Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: bigc92 on August 21, 2018, 06:16:50 PM

Title: A visit to Hunts
Post by: bigc92 on August 21, 2018, 06:16:50 PM
I had some spare time today heading back down past Hunts so thought I would pop in as I haven't been there in a few years.

Had a great chat with their main bat maker Matt who has taken over from Tony now he's retired. Although Tony was still there helping out. spent an hour talking bats and watching the cricket.

Obviously I couldn't walk away empty handed! he had just finished making a few grade 2's which all looked very nice so picked out one that weighs 2'8 finished. Really pleased with the bat, edges just squeeze through the gauge and spine is a few mm off it. Nice and full with no concaving. Photos below...

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/39755187_10157041594451294_1192500555952422912_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=14f97f78dfddab7dc82f0eea4a5ccc3d&oe=5BFB3953)

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/39734940_10157041594476294_2983307253286699008_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=53c6bd0950d5461ced73b1a00447c9e6&oe=5BF78446)

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/39611410_10157041594491294_2804910271909330944_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=a4af0ca6f4fc947a340d1530c646da68&oe=5BED663B)

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/39760708_10157041594486294_7657182233496649728_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=1310c2587cb9e49aa8618f6ecf8b0275&oe=5C077D1D)

If you are ever passing its well worth popping in, everyone there is really helpful and know their stuff. they have a few interesting bats kicking around. One that really took my fancy was one of Joe Roots old GM's. you can't really tell from the photos but it would never fit through the gauge and it weighs 2'8. They are keeping it as they have been making a few of Roots bats recently. Had a few of Freddie's old bats too!

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/39869089_10157041592291294_6997910981263228928_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=209be36fb1c5907c359221e16544c217&oe=5BFCE77A)

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/39753220_10157041592311294_4286997460196261888_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=f652342d42c7d657cb30d3830ccfd8ae&oe=5BF16FE6)

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/39775447_10157041592316294_2803508111116075008_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=fb62b0309cc9796c919b8763e869af35&oe=5C0C09A6)
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: play-yourself-in on August 21, 2018, 07:14:20 PM
That bat is a cracker...well done!  I've never seen a bad Hunts in the flesh, although never had a hit with one myself.  Hope there are plenty of runs in it.
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: Mel Jessop on August 21, 2018, 07:15:45 PM
Great guys at Hunts, I had that GM in my hands last year it is a monster for the weight and balls fly of it, it was sent in by Billy Root as Joe had given his bats to him following moving to New Balance.

Aiming to get at least one bat copied/made by them before the start of the 2019 season, I only live about 5 miles away, your bat looks great, hope it goes well for you.
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: Jlscarroll17 on August 21, 2018, 07:37:30 PM
That bat looks a belter !! Heard nothing but great things about hunts, can anyone comment on the hunts oval handles? As that’s the main stumbling block for me
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: Jaffa on August 21, 2018, 07:43:25 PM
That bat looks a belter !! Heard nothing but great things about hunts, can anyone comment on the hunts oval handles? As that’s the main stumbling block for me

I've got two Hunts made by Matt. Everyone (apart from one die-hard round handle guy) who have at least picked them up loved them.
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: bigc92 on August 21, 2018, 07:43:51 PM
The bottom hand on the bat above is very oval. Top hand is obviously round. Hope that helpd
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: bigc92 on August 21, 2018, 07:45:49 PM
Great guys at Hunts, I had that GM in my hands last year it is a monster for the weight and balls fly of it, it was sent in by Billy Root as Joe had given his bats to him following moving to New Balance.

Aiming to get at least one bat copied/made by them before the start of the 2019 season, I only live about 5 miles away, your bat looks great, hope it goes well for you.

I’m in the process of getting a copy made of roots bat. Matt said it would be around 2’11 rather than 2’8 as he wouldn’t normally dry a bat out that much for a non pro bat. Going to try and convince him to go somewhere in between
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: Jlscarroll17 on August 21, 2018, 07:49:08 PM
I've got two Hunts made by Matt. Everyone (apart from one die-hard round handle guy) who have at least picked them up loved them.

Well I’m sold !! I’ll have to take the plunge and make the trip to hunts !!
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: Jaffa on August 21, 2018, 08:06:35 PM
Well I’m sold !! I’ll have to take the plunge and make the trip to hunts !!


Fancy this custom profile? It's one of Matt's...

(http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/b540/busav8/IMG_1452_zpspwfvaw81.jpg) (http://s1290.photobucket.com/user/busav8/media/IMG_1452_zpspwfvaw81.jpg.html)
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on August 21, 2018, 08:35:25 PM
That bat looks a belter !! Heard nothing but great things about hunts, can anyone comment on the hunts oval handles? As that’s the main stumbling block for me

The Hunts oval handle is perfection!

If you don't like oval handles ask for a round one. I'm fairly sure @simonmay5 got round handles on his custom when we visited
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: stevat on August 21, 2018, 08:46:49 PM
Fancy this custom profile? It's one of Matt's...

([url]http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/b540/busav8/IMG_1452_zpspwfvaw81.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1290.photobucket.com/user/busav8/media/IMG_1452_zpspwfvaw81.jpg.html[/url])


Love that shape, what weight is that?  full length blade?
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: Jaffa on August 21, 2018, 09:13:10 PM
Mix between the Aura and Xero. Weighs about 2lb7.5 , 40mm edges , 60mm spine , SH in Players grade.
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: stevat on August 21, 2018, 09:36:12 PM
Mix between the Aura and Xero. Weighs about 2lb7.5 , 40mm edges , 60mm spine , SH in Players grade.
Wow, how much?  If you don't mind me asking?  Did you just see it there and pick it up, or did you ask for something along those lines?  Always think an offset edge looks great, reminds me of safbats.
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: Jlscarroll17 on August 21, 2018, 09:56:24 PM
Fancy this custom profile? It's one of Matt's...

([url]http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/b540/busav8/IMG_1452_zpspwfvaw81.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1290.photobucket.com/user/busav8/media/IMG_1452_zpspwfvaw81.jpg.html[/url])


It looks lovely but I’ve got my usual profile I’ve used for a while now and that would be far too light for me I’m normally between 2.10-12 depending on the pickup
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: jonny77 on August 22, 2018, 07:55:17 AM
Fancy this custom profile? It's one of Matt's...

([url]http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/b540/busav8/IMG_1452_zpspwfvaw81.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1290.photobucket.com/user/busav8/media/IMG_1452_zpspwfvaw81.jpg.html[/url])


Lovely shape
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: goodarmcindy on August 22, 2018, 07:56:26 AM
Mix between the Aura and Xero. Weighs about 2lb7.5 , 40mm edges , 60mm spine , SH in Players grade.

That's a gorgeous shape and an incredible profile for the weight.
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on August 22, 2018, 08:44:49 AM
Backtracking a few posts: my Insignia had/ has a round handle.
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: Neon Cricket on August 22, 2018, 09:44:36 AM
Whilst the Hunts oval handles are simply a work of art, they will happily do round if requested also.
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: Jaffa on August 22, 2018, 10:49:52 AM
They also can drill out about 2oz of wood from the splice downwards. This has no negative effect of the playing power of a bat but does affect the feel a little and the pickup. Also they sound a little different. For me not a negative, just to be taken into consideration when picking them up.

While their bats aren't 'new and improved' according to marketing, they provide both quality and value.
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: jamielsn15 on August 22, 2018, 11:01:00 AM
May i enquire as to the cost of the g1 and g2 custom orders?
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: dtl2018 on August 22, 2018, 11:44:21 AM
Just looking at the shape of this it is almost identical to the custom bat i had a few years ago from Talent cricket.

Do you know if Hunts make theirs?

pos
Lovely shape
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: stevat on August 22, 2018, 12:21:20 PM
Just looking at the shape of this it is almost identical to the custom bat i had a few years ago from Talent cricket.

Do you know if Hunts make theirs?

pos

I was under the impression that they did - so good spot.
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on August 22, 2018, 12:32:48 PM
Whilst the Hunts oval handles are simply a work of art, they will happily do round if requested also.

I didn't request it. It was just there.
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: bigc92 on August 22, 2018, 04:39:05 PM
May i enquire as to the cost of the g1 and g2 custom orders?

£235 G1
£200 G2
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: bigc92 on August 22, 2018, 04:39:30 PM
May i enquire as to the cost of the g1 and g2 custom orders?

They also do a players grade for £295
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on August 22, 2018, 06:37:05 PM
It would, of course, be opening a can of worms to point out  that there is actually no such thing as players grade willow?
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: bigc92 on August 22, 2018, 07:18:08 PM
It would, of course, be opening a can of worms to point out  that there is actually no such thing as players grade willow?

Don’t shoot the messenger...
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on August 22, 2018, 07:59:20 PM
Don’t shoot the messenger...

Else they'd be a lot of dead people.
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: Neon Cricket on August 23, 2018, 06:33:24 AM
It would, of course, be opening a can of worms to point out  that there is actually no such thing as players grade willow?

Lets not start this one again - there's no universal grading system so Hunts, or any company, can call their willow whatever they like. Whilst I'd love to see an official grading system put in place it's virtually impossible.

Plenty of companies use "performance grade" which is the worst one for me - just a lazy way of selling off cheap willow for a premium price in the majority of cases.
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: Mattsky on August 23, 2018, 08:40:07 AM
@bigc92 Lovely bat, the Caerulex. I love everything about it. I'm using mine at the moment.
I thought 'Super Selected' denotes top-grade willow though, but you say you've one in grade 2?
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: bigc92 on August 24, 2018, 04:42:29 PM
@bigc92 Lovely bat, the Caerulex. I love everything about it. I'm using mine at the moment.
I thought 'Super Selected' denotes top-grade willow though, but you say you've one in grade 2?

Matt just stuck it on as he said it ‘deserved’ the sticker haha!
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on August 24, 2018, 06:25:28 PM
Matt just stuck it on as he said it ‘deserved’ the sticker haha!

Point proven!
Title: Re: A visit to Hunts
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on August 24, 2018, 07:12:25 PM
Isn't everyone who plays cricket a player?