Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: TheFlipper on March 12, 2021, 06:41:48 AM
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Hello guys, so I am in need of a new bat and I just wanted to gather your thoughts if you don’t mind. So basically after selling all my bats I have a really high budget for my new bat. I will be batting in the lower middle order this season it seems (7/8), but with good performances I want to bat much higher up. I genuinely can’t decide on a batmaker; B3, H4L, Kippax, Keeley, Woodstock, Salix, Hawk and also been looking at the top end ss/sg bats.
Any advice guys on how you chose your bat?
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If you have that high a budget, I would start with process of elimination.
1. I would definitely get a custom made bat, so that rules out some of the brands you mention.
2. Aesthetics - as much as I hate to rule out a brand on looks there are definitely some brands in that list that look better than others IMHO
3. Where do you live? Are you able to get to any of the workshops? Soon alot of them will re-open to the public.
4. Do you want to be a FKW? If so what softs have you got or are that's brands like etc...
5. After this I think its about research into customer service and a general gut feel.
Also I am sure you are aware but there are other Custom brands missing from that list, such as Red Ink and Scott etc.. who are on here.
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If you have that high a budget, I would start with process of elimination.
1. I would definitely get a custom made bat, so that rules out some of the brands you mention.
2. Aesthetics - as much as I hate to rule out a brand on looks there are definitely some brands in that list that look better than others IMHO
3. Where do you live? Are you able to get to any of the workshops? Soon alot of them will re-open to the public.
4. Do you want to be a FKW? If so what softs have you got or are that's brands like etc...
5. After this I think its about research into customer service and a general gut feel.
Also I am sure you are aware but there are other Custom brands missing from that list, such as Red Ink and Scott etc.. who are on here.
I live in Wolverhampton so Hawk is closest and then probably B3 and Woodstock in Nottingham. What does FKW mean? I have hawk bag and gloves atm so need pads aswell. How important is it feeling a bat in your hands before buying?
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I live in Wolverhampton so Hawk is closest and then probably B3 and Woodstock in Nottingham. What does FKW mean? I have hawk bag and gloves atm so need pads aswell. How important is it feeling a bat in your hands before buying?
If you go to b3 (assuming no lockdown), they actually have nets to try different bats in.
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If you go to b3 (assuming no lockdown), they actually have nets to try different bats in.
What would you suggest for me for top 3 let’s say to visit bearing in mind im based in Wolverhampton
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I live in Wolverhampton so Hawk is closest and then probably B3 and Woodstock in Nottingham. What does FKW mean? I have hawk bag and gloves atm so need pads aswell. How important is it feeling a bat in your hands before buying?
FKW means full kit w..... and it is more concerning to some than others to have matching pads, gloves and bat.
Regards being able to feel a bat in flesh, if you have the opportunity to do it I would always take that up, there is absolutely no substitute for being able to feel a bat in yours hands. The flip side of that is that some of the batmakers are so skilled and the customer service you receive that if you know what you want then there isn't a need for it.
B3's facility is superb as said above and have a ridiculous range for you to try out. I don't know the area that well but I don't think you would go far wrong from just visiting B3 and Hawk.
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if you're in Wolves i'd pay Dave at STAC cricket a visit for a bat, Excellent bat maker.
Hawk if you want to be like everyone else in the midlands and return it half way through the season to be repaired. Solitaire are based in the Worcs too, been impressed with their stuff.
I've personally just used Scott cricket for a custom and found the customer service top notch, I'd certainly have a chat with @jonny77
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You might want to consider John @Red Ink Cricket - geographically not a ridiculous distance away and makes superb bats.
Not sure he's fixed his thumb back on yet though.
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if you're in Wolves i'd pay Dave at STAC cricket a visit for a bat, Excellent bat maker.
Hawk if you want to be like everyone else in the midlands and return it half way through the season to be repaired. Solitaire are based in the Worcs too, been impressed with their stuff.
I've personally just used Scott cricket for a custom and found the customer service top notch, I'd certainly have a chat with @jonny77
If a lot use hawk, surely they must be decent bats or no?
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FKW means full kit w..... and it is more concerning to some than others to have matching pads, gloves and bat.
Regards being able to feel a bat in flesh, if you have the opportunity to do it I would always take that up, there is absolutely no substitute for being able to feel a bat in yours hands. The flip side of that is that some of the batmakers are so skilled and the customer service you receive that if you know what you want then there isn't a need for it.
B3's facility is superb as said above and have a ridiculous range for you to try out. I don't know the area that well but I don't think you would go far wrong from just visiting B3 and Hawk.
Yeah sound mate think I’m gonna visit b3 and hawk and see if b3 are worth the extra £100 over hawk.
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Hawk are excellent and used by many local players and team mates. I was disappointed however when I asked them to copy a bat for me. They said they only do their own shapes. Dave Banks, STAC, are great and I've had several off him.
I have a B3 and it's very good and they have a massive range of shapes, so you'll be able to find one you like. Salix and H4L are also great and the bats I've had from them have been brilliant. I'm temped to get one from Robert James at the moment, his bats look really good. But I'm sure you can't go far wrong with any of the brands you've mentioned or any of the forum sponsors.
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Hawk are excellent and used by many local players and team mates. I was disappointed however when I asked them to copy a bat for me. They said they only do their own shapes. Dave Banks, STAC, are great and I've had several off him.
I have a B3 and it's very good and they have a massive range of shapes, so you'll be able to find one you like. Salix and H4L are also great and the bats I've had from them have been brilliant. I'm temped to get one from Robert James at the moment, his bats look really good. But I'm sure you can't go far wrong with any of the brands you've mentioned or any of the forum sponsors.
So are you more of a hawk or b3 (I know this forum favours b3 ALOT) but however birmingham prem and Staffordshire prem (where I play favours hawk a lot), I see the odd b3 but now and again but not much. What are pros and cons of both in your opinion?
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Hawk have a great reputation in the midlands and I don't know why they don't get more praise on here. I've never seen a bad one, and the best batsman on the opposition frequently seem to use they. Really can't go far wrong with them. They have done brilliant repairs to other brand bats I've taken to them. I sold one on to a team mate as it was too heavy and he loves it. I was surprised they wouldn't copy my old GN bat though.
B3 have an unbelievably wide range of shapes. The one I have is a lovely bat, very light pick up and goes well. They have become a bit expensive, especially lower grade ones. But you you after a high grade then they are as good as anyone. They don't seem to be able make a bowed blade however. If that's something you want, then they might not be for you. I've visited a few times and they very friendly and helpful. I think you'll get a great bat and great service which ever one of those you choose.
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Going to your nearest bat maker is fun and good for their business.
Alternatively if you have a band you like there is nothing wrong with that too.
Or if you have a really good retailer near by you might want to keep them in business.
The answer really, it is your cash, spend it wisely on something you really want. Especially given kit isn't getting any cheaper at the moment.
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Going to your nearest bat maker is fun and good for their business.
Alternatively if you have a band you like there is nothing wrong with that too.
Or if you have a really good retailer near by you might want to keep them in business.
The answer really, it is your cash, spend it wisely on something you really want. Especially given kit isn't getting any cheaper at the moment.
B3 or Hawk, still 50/50 might have get both😔
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Hawk have a great reputation in the midlands and I don't know why they don't get more praise on here. I've never seen a bad one, and the best batsman on the opposition frequently seem to use they. Really can't go far wrong with them. They have done brilliant repairs to other brand bats I've taken to them. I sold one on to a team mate as it was too heavy and he loves it. I was surprised they wouldn't copy my old GN bat though.
B3 have an unbelievably wide range of shapes. The one I have is a lovely bat, very light pick up and goes well. They have become a bit expensive, especially lower grade ones. But you you after a high grade then they are as good as anyone. They don't seem to be able make a bowed blade however. If that's something you want, then they might not be for you. I've visited a few times and they very friendly and helpful. I think you'll get a great bat and great service which ever one of those you choose.
I think it’s because everyone on here wants big edges and hawk don’t do that, and hawk have stuck by what they believe and not following the trend of big edges?
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Pretty sure Hawk have at least one model that has big edges as standard.
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Pretty sure Hawk have at least one model that has big edges as standard.
They say they round all edges to 30mm?
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They say they round all edges to 30mm?
Where do they say that? I was looking at an XB300 on eBay last week and not a chance was it 30mm edges.
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Where do they say that? I was looking at an XB300 on eBay last week and not a chance was it 30mm edges.
How big were they? The batmaker said to me they round everything so I dno what’s going on lol
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Do Hawk even make there own bats?
Personally I would go with B3 if I had the choice. Brilliant bats, and can be made to pretty any spec you want if you have the budget.
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Do Hawk even make there own bats?
Personally I would go with B3 if I had the choice. Brilliant bats, and can be made to pretty any spec you want if you have the budget.
Yes all their bats are handmade by them. They are a small family company and definately not interested in mass production and imports. If you go there you can see the small workshop where they are made. They have made bats for the likes of KP and Ian Bell, and make bats for a number of county players.
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Hawk are a proper cricket brand, and they've been around for ages. I often wanted one!
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Any advice guys on how you chose your bat?
Try out different bats in nets and see which shape and weight helps you make clean contact. Then, try the same bat in a practice match and see how you fare. If you do alright, approach the bat maker for the same shape and weight bat.
Your body and physiology will tell you which bat (shape and weight) works for you. You cannot conform your body to a bat, it just doesn't work.
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Yes all their bats are handmade by them. They are a small family company and definately not interested in mass production and imports. If you go there you can see the small workshop where they are made. They have made bats for the likes of KP and Ian Bell, and make bats for a number of county players.
I know they used to, like most did, but do they actually make from scratch still, or have bats made for them.
Hawk are a proper cricket brand, and they've been around for ages. I often wanted one!
I know who they are , but doesn’t mean they still make bats
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This is a strange argument. Unless you have more info than the rest of us that you aren't letting on, why do you think that they no longer make their own bats?
Do GM no longer make their own bats? Gray Nicolls? Who else do you want to write off on a public forum?
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I know they used to, like most did, but do they actually make from scratch still, or have bats made for them.
I know who they are , but doesn’t mean they still make bats
Yes definetly make all their bats from scratch. I live about 5 miles away from them and have been there many times. If you go in they will have one or two ready made, but mostly they will make one for you. They let you choose from the clifts available if you want.
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You might want to consider John @Red Ink Cricket - geographically not a ridiculous distance away and makes superb bats.
Not sure he's fixed his thumb back on yet though.
My thumb is fixed back on thanks. Technically it never came off although I did my best to make sure it did.
Workshop is up and running and busy with the season on it’s way. Plenty of clefts in stock so options in all grades
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This is a strange argument. Unless you have more info than the rest of us that you aren't letting on, why do you think that they no longer make their own bats?
Do GM no longer make their own bats? Gray Nicolls? Who else do you want to write off on a public forum?
Im not making an argument, just asking a question, when I spoke to them they said that there clothing range was the majority of there business and apparently it’s very good. I also know they were buying in bats pre made, so a question was asked about a custom bat, and I asked do they still make bats. But as @billyb has said , they make everything from scratch, so happy days. .
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Hawk's kids bats are imported, but I'm fairly sure all others are made in their workshop.
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Hawk have a great reputation in the midlands and I don't know why they don't get more praise on here. I've never seen a bad one, and the best batsman on the opposition frequently seem to use they. Really can't go far wrong with them. They have done brilliant repairs to other brand bats I've taken to them. I sold one on to a team mate as it was too heavy and he loves it. I was surprised they wouldn't copy my old GN bat though.
B3 have an unbelievably wide range of shapes. The one I have is a lovely bat, very light pick up and goes well. They have become a bit expensive, especially lower grade ones. But you you after a high grade then they are as good as anyone. They don't seem to be able make a bowed blade however. If that's something you want, then they might not be for you. I've visited a few times and they very friendly and helpful. I think you'll get a great bat and great service which ever one of those you choose.
I've seen 5050 split with hawk. out of say 50 hawks I've seen 25 good ones and 25 planks (price having nothing to do with it it appears)... That's the reason I'd avoid them but each to their own. 3 Members of my own club uses them and swears by them even though all three have seen as many planks as good ones. just comes down to your own personal choice
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Another few pages of discussion.
Then buy a Keeley
Simple.
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I've seen 5050 split with hawk. out of say 50 hawks I've seen 25 good ones and 25 planks (price having nothing to do with it it appears)... That's the reason I'd avoid them but each to their own. 3 Members of my own club uses them and swears by them even though all three have seen as many planks as good ones. just comes down to your own personal choice
so what you are saying there pressing is not consistent?
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I would suggest b3 for the sheer variety of pro shapes etc that you can try. Plus they have nets you can actually try the bats in. And... if you do find the perfect bat, they can easily recreate it for you in the future.
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I would suggest b3 for the sheer variety of pro shapes etc that you can try. Plus they have nets you can actually try the bats in. And... if you do find the perfect bat, they can easily recreate it for you in the future.
475 for the 3 stripe le hmmmm are they worth that price
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Try out different bats in nets and see which shape and weight helps you make clean contact. Then, try the same bat in a practice match and see how you fare. If you do alright, approach the bat maker for the same shape and weight bat.
Your body and physiology will tell you which bat (shape and weight) works for you. You cannot conform your body to a bat, it just doesn't work.
This is pretty solid advice if you don't know what type of bat you want rather than which brand.
If you don't know what type, and want a bat now (so can't net or play matches), you can think what sort of player you are. Mostly front foot, back foot, slogger, nurdler. What type of pitches you play on mostly - should be your home pitch. Is it low, bouncy, slow outfield etc. And your physical build (as above).
This will help you, and the manufacturer/retailer, to narrow down the choice available or custom requirements.
In terms of brands there are many good bat-makers out there. I don't think you should have to spend £400+ unless you really want to treat yourself.
The way I think about buying bats is, I'm pretty sure Roger Federer could play at my local tennis club with a frying pan and still win matches. My skill is always going to outweigh my quality of bat when it comes to making runs. So I buy bats under/around 200 and spend some money on coaching or nets with a ball machine. Don't underestimate G2 or G3 bats either. Some can provide excellent bang for your buck.
Lastly I would spend it on a UK made bat from a UK source
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^ That's pretty bang on advice. A quality G2 bat from a reliable local source where you can get any issues fixed easily will score you just as many runs as a prettier G1.
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475 for the 3 stripe le hmmmm are they worth that price
I have two B3s in my current selection of four match bats and can say that they are exceptionally good bats. The degree of precision over what you are looking is a USP for the product (but I guess could be a bit daunting if you don't really know what it is that you want!) and the one occasion that I had a bat that I didn't feel was performing, they replaced it with a new copy that does perform.
Whether that represents VFM is subjective. I would say that their prices are at the top end of the market and you can get a bat that performs as well for less elsewhere. The customisation potential built in to the price probably isn't of value unless you know what you are looking for. And I do feel they stretch the grading boundaries more than some brands, particulrly on the G1/G2 borderline. However, if you do have a big budget, I don't think you would be dissapointed.
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I have two B3s in my current selection of four match bats and can say that they are exceptionally good bats. The degree of precision over what you are looking is a USP for the product (but I guess could be a bit daunting if you don't really know what it is that you want!) and the one occasion that I had a bat that I didn't feel was performing, they replaced it with a new copy that does perform.
Whether that represents VFM is subjective. I would say that their prices are at the top end of the market and you can get a bat that performs as well for less elsewhere. The customisation potential built in to the price probably isn't of value unless you know what you are looking for. And I do feel they stretch the grading boundaries more than some brands, particulrly on the G1/G2 borderline. However, if you do have a big budget, I don't think you would be dissapointed.
what specifically are your 4 match bats if you dont mind me asking?
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what specifically are your 4 match bats if you dont mind me asking?
(https://i.postimg.cc/Y2XzR3X3/20210214-120745.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/V5CtLjPr)
(https://i.postimg.cc/85ZMypb5/20210214-120849.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Kkg1jywS)
I have 2 B3s and 2 JN Garrards.
The B3 Custom is the CDX 8.2 which I think was designed for Steve Mullaney and is a fairly standard low middle shape. The B3 Bespoke is a little more unusual with more weight in the toe, concaved at the top and convexed at the bottom.
The two Garrards and both low middle shapes.
All four perform as well as any bats I have used. The B3s are more expensive but allow you to tweak the design with a huge amount of precision. If you like dealing with the individual bat maker, giving then a broad idea what you want and then trust the bat maker's skills to produce a good bat, then Ed Garrard is great to deal with.
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(https://i.postimg.cc/Y2XzR3X3/20210214-120745.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/V5CtLjPr)
(https://i.postimg.cc/85ZMypb5/20210214-120849.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Kkg1jywS)
I have 2 B3s and 2 JN Garrards.
The B3 Custom is the CDX 8.2 which I think was designed for Steve Mullaney and is a fairly standard low middle shape. The B3 Bespoke is a little more unusual with more weight in the toe, concaved at the top and convexed at the bottom.
The two Garrards and both low middle shapes.
All four perform as well as any bats I have used. The B3s are more expensive but allow you to tweak the design with a huge amount of precision. If you like dealing with the individual bat maker, giving then a broad idea what you want and then trust the bat maker's skills to produce a good bat, then Ed Garrard is great to deal with.
Which ones are ur favourite? Can you rank them from 1 to 4 (1 being ur first choice and 4th being ur last)
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Lots of good advice on here.
As others have mentioned if you don't know what you want or what suits best you should really make a trip to a good retailer or maker, ideally one that has lots of options for you to pick up. Although getting a bespoke bat made up is a great thing to do its highly unlikely you will get what you want as the maker will be lead by you and if you don't really know then how can they get it right. I would also suggest as others have on here to explore lower grade options. Just because a bat looks clean etc doesn't mean its going to perform better than a G3 etc and doesn't mean it is the right bat for you.
Contact some retailers/makers and talk to them and then get yourself booked in (when you can) to look at what they have to offer.
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Going from left to right it would be 4, 1, 2, 3.
The ones I have picked as 3 and 4 are the newest and I am still playing these in. The B3 Bespoke is the oldest and the one I have used the most and therefore the one I have picked out as my first choice. The Garrard with the clear labels looks new but it has been used across two seasons and been refurbed by the batmaker
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Going from left to right it would be 4, 1, 2, 3.
The ones I have picked as 3 and 4 are the newest and I am still playing these in. The B3 Bespoke is the oldest and the one I have used the most and therefore the one I have picked out as my first choice. The Garrard with the clear labels looks new but it has been used across two seasons and been refurbed by the batmaker
I think it’s impossible to get a plank at 3lb....agree?
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I think it’s impossible to get a plank at 3lb....agree?
If it's pressed horribly, no not at all. Performance of a bat is massively dependent on it being pressed well.
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If it's pressed horribly, no not at all. Performance of a bat is massively dependent on it being pressed well.
Even if horribly pressured I’m sure it will open up later on or do u assume if it isn’t go’er from day one it is pressed horribly?
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Even if horribly pressured I’m sure it will open up later on or do u assume if it isn’t go’er from day one it is pressed horribly?
If the pressing is terrible then I don't think it will perform ever. Difference between a hard press which might take time to open up which is what you seem to be describing and a bad press where it's just been done poorly and you won't get optimal performance out of the bat.
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Agreeing with SD, I would like to add that it would benefit you more if you visit some local cricket shops, pick up and feel as many bats you like, take your time and feel what makes you happiest even go others cricket shops if needed and then contact bat makers, this way your have had enough time to think and will most certainly know what you're after.
Key is not to be overwhelmed by the visit to a custom bat maker but to make as correct and rational decision possible.
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Agreeing with SD, I would like to add that it would benefit you more if you visit some local cricket shops, pick up and feel as many bats you like, take your time and feel what makes you happiest even go others cricket shops if needed and then contact bat makers, this way your have had enough time to think and will most certainly know what you're after.
Key is not to be overwhelmed by the visit to a custom bat maker but to make as correct and rational decision possible.
Very good points made. Our nets are quite bouncy but our home pitch did have very inconsistent bouncer (few balls rolling and usually not much carry). I had a mid to high middle last season but now I have sold it. Can any of you guys give me any recommendations as I would love to hear from you all, as I haven’t got a scooby doo on what profile, weight I should go for.
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Very good points made. Our nets are quite bouncy but our home pitch did have very inconsistent bouncer (few balls rolling and usually not much carry). I had a mid to high middle last season but now I have sold it. Can any of you guys give me any recommendations as I would love to hear from you all, as I haven’t got a scooby doo on what profile, weight I should go for.
To able to adjust as quickly as possible, my guess is light weight bat, no heavier than 2lb 8oz, profile mid middle or mid low, don't think at this weight you'll have any issue and you'll be able to adjust to unpredictable bounce.
Very good quality bats normally play well higher up.
This is why you need to pickup and feel many bats before buying one and make many many many shadow shots 🙂
Because it's not only about profile of a bat, it's handle, pressing etc.
Remember no 2 bats are not the same ❤️ you might find the one in your local shop you feel the that's the one, replicating it would be near impossible!
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My last bat was 2’11😭
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Do you think 2lb 8oz mid/mid low profile will be a better choice for you?
Do you think it will enable you to hook/pull/cut and the same time driving sweeping etc will be fine?
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My last bat was 2’11😭
Why not stick with that weight if it worked then?
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Why not stick with that weight if it worked then?
Yeah that’s good point but sometimes I would be late on shots which I know shouldnt be.
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Do you think 2lb 8oz mid/mid low profile will be a better choice for you?
Do you think it will enable you to hook/pull/cut and the same time driving sweeping etc will be fine?
But I’m a big lad so want to hit those big shots aswell lol.
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But I’m a big lad so want to hit those big shots aswell lol.
Didn't know you're a big lad 🙂
If it's light then try one ounce heavier bat but it's all about how a bat feels in your hands.
Your bat speed and power will allow you to hit big shots.
Other popular option is to buy one for nets and one match bat, what you think?
You're your own judge 😀
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You really need to go to somewhere and feel that bats. It’s impossible to just say or tale at value that one bat at 2.11 will feel the same as another as pick up is so subjective. Some will tell you that they can get you a bat that feels 2.11 and it will be 3lb and other 2.8 bats can feel really heavy as they are not well balanced.
I would always promote my own bats and brand but to also give me honest view and that of many on here @jonny77 is a superb bat maker and the feedback is that all his customers have been very happy. Maybe a bit of a drive for you but will no doubt be worth it. If your stuck between Hawk band B3 than for what my opinion is worth Hawk every day.
Find one you like and then try and stick with them and give the bat a chance, the amount of times iv got rid of a bat to a club member for one reason or another and then after they have used it for half a season and i borrow for a net or just watch how well they play with it shows that moving between bats all the time doesn’t tend to work out well for most in the long run.
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Everyones late on shots now and again mate, that's more than likely not down to the weight of the bat 😁 You just need to go with what you like and what would feel right. Unpopular as this opinion will be on here 😆...... Personally I feel people read too much into profiles etc and it can have a negative effect, as its easy to blame the bat 'the middles too low' or 'there's not enough wood high up' etc. A good bat which feels right will give you confidence, but ni bat will make you not be late on some shots. Although using a comfortable weight, or a bay which feels right in the pick up and I'd pressed well will work for anyone. Just my opinion.
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In my opinion you should not spend £400+ on bat my view is based on league n division you play. If you are bowler first then batsman that's just waste of money as you never gonna use that bat to full potential.
Wickets we play not bouncy so don't need light weight for that that reason alone. If you wait for shops to open and get bat made then your bat won't be match ready in timely manner.
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In my opinion you should not spend £400+ on bat my view is based on league n division you play. If you are bowler first then batsman that's just waste of money as you never gonna use that bat to full potential.
Wickets we play not bouncy so don't need light weight for that that reason alone. If you wait for shops to open and get bat made then your bat won't be match ready in timely manner.
Yeah you make very good points tbh
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Everyones late on shots now and again mate, that's more than likely not down to the weight of the bat 😁 You just need to go with what you like and what would feel right. Unpopular as this opinion will be on here 😆...... Personally I feel people read too much into profiles etc and it can have a negative effect, as its easy to blame the bat 'the middles too low' or 'there's not enough wood high up' etc. A good bat which feels right will give you confidence, but ni bat will make you not be late on some shots. Although using a comfortable weight, or a bay which feels right in the pick up and I'd pressed well will work for anyone. Just my opinion.
Yeah totally agree with you
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You really need to go to somewhere and feel that bats. It’s impossible to just say or tale at value that one bat at 2.11 will feel the same as another as pick up is so subjective. Some will tell you that they can get you a bat that feels 2.11 and it will be 3lb and other 2.8 bats can feel really heavy as they are not well balanced.
I would always promote my own bats and brand but to also give me honest view and that of many on here @jonny77 is a superb bat maker and the feedback is that all his customers have been very happy. Maybe a bit of a drive for you but will no doubt be worth it. If your stuck between Hawk band B3 than for what my opinion is worth Hawk every day.
Find one you like and then try and stick with them and give the bat a chance, the amount of times iv got rid of a bat to a club member for one reason or another and then after they have used it for half a season and i borrow for a net or just watch how well they play with it shows that moving between bats all the time doesn’t tend to work out well for most in the long run.
As paul aldred says a good bat is a good bat lol
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When you can, go pick some bats up. Don't look at the weights - a 2.11 mid high middle bat can feel lighter than a 2.8 low middle. For years i HAD to have a 2.8 on the nose bat. Was in B3 collecting my refurbed 2.8 and picked up a bat off the rack. Fell in love with it instantly.
My 2.8 was a 3 stripe beauty. This new bat? A 5 grainer, 2.11.5 high middle bat that's been my bat of choice for five years. Best bat I've had by a mile.
Don't look at the weight. If money's no object don't look at the price. Pick a few up, see which feels the best. And don't overthink it. As I suspect you are...😉
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Contact bat maker
See who has bats made up you can try
Go try
Fall in love with bat
Part with cash
Repeat
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I’ve bought 3 bats since this thread started
;)
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TheFlipper said he's sold his 2.11 high middle bat!
What he's looking for is a quality bar which he can use on his high bouncy nets and low bouncy home wicket, which would naturally mean that he's not going to go back to 2.11 high middle, think TheFlipper plays lower on his bat, as him being a big lad
2.8-2.9 mid/mid/low middle should cover weight difference if the bat has a balanced profile, not a pronounced low profile.
This will allow him to play with this bat on a low bounce and bouncy wicket as well.
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I’ve bought 3 bats since this thread started
;)
😀😀😀
Why?
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Contact bat maker
See who has bats made up you can try
Go try
Fall in love with bat
Part with cash
Repeat
😀😀😀
You forgot in between: sell it!
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As paul aldred says a good bat is a good bat lol
He wish he is right
Would have saved thousands of pounds!
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I’ve bought 3 bats since this thread started
;)
Goooood, you’ve reached the advanced level of the process 🤣🤣
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Goooood, you’ve reached the advanced level of the process 🤣🤣
😀😀😀😀
Good thing is this thread isn't ended yet!
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I’ve bought 3 bats since this thread started
;)
How many you gonna buy before this thread is done!? 🤔😀😀
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TheFlipper said he's sold his 2.11 high middle bat!
What he's looking for is a quality bar which he can use on his high bouncy nets and low bouncy home wicket, which would naturally mean that he's not going to go back to 2.11 high middle, think TheFlipper plays lower on his bat, as him being a big lad
2.8-2.9 mid/mid/low middle should cover weight difference if the bat has a balanced profile, not a pronounced low profile.
This will allow him to play with this bat on a low bounce and bouncy wicket as well.
Will have to see what hawk can be made🙂
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How many you gonna buy before this thread is done!? 🤔😀😀
Any of those sticks for sale👀
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So guys what questions are important to ask when meeting your batmaker?
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Ask whats the lowest price you can do on this bat.
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So guys what questions are important to ask when meeting your batmaker?
There is a thread on this already...
http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=48359.msg770240#msg770240 (http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=48359.msg770240#msg770240)
I have to admit I am a little surprised this conversation is still bubbling on like this... 😂😲
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Ask whats the lowest price you can do on this bat.
Never do that TheFlipper!
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So guys what questions are important to ask when meeting your batmaker?
Just let them know what you're looking for in your bat. You'll see that ideas will flow.
Take your time finding the best willow available for your money, right shape and Pickup you want.
Not to overlook is the handle shape, as your tall person you might look into long handle option as well.
Last bit not least is not falling in the trap of it's 2.13 but it feels 2.9!
Mostly it's been achieved with thicker handle!
I would love to hear from you, TheFlipper, once back from your trip, that you've got exactly the one you wanted and that there will be no compromises to it once received! 😀 That's how good you've managed it 👍
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Will have to see what hawk can be made🙂
Once you've received it, it would be very exciting to know your thought process you went through to get The Bat you chose and the pics, of course 😀
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Just let them know what you're looking for in your bat. You'll see that ideas will flow.
Take your time finding the best willow available for your money, right shape and Pickup you want.
Not to overlook is the handle shape, as your tall person you might look into long handle option as well.
Last bit not least is not falling in the trap of it's 2.13 but it feels 2.9!
Mostly it's been achieved with thicker handle!
I would love to hear from you, TheFlipper, once back from your trip, that you've got exactly the one you wanted and that there will be no compromises to it once received! 😀 That's how good you've managed it 👍
The question is when do I go? I can see the batmaker but he said he will bring the bats outside to me etc or wait till April 12th but then I will probably miss first few games without this new bat I will get, I have old ss bat that I have incase I’m left with no bat to use at all😂
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Once you've received it, it would be very exciting to know your thought process you went through to get The Bat you chose and the pics, of course 😀
It’s quite shocking that there is no recent reviews of hawk cricket bats on this forum, seems like the lot of ya are against hawks👀
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Ofcourse I will update you all
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The question is when do I go? I can see the batmaker but he said he will bring the bats outside to me etc or wait till April 12th but then I will probably miss first few games without this new bat I will get, I have old ss bat that I have incase I’m left with no bat to use at all😂
Think you already had an answer to it 🙂
If there is a local cricket shop(s) near you then visit them, if there is enough choice, most likely you'll find one, otherwise see custom bat maker.
I would use custom bat maker's service if I'm sure I'll get what I'm looking for,
What's the point of all this hassle and paying out £400 when you're not even sure about the bat maker, to start with?
Best advice I can give is to contact one of the custom bat maker on this forum. Most likely you'll be very happy with your purchase and receive what you placed order for.
After sale customer services are second to none here.
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The question is when do I go? I can see the batmaker but he said he will bring the bats outside to me etc or wait till April 12th but then I will probably miss first few games without this new bat I will get, I have old ss bat that I have incase I’m left with no bat to use at all😂
That's not that bad then 😅😅
Choice is yours!
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Most of my innings are shorter than the time its taken me to read this thread...!
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So guys what questions are important to ask when meeting your batmaker?
"How are you today" would be a good starting point...
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It’s quite shocking that there is no recent reviews of hawk cricket bats on this forum, seems like the lot of ya are against hawks👀
Yes I've always found it surprising. They are so highly regarded in the Birmingham and Worcester leagues. My mate gave me his one when he stopped playing. It flew, but was slightly heavier than I usually use. Like an idiot I sold it to a team mate. He's scored a stack of runs with in since.
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It’s quite shocking that there is no recent reviews of hawk cricket bats on this forum, seems like the lot of ya are against hawks👀
@TheFlipper : you should go for it
http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=46144.0 (http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=46144.0)
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Blue stickers on a cricket bat? Nah for me
There should be option of designs and colours.
And bat shapes should be exciting 🙂
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This thread should be locked. He just wasting everyone's time
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Blue stickers on a cricket bat? Nah for me
There should be option of designs and colours.
And bat shapes should be exciting 🙂
When you are batting are you looking at the ball or ur bat ;)
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This thread should be locked. He just wasting everyone's time
This is my opinion, I'm not worried if you don't like it!
And it's not upto you to say to lock any thread! 😀
How many Hawk bats have you bought? 😀😀
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This is my opinion, I'm not worried if you don't like it!
And it's not upto you to say to lock any thread! 😀
How many Hawk bats have you bought? 😀😀
Come on lads keep it friendly now😏