Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Bats => Bat Making => Topic started by: Tomp on February 09, 2021, 04:59:23 PM

Title: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: Tomp on February 09, 2021, 04:59:23 PM
Hi!

I am new to the forum, I have read a lot of content on here over the last few days that have opened my eyes to the world of bat making! I have always pretty much bought from well known brands and would like to look into supporting local bat makers in the future. So, my question is, being from Bristol who would my local one (s) be?

Thanks
Tom
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: Turn Of Pace on February 09, 2021, 05:43:17 PM
Not completely local, but you could try Redback Cricket in Devon. I’m pretty sure Gary is still making quality bats down there, I had a Paradox model off him a few years Back and it was an absolute gun of a bat.
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: Howzat on February 09, 2021, 05:50:47 PM
Not completely local, but you could try Redback Cricket in Devon. I’m pretty sure Gary is still making quality bats down there, I had a Paradox model off him a few years Back and it was an absolute gun of a bat.

He lives in Australia not sure he makes bats anymore
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: Turn Of Pace on February 09, 2021, 06:08:13 PM
He lives in Australia not sure he makes bats anymore

Fair enough...I stand corrected. That’s a shame if Redback aren’t making anymore, used to do quality bats.
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on February 09, 2021, 06:33:50 PM
Not completely local, but you could try Redback Cricket in Devon. I’m pretty sure Gary is still making quality bats down there, I had a Paradox model off him a few years Back and it was an absolute gun of a bat.

Maybe it was the TK pressing?
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on February 09, 2021, 06:36:36 PM
Millchamp and Hall's 'batmaking' in Taunton is often talked about.
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: beaver5 on February 09, 2021, 07:23:15 PM
Don't know local to you, but Hawk are in Worcestershire so not far away. Very good bats, just don't seem to get talked about much on the forum. Huge amount of players in Worcs & B'ham leagues use them.
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: hit4six on February 09, 2021, 07:45:49 PM
World Class Willow are also located in Taunton. I have had no dealings with them but some of the bats on their Instagram look fantastic.

Its a shame about Gary and Redback, I think the business has changed hands a few times in the last year based upon the different people who responded to me. I have 2 of his Paradox bats in my collection, along with a early edition Surefire, all great bits of willow.
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: mycricketgear on February 09, 2021, 07:55:39 PM
Maybe it was the TK pressing?

TK Did some Redback as well as at least one other bat maker I know of. Redback is now owned by Wombat.
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: jonny77 on February 09, 2021, 08:03:46 PM

If you're looking local I can vouch for Mike at World Class Willow, makes some lovely bats and his pressing is as good as any I've come across. Processes his own willow and has a showroom attached to the workshop with plenty of bats to wave around. Located near Bridgwater

If you're willing to trust buying further afield and not visiting, then plenty on here who can help
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: LEACHY48 on February 09, 2021, 08:07:01 PM
There’s a few of us not too far from Bristol mate - as mentioned WCW in Somerset, then there’s myself based in Just outside of Reading, Northern Monkey based in Oxfordshire, and There’s also BTC cricket in Gloucester somewhere.

If you are looking for a brand and not a bat maker, then look no further than Neon Cricket - based in Trowbridge, they offer excellent customer service and a great quality product.

Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on February 09, 2021, 08:07:28 PM
TK Did some Redback as well as at least one other bat maker I know of. Redback is now owned by Wombat.

Only one?
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on February 09, 2021, 08:12:48 PM
Does Martin Berrill still make bats in Gloucester?
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: More Glue Than Wood on February 09, 2021, 08:57:21 PM
yes he still does (or at least i think it still is him)
https://www.martinberrillsports.com/cricket-custom-made-bats-c-110_335.html (https://www.martinberrillsports.com/cricket-custom-made-bats-c-110_335.html)
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on February 09, 2021, 09:28:08 PM
yes he still does (or at least i think it still is him)
https://www.martinberrillsports.com/cricket-custom-made-bats-c-110_335.html (https://www.martinberrillsports.com/cricket-custom-made-bats-c-110_335.html)

I wonder if there still a connection with Hunts County.
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: edge on February 10, 2021, 06:57:51 AM
Batmakers in Bristol? Me then haha, I don't make a lot of bats though.

In addition to other small brands above, Ayrtek are based in Bristol - don't make their own in house but supply very nice kit and a forum sponsor to boot. Chase aren't a million miles away and make excellent bats.
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: Tomp on February 10, 2021, 08:18:39 AM
Thanks for all the responses, plenty to look in to!
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on February 10, 2021, 11:44:34 AM
The M&H one was an 'in' joke. Probably best not bothering with them.
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: Tomp on February 10, 2021, 04:56:45 PM
The M&H one was an 'in' joke. Probably best not bothering with them.

Haha yeah I got that feeling from a few posts I have read here, they're very popular at my club. Had one in the past that was a beauty (got lucky with a black Friday deal online somewhere) but no way I would pay their normal prices.
Title: Re: Who is my local batmaker?
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on February 10, 2021, 06:01:04 PM
Haha yeah I got that feeling from a few posts I have read here, they're very popular at my club. Had one in the past that was a beauty (got lucky with a black Friday deal online somewhere) but no way I would pay their normal prices.

It has been widely suggested that their 'shelf' bats are now made in India. Which is not to say they can't be good bats, of course. Rather that people might not be getting exactly what they think they are getting. They charge top dollar too.