Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: potzy248 on April 20, 2020, 03:05:12 AM
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These photos are from England's last tour. Ben Stokes gave one of our young players his bat and McCullum's was in for a fix up at a local bat makers workshop when I was there. Both were absolutely massive. McCullum's is next to a normal SH bat to see how much he cuts off the top of his handles.
(https://i.postimg.cc/QCtqssGz/20191010-092919.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ftGdjGb7)
(https://i.postimg.cc/XJ2wshGk/20191010-092947.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4797dW1Y)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/W3pG6j34/20191010-093022.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PLcvTg1G)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/PxFwWw96/20191128-160719.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KkBjFRZL)
(https://i.postimg.cc/28WZW3ww/20191128-160746.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tYXJQq8Z)
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Wow what a lucky kid. the GM players shapes are so nice
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The handle on Stokes bat looks absolutely huge!
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top post and pics @potzy248
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The handle on Stokes bat looks absolutely huge!
And the grips on upside down!
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That GM is lovely, definitely one of the best shapes about.
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What is the GN?
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Thats from a First Class player here in NZ. Put it there for comparison.
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The handle on Stokes bat looks absolutely huge!
2 Grips on it and GM handle probably already pretty thick.
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surprisingly i would take the GN over the GM, much nicer shape
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Brilliant pics @potzy248 thanks for sharing! Did you happen to know what weights they were?
From an interview Root did with Sky he was saying that Stokes is terrified of over gripping the bat, leads him to getting his bats, wrapping the handle in tape, putting a grip on, wrapping it in tape again and then putting another grip on top. Makes sense given how thick those handles look.
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What material is used for the counterbalance on McCullum's bat?
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Brilliant pics @potzy248 thanks for sharing! Did you happen to know what weights they were?
From an interview Root did with Sky he was saying that Stokes is terrified of over gripping the bat, leads him to getting his bats, wrapping the handle in tape, putting a grip on, wrapping it in tape again and then putting another grip on top. Makes sense given how thick those handles look.
Is this interview online anywhere at all?
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Hi mate, he talks about it in this video as well as showing off his "retired stick" from the world cup - can't remember exactly when he talks about Stokes but its a good 8 minutes anyway :)
https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-X4Bn_BBM5/?igshid=3ewytm0gecj5 (https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-X4Bn_BBM5/?igshid=3ewytm0gecj5)
Easier to find it on Instagram but im sure it will exist across their other social channels if you don't have an account
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Hi mate, he talks about it in this video as well as showing off his "retired stick" from the world cup - can't remember exactly when he talks about Stokes but its a good 8 minutes anyway :)
https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-X4Bn_BBM5/?igshid=3ewytm0gecj5 (https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-X4Bn_BBM5/?igshid=3ewytm0gecj5)
Easier to find it on Instagram but im sure it will exist across their other social channels if you don't have an account
Great little watch! Cheers mate
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The toe and shoulders of the Stokes bat noticeably thicker than most "player edition" Stokes bats i've seen
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Lovely bat - why oh why did you take the stickers off the stokes one!?
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Nice to see that Stokes gives the edge of his bat a good work out just like the rest of us!
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Brilliant pics @potzy248 thanks for sharing! Did you happen to know what weights they were?
From an interview Root did with Sky he was saying that Stokes is terrified of over gripping the bat, leads him to getting his bats, wrapping the handle in tape, putting a grip on, wrapping it in tape again and then putting another grip on top. Makes sense given how thick those handles look.
I was told it was 2.9 (maybe without the grips) and a bit but it felt more like 2.11lb when I picked it up.
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Lovely bat - why oh why did you take the stickers off the stokes one!?
I did what now?
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The toe and shoulders of the Stokes bat noticeably thicker than most "player edition" Stokes bats i've seen
It was definitely bigger overall than the Stokes PE's I have seen also.
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What material is used for the counterbalance on McCullum's bat?
Not sure. All I could see was the medical tape. So not sure if he just does a big knob of that or he has grips cut up underneath. His one weighed 2.11lb but honestly felt like a 2.8 when I picked it up. The counter balance must work.
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I did what now?
The stokes bat - the lovely GM. Now does not have GM stickers on it lol
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The stokes bat - the lovely GM. Now does not have GM stickers on it lol
Pretty sure it does. Not sure where you're getting this information. It's not one of mine, a kid from my school has it.
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The stokes bat - the lovely GM. Now does not have GM stickers on it lol
Are you thinking the mcCullum bat in the first photo is the stokes bat?!
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Are you thinking the mcCullum bat in the first photo is the stokes bat?!
Ohhh. No that bat next to McCullum's bat is not the Stokes bat. That is a Centurion bat from a local batmaker here in NZ.
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Ahh ok sorry my bad
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Mate, if possible, could you post a pic of the counterbalance on the McCullum, with the grip rolled down a bit to see how they do it..
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Mate, if possible, could you post a pic of the counterbalance on the McCullum, with the grip rolled down a bit to see how they do it..
Sorry mate. Those photos were taken at Xmas. I have no idea where that bat is now.
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I did what now?
Yeah I thought that wasn’t the case as well lol
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Phew not just me then ha
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Sorry mate. Those photos were taken at Xmas. I have no idea where that bat is now.
Ah no worries, great post though mate
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Matthew Wade's bat.
This was unreal. Short blade long handle set up. honestly felt about 2.7lb
So much wood in this bat all over the blade. Thick right through the bat.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Vv4rGBFZ/20200208-191645.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YLGCjFZQ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/3wHGwRWB/20200208-191651.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/18JXCyGn)
(https://i.postimg.cc/DzdX4TXK/20200208-191656.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8Fc5xx4y)
(https://i.postimg.cc/j286wrBj/20200208-191701.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8f6f9xp8)
(https://i.postimg.cc/L8PfRf45/20200208-191709.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Hrpj9ry1)
host an image (https://postimages.org/)
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Short blade longer handle set up?
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Short blade longer handle set up?
Yeah mate. This one looked like a super short blade though
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Lovely looking bat.
Whats the story of how you got photos of this one?
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Wow... what’s the dead weight ?
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Lovely looking bat.
Whats the story of how you got photos of this one?
A guy who we played against had it, he in turn got it from Mitchell Santner whos brother played in this side as well. Santner who is sponsored by NB probably just asked him for one. I actually think Wade probably got this one from Root in the Ashes and then gave it to Santner in the NZ/OZ series played last Xmas.
Dead weight? Sorry didn't have my scales with me. It picked up very light.
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Wades bats always look big and a nice shape on the telly. Nice work @potzy248
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Some more :D
Travis Heads bat. Found this on Gumtree. A local pawn shop was selling it, they didn't know what they had in their possession. Pretty much took over the Watson shape from GM. Not a huge bat but big enough, full profile and thick shoulders 2.9lb. This one has a very oval bottom handle which is different from a Travis Head PE I have.
Dean Brownlie's (Ex NZ player) bat. This was in for repairs so took some photos of it while it was in. Shorter blade long handle set up. Very big bat over all. Same shape as the Vince I would say apart from the short blade (Same as Pope maybe?). 2.10lb.
Alex Lees bat. Left it here when he was playing in NZ a couple of years ago (sorry for the stickers :( ). This is one of my favourite shapes. Similar to the Vince/Stokes profile but with huge shoulders. Weighs 2.10lb.
Shane Watson PE. Just thought I would put this in here because it is my all time favourite shape. Simply amazing bat.
Cheers,
(https://i.postimg.cc/pV0KGZrM/20200430-103614.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/6Tv7TCCM)
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@potzy248 , I hate you. :D
How are you landing these bats? Do you spend your socially isolated days hunting for bats online?
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Haha,
Na mate been quiet over the lockdown. The Wade one is from back in Cricket Season and is not mine.
The others, I get a few in to fix as part of a side hobby I do.
And yes I do look online a lot for special bats.
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Yeah mate. This one looked like a super short blade though
What would you say is a super short blade? 1 inch less, more?
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^ I am interested in this as well, what's the overall length of this blade? I have used a 6-3 configuration and it is awesome!
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What would you say is a super short blade? 1 inch less, more?
Well I have a shorter blade long handle set up on the GM Neon which is the normal set up for shorter blade. This one was definitely shorter than that and almost reminded me of a Mongoose Cor 3 size but much larger in terms of wood behind it. I don't have it to measure but I would say at least 2cm shorter if not a bit more.
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@potzy248 , take a look at this. The shortest bat is my 6-3 configuration bat.
http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=46757.msg753523#msg753523 (http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=46757.msg753523#msg753523)
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So I was the "ridiculous" person to buy that Root GM bat :D.
Cost me an arm and a leg to get it to NZ. After all the Covid 19 stuff it finally arrived. I agree it is absolutely insane to buy a bat for that much money but I love the Pro GM bats. I have 4 actual used pro bats and 4 Players editions. Better to be addicted to bats than heroin I think :D.
Any way, the bat as I imagined is absolutely huge. Weighs bang on 2.9lb has 44mm edges a huge full profile and picks up majestically. The density must be off the chain.
I think it will be my T20 match bat next season.
(https://i.postimg.cc/SRXkgpLR/96798281-835707296950985-3128505189732974592-n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ctNpJ2bG)
(https://i.postimg.cc/jq9sLLK7/97060382-618963298698342-1731287195165130752-n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/s1YFLfMj)
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Not jealous at all @potzy248...... honest 😊
That looks crazy good
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That looks damn near perfect
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That is perfection!
How much did it cost you in total?
Proper bat! Well worth it!
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hows the ping?
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That is perfection!
How much did it cost you in total?
Proper bat! Well worth it!
Ended up costing me £420 as NZ auto adds GST now.
It is a very nice bat.
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hows the ping?
Exceptional. feels very soft.
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Stunning bat looks like the players shapes haven’t changed that much really, looks very similar side on to my Vince PE. Bloody massive and as you say must have been a very low weight piece of willow to start with to get the those specs
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Still cheaper than a Keeley discounted price bat :D
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Stunning bat looks like the players shapes haven’t changed that much really, looks very similar side on to my Vince PE. Bloody massive and as you say must have been a very low weight piece of willow to start with to get the those specs
Guess the England captain gets the very top end stuff. I remember picking up Freddie’s bat which was huge and felt like a feather was mental!
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so does everyone still think the pro bat thing is bollox :) i think this clearly shows otherwise........
also that shape doesn't look anything like the players bats available by retailers IMO....
i think the big boys selling players edition bats.... ie GM/GN you really arent getting the real deal..... just paying top end for some bragging rights in the changing rooms...
the only one close to producing a bat like this would be b3 from what i have seen, saying that i also had a bat from SS with density like this...... and a couple of my keeleys are close but had to wait forever to find clefts suitable
apart from that i think you are going to struggle to get anything close to this.................
nice work potzy :)
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so does everyone still think the pro bat thing is bollox :) i think this clearly shows otherwise........
also that shape doesn't look anything like the players bats available by retailers IMO....
i think the big boys selling players edition bats.... ie GM/GN you really arent getting the real deal..... just paying top end for some bragging rights in the changing rooms...
the only one close to producing a bat like this would be b3 from what i have seen, saying that i also had a bat from SS with density like this...... and a couple of my keeleys are close but had to wait forever to find clefts suitable
apart from that i think you are going to struggle to get anything close to this.................
nice work potzy :)
I still think its partially/mostly B.S.
It's going to vary player to player and how demanding they are and what level they are at. AN average county player vs England Captain.. different tier.
Depending on where you are in the tier and how demanding you are.. your pro bat may be an absolute aesthetically pleasing, pick up in the 1% willow. Or you may get a very nice looking bat not much different to what you can buy off the shelf.
So it's not a clear cut answer. I've had a bat destined for a Zimbabwe pro and it was stunning... just wasn't right for me and I sold it but I got good feedback off the purchaser.
If you have a good relationship with a smaller brand and can choose your cleft and get it made to you that is always a better route IMHO.
But I wouldn't deride anyone who wishes to spend vast amounts on a pro bat.. your money your choice... I personally wouldn't do it after my experiences.
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Yes I still think it’s BS.
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so does everyone still think the pro bat thing is bollox :) i think this clearly shows otherwise........
also that shape doesn't look anything like the players bats available by retailers IMO....
i think the big boys selling players edition bats.... ie GM/GN you really arent getting the real deal..... just paying top end for some bragging rights in the changing rooms...
the only one close to producing a bat like this would be b3 from what i have seen, saying that i also had a bat from SS with density like this...... and a couple of my keeleys are close but had to wait forever to find clefts suitable
apart from that i think you are going to struggle to get anything close to this.................
nice work potzy :)
I certainly think real top end Pro bats are far superior. I've now seen a Root, Stokes, Williamson bat that they have actually used in matches and they were all huge and light. Whether they help us peasants bat any better is probably the main factor but surely having more wood behind our off centre shots helps?
The Players Edition GM's are pretty similar from what I've seen. I have 3 Shane Watsons and they look pretty much bang on from video Ive seen of him. I also have one of Travis Heads bats and its identical to the PE version.
However the Stokes bat looked and felt bigger and lighter from the PE versions but still the same shape.
Was Root the captain when he was with GM? This GM is the biggest one (GM) I have ever seen but thats probably due to the fact there were no restrictions at that stage the biggest wow though is the 2.9lb weight.
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so does everyone still think the pro bat thing is bollox :) i think this clearly shows otherwise........
also that shape doesn't look anything like the players bats available by retailers IMO....
i think the big boys selling players edition bats.... ie GM/GN you really arent getting the real deal..... just paying top end for some bragging rights in the changing rooms...
the only one close to producing a bat like this would be b3 from what i have seen, saying that i also had a bat from SS with density like this...... and a couple of my keeleys are close but had to wait forever to find clefts suitable
apart from that i think you are going to struggle to get anything close to this.................
nice work potzy :)
To a degree your right i think as the big brands use Joe Public by and large to A) Grow the business and make a profit and B) cover the costs of sponsoring the big names in the sport.
I have never had a top end Players bat from any of the big brands prior to the GM Players edition but its certainly different to what the other stock bats from GM offer. Is what i have an exact replica of what James Vince uses?? Is it the same willow selection and shape and pressing?? No idea but i would like to think it is. But at the end of the day i like it and bought it mainly because of the shape. I would still have bought it if it didn’t have the name etc ( if I’m honest i would prefer not to have the signature on the back for example on the GM PE bats)
What i do know is that some Pro’s are very picky with the bats they get and spend hours going through clefts, are so picky on handle shapes done to exact mm, edge shape etc and others are just happy to get a bat that feels good to them and off they go.
I personally would do more for a top end PRO bat like @potzy248 has than for example a county pro selling bats on Facebook that are in most likely hood just be the same as any stock bat that maker may make
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It's bollox that a bat Joe Root may hit 200 odd with will make you suddenly amazing but there's no way you are buying a 2.9 of that size with that volume of wood off the shelf. The ex Root Wade bat on p3 is another example. You just aren't going to get that so in that respect there *can* be something a little be special about "pro bats"
The only custom company I would trust to make me an exact replica is B3 but you would have to wait for the cleft and then pay the price. They made me a ridiculous Trott profile a few years ago that weighed 2.10lb. I think they could make a copy of the Wade bat.
Also I have seen Kane's new (last seasons) bats in my hand and they were pretty much exactly like the Williamson editions but were all light pick up. Some Williamson editions I have seen are 2.11 so the Pro's still get the lightest bats.
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i agree with the coments above- @SOULMAN1012 the GM players edition bats i would suspect are similar in quality to what the majority of makers offer as a standard pro shape for the pro boys to pick through..... i also agree the players editions are very very good bats and will be as good as you can get from GM as a punter.....
the real top pros... ie Kohli/root etc will get bats that anyone will struggle to get anywhere i would think...... and as i said and @potzy248 also states above the only place as a joe bloggs customer would be able to source somthing remarkably close to these IMO would be B3, my b3 root i foolishly sold would have been similar specs to this root but again that was a very very rare cleft.
I think we can all agree the top top pros get better than any of us mere mortals can get hold of and even most average county players.......
i am by no means saying these bats make you a superior player, i certainly would feel a million dollars wielding one of those bad boys even if i lasted 2 balls before snicking off :)
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But if low density willow, quality pressing and shaping lead to an absolute top notch ‘pro’ bat why wouldn’t companies that grow their own willow such as Kippax and H4L also be able to get their hands on similar clefts?
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Segregated Pro Clefts, Oversized, Available to the public through the custom route from GN
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49893733991_02e04d1bd1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j1WqQX)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49894046572_bd1453afb6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j1WqQX)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49894046562_4d7ee53326_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j1Y2Lh) (https://flic.kr/p/2j1Y2L7)
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But if low density willow, quality pressing and shaping lead to an absolute top notch ‘pro’ bat why wouldn’t companies that grow their own willow such as Kippax and H4L also be able to get their hands on similar clefts?
Absolutely agree!
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Kippax and H4L provide bats to sponsored players do they not? Would assume that's where their best bats go. They also don't have anything like the volume of bats sold as GM or GN so presumably deal with a lower volume of willow so less chance to get one of these type of clefts.
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But if low density willow, quality pressing and shaping lead to an absolute top notch ‘pro’ bat why wouldn’t companies that grow their own willow such as Kippax and H4L also be able to get their hands on similar clefts?
This is a non argument really, they do get their hands on similar clefts, we just don't get to readily access them because their pros do.
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Pro bats are good as long as you play against pro bowler with pro skills on pro wicket on pro outfield. cant hit boundary same way as pro will given the some park grounds most of us play on.
Cant drive F1 car on public roads.
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Pro bats are good as long as you play against pro bowler with pro skills on pro wicket on pro outfield. cant hit boundary same way as pro will given the some park grounds most of us play on.
Cant drive F1 car on public roads.
I disagree with this entirely. You're more likely to hit boundaries with the best performing stick you can rather than a barn door plank. The pitch is irrelevant
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I disagree with this entirely. You're more likely to hit boundaries with the best performing stick you can rather than a barn door plank. The pitch is irrelevant
Add up skills with a performing stick ;)
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Cant drive F1 car on public roads.
Yes you can. Heard of street circuits?
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At the end of the day any top professional will use the best tools available to them.
It’s like saying federer would have still been great using a racket out of Asda compared to the best technology allows. Or some top hair dresser would be able to give a decent cut with my kitchen scissors.
The pros bats are generally better across the board, obviously there are some exceptions to the rule.
Pros are far better players and yes they would still be pros with average bats but a top bat makes a hell of a difference.
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Add up skills with a performing stick ;)
Your point was that you couldn't score boundaries with a pro bat because often you play on poor pitches, so I took it to the extreme and showed the argument was wrong. Not sure I understand this subsequent post?
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At the end of the day any top professional will use the best tools available to them.
It’s like saying federer would have still been great using a racket out of Asda compared to the best technology allows. Or some top hair dresser would be able to give a decent cut with my kitchen scissors.
The pros bats are generally better across the board, obviously there are some exceptions to the rule.
Pros are far better players and yes they would still be pros with average bats but a top bat makes a hell of a difference.
100%
No pro bat will make you a better player skills wise, but it might make you hit the ball a bit cleaner than you otherwise would have.
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At the end of the day any top professional will use the best tools available to them.
It’s like saying federer would have still been great using a racket out of Asda compared to the best technology allows. Or some top hair dresser would be able to give a decent cut with my kitchen scissors.
The pros bats are generally better across the board, obviously there are some exceptions to the rule.
Pros are far better players and yes they would still be pros with average bats but a top bat makes a hell of a difference.
At the absolute elite level the difference between success and failure can be tiny so it makes sense that anyone at that level is going to want to maximise the advantage they can gain from factors they can control.
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I've yet to see a pro bat I'd be interested in using myself, even regardless of cost.
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Can't express your views without someone attacking you to feed their ego
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Your point was that you couldn't score boundaries with a pro bat because often you play on poor pitches, so I took it to the extreme and showed the argument was wrong. Not sure I understand this subsequent post?
Mate its simple, playing with a pro bat will not make you or me a pro. I have been bestowed with few pro bats in the past and not all suited my style of play. To be a good batsman, skills are required to play at top level or at my end its called Division A. I dont need a pro bat to make me feel special unless I want to brag about it. A good bat should have nice ping, balance and skills to score runs at the top level. I really dont know how you play and hence I dont want to argue with you further on this.
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At the end of the day any top professional will use the best tools available to them.
It’s like saying federer would have still been great using a racket out of Asda compared to the best technology allows. Or some top hair dresser would be able to give a decent cut with my kitchen scissors.
The pros bats are generally better across the board, obviously there are some exceptions to the rule.
Pros are far better players and yes they would still be pros with average bats but a top bat makes a hell of a difference.
Amen.
Are true pro bats better than a standard off the shelf bat? Yes.
Will a pro bat make me a pro batsman? No.
The benefits for an average played using a pro bat realistically, are minimal. But it cannot be disputed, there are benefits.
As for what that benefit is worth to an average player, is totally subjective. In almost all cases the difference in cost between an average and pro bat would be far better spent on coaching, as that will go that little bit further towards making you bat like a pro.
We're talking tiny percentages at the end of the day.
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The fact remains a Pro would score more runs with a GM 404 for example than I would with Joe Roots actual bat
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The fact remains a Pro would score more runs with a GM 404 for example than I would with Joe Roots actual bat
Exactly. Give them our bat and they will score runs with it easily.
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It's bollox that a bat Joe Root may hit 200 odd with will make you suddenly amazing but there's no way you are buying a 2.9 of that size with that volume of wood off the shelf. The ex Root Wade bat on p3 is another example. You just aren't going to get that so in that respect there *can* be something a little be special about "pro bats"
This was mid range as well. Big big bats at low weights do come up now and again.
http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=23387.0 (http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=23387.0)
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That’s huge in terms of specs but look at the shoulder down view of the Wade bat. Hard to tell from pics alone but it looks like yet another level of crazy
In the case of the Wade bat I think the fact that it looks to be about a size 5 blade does contribute...
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Can't express your views without someone attacking you to feed their ego
I actually didn't realise who this was aimed at initially, but having re read the topic it's pretty clear is aimed at me, can I suggest you readress your definition of being attacked, I simply pointed out that you were wrong, but I'm attacking you to feed my ego? Crazy.
Can I suggest that a public forum where people are allowed to disagree like adults and voice different opinions for discussion is not the place for you if you feel my response was attacking you.
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Mate its simple, playing with a pro bat will not make you or me a pro. I have been bestowed with few pro bats in the past and not all suited my style of play. To be a good batsman, skills are required to play at top level or at my end its called Division A. I dont need a pro bat to make me feel special unless I want to brag about it. A good bat should have nice ping, balance and skills to score runs at the top level. I really dont know how you play and hence I dont want to argue with you further on this.
@joymarvin I think we are both arguing the same point, I actually got you and @jayralh mixed up, in a few of my responses, apologies.
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If it was an old Root bat you’d suspect it’s about an inch shorter. It’ll make the shoulders look thicker but the point was the different distribution of wood between that and the Kook. Probably wasted wood but it looks pretty darn chunky all the way through.
Doesn't look like he gets them from Root, looks like he gets them from @InternalTraining ! That is a very short bat, especially bearing in mind that Wade's tiny. Significantly shorter blade and nothing below the middle does leave you with a lot of wood to play with in the edges/shoulders etc.
(https://www.cricket.com.au/~/media/News/2019/07/10Wade-embed.ashx?la=en&hash=A0BFFF0230AD9FBC7072051A9F7BD4A85FBCC4DD)
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Doesn't look like he gets them from Root, looks like he gets them from @InternalTraining ! That is a very short bat, especially bearing in mind that Wade's tiny. Significantly shorter blade and nothing below the middle does leave you with a lot of wood to play with in the edges/shoulders etc.
(https://www.cricket.com.au/~/media/News/2019/07/10Wade-embed.ashx?la=en&hash=A0BFFF0230AD9FBC7072051A9F7BD4A85FBCC4DD)
Looks very newbery blitz esque that, which was from memory about 2 inches shorter, which is a huge amount of wood across the blade
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I think we can all agree the top top pros get better than any of us mere mortals can get hold of and even most average county players.......
True dat! Those are exceptional bats!
i am by no means saying these bats make you a superior player, i certainly would feel a million dollars wielding one of those bad boys even if i lasted 2 balls before snicking off :)
Here is my experience: I have used non-performing/poor bats and I was always over-powering my shots, consequently losing my shape. With a well performing (or even a great bat), a well timed push or a punch sends the ball to the rope. I maintain shape, alignment is good, and I could play proper shots without over-exertion. When all is said and done, those nice bats have made a BIG difference in my batting. With a forgiving bat, timing a ball becomes a LOT easier.
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Pro bats are good as long as you play against pro bowler with pro skills on pro wicket on pro outfield. cant hit boundary same way as pro will given the some park grounds most of us play on.
Not at all, you can use a high performance bat to score boundaries on crappy grounds.
Weight may be the only difference. I like a heavier bat on these crappy outfields where grass may be 5'' or higher but if I played on "manicured" Test level grounds, I'd opt for a lighter bat. It's still take a "pro" bat or a "mere mortal" bat any day. :)
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5" grass?! You'd waste a lot of time looking for the ball...
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Not at all, you can use a high performance bat to score boundaries on crappy grounds.
Weight may be the only difference. I like a heavier bat on these crappy outfields where grass may be 5'' or higher but if I played on "manicured" Test level grounds, I'd opt for a lighter bat. It's still take a "pro" bat or a "mere mortal" bat any day. :)
Careful, you'll be accused of attacking him next.
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The pros bats are generally better across the board, obviously there are some exceptions to the rule.
Pros are far better players and yes they would still be pros with average bats but a top bat makes a hell of a difference.
It does.
Why my team mates bounce a ball on my bats, their reactions say it all. It is much much easier to "time" a ball and play proper shots...
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5" grass?! You'd waste a lot of time looking for the ball...
At one point, I thought about taking a ruler in my kit bag and posting those pics on facebook to "name and shame". Some of the grounds we play on are a disaster. So, heavy bats and aerial shots are the name of the game.
My club grounds are very nice but a lot of time goes into maintenance - all volunteers, no paid staff, and no state support.
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Doesn't look like he gets them from Root, looks like he gets them from @InternalTraining ! That is a very short bat, especially bearing in mind that Wade's tiny. Significantly shorter blade and nothing below the middle does leave you with a lot of wood to play with in the edges/shoulders etc.
(https://www.cricket.com.au/~/media/News/2019/07/10Wade-embed.ashx?la=en&hash=A0BFFF0230AD9FBC7072051A9F7BD4A85FBCC4DD)
So, I asked @potzy248 if he could share the specs (blade length) but I don't think he has that bat. It'd be really interested in those specs. I suspect the blade is 1-3/4'' shorter than a standard SH. Not quite size 6, but maybe a Harrow length blade?
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I am very bored, so I downloaded the image and worked it out. Assuming the whole bat is standard SH length it's approximately a 522mm blade - almost exactly a size 5 blade.
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^ Cool. So, an inch longer than my size 3 blade. And, approx. an inch shorter than the Newbery Blitz shape.
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Sorry, just woke up.
The Wade bat I had to look at was not one of Wades but one of Roots originally and then passed to Wade then to Santner then to the new owner. I don't have it to check anymore but it certainly was a very small length blade. I would suggest a blade like the Mongoose Cor 3 size. So you are right the wood you can add was taken from the length. It was still a cleft with a handle though and super light.
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I think this thread has headed down the route of my "unpopular opinion" from the other day. Based on my experience, genuine pro bats are better than what we are sold in the shops, for me this in terms of ping and coverage. BUT, the difference between a pro bat and a good "regular" bat in a clubbie's hands... I personally don't think will make that much of an impact.
It is great that you can buy them though and they are great to look at, tap up and use if you are happy to pay for it, become mates with the right county or even international player or get lucky like the kid in NZ with Stokes.
I agree that B3 would be the first people I would speak to if I wanted something made as close to some of the pro bats you see though. Thanks @potzy248 for sharing all of these, for me it's really interesting to see what they use. The handle on the Head bat looks seriously oval.
Anyway where are these Gareth Berg sticks so we can compare them to the likes of GM :D
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One of Warner's post regulation bats. 2 11 even bigger than wade's bat. Never seen a pro bat with moderate specs, they've always been huge!
(https://i.imgur.com/8wczSpV.jpg)
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Not sure I understand why some people here are so repulsed by pro bats. Nobody is saying using a pro bat will make you a pro - so why not just relax and appreciate the pics ?
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If I was a top pro I would be asking for the a bat that just fits through the gauge and was 2.9lb. Why wouldn't you ask for that? For the mere fact when you look down at the beast it would give you confidence setting aside the physics of more mass behind the ball.
Its a good debate and no side should feel bad that they feel one way or the other.
I'll keep trying to get photos of Pro bats when I get the chance. I am lucky enough to be around quite a few Pros and also lucky that they let me see and take photos of them.
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@potzy248 be interested to see a Guptil bat. Saw him play over here a few years back and the sound it made was so good
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I'll keep trying to get photos of Pro bats when I get the chance. I am lucky enough to be around quite a few Pros and also lucky that they let me see and take photos of them.
Looking forward to it.
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If I was a top pro I would be asking for the a bat that just fits through the gauge and was 2.9lb. Why wouldn't you ask for that? For the mere fact when you look down at the beast it would give you confidence setting aside the physics of more mass behind the ball.
Its a good debate and no side should feel bad that they feel one way or the other.
I'll keep trying to get photos of Pro bats when I get the chance. I am lucky enough to be around quite a few Pros and also lucky that they let me see and take photos of them.
Love your posts mate... don’t let the haters stop you :)
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@potzy248 be interested to see a Guptil bat. Saw him play over here a few years back and the sound it made was so good
Forgot I actually fixed one of his. wasn't huge, probably 38mm edges and weighed 2.10lb. Here you are @SOULMAN1012
(https://i.postimg.cc/Y0p1YjkQ/Screen-Shot-2020-05-15-at-12-14-55-PM.png) (https://postimg.cc/YGsGwrvS)
(https://i.postimg.cc/yY8mNJLH/Screen-Shot-2020-05-15-at-12-15-05-PM.png) (https://postimg.cc/WtxFW4RW)
(https://i.postimg.cc/T29jGjq0/Screen-Shot-2020-05-15-at-12-15-14-PM.png) (https://postimg.cc/s1MG4hLG)
(https://i.postimg.cc/DzLsN1wq/Screen-Shot-2020-05-15-at-12-15-20-PM.png) (https://postimg.cc/94XrRRTM)
(https://i.postimg.cc/9FgGwWkq/Screen-Shot-2020-05-15-at-12-15-27-PM.png) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/C10DpdR9/Screen-Shot-2020-05-15-at-12-15-42-PM.png) (https://postimg.cc/Tykhrdqc)
(https://i.postimg.cc/pLgzksRW/Screen-Shot-2020-05-15-at-12-15-52-PM.png) (https://postimg.cc/87m7zB79)
my100bank online banking (https://banks-nearme.com/)
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2019/20 GM bats from Ex NZ player Dean Brownlie. He wanted a little bit of weight taken out of them as they were all 2.10lb + and he likes to use as light as possible. Pretty much the James Vince profile with different stickers. wonderful bats though that pinged like crazy.
(https://i.postimg.cc/mZ5DQtbR/Screen-Shot-2020-05-15-at-12-21-16-PM.png) (https://postimg.cc/hhVcn4z3)
(https://i.postimg.cc/zXHfp8Bh/Screen-Shot-2020-05-15-at-12-21-25-PM.png) (https://postimg.cc/Vd11kyXs)
(https://i.postimg.cc/nh8hPgjP/Screen-Shot-2020-05-15-at-12-21-32-PM.png) (https://postimg.cc/F7ZvfPxy)
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Sorry for so many posts I have just been going back through my photos of bats Ive fixed. This is from Shreyas Iyer and was given to Trent Boult during last years IPL. His brother plays Club cricket in my local comp and asked me to take all the stickers off and clean it up for him. Weighed 2.9lb.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Nfv0NZrP/Screen-Shot-2020-05-15-at-12-25-55-PM.png) (https://postimg.cc/14MPXCBp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/DyQwR5rf/Screen-Shot-2020-05-15-at-12-26-01-PM.png) (https://postimg.cc/D8ZhXrpR)
(https://i.postimg.cc/P5t5HZyW/Screen-Shot-2020-05-15-at-12-26-09-PM.png) (https://postimg.cc/PPRjzCBJ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Z5VK5Rs1/Screen-Shot-2020-05-15-at-12-26-15-PM.png) (https://postimg.cc/pm5t02HZ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/6Qq62XDT/Screen-Shot-2020-05-15-at-12-26-25-PM.png) (https://postimg.cc/t10GwLRH)
(https://i.postimg.cc/tgcqFcjk/Screen-Shot-2020-05-15-at-12-26-33-PM.png) (https://postimg.cc/Tyrv6Ch5)
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Awesome mate keep them coming
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got a replica marnus shape though kooka will throw some photos up after school but it is the best stick i have had
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If I was a top pro I would be asking for the a bat that just fits through the gauge and was 2.9lb. Why wouldn't you ask for that? For the mere fact when you look down at the beast it would give you confidence setting aside the physics of more mass behind the ball.
Its a good debate and no side should feel bad that they feel one way or the other.
I'll keep trying to get photos of Pro bats when I get the chance. I am lucky enough to be around quite a few Pros and also lucky that they let me see and take photos of them.
Keep them coming. Iyer's pro bat is huge.
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Not sure I understand why some people here are so repulsed by pro bats. Nobody is saying using a pro bat will make you a pro - so why not just relax and appreciate the pics ?
Well said
This goes for all posts imo
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Is this "debate" still going on?
Can't we just agree to either drool at the bat pictures and lust after the bats we'll (probably) never own, or just ignore it.
If you don't like them you don't need to spread negativity. We've got enough of that in the world with all that's going on at the moment!
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There isn’t any negativity or haters, just a polite difference of opinion.
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I have some pics of Bangladeshi player Mohammad Mithun’s bat if @potzy248 is happy for me to add to this post
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I have some pics of Bangladeshi player Mohammad Mithun’s bat if @potzy248 is happy for me to add to this post
Go hard mate.
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There isn’t any negativity or haters, just a polite difference of opinion.
Agreed
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So a customer who had previously bought a bat from me, had gone to the Bangladesh world cup game at bristol, and met his cousin Mithun after the game. He was gifted this bat from his kit bag
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49897032171_4dc10b2704_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j2ekh8)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49897031846_9490592cd8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j2ekh8)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49897342687_5f844dee00_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j2ekbw)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49896513418_47766251a4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j2fVzR)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49896513378_394f797342_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j2bF57)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49896513258_fb2cd44579_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j2bF4q)
Giving the bat a clean up , there was quite a few marks that look like it was potentially a storm damage cleft?
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49897032231_5623b1b33d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j2bF2m)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49897342732_905db467ea_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j2ekia) (https://flic.kr/p/2j2fVAC)
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Pro net bats is probably a pretty good use for storm damaged clefts when you think about it, wonder if that's what's going on here.
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Love a bit of sharpie!
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What is the benefit of medical tape?
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What is the benefit of medical tape?
Easy way to reshape the handle to your preference.
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What is the benefit of medical tape?
In this case it's over the top of the binding so it may have been as simple as something to make the handle thicker
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Ive seen a video of rohit sharma taping up his handle with tape on top of the binding
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If I was a top pro I would be asking for the a bat that just fits through the gauge and was 2.9lb. Why wouldn't you ask for that? For the mere fact when you look down at the beast it would give you confidence setting aside the physics of more mass behind the ball.
Its a good debate and no side should feel bad that they feel one way or the other.
I'll keep trying to get photos of Pro bats when I get the chance. I am lucky enough to be around quite a few Pros and also lucky that they let me see and take photos of them.
Bang on. 100% agree.
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Kippax and H4L provide bats to sponsored players do they not? Would assume that's where their best bats go. They also don't have anything like the volume of bats sold as GM or GN so presumably deal with a lower volume of willow so less chance to get one of these type of clefts.
True. In addition the lightest clefts generally attract denting and cracking that put a lot of the public off. If sold through retailers the manufacturer ends up replacing bats that Pro’s are clambering for.
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Pro bats are good as long as you play against pro bowler with pro skills on pro wicket on pro outfield. cant hit boundary same way as pro will given the some park grounds most of us play on.
Cant drive F1 car on public roads.
I play half a dozen old boys games these days, not taking it too seriously so most don’t have much gear. I take a bag full of repaired pros bats which have been replaced with new ones. The bats are sometimes gone through the back and always cracking in the face. Some just fit through the gauge (MCC believes size is the only reason these bats are so good!), some aren’t so huge. My team mates are awestruck by how well they are hitting the ball, if they can see it! Opposition are always asking if they can buy second hand bats off me because they think we are cheating even when we lose (?) We have plenty of these clefts available. Question is how many of you would purchase new knowing the bat will probably not last many seasons and will require constant repair and maintenance?
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Question is how many of you would purchase new knowing the bat will probably not last many seasons and will require constant repair and maintenance?
Well I annually buy about 4 bats so very likely.
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What is the benefit of medical tape?
Rohit does it to stiffen up the handle: https://youtu.be/HdYa0vFbIrU
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I play half a dozen old boys games these days, not taking it too seriously so most don’t have much gear. I take a bag full of repaired pros bats which have been replaced with new ones. The bats are sometimes gone through the back and always cracking in the face. Some just fit through the gauge (MCC believes size is the only reason these bats are so good!), some aren’t so huge. My team mates are awestruck by how well they are hitting the ball, if they can see it! Opposition are always asking if they can buy second hand bats off me because they think we are cheating even when we lose (?) We have plenty of these clefts available. Question is how many of you would purchase new knowing the bat will probably not last many seasons and will require constant repair and maintenance?
On here, plenty.
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I play half a dozen old boys games these days, not taking it too seriously so most don’t have much gear. I take a bag full of repaired pros bats which have been replaced with new ones. The bats are sometimes gone through the back and always cracking in the face. Some just fit through the gauge (MCC believes size is the only reason these bats are so good!), some aren’t so huge. My team mates are awestruck by how well they are hitting the ball, if they can see it! Opposition are always asking if they can buy second hand bats off me because they think we are cheating even when we lose (?) We have plenty of these clefts available. Question is how many of you would purchase new knowing the bat will probably not last many seasons and will require constant repair and maintenance?
So you are saying that these old pros bats perform better than normal bats. Can you tell the difference by looking at them or weighing them? Are they different profile, lighter weight, or just much better ping off the bat face because of the cleft and pressing?
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Interesting topic , I myself own two bats where one of them is a GM and the other one is a MH . The GM is a players edition which is 2'9 and picks like its dead weight . However , the MH which was made for Babar Azam which I received from his coach in Pakistan is 2'9 but picks up way lighter with a lot more wood . Would this justify the price of a MH bat ? The pro range isn't the best but with the SE range the bats are special where even a forward defence or push can go for four . I have attached the picture below but not sure if you guys can see it . Here is the imager link :
https://imgur.com/7stbQOO
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Interesting topic , I myself own two bats where one of them is a GM and the other one is a MH . The GM is a players edition which is 2'9 and picks like its dead weight . However , the MH which was made for Babar Azam which I received from his coach in Pakistan is 2'9 but picks up way lighter with a lot more wood . Would this justify the price of a MH bat ? The pro range isn't the best but with the SE range the bats are special where even a forward defence or push can go for four . I have attached the picture below but not sure if you guys can see it . Here is the imager link :
https://imgur.com/7stbQOO
M&H are great bats never seen a bad one but the prices if you pay the store on website prices are crazy in my opinion. Iv played forward defensive shots as a push that have raced for four using a £120 GM signature so that doesn’t justify the full market prices. However if you get the chance to own an M&H for a fair and decent price the are well worth a buy.
Personally I would say a GM players edition is a better buy than any M&H but that’s just personal opinion
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Some GM Player Editions are pressed too hard , don't you think ? I got the MH for free that I got from Zain Ul Abaddin's ( Babar's coach in Pakistan) as it was one of his rejected bats for the tour v England . He also uses SS but in England when he plays for Somerset he goes for MH . The Aiden Markram players edition I have is sadly too firmly pressed and the sound is completely different to the MH . Although , you are right £700 is insanely expensive , even though I can manage to get 50% off from my cousin . I will probably opt to get a GM players edition for next season so I can perform in the prem and somehow get a county trial ........ Been focussed on college since I left to UK from Pakistan U16. GM's are much better value for money at the end of the day .... for some reason the sound of them looks different to me
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GM's are much better value for money at the end of the day .... for some reason the sound of them looks different to me
Don't be dissuaded by the sound of the bat, look at the ball's rebound or value for shots in the nets/matches. If you are used to a certain type of a bat sound (Asian moisture level or even press), the sound of a bat is a very poor indicator of its ping.
I sometimes use ear plugs when bouncing balls on different bats. The "hard" sounding bats that I'd normally reject don't feel so bad when you eliminate sounds and just look at the rebound. My Keeley's sound different when compared to CAs and I love both. LW sounds like GM, hard sounding.