Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: JJprocter on April 11, 2018, 11:53:43 AM

Title: What to buy?
Post by: JJprocter on April 11, 2018, 11:53:43 AM
My previous bat was a Kippax and I loved it. Went like an absolute gun however unfortunately the handle has given way and I feel like it's time for a change. I think I may get it repaired and use it as a net bat however I'm looking for something else to take out to the field with me. Let me know if you have any other suggestions for any good bat company (hopefully less than a 2 hours drive from Leeds as I like to feel the bat in hand).
Title: Re: What to buy?
Post by: JK Lewis on April 11, 2018, 12:11:15 PM
My previous bat was a Kippax and I loved it. Went like an absolute gun however unfortunately the handle has given way and I feel like it's time for a change. I think I may get it repaired and use it as a net bat however I'm looking for something else to take out to the field with me. Let me know if you have any other suggestions for any good bat company (hopefully less than a 2 hours drive from Leeds as I like to feel the bat in hand).

The forum sponsors within your 2 hours would include Kippax, B3 and possibly Rob Pack if you drive fast. Otherwise, Charlie French is always worth a visit, just down the road in Mansfield Woodhouse. A top bloke, and lovely bats.
Title: Re: What to buy?
Post by: jonny77 on April 11, 2018, 12:17:54 PM
Jedi in Huddersfield? The Cricket Boutique in Doncaster also have numerous bats from UK bat makers available which you could go and see if you don't want one custom made to spec. They show the actual bats they have in stock on their website too.
Title: Re: What to buy?
Post by: Alvaro on April 11, 2018, 12:21:14 PM
If you loved your Kippax, why change?
Title: Re: What to buy?
Post by: Alvaro on April 11, 2018, 12:21:37 PM
If you loved your Kippax, why change brands?
Title: Re: What to buy?
Post by: JJprocter on April 11, 2018, 12:32:21 PM

Just feel like a change is needed. I am a massive bat lover so just want to see what else is out there and how it compares.
Title: Re: What to buy?
Post by: Jaffa on April 11, 2018, 01:02:48 PM
Why only three? Sounds like you're trying to get the feelers out about B3 and Red Ink.

My thoughts on the two. B3, only had one which was a cheap one from ebay. Seemed ok. Can't say more than that apart from a while back there were concerns about how the bats were pressed, especially the lower models. I'm sure this has been addressed. They have a different approach to bat making which should be applauded.

Red Ink, very good end result. Just be sure you're exactly on the same line otherwise you end up with a ST profile with a low middle when you ask for a CA profile with a high middle.

Title: Re: What to buy?
Post by: Red Ink Cricket on April 11, 2018, 05:04:08 PM
Why only three? Sounds like you're trying to get the feelers out about B3 and Red Ink.

My thoughts on the two. B3, only had one which was a cheap one from ebay. Seemed ok. Can't say more than that apart from a while back there were concerns about how the bats were pressed, especially the lower models. I'm sure this has been addressed. They have a different approach to bat making which should be applauded.

Red Ink, very good end result. Just be sure you're exactly on the same line otherwise you end up with a ST profile with a low middle when you ask for a CA profile with a high middle.

Bit confused by your comments. Don’t recall making a bat that wasn’t as requested although it could have been some time ago
Title: Re: What to buy?
Post by: Jaffa on April 12, 2018, 09:21:40 AM
It was some time ago. You’d posted a picture of about twelve clefts. I was lucky to react quickly enough to get what looked like the perfect butterfly. I’d asked for a CA profile like my match bat and I’d send photos to confirm it. Before I could send the photos you’d said you’d already started. Thinking that CA have about the same profile in their range and they’re pretty common I thought nothing of it. Only when it arrived it was clear that the middle was too low compared to a CA and more like a ST profile. Well made but when I contacted you about this (it all depends how you read a reply) but the impression I got was that it was someway my fault. You’d offered to take it back and modify it but I was able to sell it to a teammate without loosing too much money. Saved the hassle and he’s a hockey player so he loved the lower middle.

Because it was a well made fantastic piece of willow is the reason why I would recommend you to others. Just with any custom, make 100% sure you’re on the same line.
Title: Re: What to buy?
Post by: Red Ink Cricket on April 12, 2018, 10:35:04 AM
It was some time ago. You’d posted a picture of about twelve clefts. I was lucky to react quickly enough to get what looked like the perfect butterfly. I’d asked for a CA profile like my match bat and I’d send photos to confirm it. Before I could send the photos you’d said you’d already started. Thinking that CA have about the same profile in their range and they’re pretty common I thought nothing of it. Only when it arrived it was clear that the middle was too low compared to a CA and more like a ST profile. Well made but when I contacted you about this (it all depends how you read a reply) but the impression I got was that it was someway my fault. You’d offered to take it back and modify it but I was able to sell it to a teammate without loosing too much money. Saved the hassle and he’s a hockey player so he loved the lower middle.

Because it was a well made fantastic piece of willow is the reason why I would recommend you to others. Just with any custom, make 100% sure you’re on the same line.

Sorry, don’t recall that at all but given it was some time I’m not surprised, my memory can be terrible. I would be confident that I wouldn’t have suggested it was your fault, if it came across as such then please accept my apologies
Title: Re: What to buy?
Post by: Jaffa on April 12, 2018, 11:56:48 AM
Sorry, don’t recall that at all but given it was some time I’m not surprised, my memory can be terrible. I would be confident that I wouldn’t have suggested it was your fault, if it came across as such then please accept my apologies

Thanks, of course a mail can be read in many ways. Maybe it was mostly the disappointment on my side that affected the tone.

The end result is someone who's very happy with a Red Ink and I would recommend you again.
Title: Re: What to buy?
Post by: JJprocter on April 13, 2018, 05:08:53 PM
Thanks for all the suggestions, decided to go with B3 and what a great choice it seems to have been. The lads in the showroom couldn’t be more helpful and I’ve come away a very happy customer.