material on the inside, it'd help comfort.
There may need to be say, three sizes, with each being made of malleable materials, as a one-size-fits-all might not work, given that feet sizes range so greatly.
Have to say, I think you're onto a winner with the concept, anyhow.
Looking forward to the next version.
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So I received mine a few weeks ago but with so much rain and little cricket it's been hard to use them. Last night we had a net and I wore them for the 1st time. My feedback is very much like everyone else, my Nike trainers (4 pairs) I just could not get the toe protector to fit in the shoe at all. I did mange to get them to fit in a pair of NB trainers just.
Proftectiin wise I was tapping the bat hard on the ends and felt nothing so protection would no doubt be decent even against some of the 70mph bowlers we come across. Fit wise however I would not be able to wear them in a game as they were just bearable to net in and that's without running etc. As has been pointed out for me my whole toe area doesn't fit in and that end up crushing my toes in my standard size trainers so any length of time would be very uncomfortable. I will take them to Sports direct and play around to see best trainer option for these ad maybe go from there.
In summary a great start to what will no doubt be a great product just needs some fine tuning.
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A normal person's feet expand a little after standing around, walking, or running. The shoe feels tighter. Now, repeat this scenario while batting with lots of runs. This concept will not be practical during a match.
The protection needs to sit outside the shoe - on top, like a leg guard. Doesn't have to be bulky or big, just a practical design with easy lace/velcro option.
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A normal person's feet expand a little after standing around, walking, or running. The shoe feels tighter. Now, repeat this scenario while batting with lots of runs. This concept will not be practical during a match.
The protection needs to sit outside the shoe - on top, like a leg guard. Doesn't have to be bulky or big, just a practical design with easy lace/velcro option.
Dems sounds like fightin words ..... :D
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Need something like this or Ive even heard that they have fabric that does the same. Soft material that hardens on impact. Shoe companies could just sew the fabric into the shoes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM-589uXX68 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM-589uXX68)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3023905/The-magic-liquid-stop-bullet-tracks-New-material-set-lead-lightweight-body.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3023905/The-magic-liquid-stop-bullet-tracks-New-material-set-lead-lightweight-body.html)
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Dems sounds like fightin words ..... :D
Not at all. I do see the need for such a product (two broken toes), I am just pointing out the flaw in the execution here.
A "bullet proof" shoe insert will simply not work because feet expand and shoes feel tighter. The idea in its current incarnation will work if the shoe is loose enough to accommodate an insert, comfortably. That is just not realistic for everyone.
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Need something like this or Ive even heard that they have fabric that does the same. Soft material that hardens on impact. Shoe companies could just sew the fabric into the shoes.
[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM-589uXX68[/url] ([url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM-589uXX68[/url])
[url]http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3023905/The-magic-liquid-stop-bullet-tracks-New-material-set-lead-lightweight-body.html[/url] ([url]http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3023905/The-magic-liquid-stop-bullet-tracks-New-material-set-lead-lightweight-body.html[/url])
At what price point?
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At what price point?
I see some Footy boots selling for £250 so who knows.
Ive never been hit bad enough there to even worry about this type of product. Its not life threatening if I did get hit there so I'm not worried.
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^ overkill.
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You heard it here first. Contact sports, Cricket clothing and Motor sport clothing to be made of that material. No more bulky pads for sport.
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Perhaps all it needs is for the actual toe of the boot to be made from D30.
Job done.
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Hey guys thank you so much for the continual enthusiasm!
It does look like ver1.1 has done it's job! Not suitable but it's got us all thinking and talking!
If I could design a shoe from scratch (someone please do this!) I'd insert a framework in the toe, similar to a rib cage with thin flat ridge arches as part of the toe fabric, vacuum formed prior to sewing/assembling. They would compress when bending, but provide support in "bridging" over the foot.
Thermoplastics used for splinting are a great option as a single shaped disc could mould to fit in any shoe. There is still a question on fit & size as they will need to be a certain thickness and no-ones going to buy new shoes just to fit their toe caps (well, maybe on this forum ;))
External protection is possible, I made samples last year and they threaded with the laces and wrapped under the midfoot sole. Will look into this in more detail.
Otherwise the secret weapon is still unreleased, I have a knitted material (yes like your socks) which is thin, breathable and sets rigid once "activated".
So,
Better shoes would help to start!
Outer protection could additionally include padding on the side of feet facing the bowler.
"gumshield" type protection would fit, but will be sweaty and possibly get in the way
Knitted option, I need to show this working
Again, thank you everyone for your continual help, you all fricking rock!
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George, have a chat to Payntr and see what you could do with them...
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...
External protection is possible, I made samples last year and they threaded with the laces and wrapped under the midfoot sole. Will look into this in more detail.
...
Outer protection could additionally include padding on the side of feet facing the bowler.
...
I'd be happy to field test it for you if you produce them.
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I'd be happy to field test it for you if you produce them.
@InternalTraining trains with ExternalTraining toe guards ! :D
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:D
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Remember seeing these a while back and thinking it must be possible to use them in cricket - for improved if not perfect protection:
http://www.feetlife.co.uk/Hammer-Toes/Silipos-Gel-Foot-Cover.htm?utm_source=googlemerchant&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=googlemerchant&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIubXQjtOP2wIVhOFRCh2JcgfCEAQYBSABEgLD4PD_BwE (http://www.feetlife.co.uk/Hammer-Toes/Silipos-Gel-Foot-Cover.htm?utm_source=googlemerchant&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=googlemerchant&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIubXQjtOP2wIVhOFRCh2JcgfCEAQYBSABEgLD4PD_BwE)
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Might have been said already but Matthew Hayden batted with toe protectors on the outside of his shoes...
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This looks much more my kind of thing than toe protectors!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmqIWmgAZ0q/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=17funrkenr6l3 (https://www.instagram.com/p/BmqIWmgAZ0q/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=17funrkenr6l3)
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Don't want to sound like the know-it-all k**b but why doesn't everyone just use the expensive bit of timber they carry and stop kicking it :D :D :D
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SILENCE - you know-it-all k**b!!!!!!!!!
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Might have been said already but Matthew Hayden batted with toe protectors on the outside of his shoes...
He was smart.