Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Companies => Off-the-shelf companies => Black Cat Cricket => Topic started by: Watsontotty on February 27, 2010, 10:35:14 PM
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Thought it would be good to do a review of a brand which I've absolutely no experience of at all, i pre ordered my bat on the 15th of Feb and paid if full. was told id have it i in around 2 weeks, Obviously i have read the various comments regarding the size and profile and about it being revolutionary. I like to try things which are new and not from the main stream brands which many go for.
Spec
2lb 10oz standard short handle with 12 clean straight grains with no marks or blemishes, I've also asked for the bat not to have any heartwood or maximum of 3 grains worth, not convinced or a fan of heartwood but that's my personal opinion and each to there own. I requested an massive profile with light pick up and balance but have been specific regarding performance in than i want something with top top drawer performance.
Obviously the bat has not been released yet although I'm told to expect delivery next week, once i have it i will take pics of the profile etc and post. I'm looking forward to doing a full review of the bat and i will do a full review once I've received the bat and provide as much detail as possible. The review will be my honest opinion and thoughts to the bat and brand, as I've said I'm very much looking forward to it and I'm expecting a lot.
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ahhhh bat number 1 might be for sale then
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It ain't bud but nice try ?
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Excellent!
I have just sent cheque away for Joker and Shadow.
Reviews to follow on both at some point!
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Do you not feel slightly worried about spending £200+ on a product you've never seen, seen used or heard much about!?
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I don't personally - although I have spoken to a couple of people who have enlightened me about the Joker - sounds like a great T20 bat!
Obviously the Shadow I know from Slogger is a great bat!
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Sorry but from what I've heard the bat lives up to its name... JOKEr
Will have to wait and see what the reviews say though
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Who's told you that Leo?
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Noone on here
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Well care to explain what you mean?
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Someone who is not a member of the forums... comprende?
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I didn't mean that smart (No Swearing Please), I was refering to your statement about this bat being a joke!
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Cheers tom
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Let us just see when Waton gets his next week?
It's kind of like Cristmas....you know you're gonna get a present, but not sure if you will be disappointed, pleased, surprised, shocked, or estatic!
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But it's more fun to speculate!!
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so whats the joke about this bat leo? i'm intrigued after the review slogger02 gave a while ago.
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so whats the joke about this bat leo? i'm intrigued after the review slogger02 gave a while ago.
No Slogger02's review was for a Black Cat Shadow, I'm talking about the Joker. But who knows maybe it will perform well and I will be the fool ;)
Hopefully Charlie will fill us in on the full details of the bat soon?
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I hope it's worth the wait! Need to decide if i should give up or not if it's the best bat in the world. What chance have i got.
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I think it's never the case that 'one size fits all' Dan!!
Therefore you will always get people who dont get on with a bat, no matter how good it is!
That's why there are so many different profiles available!
I think it will be the kind of bat that some people find to be the best thing since sliced bread....whereas others will think its rubbish!
I am hoping for the bakers option for me! 8)
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Yeh i was only kidding. I hope it is good though. Then everybody can copy it. ;-)
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It looks as though it will be very much a specialist bat for T20 format!
I suspect that its going to go like a train, and then some!
How many ideas can be safeguarded from other companies copying features on a bat????
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No Slogger02's review was for a Black Cat Shadow, I'm talking about the Joker. But who knows maybe it will perform well and I will be the fool ;)
Hopefully Charlie will fill us in on the full details of the bat soon?
yeah i understand that, but what makes you think that it will be a joke? what have you heard? lol
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Don't want to give anything away you'll see when its launched and can make your own decision ;)
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why dont you think it will be good leo?
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It's worth the wait in my opinion - great looking bat and no reason for it to be classed as a 'joke' - im certainly investing in one.
Leo - have you actually seen the bat, picked it up and had a hit with it or have you been told the design and imagined it's likely appearance?
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Looks to me people are jumping to conclusions without any knowledge of the product what so ever ? very few people have seen it to even comment and I'm pretty certain next to no one will have tried it out in the nets yet. I have spoken to someone who has seen the bat up close and personnel and his opinion was very good so i will wait and see it and test it before i can talk from experience.
Every time a new product or manufacture comes onto the market you get 50% of people making conclusions without trying the products. mongoose and aero to name a couple. I guess i will find out soon if its all that or not and spending £200 on any bat which you purchase across the Internet is a risk no matter what brand you go for.
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Don't see how opinions can be formed prior to anyone using the bat to see how it performs . I think Charlie has done an excellent job creating the hype surrounding it and has created sales of people buying blind which shows what a decent marketing approach can do.
Will be good to hear some reviews from people once they get them to see what they think of the conept/design.
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I agree mate, it's fantastic for Black Cat that they have created such interest in a product that we have seen some pretty average 'sneak peeks' of which couldve been of any bat. I hope it's good, i really do.
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Yeah just to add, I've not seen one myself, so may have jumped to conclusions. Im as excited as anyone to see the bats when they are released.
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Everyone is saying it's different, different like MMi, or Uzi or something else?
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Release should be next week so not long to wait.
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I'm looking forward to it coming out, maybe they have found some wood from the amazon with similar performance to willow but much lighter thus giving you bigger bat size?
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I've seen willow from England, Kashmir, Hungary and Canada sold as English so might not be that crazy!!!
Uncle Rich will have the first review and I'm guessing he is either mad or a visionary for a blind buy, I know which he will claim to be ;)
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Well i took advice from certain people who claim to be in the no and i was told that they will be very good and i will be very happy with the bat. If they were wrong then then fair enough i will take it up with them direct, Charlie has been really good to deal with so i don't see why there should be any problems.
Although I'm not an expert i no a thing or two about willow myself which I've picked up over the years so I'm hopefully going to end up with something that meets my specs.
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I'm sure it will propel you into the Durham squad, don't forget us when you are on Sky Sports....
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Well I'm a bit old for that bud but I've made some very decent squads back in the day however that wasn't for my batting lol, and i was a shade lighter in those days.
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I was referring to the over 60's squad of course.....
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Yer as was i lol, well over 60s county squad ain't so bad.
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Is it just myself and Rich who are buying a Joker?
Or has anyone else parted with their hard-earned paycheque? ???
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I am seriously looking at the Somerset over 50's, in 29 years time.....
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Think it's just you pair at the moment...obviously earning far too much ;)
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I am seriously looking at the Somerset over 50's, in 29 years time.....
I'm sure you will find a spot in the ladies team bud, few people have said you would fit right in lol.
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Release should be next week so not long to wait.
Any news on this a just over a week on? When can we expect launch, I know it has been on the verge for a month or so now.
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Last few pieces slotting into place nicely...
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Good stuff, a couple of our retailers have said they've seen it so was interested to know when it will be around.
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Didn't see many people stocking Mongooses on my travels..?
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We're in 70ish now and almost all the major ones. Where did you go?
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Canterbury Cricket and Hockey, Beckenham Cricket Specialists, Malik Sports, Kent Cricket Direct, Fordham Sports, Globe Sports, Somerset County Sports, Serious Cricket, Cricket & Hockey...
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Hmm should have seen them in at least 4 if not 5 of those retailers, unless they've sold out that is.
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I saw two bats in Malik (though he said they weren't stocking them as such, and Mongoose just plonked the bats on the shelf and asked them to give him a buzz if they sold, so we won't count that one), there was one in Globe Sports, and a few in SCS. Rest said they weren't stocking it..?
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Fordhams as well, although they don't always have them on display as they got picked up so much.
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Canterbury Cricket and Hockey, Beckenham Cricket Specialists, Malik Sports, Kent Cricket Direct, Fordham Sports, Globe Sports, Somerset County Sports, Serious Cricket, Cricket & Hockey...
Last time I went to Globe there was 5 MMi's, must've sold some...
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Did they take u up on stocking the joker/other black cat stuff at globe sports mate? At Somerset next week too if they have it in there
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Also dropped in on Romida in Leatherhead, almost forgot.
Of the 10 I went to, 9 liked the bat, and were interested to stock it. It's always hard getting them to stock more gear, when they've already spent their season's budget etc etc.
I am confident of being in a few big retailers though. One of the bigger ones was keen on the normal Black Cat bats as well, which was nice.
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Good work mate....heard it's tough getting the £££ out of retailers so they must gave been impressed
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Getting the £££ from them is another matter! But, yes they liked the bat.
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Indeed mate invoices and terms of credit to negotiate and chase up etc but good way of expanding the brands outreach to a wider audience with!
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Tom on Saturdays i saw one of your helmets in a shop up my way, i know the guy who runs it however the helmet was not on display for sale which was a shame. He said it was one of the first versions made and it had the ear pieces with Ayrtek branding on them and i think a ti grille. Whats the story behind it ?
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Rich it may have been the one talisman spotted on eBay...none of them should be in a shop though unless they got them from a county side we gave them out to...was it a White one?
Ps sorry for going off topic!
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Yes it was a white one with silver lines around it and looked in very very good nick.
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Ah no idea how they got hold of it mate was the one on Ebay that is now with a forum member....cant even remember making it but then think we have done over 250 helmets now so loosing track lol wasnt a Elite one so may have been a sample that was sent out as it had the Ayrtek crest on the front of it.
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Not sure of the model but i think it had the crest on it but its was tucked away in the store room / Office, looked great though with the ear pieces with the branding though and perhaps something for all future models.
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Yeah know the one mate early version as we had the Albion Ti style grill on those ones before doing our own. Strange how they got hold of it though in order to sell it as I definately never gave it to them lol
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Yer that's the one it was very Albion ish the grille and the ear pieces however i really like that and thought it looked very very nice. I did ask how he got hold of it and he wasn't sure and said it was a prototype which one of the other lads got hold of.
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Shame he didnt have it out in the shop then for people to see and try out ;) yeah easily enough to go back to that type of grill as they all fit the shell should you/anyone fancy a change.
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I would certainly be interested as i like the Albion grill a lot, i even bought my old Albion ti elite combo back as i was going to use the grill but sold it on again and kept the ayrtek grill. Was wondering if you had any spare crests for my friends helmet as he saw mine for the first time on Monday and his looks a bit plain against mine lol. Off to work now oh well i suppose I'm off after today for a few days.
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Tom are your helmets stocked anywhere or is it just from your website?
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Just on our website currently.....as with Charlie had the retailers call to ask about stocking it but its a tough call to make.
Lets get back on topic and get Charlie showing us more of the joker ;)
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Rich I have an Albion Ti22 grille on my Ayrtek, looks the business ;)
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I thought this was being released friday?
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Not that I'm aware of i think the date is still yet to be released and i will have my bat Monday I'm told.
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I heard the same Rich - but you've been waiting for longer than me for the Joker, so you can have the pleasure of posting your pics first! :D
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Cheers bud I've been waiting not that patiently for a while so i cant wait to see what its like ? think we should do a joint review and pics once they are her ? what do you think ?
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Is this another t20 bat?
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Yes although I'm told its very adaptable to longer formats also ?
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Adaptable... jeez now im interested? actual innovation?
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Emailed Charlie last week asking when its being released, he said friday
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I think he was hoping to be ready for then but unfortunately even the best laid plans don't always work especially when your relying on other people etc. He said id get the bat either on the release day or slightly before but it will be here on Monday so I'm very interested to see what its all about.
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Well if its adaptable maybe it has a telescopic handle or a hinge halfway up the blade so it can fold out! hahaha
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It could be Mongoose shape but open up to have a new section in the middle for longer formats like my dining room table....
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Not a bad guess however it has an extra bit which you attach to the blade to adapt it to a standard size bat.
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hahaha thats a classic,can just imagine it . . .
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I think there were one or two small delays.
So myself and Rich could be the trend-setters!
Rich was first, but it's a band wagon I intend to jump on! :D
As we speak, those two monsters are winging their way to myself and Rich, under armed escort!
Those bats will be snapping at the postmen for sure! 8)
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I was told a certain Mrs Cole would be personally hand delivering mine whilst on route to visit family! However that's not the standard delivery for every bat.
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wow can you imagine having that option at the post office . . . I would post stuff to myself every day!
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That's why she is ill, the thought of Uncle Rich consoling her.....
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Cool - I was originally offered a special launch delivery by a Mrs. Beckham, but wasn't interested!!!
So they offered an M. Fox instead! I just hope thats Megan Fox, and NOT Michael J Fox!! >:(
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That's why she is ill, the thought of Uncle Rich consoling her.....
Not ill Mike although she has been sickening for me lol !
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Dirty Old Men............
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Not so old bud i believe your around my age are you not ! 35 ? and as im sure you are aware the older you get the more experienced you become which is vitally important.
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I'm 12...... mentally.
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Joker will be released on Monday.
Those that pre-ordered their bats will be getting them on Monday morning, including a few forum members, and will not be disappointed.
Cheers
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Not so old bud i believe your around my age are you not ! 35 ? and as im sure you are aware the older you get the more experienced you become which is vitally important.
No - it's the older you get, the hairier you get!
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Can't wait till this gets out, wanna actually see it!
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Not long now !
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nope
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Rich are you going to be curtain twitching waiting for the postie to appear and itnercept him at the gate?
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rich i'am in your garden waiting i'am going to intercept the parcel.
i living off your brothers wife's chips but the local's are getting restless
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Tom I've just spoken to special delivery girl ( Mrs Cole) and the bat should be with my by 11am, unfortunately i have a very busy Monday planned but i will make a little space and ensure the house is tidy lol.
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rich i'am in your garden waiting i'am going to intercept the parcel.
i living off your brothers wife's chips but the local's are getting restless
Two secs bud i will let the dog out to play with you, make sure you have a chop around your neck or he may well eat you.
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Whos going to be the 1st to unveil their new found friend to us forum members???
Id settle for the bat or Cheryl to be honest but im sure ul be keeping her busy all day;)
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phaaa ;)
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Whos going to be the 1st to unveil their new found friend to us forum members???
Id settle for the bat or Cheryl to be honest but im sure ul be keeping her busy all day;)
I will be very busy all day and possibly night entertaining, however if i can pull myself away for 10 mins i will try and get some pics up but wont be till around 7pm at the earliest.
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Maybe Charlie will do a job and show us the whole package on the website?
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I would imagine so but Pete is also due his bat on Monday so there should be plenty to see and its always better to see actual bats which people have bought and not just the professional pics of a hand selected bat on the manufacturer's website. Hopefully its as good as expected with a massive profile, will try and get some decent profile pics.
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Well today is the day...looking forward to this bat as it could be the bat to end all bats!!
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Lets have the pics then
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I may be wrong but can I see this being another flash in the pan? Yes, pics will either dismiss or confirm by thoughts.
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Huge build and anticipation for this new bat . . .hope it lives up to the hype!
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Yeah cmon Rich.. We are all waiting for pics.. GN Scoop, SS Jumbo, DF Magnum dare I say Black Cat Joker???
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Very excited about this!!
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suspense is killing me
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There are now pictures on there website... how is it different than a mongoose?
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Bit disappointing really, had been talked up when it's really no different to anything else on the market. Retailers had said it was similar to a Mongoose to us, didn't think it would be this similar.
Pleased in a way, as I had been worried he'd got onto the design we have in the pipeline for 2011...
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Nice spot on the photo's
It has a thin splice but does look similar to the goose
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Well thats a slight let down :(, seen it alll before!
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I dont think the shape is that similar to the MMI'S, the mongoose shape is unique but I much prefer this shape blade to the mongoose, it's definetly far more pleasing on the eye.
Peplow - who else has released a bat like this before?
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I quite like it . . .its like a hybrid between a Mongoose and Uzi but wouldn't say it was all that innovative.
Wouldn't fork out £200 on it tho but would consider buying a second hand one . . .
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Laver did one in very similar dimension SS, as have we although didn't release it. It's in Azhar Mahmood's kit bag.
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Can someone post pics as I can't view their site at mo from iPhone, images are flash etc
cheers
matt
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Does this one have a splice? It looks like it does on the pics... therefore im going to make a comparison to the mongoose once again, they developed the idea without a splice the whole blade would be the hitting are, where as i persume this one doesnt hit quite of well from the top
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It looks to have a short splice, I would guess the reason Charlie didn't put the whole splice in the handle as it may infringe on Mongooses designs. But with a full splice the blade would become pretty useless, so short splice in the blade short splice in the handle was the best way to do it.
IMO it's not too different to anything else and doesn't look too revolutionary (although we only have a few pics). Credit where it's due though, it takes some balls to come out with a T20 bat priced very similarly and of a very similar appearance to the best marketed cricket product. So good luck to Black Cat.
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So what you got cooking for next year tom any hints
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Should have released it then Tom!
Kibbs - I would guess that whilst a splice is visible, the bat is longer therefore it would have either an identical hitting area to a mongoose. The best thing to do is go to a shop and pick them both up, have a look at them and assess and compare them - personally i think there is little comparison.....i will be using one of these as my match bats this year :D
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Credit where it's due though, it takes some balls to come out with a T20 bat priced very similarly and of a very similar appearance to the best marketed cricket product. So good luck to Black Cat.
Best marketed - yes.
Best selling - no.
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Also available in G3 at a decent price.
I like this alot
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I'll pop up some photos in two seconds.
Tom is right, there's a shorter splice, it goes a tiny bit into the handle, but not much. (Obviously the splice isn't what is unique about the Joker)
It doesn't look too revolutionary, but when you pick one up and have a hit with it (bearing in mind the bat on the website weighs 2lb 8.5oz...) you can't understand how it works. Hopefully Pete and Rich will be able to convey this.
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So it's a conventionally shaped/looking mongoose basically?
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Bit disappointing really, had been talked up when it's really no different to anything else on the market. Retailers had said it was similar to a Mongoose to us, didn't think it would be this similar.
Pleased in a way, as I had been worried he'd got onto the design we have in the pipeline for 2011...
Retailers said it was similar to the Mongoose (it's a cricket bat, how different can they all be?!), but they almost all said it is a far better product than the Mongoose. More usable (and I think powerful, but I'm looking to get that scientifically confirmed) than the MMi3, and a better shape (far bigger profile for the weight) than the Cor3...
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So it's a conventionally shaped/looking mongoose basically?
Not really, if you take a Mongoose and a Joker of the same weight, the Joker will offer a much larger profile, (and a fuller length blade if you're comparing it to a MMi3).
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Not really, if you take a Mongoose and a Joker of the same weight, the Joker will offer a much larger profile, (and a fuller length blade if you're comparing it to a MMi3).
Is this just because the willow is dried more?
I will admit it looks impressive, but loving my cor atm so would need something special to budge that out of my bag!
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Charlie - are you doing a forum discount on the G3 model, it might be quite tempting...!
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Pictures? Can't get on the website,
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I prefer this to the mongoose as i like the shape and how it's more of a conventional bat. Direct competition for the mongoose can't hurt ey.
Good luck with it.
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Can i sk about bat dimensions (blade length) in comparison to cor3 and mmi?? Looks in between but obviously i odnt have a scooby on it!
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Fair enough Charlie, you'll claim yours is better. I'll think the Mongoose is. Either way you're up against the most famous, best marketed and soon to be used on the international stage cricket bat for what is currently a relatively small market.
money can't buy you love!! still only soon to be used though - Hayden and Symonds seem to prefer the more orthodox version at the moment...
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From what I can see the blade is longer than a MMi3 but shorter than an Uzi 20/20, however the profile dwarfs both. Now unless these are all going to be all made from very low density willow there must be a trick involved to create such a massive profile, question is what trick?
Splice makes no odd's to me, hiding it is pure gimmick and offers no benefit to the player. The MMi3 has a perfectly normal splicing position and the shoulders are purely removed to a position lower than the base of the splice. The CoR has the splice raised into the handle and the resulting hitting area is so close to the hands that it cannot generate enough bat speed to play shots, glances are possible as with a standard blade which do not change with or without a splice.
A mid way bat may be a better blend of both shapes, if player paid to use and promote the MMi3 refuses to use it then it speaks volumes about the bat, after all they could batter a 100 with just about anything. The CoR is just the same shape as the Uzi 20/20 so is nothing new there, cannot understand why Mongoose would not launch a mid way shape as 2 models only is a very light line up.
I would love to know what the pick up and feel is like from Rich and Pete, this will for me be the main selling point.
How big are the edges on the website bat? 45mm?
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The willow is not over dried- normal willow.
The difference between Mongoose and the Joker is, I have had a few pros (some quite well known) wanting to buy blank Jokers for their t20 matches. On the other hand, even the Mongoose players won't use a Mongoose bat! (Yes, Tom, I know many players don't use the bat that the stickers would suggest, but when you claim not having a splice in the face makes the world of difference, and your flagship player uses a spliced bat, it undermines your advertising somewhat...)
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Talisman, edges on the 2lb 8.5oz bat on the website are just over 45mm at the middle, with a minimum edge size of 2mm.
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2mm, you hide that well!!!!!!
Lets not get too carried away with slating Mongoose, they have spent a lot of time and money getting to where they are today and I like to fight with Tom over the claims and don't like sharing. I think we know that you will prefer this bat and Tom the Mongoose.
Lets stick to talk about the bat before this descends too far into brand loyalties.
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Charlie - look forward to using one of these this year, i one of the few have been able to compare this to other 20/20 bats (uzi, mongoose etc) and this really is head and shoulders above any competition at the moment. Top product and am i right in thinking that you have designed this bat to play and feel intuitively, as would make sense, compared to another cricket bat company who have released a 20/20 bat that plays and feels counter-intuitive?
Tom - Most famous brand? Is this your attempt at humour?
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We've also had unsponsored international pros buying bats off us or stealing them. Peter McGlashan is one, Sangakkara another. Hayden uses a Mongoose CoR3, Anderson uses a Mongoose CoR3. Which other player is out flagship? Those 2 are fronting the brand in each country.
If you get some of the worlds best players using the Joker than credit to you, as yet though to me it looks like riding on the T20 Mongoose bandwagon.
And if you do get 45mm edges in every bat I'd be interested to potentially buy one. Even if it's just to steal ideas.
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Cmon Chas.. Get the pics up
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I agree the mmi has had a lot of individual press that no other bat has, maybe the jumbo had a bit? This is before my time but all the old folkes go on about it so much there may have been a bit of a fuss over that bat too?
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Charlie has not mentioned yet the bat has a thinner blade than standard has he?
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No he hasn't!
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The cricketers who buy the product will define what bat is famous.....for me my money goes to the Joker, as will most others once they get their hands on it!
Like i said in one of my original posts - go out and compare these bats, as a cricketer who has used many bats (yes, including an MMI3) i say there is only one 20/20 bat i would use. Of course, i dont expect anyone to take much notice of my opinion, but untill you see this bat in the flesh then you wont be able to judge it.
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Tom, your boss did not invent the 20/20 bat, by that tone you could argue he has merely jumped on the Newbery bandwagon, he has marketed the brand better than most other brands and it must be in the top 10 well known cricket brands without having sold a fraction of the bats that the others will have sold.
Lets not declare the brand a failure or success quite yet, the season has not started and history will judge what is or what is not success.
SillyShilly, lets wait and see how it plays before taking sides, it's all about the ability to hit the ball further rather than quantity of twitter posts!!
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I do like a good twitter :D
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I currently have a Mongoose MMI on loan here, i would be happy to borrow a joker and do a detailed write up about both and pick the better bat.
My results will not be bias.
Let me know Charlie.
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Prefer the profile of the joker, looks very nice.
Tom i dont get you claims about the mmi3, if it was so good then the people you pay to use it would use it. They probably will give it a go at so point, but if it was good as you hype it to be then theyd use it staright away wouldnt they? None of your pros even use a cor3 matches as of yet, is it just [admittedly very good] marketing?
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Like Mike says - time will tell, look forward to hearing from Pete "I'll Take That Bat" Hosk, and Rich "I can get you a decent Laver" Watson :D.
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Sorry i thought symonds bat had a splice and haydens was an ss with the ton on the back covered, could be wrong though.
From you perspective, could of been timed better to get the players comfortable to coincide with the current hype. If someone scores big with one then im sure the media would be in a frenzy!
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It's all good though - breaks from tradition are required occasionally - we would never get progress without new ideas and it does open up some interesting discussions. Imagine if this forum was around in the time of the aluminium bat and the first batting helmet........geeeee, think it would come to blows :D
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SS make a number of our bats so would be suprised that Hayden has to use a TON badged bat when he gets them from us. If he is using one I need to sort him out with something ASAP and I do apologise.
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Ah cool, do ss make any of your shop bats?
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Yes, a selection but not very many for the UK. Would prefer to keep it in the UK as I like to tinker with profiles every week.
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Charlie - what shops will the bats be in?
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Charlie has not mentioned yet the bat has a thinner blade than standard has he?
i take it this was a joke???
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Just seen it. Looks good but would be interested to hear how it picks up from Rich. What is the length of the blade.
What I would say is that if I bought one, I wouldnt want all them stickers on it.. I can hear every keeper/slip cordon shout let's have this fng joker with the fng joker!
How much are they £184 in G1 to forum members?
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is anybody going to actually post any photos?
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having a problem with my imageshack thing. should be up in a sec.
cheers
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Charlie please confirm prices. G1 and G2/3
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Grade One- £200
Grade Two- £150
Forum discount, £190 for grade one. Can't go any lower on the grade three- it's aready pretty reasonable!
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Charlie has not mentioned yet the bat has a thinner blade than standard has he?
i take it this was a joke???
hopefully charlie can confirm?
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Not a joke, but a clever idea. The face is 4mm narrower than a 'conventional' bat. You wouldn't notice unless you've been told, but when you consider the length of a blade, there's a fair bit of wood that has come off.
Where would you prefer the mass on your bat? 2mm (that's 1/5th of a centimetre) on each edge? Or all that wood in the middle?
It works on the same principle as the MMi3- take wood away from where you don't normally hit the ball, and put it where you do.
I'll post up pics of a shadow next to a Joker in a second so you can see for yourselves...
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I for one definately need as much bat width as I can get!
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I for one definately need as much bat width as I can get!
yeah me too and I'm sure the mrs would agree too
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Haha me too leo!! I can't be giving up width altho it means i may miss the little snicks to the keeper now!! ;)
4mm isn't much actually, and you've shown it can work, well we'll see what the reviews say, but although i felt slightly disappointed at first it seems better than i first thought! Cant wait for pics!
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it's not how big it is, it's what you do with it that counts.....
...but if size really is in an issue is it better to be wider and a bit shorter, or longer and a bit thinner?
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I for one definately need as much bat width as I can get!
Some people do! This is the one down side of the bat, but it's a small one.
As I've said, if you've not been told it is marginally narrower, you wouldn't notice (I've had people looking at it and a regular bat for over 10 minutes, with the sole purpose of finding out the difference, and they couldn't tell). I've given it for people to use in the nets, they've loved it said it was so much more powerful etc., but ask the same people if they'd consider using a thinner bat they'd laugh at you.
I don't know the width of a size 6, Tom, as we don't make them, but if they're 4mm narrower than a SH then that's right.
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Looking at what I have next to me it would be halfway between a 6 and H actually.
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If anyone has used a middling bat theyll know that its easy to hit most things with one of them, so i cant see 4mm as being a problem at all.
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size 6 is 4” wide
harrow is 4 1/6”
SH is 4 1/4”
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Do either the Joker or Mongoose provide a more forgiving bat? If I middle it with my current bat I'll hit it out of the ground, so what advantage do these bats really give? Do the off centre hits go further? Is the sweet spot bigger?
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This will show it better hopefully.
Cheeky plug for our Custom stickers as well...
(http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/3390/img002092010031516111.jpg)
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Just out of interest charlie was this your idea, or the batmakers, or have you merged as one now?
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Do either the Joker or Mongoose provide a more forgiving bat? If I middle it with my current bat I'll hit it out of the ground, so what advantage do these bats really give? Do the off centre hits go further? Is the sweet spot bigger?
Suppose the bat you currently use is a 2lb 10oz. The Joker gives you a profile of a 2lb 13/14oz bat, for the same weight of 2lb 10oz, and will feel very similar/identical to your 2lb 10oz.
Furthermore, with edge sizes of about 45mm in the case of a 2lb 10oz, a mis hit shot goes as well as a middled shot on most other bats.
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Just out of interest charlie was this your idea, or the batmakers, or have you merged as one now?
The idea has been discussed for a while, in fact I was so surprised that no one had already done it. Maybe given the onset of t20, and the desire to hit the ball further, harder etc. has only recently made it something that people will buy?
Hopefully in the process in merging as one...
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What's the lead in time on these bats Charlie?
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Whats the maximum edge size possible then? If I was to get a 3lb bat how big could you make the edges? Or is it limited due to the cleft size?
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What's the lead in time on these bats Charlie?
If the specs are relatively normal, your bat will be with you within a few days.
Cheers
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This will show it better hopefully.
Cheeky plug for our Custom stickers as well...
([url]http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/3390/img002092010031516111.jpg[/url])
Does this also show the comparison in blade length?
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Whats the maximum edge size possible then? If I was to get a 3lb bat how big could you make the edges? Or is it limited due to the cleft size?
I don't know, I wouldn't have thought cleft size limits you at 3lbs, maybe a little heavier.
A 3lb Joker (if you can wield it..!) with a nice low density cleft would have to be one of the most powerful bats in the world.
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Does this also show the comparison in blade length?
Yes, the toes are lined up.
Sorry should have made that clearer.
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Credit to you, they're huge if that's the blade diff (2"?) and you can get 45mm edges on every one.
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so its pretty much cor size??
if yes then would be interested in getting one and comparing it to my cor. all i have to say is good luck to it!
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Does it have to have all that Joker wording on the stickers?
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so its pretty much cor size??
if yes then would be interested in getting one and comparing it to my cor. all i have to say is good luck to it!
Yes
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Does it have to have all that Joker wording on the stickers?
Yes, absolutely!
We want everyone who plays against someone with a Joker to remember the name, and go home and Google it etc. If a ball flies through your windscreen as your driving down a country lane, you'd want to be able to see what bat he was using!
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What about just having the front and back decals only?
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Really like the profile and stickers. Certainly stands out!
I am intrigued to know as to how you get 45+mm edges on most joker bats, must be more to it! I am sure I will get a chance to use one at some stage this year though, should be fun!
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Charlie are you bringing one of these thats knocked it to nets on the 25th? Can give one a blast so to speak then and see what the crack is :) may pursuade me into parting with the paper money if they go well.....thats if you accept monopoly format ;)
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Like Mike says - time will tell, look forward to hearing from Pete "I'll Take That Bat" Hosk, and Rich "I can get you a decent Laver" Watson :D.
interesting mike with your puppet backing you up again.
it funny when some people talk how much rubbish is spouted.
remember there is a world of cricket equipment and to think this forum on the scale of cricket equipment is to be fair laughable.
there are people on here playing big shots but the truth is on the whole who is getting t.v coverage and who is not.
to be honest i hate all the bats were talking about call me traditionlist but i know who on this forum is winning in the advertising wars as the kids i saw today at nets were all talking about moongoose no matter whether he uses it or not it the biggest talked about thing in cricket equipment at the moment.
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Itv 4 tomorrow PM there will be one of ours worn for definate ;)
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to be honest i hate all the bats were talking about call me traditionlist but i know who on this forum is winning in the advertising wars as the kids i saw today at nets were all talking about moongoose no matter whether he uses it or not it the biggest talked about thing in cricket equipment at the moment.
I agree, I much prefer "normal" bats. They're the best.
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Itv 4 tomorrow PM there will be one of ours worn for definate ;)
Good job I finish early :D
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Really like the profile and stickers. Certainly stands out!
I am intrigued to know as to how you get 45+mm edges on most joker bats, must be more to it! I am sure I will get a chance to use one at some stage this year though, should be fun!
Theres nothing to it except for the thinner face mate, I think its something like each 1mm off the face adds 5mm to the edge, will work on any bat
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Charlie are you bringing one of these thats knocked it to nets on the 25th? Can give one a blast so to speak then and see what the crack is :) may pursuade me into parting with the paper money if they go well.....thats if you accept monopoly format ;)
Of course I will. Monopoly money is fine.
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I would have thought there would have been more difference in blade length given the size of the bat, but if the toes are lined up that's impressive.
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i think i will keep my opinions to myself but if people want to knock a brand then surely they must be able to back it up.
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I have to say i am tempted as I'm in the market for a 'heavier' bat as my Laver and Fusions are 2'9 but this might just be the best of both worlds
Its the large JOKER letters all over the bat that is putting me off
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M4TTC - The Stickers aren't embossed buddy, take the freaking things off if they bother you that much!
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yeah i think the front is ok, the top and bottom edges are fine and one of the joker letterings on back would look ok. I'd take of the edge jokers! and one of the back ones, dunno which though as leaving upside down one would be cool, but maybe look like i've just stuck it on wrong!
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I'd also take off the website stickers at bottom of the back... then it would be good ;)
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M4TTC - The Stickers aren't embossed buddy, take the freaking things off if they bother you that much!
Doesnt it tend to leave a shadow, markings on the bat? Especially with so much lettering over it
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Theres nothing to it except for the thinner face mate, I think its something like each 1mm off the face adds 5mm to the edge, will work on any bat
Leo, you really should have a look at a bat before trying maths!!!
If the normal bat width is 108mm and you think the edge gets bigger by 5mm for each mm shaved that would make the spine height 280mm high with a standard edge of 30mm to start. I have a 41mm edged bat here and roughly would be 42mm with 2mm off each edge. I need to see the full profile clearly as shaving the edge which is a well known and common trick cannot generate 45mm edges. I think Charlie is playing it cool and has something else to reveal about the bat.
Procricket, I think you will find I was trying to calm SS down as he was quite excited about the difference in shapes earlier. He is not my puppet as my hand won't fit up his opening, I've tried.
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i do not doubt it mike just sick of people putting others work down especially when to be fair there big boys compared with some of the dross served up.
as you know i sit on no fences
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Indeed not, being a hobbit you may lean on one watching the world go by while smoking some fine Longbottom weed!!!!!!!!!!
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Well i wouldn't buy one untill i knew exactly how it was produced to be that big (poor attempt to get info out of blackcat ;):P)
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Doesnt it tend to leave a shadow, markings on the bat? Especially with so much lettering over it
Very unlikely if you haven't sent her outdoors for a Sunbathe...
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I think Charlie is playing it cool and has something else to reveal about the bat.
It has inflatable sides?
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Rich said his has an extendible middle, but then he claimed Mrs Cole was delivering it so maybe that is why he has not posted on the subject.... locked in jail for harassment.
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Indeed not, being a hobbit you may lean on one watching the world go by while smoking some fine Longbottom weed!!!!!!!!!!
love it just love it
if you paint a terd gold it still will be a terd
must say though black cat i not saying your product is bad in anyway i do not know enough about it to comment but a trio to rich should sort that out if it ever came with mrs cole
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It has inflatable sides?
Foam bat for indoor Cricket (In the lounge) We will see this in 'Poundland' next week...
This is just wood coloured;-)
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Doesnt it tend to leave a shadow, markings on the bat? Especially with so much lettering over it
If you leave it a season yes, but a brand new bat shouldn't show any markings. If you don't want the edge stickers, just say so and it'll be sent without.
I think the edge ones are great... on what other bat could they fit on?!
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I like the Joker images, I just dont like the Large 2 way wording. Edges are ok
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Fair enough, we can't please everyone. The two way wording was designed to look like a playing card, as on the front.
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I will see what Rich says about his bat and then decide. Definately just what I am looking for though.
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How long can the police hold him for????
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love it just love it
if you paint a terd gold it still will be a terd
Oh c'mon Dave - I'm all for Turd gags - but you've gotta spell it right!
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brucie as you know i did not go to school mate
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Army recruit at 4 in the north, they're right hard bastards by then......
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erm ok mike
it a honest living though mate i earn enough for a uneducated man
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I think all the armed forces do an incredible job, the ultimate sacrifice sadly at times and we have forgotten as a nation what that means. You won't hear a bad word from me about that.
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I trained with the Marine Commandos at Plymouth briefly. I was a poncey army cadet.
I came out of it with spelling - they came out of it with ripped bodies and integrity.
Many would argue Dave, that you are a better educated man through your life experience. (However, if you are about to use a rude word - check the spelling with me first!)
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erm cheers bruce any reviews yet bloody hell call it the missing cat soon
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Sorry its taking a bit longer to post than i thought however I've had an important visitor today lol, so I've been pretty busy and just got home. Will do a review of the bat with some dimensions as soon as i can but I've honestly not had much time with it yet and would like to work it out first. Its massive though i guarantee that.
When i get more time i will also do pics of the bat and also some pics of it alongside the mmi so people can see the exact difference in size shape and profile. I will also comment on the pick up of both bats, mu opinions will be my own and in my words as I've no connection to either brand and I'm simply a customer.
Mike I've escaped the attentions of the law for the time being lol.
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Rich I'm glad to hear it, hope she was worth it!!!
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Rich I'm glad to hear it, hope she was worth it!!!
wrong advert mike! Ms Cole is weak, limp, lifeless?! :D
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I think thats another "member" after a day in the saddle with her mate!! Ice bucket required?
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Rich I'm glad to hear it, hope she was worth it!!!
wrong advert mike! Ms Cole is weak, limp, lifeless?! :D
Love it! :D
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lol tom ;) mike im glad someone appreciates me :)
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The dimensions of the Joker are as follows below, please note this is rough dimensions give or take a mm or so.
Overall bat length = 845mm
Blade length = 505mm
Blade width = 100mm
Edge thickness = 47mm
Toe thickness = 30mm
The pick up is simply astonishing with superb balance, as yet I've not looked at how they have manged to do this on the Joker but to say I'm impressed is an understatement to say the very least. The shape and profile in my opinion is brilliant, plenty will say its not groundbreaking and that this type of thing has been done before but if so I've personally not seen it. From every single bat design comes different takes and there are many many examples of this.
The branding and stickers may not be to everyone's taste but it does exactly what its meant to so obviously it works, big bold brash and in your face and you wont forget what it is that's for sure.
Absolutely Superb.
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Well - I've only just got in from work and unwrapped mine too!
I have to say that it looks pretty damn awesome!
I havent had time or energy to measure the edges, but they are huge - the finish is quality as well.
I will do a proper review sooon enough and will post pics after Watsontotty had posted his.
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Pete
What spec did you order?
Cheers
Matt
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I wasn't too bothered about spec, as long as it went like stink!
It's around 2'10 with massive blade! 12 grains and is perfectly finished!
I think the word I'm looking for is 'BINGO!'
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I think I will give Chas a call tomorrow and get one ordered.
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I would 100% recommend you do m4ttc !
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I want one now . . . .I feel some sucking up to the missus is gonna be required!
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PICS........PICS........PICS........ :D
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You on commission Rich ? ;-)
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Yep - this beast will be in my kitbag!!
Apart from the fact that it will go like an absolute train, it is also likely to prove a talking point wherever you take it out of your kitbag!
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You on commission Rich ? ;-)
Commission m8 mmm two Min's i will ask Charlie lol, no bud I'm not on any commission and I've no connection with this brand apart from being a customer.
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PICS........PICS........PICS........ :D
Sorry the camera battery is flat and I'm not sure where the charger is and the wife's in bed asleep I'm not going to ask her right now, I'm not that stupid.
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Lol ok, will have to wait ;)
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so rich with the new addition is number 1 for sale
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I want one now . . . .I feel some sucking up to the missus is gonna be required!
Dan if you figure out something that works let me know.. I want one too.. LoL
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so rich with the new addition is number 1 for sale
Certainly not but number 2 is i think.
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"I am not a number, I am a free man!"
What is number one?
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oh is this that good the number 1 is now number 2
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colesy hands off it bud it is spoken for the bat in question has a pick up that is to be fair out of this world
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Number 1 is my reference to my match bat for this season if i knock it in that is and it don't just sit in the cupboard.
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Can the identity of this wonderful piece of craftsmanship be known to all of us?
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that would be a travesty i mean on pick up alone it has to be in the top few bats on this forum no joke it's that good
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I am now on my knees begging for full pics of this bat...
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I'm waiting for Chas to call me so I can spec one up !
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that would be a travesty i mean on pick up alone it has to be in the top few bats on this forum no joke it's that good
By your own admission, that is, dont knock it until you've tried it, the statement that the pick up on that bat has to be in the top few bats on this fourm is contradictory to what you've been getting on about [agitated] in few threads recently!
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Orite, so what's the discounted price for custombats.co.uk members for a Joker bat in G3 ?
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The prices are as follows:
G1 £200 (forum price, £185)
G3 £150 (no forum discount)
further £1 discount if you are a fan of Black Cat Cricket on Facebook.
Cheers
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Charlie I will be sending you 184 by paypal in the next 30 mins when I get home. Keep your eye out for it. Did you get my spec?
Matt
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Lovely, yes I got your spec, thanks for that, and I replied to that email.
Cheers.
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The prices are as follows:
G1 £200 (forum price, £185)
G3 £150 (no forum discount)
further £1 discount if you are a fan of Black Cat Cricket on Facebook.
Cheers
if i become a fan can i get a JOKER sticker for teh back of my bat
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Lovely, yes I got your spec, thanks for that, and I replied to that email.
Cheers.
left at 5 hadn't received it by then
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Unfortunately, we don't give out/sell any stickers for any of our bats.
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By your own admission, that is, dont knock it until you've tried it, the statement that the pick up on that bat has to be in the top few bats on this fourm is contradictory to what you've been getting on about [agitated] in few threads recently!
norbs(andy)
i know you make bats but i play with them you must have picked up a bat that for whatever reason is just very good and i mean good better than well if you put 100 bats up it is in the top 1.
played very well off a mallet to and the middle is as big as i have held well nearly.
pick up alone it is a beast low density cleft springs to mind.
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The dimensions of the Joker are as follows below, please note this is rough dimensions give or take a mm or so.
Overall bat length = 845mm
Blade length = 505mm
Blade width = 100mm
Edge thickness = 47mm
Toe thickness = 30mm
The pick up is simply astonishing with superb balance, as yet I've not looked at how they have manged to do this on the Joker but to say I'm impressed is an understatement to say the very least. The shape and profile in my opinion is brilliant, plenty will say its not groundbreaking and that this type of thing has been done before but if so I've personally not seen it. From every single bat design comes different takes and there are many many examples of this.
The branding and stickers may not be to everyone's taste but it does exactly what its meant to so obviously it works, big bold brash and in your face and you wont forget what it is that's for sure.
Absolutely Superb.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/watsontotty/003-8.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/watsontotty/001-11.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/watsontotty/016-1.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/watsontotty/012-3.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/watsontotty/014-4.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/watsontotty/018.jpg)
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Looks like you've got a really nice bat there Rich!
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F***ing huge! Love it!
Will be my next purchase . . .
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rich will this be your match bat for the season bud
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Will get some better pics in better light as the above don't do it justice, not sure why it has darker patches in the pics as the bat is pure white with no heartwood or dis colouring ?
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norbs(andy)
i know you make bats but i play with them you must have picked up a bat that for whatever reason is just very good and i mean good better than well if you put 100 bats up it is in the top 1.
played very well off a mallet to and the middle is as big as i have held well nearly.
pick up alone it is a beast low density cleft springs to mind.
All I'm doing is reiterating what you've said, if you haven't picked up other bats on the forum you can't comment on them.
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true but i have picked enough up to form a base knowledge but i get your point.
picked up around 1000 bats in the last month and this is as good as any that includes some first class players bat including
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true but i have picked enough up to form a base knowledge but i get your point.
picked up around 1000 bats in the last month and this is as good as any that includes some first class players bat including
Great news, I've picked up a few bats and have seen a few 1st class players on there visits, so you are in good company!
Anyways..........
I knew a bit about the Joker beforehand etc etc and I'm must say the reception / pics have impressed!
Good work Charlie
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i find it interesting how we all think first class cricketer are fussy with there bats when most are not they just get given a bunch the ones they like the best they use.
all this grain and density stuff is wasted on most of them but they do get some good ones.
anyhow rich your building a good collection mate another good lucking brute might have to have a look at it in person bud.
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Id love to know how they can get a bat that size pick up at 2'8.
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FattusCattus this is your type of bat, just imagine a man mountain with this in his hands ? you would scare them half to death lol. Id definitely advise you to purchase.
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Procricket your welcome to view any time you like however i will have to search you prior to allowing you to leave as you can never be too careful with the city boys.
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Totty, I can't see anywhere...How much does it actually weigh? Dead weight...
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Joker ordered..cant wait
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Totty, I can't see anywhere...How much does it actually weigh? Dead weight...
The only machine i have to weigh the bat with is older than me and is not the best so I'm honestly not sure of the dead weight just yet. 2lb 7oz is what it said and i weighed it time and time again but its obviously not working correctly.
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Does anyone know exactly in LDN Charlie's based? Would like a visit.
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From memory I don't think Charlie is, Kent rings a bell.
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Very impressive bat, Rich! Like others I am also intrigued about how they managed to pack in so much wood for that dead weight. Brilliant stuff!!
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Just a few quick pics of the Joker and the Mongoose Mmi and a standard men's size bat !
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/watsontotty/023.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/watsontotty/022-2.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/watsontotty/021-2.jpg)
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so i i thinking it basically a harrow with a long handle????
it is narrower and thicker than a standard so is it just a thicker harrow bat with the long handle???
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Wow! The Joker is bigger than the MMi.
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I think the best thing about it is, that you could go out to bat with a huge bat, but not get the sledging that I would imagine the mongoose would bring. I like the fact it looks like a normal bat and I genuinely don't think you could notice the fact that it is thinner than a normal sh bat.
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The joker does seem to dwarf the MMi3, but how can it be from shaving the edges? It is thicker than the MMi3 across the whole face and has all that extra wood above it too. I see that the extra wood not only gives a bigger face but must balance the bat far better but how does it balance compared to the Impala?
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Would love to try the Mongoose and the Joker out, just to satisfy my curiousity. I feel that they are both a bit gimmicky, and would have to see a bigger uptake in the number of pro's using this kind of bat before I could be convinced of their effectiveness.
Of course, 5 years ago I hated anything with a bow and big edges and was convinced I would stick to traditional bats - could these be the next evolution?
I think it's great to see how much this has gotten the forum talking and sparked debate amongst the kit geeks
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This years radical ideas often end up in next years everyday life in some form or other. Thats how things evolve & move forward.
The thing I like about the Joker is I'm pretty sure I could bat with it from ball 1 of an innings against any bowler I've faced so far, but I couldn't with the 'Goose.
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I prefer the Joker to the MMi but I'd have both of them. I still want a 'normal' bat though cos they're best :D
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Rich - what weight is the MM1?
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How old is the MMi3?
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i think thats the mongoose i sold him so weighs about 2.10 or so and i suppose it must be 6 months old?
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Ahh ok, that sounds about right as it's the 09 stickers and shape.
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Yer the mmi is the one i bought from Slogger02 around 3 - 4 months back ? i will see what my machine weighs it at as I'm pretty sure it don't work so if Slogger02 is right at 2lb 10oz then i can possibly work out the weight of the Joker.
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Ordered my Joker today. Am rather excited.
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You wont be disappointed.
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i will not be ordering either although i quite like the idea of the goose but the joker looks like just a thick harrow bat
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I've ordered looking for something between 2.8 and 2.9. Was considering a 'goose but I think I could use this in normal conditions
If I don't like it, I will punt it on. Might stick some Laver stickers on it...Only joking..get it? I'll get me coat!
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They look amazing! I can't wait to hear how the play from Pete and Rich!
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stick a lamitoe and a carbo core handle and i would be interested
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stick a lamitoe and a carbo core handle and i would be interested
Why would you want to make it illegal?
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carbo core is not illegal bud
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carbo core is not illegal bud
I thought you were allowed 10cm of carbon in the handle??
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the carbo core laver uses is not illegal in any forms of cricket
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All the Lavers that have it conform to the MCC "A" grade of bats.
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That would make the bat (Joke/MMi) quite bottom heavy I'd imagine
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http://www.laverwood.co.nz/carbon.htm
here the link on the carbo core technology
worth a thought black cat with a carbo core handle
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i would buy one if it had a carbo core handle
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Could do a Uzi thing with Carbon fibre- Longer blade, same thickness
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i would buy one if it had a carbo core handle
Thought they were a bit small (Harrow) mate?
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But it weighs 2'8 so cant pick up heavier than 2'10 id imagine...
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i do not like to be left out rich has assured me of the quality and if anybody know rich knows his bats but i would not knock it till i tried it but it does look like a very thick harrow
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[url]http://www.laverwood.co.nz/carbon.htm[/url]
here the link on the carbo core technology
worth a thought black cat with a carbo core handle
Fair enough, didn't realised they'd changed the design to counter the new laws.
I'm not a huge fan of them myself, though if there's demand I see no reason why not...
Anyone else want one?!
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If they become available then possibly
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is carbo core patented ??????
would be a interesting propersition if it could be made
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Couldn't you get one made to this spec with the Laver handle from Laver procricket? Or maybe you could buy a Laver handle seperately and send it off.
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yes for the price mate i could get a top grade laver for the price and i know he worked on long handled harrows
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To be fair to Charlie I think his bat is a little more than a long handled harrow, give the guy some credit!
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I agree, a lot of thought has gone into this bat and I think whoever buys one will be more than pleased with it
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Looking at the dimensions and if someone described them, you'd think it was just a Size 4 blade with a longer handle in it. (A size 4 blade is 50.8cm this is 50.5cm, a size 4 blade is 10.2cm wide, this is 10cm)
But when you look at it it does look rather more impressive and the dimensions I think don't paint the whole picture.
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ok then what is the selling point of the bat from a big harrow what is scientific about it.
i was not having a go but want to know a little about the bat than just look at one and buy off a whim.
pictures do not buy me a bat over £100 sheets any longer i would like to know more about the design that all
people who have it and i know one of the guys and he knows bats and says it a good un but i want to know why???
on pictures alone all i see is a harrow long handled bat
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The design stands up in so many ways and unless you have tried one or picked up one then id suggest you hold back on comments. This bat like others is simply a cricket bat with a different design than a traditional bat, if you like it then you will buy it but if you don't you wont. Making comments on a product you have not tried is very foolish Dave and you keep going on about things being scientific ? its a bloody cricket bat designed for the modern game.
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I have never seen a harrow with edges that size before, however I see where your coming from mate. It is similar to a harrow with a long handle but I believe there are other gimmicks involved!
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and that what i want to know about
rich point taken and ignored
if i'am to part with a lot of money i want to know why it is so special.
think that is fair????
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Well I dont want to speak for Charlie as obviuosly its his design etc but to me its obvious the blade is shorter and narrower and therefore can afford to 'beef' up the middle, other than that the only obvious thing I can see is a much narrower splice area.
But will leave it Charlie to explain. . . .
In my opinion its a great bat and if I had a spare £150 - £200 I would be his next customer
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please do not take my comments as criticism but we live in a competitive market and i would like to know what is the selling point
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stick a lamitoe and a carbo core handle and i would be interested
Why a carbo handle?
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It is a valid question that is intriguing a lot of folks. How is so much wood packed into this a bat of such low dead weight? Maybe there can be a constructive debate on it?
Is it simply because the weight is taken from edges and the top? That alone cannot explain because based on that logic it should not dwarf the MMI.
Light willow? BlackCat said earlier that it was not over-dried. So do they have a disproportionate share of low density naturally dried timber? Something different they are doing in growing their willow? If that's the case it could be a huge advantage over competition who is relying on other suppliers for willow as well as bat making.
From the pictures, can't make out any other weight reducing tricks.
Either way, scientific or not, the design deserves a lot of praise for innovative thinking.
Rich - what's your take on this given your experience and the minor detail that you've actually had the bat in your hands
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Maybe he likes the lighter weight and extra stiffness
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Maybe he likes the lighter weight and extra stiffness
Are you talking about James' Carbo handle?
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Why a carbo handle?
because after using a laver with one ifind it hard to use cane now mate.
maybe it not just the handle but i have found with a carbo core the bat holds it power longer as i think we tend to blame the blade when sometimes it the handle which reduces the power not the blade.
and yes i do like stiffness(although i have not found it any stiffer with the carbo rod in it) i have used a laver in matches for 3 years well most of the time.
surely you can understand this as a bat maker andy???
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yeha
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yeha
James Carbo handle isnt about stiffness or being lighter it's about flexibilty and shock absorbtion
"The handle was our CARBOCANE© handle that had a lower content Carbon in the weave that allowed more flexibilty. The Handle was then bound with a slightly different twine to allow more shock absorbtion. The Top hand had an extra half grip that was and airated rubber underneath a softer Hex Grip. All resulting in a huge amount of shock reduction whilst retaining the performance."
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because after using a laver with one ifind it hard to use cane now mate.
maybe it not just the handle but i have found with a carbo core the bat holds it power longer as i think we tend to blame the blade when sometimes it the handle which reduces the power not the blade.
and yes i do like stiffness(although i have not found it any stiffer with the carbo rod in it) i have used a laver in matches for 3 years well most of the time.
surely you can understand this as a bat maker andy???
so you like the stiffness but have not found it any stiffer with the carbo rod in it! Is that right?
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like i said it not about stiffness it i used to it now and if you have not used it you would not like it for a while takes time to get to grips with.
i just like it in my bats.
i find maybe just the bat but it tends to just feel better to me and i love the hollow sound of the ball leaving the bat.
not everbody cup of tea but you do not feel like you hit it at times
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Says this on the site...
"A carbon / S-Glass tube is inserted down 75mm into the top of the handle to help the handle retain its stiffness "
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Says this on the site...
"A carbon / S-Glass tube is inserted down 75mm into the top of the handle to help the handle retain its stiffness "
Fair enough, sounds like he's mixed up somewhere then!
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i must say it just feels different to any other thing i have used as somebody else on here has previously said about it it mad when you see the ball flying to the boundary when you feel nothing
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Norbs - is the higher felxibility of Carbocane mentioned in your post above relative to a full carbon insert or a cane handle? I interpreted that comment as different ways of reducing the major disadvantage of carbon handle (i.e. poor shock absorption) rather than a comparison to cane handle. Maybe I got it wrong?
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Interesting that some people (laver) are going for more stiffness and others (Mongoose) are going for less stiffness...
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back on topic now could black cat give us some bumf on the bat????
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trust me mate they sound hollow i think i may have used it a little more than you have just a thought maybe wrong but my bat sounds hollow and tinny
but hey your the bat maker i just use them and my bat sounds hollow and tinny
if i make the nets i will let you use it and you will see.
maybe it is the fact i took the dowel out of the carbo core ?????
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trust me mate they sound hollow i think i may have used it a little more than you have just a thought maybe wrong but my bat sounds hollow and tinny
but hey your the bat maker i just use them and my bat sounds hollow and tinny
if i make the nets i will let you use it and you will see.
I own a Carbo Firefly!
Actually if you want to discuss handles start a thread and leave this to Charlie I've cluttered it up enough
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lets not start a war of words but i have score over 7000 runs with the one bat and i know what it sounds like .
maybe a touch less ;) but for 3 seasons and about 250 games with it i know my bat .
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rich can i have a hit with your when i back up yours mate then i will know.
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Yer id be happy for you to try it out and you can then comment on what you think of it good or bad.
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And may as well run the same sort of comparison myself!
The specs for the bats are as follows:
Long Handle 'Standard' bat - Hunts County Clipper LE: 2'9
Mongoose MMi3 Custom Classic - 2'11/12
Black Cat Joker - 2'10/11
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/BlackCat/Joker/Joker001.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/BlackCat/Joker/Joker003.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/BlackCat/Joker/Joker008.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/BlackCat/Joker/Joker006.jpg)
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Very nice bats. The Joker is growing on me.
Nice cherry on the toe of the MMi ;)
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/BlackCat/Joker/Joker016.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/BlackCat/Joker/Joker018.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/BlackCat/Joker/Joker019.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/BlackCat/Joker/Joker021.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/BlackCat/Joker/Joker023.jpg)
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got to sat they both look nice and big.
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Charlie, I was talking about your bat today and it has been a long time since I've been impressed by a bat that has come out.
From what people are saying it is a well balanced bat and by the looks of it, in the pics, the width of the bat isn't that noticeable. The blade length looks superb as well and I'd imagine it could grace most matches
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(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/BlackCat/Joker/Joker024.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/BlackCat/Joker/Joker025.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/BlackCat/Joker/Joker027.jpg)
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/BlackCat/Joker/Joker028.jpg)
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got to be honest i even impressed with them pictures pete is this bat number 65???
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Looks top notch willow that
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That's all chaps. Not sure what bat number it is to be honest Dave - kind of lost count!! :-[
Balance is very bat like!
Expected it to be like a pear-shaped woman.........bottom heavy! ;)
But this hasn't been the case.
I do like the goose - I think it feels ok and pings REALLY well.
But the blade length feels a little too short for everyday use to be honest.
The Joker seems to fill this gap nicely, and as Rich says, is probably long enough to use in all formats!!
I cannot say that the Joker pings better than the goose yet, as I need to knock the joker in!
But on first impressions there is absolutely no doubt that this is likely to cause some serious carnage!
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Expected it to be like a pear-shaped woman.........bottom heavy! ;)
I was looking for a Beyonce profile that was easy to pick up ;)
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I think there must be more to it than just the 4mm diff and a slightly shorter blade. A quick guestimate from what was previously done at Mongoose would mean a 4mm thinner bat will save roughly 2-3% weight and a 2" shorter blade around 6%. Is the willow dried more? Are there some tricks in the willow, one guy mentioned swelling the willow then drying it?
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Pete I'm also hoping to do some serious damage this season, just need to knock it in but i do hate that task.
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I think there must be more to it than just the 4mm diff and a slightly shorter blade. A quick guestimate from what I did was previously done at Mongoose would mean a 4mm thinner bat will save roughly 2-3% weight and a 2" shorter blade around 6%. Is the willow dried more? Are there some tricks in the willow, one guy mentioned swelling the willow then drying it?
??? Don't start on the technical stuff...
Or maybe ask Charlie? ;)
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I was looking for a Beyonce profile that was easy to pick up ;)
If it had a profile like Beyonce, then I would marry it!! ;)
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Pete I'm also hoping to do some serious damage this season, just need to knock it in but i do hate that task.
send it me rich i will knock it in for thee
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Pete I'm also hoping to do some serious damage this season, just need to knock it in but i do hate that task.
If you say things like that Rich, then I bet there would be a dozen people more than willing to knock it on for you, just so that they can stroke and fondle your meaty wood fella! ;)
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If it had a profile like Beyonce, then I would marry it!! ;)
Perhaps put a ring on it lol.
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:D
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If you say things like that Rich, then I bet there would be a dozen people more than willing to knock it on for you, just so that they can stroke and fondle your meaty wood fella! ;)
If i did that I'm sure id never see it again, I'm thinking of ordering another tbh though.
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Don't blame you fella!
I may order one but need to get mine to the nets first and test it out.
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mr black cat i going to be very necky here but as a cricket equipment seeker and trier of goods.
i not going to speil you with the cricket i play is there any chance of trying on of these bats out before i buy one.
ie send me one out on loan to give it a whirl????
i know i will be shot down with the why should he brigade but it''s worth a ask ????
Dave
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What for Rich?
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erm do not get you no for me to try it out.
and before anybody ask's not a little boy asking for free one i am grown man who would like to loan one out if possible.
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What for Rich?
If your asking why i may order another one straight away its just i like the bat a lot and once I've put it to the test then i will want a heavier version if my shoulders sorts its self out.
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and i 'am asking to try one i net every day on a bowling machine so will formulate a opinion very quickly and as a kit enthusiast it would be good and may lead to many a sale.
necky i know but worth a punt.
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Are there some tricks in the willow, one guy mentioned swelling the willow then drying it?
Tom I saw that as well it was quite interesting.... I think, pretty sure ??? that isnt something that happens alot and is more of a consequence of bat making in warm climates on the pretext of putting mositure back into the willow! I believe blackcats are English made nowhere near willow cleft water tanks :D
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The grains on your Joker look quality Pete.
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The Joker seems to have a smaller splice than normal (or at least compared to the County), am I right? Does this mean that the middle is longer like bats that have it in the handle?
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Yes I think the splice is made to be thinner than a normal one.
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Pro-cricket - take a punt like rich and pete, they bought blind and seem pretty damn happy with their purchase and cosidering the amount of bats going through their hands couldnt you take their word that this bat is a bit special? There are already people after second hand jokers, so even if it wasnt what you had hoped for, you could lose out on £40-£50 and sell it on - it's all about a gamble.......rich and pete thought it was worth it......matt has shown the colour of his money.....now it's your turn!
Would like to know how the hell charlie has got that bat down to the weight's he has - swelling clefts could be problematic, the edges save a bit of weight but where are the other couple pounds being saved?
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Soaking and drying a cleft is a trick used to press in India when the cleft has over dried, not going to produce a quality bat.
Who else has got one?
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Have ordered, but not got yet
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What spec did you go for Will?
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I was same. Having to get one made up 2'8 / 2'8.5
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I expect you should be able to get 45mm edges with that weight (Just!) - whack up some photos when they arrive!
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What spec did you go for Will?
Grade 3 - 2.9
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Grade 1, 2 or 3 - it will still be a huge bat for the weight and likely go like a rocket! :)
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Pro-cricket - take a punt like rich and pete, they bought blind and seem pretty damn happy with their purchase and cosidering the amount of bats going through their hands couldnt you take their word that this bat is a bit special? There are already people after second hand jokers, so even if it wasnt what you had hoped for, you could lose out on £40-£50 and sell it on - it's all about a gamble.......rich and pete thought it was worth it......matt has shown the colour of his money.....now it's your turn!
Would like to know how the hell charlie has got that bat down to the weight's he has - swelling clefts could be problematic, the edges save a bit of weight but where are the other couple pounds being saved?
Hey Robin looks like i might be getting one of your BATMAN
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Good old peer pressure - never fails :D
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good job your not my peer then junior
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dinner time and every time i look at peterhosk black cat it keeps getting better.
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Grade 1, 2 or 3 - it will still be a huge bat for the weight and likely go like a rocket! :)
Didn't see a G2 option when I bought. Maybe the lower grade is a G2/3??
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Every time I look at it, it keeps looking better too Dave!! ;)
It's almost like one of my pets!!
Seriously, I can't see that whoever purchases one would regret it!
I know that any bat does not suit everyone. But I am struggling to find any fault with it!
And Will - was generalising about whatever grade you get in this bat would be impressive!!
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And Will - was generalising about whatever grade you get in this bat would be impressive!!
Ah ok, I'm with you now. Can't wait!!
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I cant wait to get down the nets with mine!
I want to see how many bowlers I can scare!!! :(
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Pete make sure its knocked in for this time next week ;) nearly decapitated a few of the lads last night with some back foot smashes from the tennis days!
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I am busy knocking in another classy T20 bat as well! So may bring all of them along.
So will start knocking the Joker in as well - if I knock them in at home with family there, then everyone gets somewhat annoyed!! >:(
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Know the feeling mate did 20 mins on the Scat yesterday and had a sore shoulder and ringing ears....this is why i never buy a BN bat!
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Imagine how I feel!! I still have around 30 new bats I need to knock in!! :(
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Imagine how I feel!! I still have around 30 new bats I need to knock in!! :(
I WISH I had that problem!! I agree the more I see these bats the more I want one and the less I want a goose!
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I think quite a lot of us would love to have the problem of knocking in 30 new bats!
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Ive 4 bats all lined up and ready to knock in, id be pretty certain 3 of them never see a mallet and will sit in my bat cave and i will end up selling them on without knocking them in. I just hate knocking in bats its the worst thing i could think of doing and after 10 mins i give up.
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Who else has got one?
Watch this space you hairy love machine - my resistance is weakening!!!!!!!!!
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Thought you would be in for one sooner rather than later, would think you will be very very happy.
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Resistance, what resistance Bruce????? Even the French would make a better show.....you will buy one of these bats, it's just whether it's tongiht or tomorrow :D
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petehosk do you mind if I ask you how well does the MMi pings? It just started to grow on me...
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(http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr247/lekkasport/Lekka2010_3.jpg?t=1268817228)(http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr247/lekkasport/Lekka2010_2.jpg?t=1268817310)
May just be me but this Lekka bat looks remarkably similar to the Joker. This was launched/posted last December.
It has similar dimensions and a thinner face (look at the stickers compared to the full sized bat).
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Yeah doe slook similar but not as big profile-wise, which begs the question how do blackcat get such huge edges etc?? :S gotta be some trick, dried willow-he said no to, cant think of anything else.
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Hollowed willow??
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Looks very similar indeed. Would have expected Lekka to voice this fact but maybe they sorted it out amicably...or joined forces?
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([url]http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr247/lekkasport/Lekka2010_3.jpg?t=1268817228[/url])([url]http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr247/lekkasport/Lekka2010_2.jpg?t=1268817310[/url])
May just be me but this Lekka bat looks remarkably similar to the Joker. This was launched/posted last December.
It has similar dimensions and a thinner face (look at the stickers compared to the full sized bat).
hmmmm... that's interesting.
Do u know what kinda price range does Lekka offer for their T20 bat in G1? Looks pretty nice.
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The Lekka T20 is to the Joker what the Upfront Twenty20 is to the Mongoose MMi3...
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The Lekka T20 is to the Joker what the Upfront Twenty20 is to the Mongoose MMi3...
Wasn't the Lekka T20 released before the Joker?
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the lekka look's wicked phaa
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Wasn't the Lekka T20 released before the Joker?
Depends what you mean by 'released', if these photos appeared in December as has been said, then maybe. I know Petehosk mentioned he had one, but I'm not sure if they're available as such, they certainly weren't available for purchase anywhere I don't think, and don't know if they are yet?
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My point wasn't to do with the release dates, however. I don't even know when the Upfront bat was released, may have been before the Mongoose, I just don't know.
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Charlie - you are correct!
The Joker was officially released first.
Then the Lekka followed, from what I have been told anyway!
The picture from December that Tom mentioned was no doubt a prototype of the bat to be released??
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Pics of the Lekka were first on the forums in December.
If they're not the same then I apologise and take it back. They just looked incredibly similar all the way down to toe shape.
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I personally don't count prototypes as being released. I'm not surprised that someone else was working on a similar design- as I said, it seemed so obvious.
That said, if all Lekka have done is shaven off the edges and shortened the blade, the Jokers should still be bigger, and will pick-up and play better.
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That said, if all Lekka have done is shaven off the edges and shortened the blade, the Jokers should still be bigger, and will pick-up and play better.
So tell us... what have you done, why so secretive, if I made a bat that was supposedly better than anything else I'd want to tell people what idea I had come up with?
PS. If anyone is interested, first prototypes of Lekka T20 bat in that style were made in November 2008
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i think mongoose is by far and will always be the most popular t20 bat it gets
most coverage etc etc and looks the best in my eyes and it's used by pro's ;)
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So tell us... what have you done, why so secretive, if I made a bat that was supposedly better than anything else I'd want to tell people what idea I had come up with?
PS. If anyone is interested, first prototypes of Lekka T20 bat in that style were made in November 2008
Not if you hadn't patented it, you wouldn't. Joker 'prototypes' have been in the making for months as well, I only count a bat as being a bat (as opposed to an idea) when it is released, and available to buy.
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lots of back biting going on here but i would like to know what makes the joker so special in fact without knowing i would not part with my cash even thought they look so good and both pete and rich like them.
as i have said before without knowing it is a big harrow and i would love to know what makes them special enough to spend the money on one.
as i have said before i am no batmaker but i a user why should i spend my cash?????
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I know for a fact that the Lekka was not released back then because I only just got hold of one!!
Anyway guys - why the sudden interest in Lekka bats? I was under the impression that most people on here didn't particularly like him?
And that they would never buy his bats???? So why the sudden interest all of a sudden? ???
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i'd take a lekka for the right price ;)
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pete i would not buy one of his bats your right my question has not been answered by black cat
and mr lekka i know you trail this forum it just i did not like how you talked to me so no offence to your equipment which i have herd is good stuff
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lots of back biting going on here but i would like to know what makes the joker so special in fact without knowing i would not part with my cash even thought they look so good and both pete and rich like them
Fair enough, but with so many batmakers contributing and reading the forum, we'd be foolish to let everyone know the secret of the Joker.
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Fair enough, but with so many batmakers contributing and reading the forum, we'd be foolish to let everyone know the secret of the Joker.
why if you have patented it????
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As I said, we haven't patented it.
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Would be interested to see what other people think!
I have always found him a good guy to deal with, but I seem to remember a lot of talk about how some people would never ever buy anything off him?
I find it quite funny that there's suddenly a lot of interest! :D
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blackcat this may be none of my buisness but how many jokers have you sold ?
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so your telling me that everything that the joker stands for is within the laws of the game
i mean totally made out of wood no glue no lamination
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so your telling me that everything that the joker stands for is within the laws of the game
i mean totally made out of wood no glue no lamination
Yes, of course.
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so it must be treatment of the wood can be only secret
or something with the handle
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Do you use the same technology in your regular bats?
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hollowed out handle is that possible?????
hollowed out top part of the bat similar to impala drilling holes through there's.
or just a bog standard harrow with a big cleft air dried???
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Dave - I can't comment too much just yet, as I haven't had the good fortune to knock the joker in fully and have a swing down the nets, but that time will be upon us soon.
There is no laminate or funny looking willow that I can see - and indeed I took it to Andy at SAF, who commented that it was excellent quality willow - and that is from someone who probably knows as much as anyone on here about willow and batmaking, and 50 times more than most!!
But I did notice that there was something similar to pixie dust when I unwrapped it! ;)
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Guys - at the end of the day this is just a bat, he has made clear that the width it fractionally smaller and would he really sell an illegal bat so openly and do you not think either Rich or Pete would have picked up on this.
Tom from mongoose reckons they did this exact bat and got nowhere near the weight, i propose that the batmaker behind this style of bat is a little more accomplished and has been able to get that spec weight and edge size through no other way than getting the most out of each cleft. Take it for what is is, a big bat with a fractionally smaller face. Nothing overly complicated in my opinion.
Agree with you Pete, good bloke to talk to and you seem happy with your bat from him.
Tom - you ask about technology but has Black Cat mentioned technology anywhere, if this was some technological revolution in batmaking im sure he would have mentioned this.
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TBH the size may just be down to the willow, look at some of the bats on here from Hell4 and SS. All 40mm+ edges, there's no reason why you couldn't make a slightly bigger bat if you cut down the edges and took 2" off the height.
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This is like 20 questions......without seeing one in the flesh its gonna be hard to pick out anything distinguishing that sets it apart from the rest....Charlie if it is unique why not patent it?
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i have i think i will stick to my normal bat for now
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Tom - you ask about technology but has Black Cat mentioned technology anywhere, if this was some technological revolution in batmaking im sure he would have mentioned this.
If he had he wouldn't mention it as he holds no patents
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Do you use the same technology in your regular bats?
No. Our regular bats are traditional, and are for people who want a high quality, normal bat, handmade in England (that's not to say the Jokers aren't high quality, handmade in Eng etc., but you get my point). The Joker range will be where the experimental stuff goes.
Cheers
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so if i buy one i could get it copied and call it a
HE MAN
BATTLECAT
HEHE
SORRY
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TBH the size may just be down to the willow, look at some of the bats on here from Hell4 and SS. All 40mm+ edges, there's no reason why you couldn't make a slightly bigger bat if you cut down the edges and took 2" off the height.
I think they were both low density bits of wood- pro clefts, if you like. I'd love to try a Joker shape with a pro cleft...
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Maybe there's nothing to patent...no new technology or ideas
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to true i have a ss 35mm edges and it weight 2lb 6oz
will a very good point
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As far as I can see the Mongoose MMi3 follows the Uzi 20/20 concept and simply has more of the shoulder shaved off, nothing else. Mongoose have applied for a patent based on the splice being hidden and that is it. The fact that the elongated handle/truncated balde concept had been done and sold as a 20/20 bat escaped them which makes the application just another bit of their slick marketing. The Joker follows the same principle except they have also taken the Pakistani trick of shaving the edges to increase the size a touch further. I have no idea if the willow is low density or not, if it is then they either have a source previously unknown with massive quantities or are wasting it on this shape. If they do not then there must be something else but with no stupid patent application it must be prior art or something any bat maker can do. If Mongoose have tried and failed to do this then I guess something else must be present as SS are great bat makers but I guess they would be working hard to copy it now.
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Ok Mike, now you have your digs in about Mongoose. Assuming you have seen the Black Cat Joker and Lekka T20 what is the difference between them?
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If mike is correct (not saying he is), would that mean the lower section of the handle is willow? If you removed the binding from a mongoose what would you see? I think the bat with a V shape pieced of wood sticking up and a handle with the same shaped V cut out of it?
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The splice is in the handle, so the join between cane and willow is there. I have never shied away from that fact.
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Ok, thanks Tom. Clearer now.
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I may have had an unbound unfinished bat at Taunton, did I show you? We often take it along to shows to show how it's done.
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No, I just saw the standard MMi's and the Stuart Law bat
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I do not know what the trick is for the Joker, but I will find out by the end of the week. I have heard a lot about the Lekka 20/20 bat and think it is very similar to the Joker, have not ordered one but may do so after I've tried the Joker. May well be the same principle, after all you have had one made, what were the dimensions and weight Tom?
I have one idea which I have often thought about, I won't say what it is as if it is not being used I'll save it for my own.
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How was Law's different? And how different is Haydens to a shelf bat?
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Will - please read the topic and the heading. If you want to know more about the mongoose, then go to a mongoose section?
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Only differences I saw with a small look was a worn grip and a peeling anti scuff! I didn't really spot any differences but I had had a quick look. The bats picked up lovely though, a lot better than expecting!
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Hayden's and law's are no different to shelf bats. Hayden is using a shelf bat at the moment (by shelf I mean one of the 45 Ltd Editions shipped from England to India for launch)
I haven't had an exact replica of the Joker made, we did a 5cm shorter bat. You will see when I made the comment regarding dimensions Charlie had only mentioned about the height, he had kept quiet about width.
Suprised you don't know more Mike, thought with your UK manufacturing contacts you'd have come across one.
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Ok, sorry Pete.
I think it will be difficult to keep mongoose out of Joker topics. The comparison will always go on!
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Will - please read the topic and the heading. If you want to know more about the mongoose, then go to a mongoose section?
Yep, sorry for meandering off course
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i think it just looks like a size 6 but a big one u get me ;)
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I made a bat, very similar to the Joker today. Though the face was standard width. I don't think there is anything fancy done with the willow, just light clefts. It says on the B.C website that they are the only people in the UK with there own dedicated supply of willow from there own tree's so there would be decent light bits of wood in there. I may be wrong but perhaps we shouldnt be so cynical about it.......
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It says on the B.C website that they are the only people in the UK with there own dedicated supply of willow from there own tree's
Didn't Charlie say he would change this when was told a few months ago this was untrue?
How did your "Vantage Joker" turn out Dan, would love to see some pics
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i dont know if its true or not, just went from what i saw on site, have never seen any different. It came out fine, the same as a the B.C. It's coming to Malta for some slogging fun and will stay there too.
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The Joker is a well made bat, the credit should be with the bat maker and foresight to have over sized willow clefts created for usage with the bat. Robert Pack is doing a 60mm edge bat on his blue room bats, for godsake, so the willow is available
The width of the bat isn't overly thin and I would say it isn't/wasn't that noticeable unless you see bats day in day out. When you look down the handle it isn't noticeably shorter either. There are no tricks with the willow it is simple a great idea and very well made.
Sometimes you have to stick your hands up a say "Well Done" for something that has been brought to the market, that is surprising, not overly gimmicky, talked about with passion and works. That is what we have here in the Joker.
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It's coming to Malta for some slogging fun and will stay there too.
Behold the birth of the Maltese Falcon!
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I am trying to fight the urge to order a grade 1 bat... everytime i think of it i want to go for it
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I have personally congratulated Charlie on a very good looking bat marketed well by a young lad on a small budget.
Just sometimes wish people who have links with the brand/bats would be upfront.
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I have personally congratulated Charlie on a very good looking bat marketed well by a young lad on a small budget.
Am i the only one thinking that coming from someone who is roughly the same age this sounds incredibly patronising?
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Nah
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You're reading too much into my posts again. I'm applauding him as I was in a similar position with Itias and never got it to work whereas at first appearance it would seem Charlie had.
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The more I look at these jokers the more I think I want one! Currently moving house so it will have to wait till later in the season, but this will give give me even longer to keep Reading the reviews and seeing how well they play. But innitial comments sound very good
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Didn't Charlie say he would change this when was told a few months ago this was untrue?
A direct quote from the Black Cat website: 'Black Cat Cricket is one of the only, if not the only, batmakers in the world that owns its own source of willow.'
We put this in as we were told about Kippax apparently owning their own willow. I emailed them to ask, and received no reply.
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Dont gn, warsop and newbery have some of their own trees as well as talisman
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Dont gn, warsop and newbery have some of their own trees as well as talisman
My understanding is GN plant a lot, but don't own (m)any trees. They planted ours, and all the neighbours. Lots of people think GN own the willow on their land, until they look a little closer. I don't think Newbery do, don't know about Warsop. I'm happy with the statement on the website.
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GN have contracted farmers, Newbery likewise, Warsop have 15/20 tree's planted next to their workshop that should be ready in a few years but are more likely to stay as a talking point. I do not own any willow, just buy it like the others, Kippax is planting but 15/20 years away from felling that willow.