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Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: Cricketfan99 on May 13, 2018, 01:59:36 AM

Title: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 13, 2018, 01:59:36 AM
I have a choice, fortunately for me, to get any of the above bats.

Which ones in rank order. How can I do this, as obviously it requires more then one vote? 

eg you can also have a tie, if two bats are equal... (made by the same person, providing the willow grading is the same).


Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: InternalTraining on May 13, 2018, 04:47:50 AM
Get a Kranzbuhler.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: velvetsky01 on May 13, 2018, 05:39:51 AM
I think you should go for the keeley ;-)
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Gurujames on May 13, 2018, 05:42:15 AM
Salix.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Buzz on May 13, 2018, 07:16:20 AM
Buy a top of the range BB and spend the rest on coaching.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on May 13, 2018, 08:15:36 AM
Salix from those choices espically as you can visit which you can’t with the others
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Buzz on May 13, 2018, 08:24:27 AM
If you are buying a legend you can definitely visit robertsbridge.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Seniorplayer on May 13, 2018, 08:33:27 AM
Robertsbridge made legend
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: avkrish on May 13, 2018, 09:02:54 AM
Laver & Wood Signature; if willing to look outside the given options and since money is not an issue
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: KettonJake on May 13, 2018, 09:09:07 AM
If you are buying a legend you can definitely visit robertsbridge.

Only for significantly more than the cost of a 'normal' legend though. When Legends were around the £500 mark off the shelf a couple of years ago, the visit was £1000
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: csnew on May 13, 2018, 10:13:54 AM
In forum spirit buy all 4. We all know one is not enough. Need a few back ups, wet weather, net bats, bats to lone etc
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: billyb on May 13, 2018, 09:10:34 PM
Honestly ... Salix.
The most exclusive brand of the lot.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Manormanic on May 13, 2018, 09:52:10 PM
Two of each? 😉
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: JB on May 14, 2018, 08:07:16 AM
H4L Custom
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Yorkershire on May 14, 2018, 08:31:17 AM
Wow! How Newbery's stock has fallen!
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Kulli on May 14, 2018, 08:54:21 AM
Wow! How Newbery's stock has fallen!

You’d basically be paying a few 100 quid for Newbery stickers instead of Aldred ones.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: LEACHY48 on May 14, 2018, 09:50:23 AM
As @Buzz said just get a BB as it has a nicer price tag than the Keeley range

Salix are nice sticks and you can't go wrong with one of them.

Newbery is a bit of a joke nowadays.

GN is way overpriced
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: jamesisapayne on May 14, 2018, 12:23:59 PM
As @Buzz said just get a BB as it has a nicer price tag than the Keeley range

Salix are nice sticks and you can't go wrong with one of them.

Newbery is a bit of a joke nowadays.

GN is way overpriced

What @LEACHY48 said :)
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Mattsky on May 14, 2018, 01:05:51 PM
I'm not going to suggest another brand such as H4L or BB, brilliant though they are, since that's not what you've asked for.
The four you've given are all fine podshavers - you won't go wrong whoever you pick.

Given that fact, and if you're throwing around that kind of money, have a chat to each of them about your requirements.
Then pick one of them based on their response to your questions.
However, if you want to go and see it being made, you may want to choose one based on location.
Or, if you're after a particular quality of willow, such as a rare low density cleft, there may only be one of them who might have that kind in stock anyway.
Whoever you choose, keep us posted. With photos!
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: tushar sehgal on May 14, 2018, 01:09:33 PM
Keeley
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Tailendfielder on May 14, 2018, 08:43:50 PM
Salix are my favourite. They are pricey but the ones ive had have been ace.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 16, 2018, 02:26:22 AM
H4L Custom

If i remember correctly, I asked I think Asad from uzi sports and he asked h4l to replicate my carbine and h4l said they couldn't make that bat in that profile in that weight. So I left it at that.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 16, 2018, 02:28:51 AM
Wow! How Newbery's stock has fallen!
[/quote


Yes, I was thinking Newberry legacy would be same quality as the keeley superior as maybe Tim would still make the high end newbery sps models and therefore obviously the legacy. However if Tim doesn't make anything for Newberry any more, then I guess that explains things.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 16, 2018, 02:30:40 AM
You’d basically be paying a few 100 quid for Newbery stickers instead of Aldred ones.

So does this mean same person makes both Newberry and Aldred bats?
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 16, 2018, 02:38:02 AM
As @Buzz said just get a BB as it has a nicer price tag than the Keeley range

Salix are nice sticks and you can't go wrong with one of them.

Newbery is a bit of a joke nowadays.

GN is way overpriced


thanks, if tim makes both, bb bats and his own keeley, but bb cost eg £325  vs keeley at £500. why is this? is simply because of the different labels?

BB being smaller and having smaller over heads and so profits can be less, compared with other bigger companies, eg new balance. spartan, etc.. However  Keeley has to charge more not due to more over heads, as he's making them (with the same initial overheads as BB, and although there is only one person in the chain, i.e manufacturer to customer, compared with manufacture to bb to customer) but to give the impression that a more expensive bat is better?  High cost means more quality etc.. I hope that makes sense.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 16, 2018, 02:53:04 AM
What @LEACHY48 said :)

ps might just go with a custom salix, i have had a few pod finites and ajk finites from them already and a sponsored ajk. The last being the best.  Only 8 grains though, but pings from top to bottom, left to right. no vibration, no fault, and better then all my bats, I think.  I have a keeley superior, gn legends and carbine, sf black, sponsored gn f18, and a few more, including 2 more tims bats.  Or maybe its my liking as it was a custom. I think the quality of willow (pressing of course) is above brilliant. Finishing typical salix no1 world class.

Sorry to learn about Newberry. Their softs are still brilliant. I don't rate their sps range, for some reason, never seen brilliant grains or proportionate pricing for the willow received.

Gn legends the pricing have now become ridiculous. but in fairness to them, if people pay for it then good luck to them, supply and demand dictates economics.
speaking of which, 1 have 3 legends they are all brilliant, one is the best of of the three with the laser engraving. The Science of concaving and strengthening  ie triangulation principle, of the wood structure appealed to me as its a architectural principle. It basically strengthens the blade for its weight. (structural rigidity) esp for off centre shots, compared with a full profile. But the full profile may have a better centre punch as most of wood is there, however the full profile blade will not be as strong on the edges and thus off centre shots not transferring as much energy on impact. So those that say full profiles give wider sweet spots are incorrect its the concave that give wider sweet spots, and better edge power,  but the full profiles give a better (arguably) centred shot. And often good batsman middle the ball more often then not, so they care of this centred shot more then off centred shots...  I say arguably as there is not evidence i have seen to complement this, other then feel and experience of people etc..
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 16, 2018, 02:57:09 AM
I'm not going to suggest another brand such as H4L or BB, brilliant though they are, since that's not what you've asked for.
The four you've given are all fine podshavers - you won't go wrong whoever you pick.

Given that fact, and if you're throwing around that kind of money, have a chat to each of them about your requirements.
Then pick one of them based on their response to your questions.
However, if you want to go and see it being made, you may want to choose one based on location.
Or, if you're after a particular quality of willow, such as a rare low density cleft, there may only be one of them who might have that kind in stock anyway.
Whoever you choose, keep us posted. With photos!

thank you for reading and understanding my question the best. your response is most helpful.
My question was general quality vs general quality, so one reader is right to say each brand will vary in its each bat and model and willow grade, never mind between brands, inter vs intra. For example, if Newberry has 3 bats. all in the sps range, it is possible all three will play differently, and it is even possible for a players grade (the grade below that is) to play as well as an sps or maybe even a bit better. So if there is such fluctuations with in a particular brand, then its even harder to compare between brands where more variables come into play. So often to see in person is the best thing to do with an expert or two in willow grading. etc..
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 16, 2018, 03:16:30 AM
What @LEACHY48 said :)

thank you, It helps to know more people agree with a particular comment. thanks!
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 16, 2018, 03:21:27 AM
I'm not going to suggest another brand such as H4L or BB, brilliant though they are, since that's not what you've asked for.
The four you've given are all fine podshavers - you won't go wrong whoever you pick.

Given that fact, and if you're throwing around that kind of money, have a chat to each of them about your requirements.
Then pick one of them based on their response to your questions.
However, if you want to go and see it being made, you may want to choose one based on location.
Or, if you're after a particular quality of willow, such as a rare low density cleft, there may only be one of them who might have that kind in stock anyway.
Whoever you choose, keep us posted. With photos!


Yes, last time I had to wait a month or two for salix to get a low density cleft in. My choice was not based on anything except who I trusted the most in to make me the best bat. Location never came to mind. As for laver and wood signature, I have never had this, but i think generally they press their bats hard (on purpose, to minimise returns and the claim that the coefficient of restitution is  more, ie it bounces more of the bat and the ball goes further on their bats... but I don't like this feel so unless I agree to void the warrantee or i have to reject this. Also I think i can get two salix finites for the same price or maybe even 3 depends what salix say. Plus I like salix and i think they are brilliant company and generally i like them. However, I still remain objective as far as possible.  I had a uzi test bat, and although it was excellent, and brilliantly shaped etc.  I felt the salix finites I had in the past were better sounding of the bat. Simple as that, I had another custom made tim keeley bat, and again, it had excellent attention to detail and made brilliantly, but it didn't ping as good as the salix all over. I still have pics of these bats. Some bats are sold now.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 16, 2018, 03:30:38 AM
I think you should go for the keeley ;-)

thanks, Any reason why?
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 16, 2018, 03:31:27 AM
Get a Kranzbuhler.

thanks, any reason why? i have seen some gn legend gold etc.. video reviews on youtube and they look good, but what else can you say.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 16, 2018, 03:32:14 AM
Buy a top of the range BB and spend the rest on coaching.

Thanks, might do this as well.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 16, 2018, 03:33:33 AM
Salix are my favourite. They are pricey but the ones ive had have been ace.

thanks, which ones have you had? when did you pay them and how much did you pay for them?
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 16, 2018, 03:37:29 AM
If you are buying a legend you can definitely visit robertsbridge.

Maybe next time. I just want the best bat, i think gn can make me it. But i think can get two salix for that. or even 3. My salix ajk wood wise is same as legend (engraved one).
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 16, 2018, 03:38:30 AM
Laver & Wood Signature; if willing to look outside the given options and since money is not an issue

thanks, maybe one day, when i get someone else to pay for it.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 16, 2018, 03:39:02 AM
Honestly ... Salix.
The most exclusive brand of the lot.

might get two of these. love the new styles.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 16, 2018, 03:41:01 AM
Salix from those choices espically as you can visit which you can’t with the others

thanks salix are in kent, im in Manchester so a bit of a journey. So i won't be going as i can just tell them via email and true them for the willow. i can buy blind thats how good their service was last time. thanks
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 16, 2018, 03:42:07 AM
Could also ask BB for help with a custom or visit Aldred (?) to take care of the remaining options on the list

was seriously thinking this. but since i have a keeeley superior and that is brilliant, i would one get a bb pure edition, custom made. and that im sure will be brilliant.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: velvetsky01 on May 16, 2018, 07:33:26 AM
thanks, Any reason why?

Yes because it is my keeley you were keen on buying  :D
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: mattw on May 16, 2018, 07:55:49 AM
So does this mean same person makes both Newberry and Aldred bats?

Aldred makes the legacy (top end) bats for Newbery.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 17, 2018, 08:33:36 PM
Yes because it is my keeley you were keen on buying  :D

Thats one fine bat you got. Well done!
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: velvetsky01 on May 17, 2018, 09:03:01 PM
Thanks yes it is
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: prim0pyr0 on May 18, 2018, 08:34:56 AM

 for laver and wood signature, I have never had this, but i think generally they press their bats hard (on purpose, to minimise returns and the claim that the coefficient of restitution is  more, ie it bounces more of the bat and the ball goes further on their bats... but I don't like this feel so unless I agree to void the warrantee or i have to reject this. .

Saw on their fb that they have a new press now, and something like they do different more modern performance press now
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Sitonit on May 18, 2018, 09:34:48 PM
Remove the stickers so you don't know which are you holding.

Close your eyes

Pick the bat and feel it's balance

THAT'S the one you should go with.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Gurujames on May 18, 2018, 09:53:05 PM
Agree, but tell me where you will find all these together and I’m there........ actually a cbf net. I fortunately even more spanner’s would love thrown in.
I’m getting to the point where actually it’s more difficult to find a bad bat made from one of those suppliers, or any small bespoke maker
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Sitonit on May 20, 2018, 04:42:54 PM
Agree, but tell me where you will find all these together and I’m there........ actually a cbf net. I fortunately even more spanner’s would love thrown in.
I’m getting to the point where actually it’s more difficult to find a bad bat made from one of those suppliers, or any small bespoke maker

Buying a bat online ALWAYS comes with a risk of not liking the pick and feel when you hold it for the first time when it arrives after a long and excruciating wait.

There is also some room of adjustment in our muscle memory and ligament movement where you may not fall in love with a bat right away, but you could still tune yourself to get the hang of it.

And sometimes when a batsman is in good nick, he can play good with almost any regulation bat.

If you are buying online, the most important thing that you can and should focus on is the weight. And then go from there.

Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Tailendfielder on May 21, 2018, 07:47:57 AM
thanks, which ones have you had? when did you pay them and how much did you pay for them?

Had one i bought for 250 in about 2000. When that died i drove down to kent and asked him to replicate it. That cost alot and i used that for years and its the best bat ive ever had. I borrowed so,eone elses and scored a ton with that and had a replica of that made and that flys as well. They all cost alot.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: InternalTraining on May 22, 2018, 01:06:57 PM
thanks, any reason why? i have seen some gn legend gold etc.. video reviews on youtube and they look good, but what else can you say.

- By far the best pressed bats I own
- feel great in hands
- amazing ping
- require little preparation for match use - prep the toe with the mallet and the middle will take care of itself
- only bats other than CA that have provided excellent value (return in terms of entertainment and fun) for my money.
- I rate Kranzbuhlers a little better than TKs because my TK took some time to open up. My match Kranzbuhler  was very quick to open up, easy sixes too! 😂

XXX-11 s are very expensive bats, but they are a sure thing. In the cricket bat world, that level of certainty is just rare.
Title: Re: Which bat shall I go for (if money is not an issue)? Put in rank order
Post by: Cricketfan99 on May 24, 2018, 04:31:01 AM
Remove the stickers so you don't know which are you holding.

Close your eyes

Pick the bat and feel it's balance

THAT'S the one you should go with.

This method doesn't work for me. Tried it. Didn't work. The only way is to use the in the nets and see which

1. picks up well. (centre of gravity / mid position)
2. plays well  (this is the whether its a full profile or concaved and the quality of willow / handle / pressing)
3. lasts me a long innings. (this is more to do with its dead weight)
4. how i feel after a few nets. and often i can tell after straight away after 1 net not 3/4.
5. actual match bat. follows above methodology.

hence i figured the profile that allows me to score the most runs and stay with me at the crease till the end, is the one

Therefore, affinity carbine in shape. perfect in profile shape. i can say 100% the only thing i needed adjusting was the semi oval handle to oval at the base and semi oval from the top. That is me being extremely fussy. I got this done (by GN and i got my perfect shape). I save this for when I actually play. I replicated this shape as much as possible with several of my other bats, and it all worked brilliantly. done by gn.
 
the carbine is somewhat similar to the salix ajk 33 ( i think almost identical to the carbine. perhaps the spine could go into the toe a fraction more and the shoulders to be a fraction thinner, and the handle as above).  but i can live with the ajk 33 as overall its a brilliant bat, top to bottom, also i asked andrew why the previous ajks were so well responsive, he said they get their (top end) willow not from js wrights but by Guy Foskett. He said he finds their willow to be better. I definitely agree, i think it pings better then the keeley superior i got of a hampshire play, and better then the carbine i have and maybe even better then the virat bat i got of ton. the wood is certainly better. etc... a few other sposonored bats, eg gn f18, few legends, etc.. although one legend comes close. but the custom salix ajk is simply better. thanks andrew.

or the gn legend in terms shape.

the top three bats i feel have a mid middle and good for all round play. the full profile is better for me, as i care more about the punch from the middle then the off centre shots. although the concaving has convinced me from a scientific perspective as the triangulation principle means there is more strength to the structure near the edges. structural rigidity its called.  however this means there is less mass in the centre and so the central shot may feel a touch less powerful. but only very slight.

a) in short the full profile (carbine and ajks shaped bats) have a better but a (very slightly) smaller middle
b) the concaved gn legend has slightly wider middle in terms of area 2 but the middle is not as punchy. Again only fractionally different in terms of middle size and feel.

i choose the full profile as i feel if i hit off centre i don't deserve runs and so i care more about the perfectly timed middle shot.