Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: dez107 on July 28, 2019, 12:47:32 PM

Title: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: dez107 on July 28, 2019, 12:47:32 PM
Just wandering on peoples thoughts or opinion on these 2 batmakers, who makes the better bat, which one would you prefer. Both fantastic batmakers.
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Tom on July 28, 2019, 12:54:20 PM
Not even a comparison for who I'd prefer to get a bat made by. Tim Keeley is a fantastic batmaker who has done more to move batmaking forward than anyone else alive today.
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: brokenbat on July 28, 2019, 01:16:51 PM
This would be like comparing a Ferrari (Keely) .... to a bicycle
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: jayralh on July 28, 2019, 01:34:19 PM
^Ouch  :)
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: SD on July 28, 2019, 02:02:06 PM
I would say that there wouldn't be many topics on here which would generate a unanimous repsone, but this could be it.

The only reason you would go for Aldred is if you wanted a bat considerably heavier than the one you paid for
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Mfarank on July 28, 2019, 02:17:15 PM
TK anyday. Maybe if you were comparing him with someone like Kember, it would be more of a competition
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: IWTUK on July 28, 2019, 03:43:10 PM
TK anyday. Maybe if you were comparing him with someone like Kember, it would be more of a competition

I personally don’t believe that’s a competition either, Andrew’s reputation and bats are outstanding although naturally, others may disagree. Just my 10p’s worth.
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: JB on July 28, 2019, 03:53:26 PM
I’ve had one aldred, sold it without using it. Only thing I liked was the very squarish oval bottom hand of the handle.

Had a good few Keeley bats, all been good, only normally sell them when a teammate wants one. I’ve got one off Canners & BB Pure edition Hulk I’m knocking in that are superb bats! Agree with broken bat
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Canners on July 28, 2019, 05:11:37 PM
TK all day long.....

To think Kohli was using a Keeley in the World Cup, oh and Warner is as good an argument you’ll need
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Yorkershire on July 28, 2019, 05:57:56 PM
OP is quite new, so go easy on him... TK also is more personable and likeable ...  ;)

There's a video of him with Malik bats owner and I liked his sense of humour and humbleness!

Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: edge on July 28, 2019, 06:13:54 PM
I'll go there... not to knock Keeley at all, but if I had some kind of fantasy bat voucher that was only redeemable with one of them, I'd likely go to Aldred.
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Gurujames on July 28, 2019, 06:31:19 PM
I love my Aldred
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Calzehbhoy on July 28, 2019, 06:50:34 PM
I have two BB’s (Keeley) and two Aldred’s at the moment. Prefer the BB’s but that’s just because the handle in the BB’s is more to my liking so will be moving on the Aldred’s. All 4 are better bats than I need or deserve for my talent.

If you are looking at buying you won’t go wrong with either.

Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Komdotkom on July 28, 2019, 09:13:11 PM
I've owned both and I really don't think there's that much in it. I have never dealt directly with Keeley so I can't really comment on the whole buying experience/customer service aspect, but the finished products really aren't that different.
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: csnew on July 28, 2019, 09:15:34 PM
TK all day long.....

To think Kohli was using a Keeley in the World Cup, oh and Warner is as good an argument you’ll need

Think chase also claimed to make bats for kohli in the WC  ;)
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Canners on July 28, 2019, 09:32:37 PM
Think chase also claimed to make bats for kohli in the WC  ;)

I’ve seen the bats in question 👌
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: dez107 on July 28, 2019, 09:33:17 PM
Ive also had both, there really isnt much between them. Aldred's heavier weights than you order do annoy me. His theory maybe true in person if you try it but hard when buying online. Presses a mighty fine bat.
 TK is amazing bats, both have different ways of the production of a bat. One took over the other making Newbery's top grade. Think its an interesting discussion.
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: potzy248 on July 28, 2019, 10:34:36 PM
I’ve seen the bats in question 👌

I saw 2 of Kohli's bats when we visited the Keeley factory 3 weeks ago. I have a heap of photo's but putting them up on here is a ball ache these days.
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: hammersjr on July 28, 2019, 10:47:31 PM
TK all day for me
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: jjelricksmith on July 29, 2019, 09:07:57 AM
Not much in it for me, have bats from both. Only differences ive had is my Aldreds dont last very long, about 2 seasons per bat, 2/3 games a week. Just picked up a phantom shadow from a forum member as wanted another keeley and seems to be better finishing on it but thats about it. Both very good bat makers. Is there any reason why some keeley resellers charge £300-350 for top grade yet some are 500 range. Just brand or different willow/ service/ relationship with TK?
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Psi on July 29, 2019, 09:10:36 AM
I saw 2 of Kohli's bats when we visited the Keeley factory 3 weeks ago. I have a heap of photo's but putting them up on here is a ball ache these days.

Oh go on... Would like to see the Kohli profiles from TK. I just post a link to Google Photos to get pictures on here.
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: richyreed on July 29, 2019, 09:24:56 AM
Cricket Store Online gifted some Keeley bats to Kohli which you can see here - https://youtu.be/9EVVMo03Vzw?t=678
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Psi on July 29, 2019, 11:20:31 AM
Thanks, yes interesting video. Profiles of the TK Kohli look quite different from the Mrf marketed Kohli shape.

Always amuses me when people show knocking with a ball on these bats as they all seem to sound the same on video.
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Mfarank on July 29, 2019, 02:35:56 PM
Oh go on... Would like to see the Kohli profiles from TK. I just post a link to Google Photos to get pictures on here.
The B4 shape from Blank bats is a Kohli profile TK bat :)
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: SAFC2403 on July 29, 2019, 03:20:35 PM
I can only speak as I find - Found Aldred very personable and likeable to be honest - yes my bat is heavier than I specced originally but happy to go with someone who probably knows more about bats than I do. The result is a very fine bat which is probably the best I've ever had. Had mine 2 a bit seasons and probably needs a clean up which i'll do myself during the close season.

Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: InternalTraining on July 29, 2019, 04:39:28 PM
Just wandering on peoples thoughts or opinion on these 2 batmakers, who makes the better bat, which one would you prefer. Both fantastic batmakers.

It is about your personal preferences. I have both. TK suits my hands and style of play better. I like thin handles. TK bats near the toe area are not as responsive as say my CA. So, there is that trade off.

I have an Aldred G1 Butterfly and it pings beautifully. Handle is a little thicker than what I like. I had it designed like an Amplus so it is a beautiful bat for a pitch with tennis ball bounce.

One cheque/tick in favor of TKs is the price - you can find really bargains for both used and new bats.

Ultimately, your style of play, your physiology, and your conditions (of play) will determine the best bat(s) for you. What works for me may never work for you. Just keep the pros and cons in mind and try out all the bats and see which helps you perform better.
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: brokenbat on July 29, 2019, 05:22:36 PM
From what I hear, the Biggest issue with Aldred is that you are almost certain to get a bat that is heavier than requested. And then he will make it look like it’s YOUR fault (“don’t you know that heavier bats are better for your technique”...”i know it weighs 2lb 12 but it picks up like your requested weight”).
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: InternalTraining on July 29, 2019, 05:40:13 PM
^ Well, I dealt with him directly and he was very nice to deal with. The bat came out at the weight I wanted. The handle was slightly thicker than what I like but nothing too bad.

The problems with buying bats, especially custom bats, are: 1. people don't really understand what they truly need, they think that a custom bat will fix all their batting problems; 2. don't give bat enough time to open up and maintain it - older the bat gets, the better the ping; 3. best way to use a custom bat making service (hint: to replicate something you own that already works well for you but is about to break or have a back of a brilliant bat for yourself).
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on July 29, 2019, 05:57:44 PM
Different bats pick up differently for different people. I am quite sure of this.
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on July 29, 2019, 06:01:00 PM
Thanks, yes interesting video. Profiles of the TK Kohli look quite different from the Mrf marketed Kohli shape.

Always amuses me when people show knocking with a ball on these bats as they all seem to sound the same on video.

Haha! Yes, especially as they are brand new!
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on July 29, 2019, 06:08:46 PM
Paul speaks highly of TK; while at the same time critising practices that he either uses (eg CNC), or is a key player in (eg 'sticker-up' brands).  :o
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on July 29, 2019, 06:38:22 PM
TK for me.  In terms of bats performance and pick up not much in it just know which one i would rather give my heard earned money to. As someone has just said his double standards and whole attitude towards anyone else who dare have a thought or opinion different to his own irritates  the hell out of me
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: shadowlight on July 29, 2019, 06:58:05 PM
As someone has just said his double standards and whole attitude towards anyone else who dare have a thought or opinion different to his own irritates  the hell out of me

This is one of my trigger points and turns me completely off, along with constant competitor bashing.  I rather you provide me information on why your product is better instead of saying negative things about your competitor.  To me that says you have no confidence in your product.  Also, every person has an opinion good or bad.  You have to acknowledge that it's different and agree to disagree on the opinion.  At one point I was looking at getting butterfly bat made but watched couple of video's and the weight issue put me off. 
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: sarg on July 29, 2019, 07:17:35 PM
i'm finally going to choose and ...I think Aldred is better looking.

oh...bats??

I'd like to live in England and go to visit both. It's not really fair to compare these two as TK has Aldred covered on every aspect of bat making. That doesn't mean Paul is not a good bat maker either, but if I lived exactly halfway between the two I think TK would have a better range of options and willow if I wanted a custom bat, plus the stories on bat making would be worth the trip if I could get him to open up.

Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: potzy248 on July 29, 2019, 08:00:43 PM
Oh go on... Would like to see the Kohli profiles from TK. I just post a link to Google Photos to get pictures on here.
@Psi if I did that would all my private family photos be visible also?
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Cholrudee on July 29, 2019, 10:53:18 PM
https://imgur.com/upload (https://i.imgur.com/qXXDQky.gif)
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Psi on July 30, 2019, 11:45:58 AM
@Psi if I did that would all my private family photos be visible also?

No don't think so. You just make a Google album with the photos you want to post, and get the link for sharing it, and only that album should be visible (but I can't guarantee it... If everyone has been tormented by my family photos and endless bat before /after refurb pics, then sorry... 😂)
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Psi on July 30, 2019, 11:47:34 AM
... I did try Imgur and one other similar app, but couldn't find a way to use it for free, it was asking for a monthly subscription. But I didn't waste much time looking...
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Cholrudee on July 30, 2019, 10:43:31 PM
Cricket Store Online gifted some Keeley bats to Kohli which you can see here - https://youtu.be/9EVVMo03Vzw?t=678

£565.00 including UK shipping (https://i.imgur.com/zpu7eas.gif) (excluding customs charges)
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Psi on July 30, 2019, 11:28:49 PM
Omg. Presumably you could ask Keeley to make a copy to the same spec and pay a lot less?
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: InternalTraining on July 31, 2019, 12:10:16 AM
^ Shhhhh...don't let the secret out.
Title: Re: Aldred vs Keeley
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on July 31, 2019, 07:25:10 AM
Hits the ceiling and everything!