Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: LockieEP on April 12, 2021, 06:09:05 PM

Title: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: LockieEP on April 12, 2021, 06:09:05 PM
My eldest wans to get a SH bat, he's 14 but as 5 11 and growing he's the right height but two questions:

Should he stick to a harrow this season as lighter (current bat 2lb 5)?

What would you recommend for a £200 budget and light to medium weight?  He liked the pick up of a chase Vortex and Kookaburra Kahuna.
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: Chad on April 12, 2021, 06:19:37 PM
I think it'd be wise to get him on a light SH now, probably around a 2lb 6-7oz stick. I'm 5 8, and couldn't really imagine using a harrow. (Probably cause I started off with a SH) He'll grow more throughout the summer as well, so may as well get used to it! Hard to say without seeing what your lad is like when batting, but I'd say to avoid anything above 2.8 when it's a junior's first SH bat!

I'd recommend chatting to either John @Red Ink Cricket to get a custom made up for him, or chat to Rob @Six Sixes Cricket . I believe Rob stocks Chase and Kookaburra - although I believe the Vortex is shorter blade and longer handle, so might not be the best bat to start if he wants to get used to a consistent place to grip the handle!
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: InternalTraining on April 12, 2021, 06:23:02 PM
Let him try different bats in the nets when his arm/forearms are not tired. Whichever bat he most comfortably connects his shots with, that's the shape, weight, and handle style that'll work him in the middle.

Have him try different bats under different conditions before you commit to a bat.

That's what I'd do for mine.
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: Kai on April 12, 2021, 06:29:19 PM
Can't go wrong with the GM Signature range. Absolute belters with beautiful grains for the price and rockets once they start get some decent use. Was using my GM Noir Signature today and its starting to really ping like a rocket.
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: edge on April 12, 2021, 06:31:14 PM
Depends massively on what your lad is like, I definitely wouldn't get him a Harrow though! At roughly that age and height I got to choose my own bat for the first time... 2lb14 Kahuna it was 😂 Probably not the best for my early batting development, but mmm the ball went a long way. 14 year olds vary massively in strength so I'd say let him guide the way on weight. Otherwise no different to choosing an adult bat - it's mostly personal preference as we all know!
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: LockieEP on April 12, 2021, 06:38:19 PM
Thanks all - he has Harrow's now which he has been using in training  and batting ok but makes sense now with his height to step up.

Thanks for heads up on the Chase vortex - it had a nice pick up but noted on the handle length. Issue we have is where we are based few shops locally to pick up any bats so looks like online.
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: LockieEP on April 12, 2021, 06:39:19 PM
Can't go wrong with the GM Signature range. Absolute belters with beautiful grains for the price and rockets once they start get some decent use. Was using my GM Noir Signature today and its starting to really ping like a rocket.

He picked up a Diamond but didn't really like it.....it was the only G&M they had to try
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on April 12, 2021, 06:50:33 PM
I've realised I'm probably on the wrong forum, but go to somewhere where he can pick up bats if you possibly can.
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: LEACHY48 on April 12, 2021, 07:10:09 PM
Hey mate - I’d be happy to make you something up to spec. Have options to suit all budgets!

I personally think that at that age, something nice and light, with good coverage is essential, happy to discuss options with you and run you through things if you’d like.

Cheers,
Jake
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: Jaffa on April 12, 2021, 07:25:30 PM
Last week there were a few of the of the youth in the nets next to us. I'd taken a few bats with me to try out so I lent them out to them. They're all around the age/height you mentioned.

The three bats were a blank Hunts in a type of Scat profile 2,9 , Laver Ultra 2,10 and the Chase special sale which I'd say is a ST profile at 2,11 . I'd checked and the balls the were using weren't rocks, the Laver is a cheap one I picked up from here a while back and they lads were working on their game so they weren't going to smash every yorker.

End result, the heaviest bat with the lowest profile came out on top. Not a scientific test and one of the first team uses a Chase but they got used to the weight and the pickup in no time.
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: AJ2014 on April 12, 2021, 07:46:11 PM
Can't go wrong with the GM Signature range. Absolute belters with beautiful grains for the price and rockets once they start get some decent use. Was using my GM Noir Signature today and its starting to really ping like a rocket.
Think that's more to do with you Kai 🙂
You're in a good nick atm!
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: Julesoak on April 12, 2021, 07:58:15 PM
Jonny @ Scott made my lad (13 and a bit, same stamp!) a light bat (2’ 7”) that picks up like a dream and goes like the clappers - would heartily recommend....
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: Vulcan Cricket on April 12, 2021, 08:03:24 PM
I can do cracking butterfly bat
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: AJ2014 on April 12, 2021, 08:17:31 PM
My eldest wans to get a SH bat, he's 14 but as 5 11 and growing he's the right height but two questions:

Should he stick to a harrow this season as lighter (current bat 2lb 5)?

What would you recommend for a £200 budget and light to medium weight?  He liked the pick up of a chase Vortex and Kookaburra Kahuna.
If he's a strong lad he'll handle middle weight easily otherwise light weight.
Other option to consider is SSH, rehandle to LH if needed, later onwards, not having to buy another bat.
My son used 2lb 13oz long blade, GN Syphos Pro Performance with ease, when 15. But then that was extremely well balanced bat.
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: brokenbat on April 12, 2021, 08:29:38 PM
My eldest wans to get a SH bat, he's 14 but as 5 11 and growing he's the right height but two questions:

Should he stick to a harrow this season as lighter (current bat 2lb 5)?

What would you recommend for a £200 budget and light to medium weight?  He liked the pick up of a chase Vortex and Kookaburra Kahuna.

The fact that he’s currently using a very light bat, as well as the fact that he liked the vortex (shorter blade) and kahuna (high middle with bit of concaving), all point to a light SH bat. Perhaps 2lb 7oz Max. A 2oz jump can take some getting used to, so wouldn’t go above 2lb 7. Kahuna (or Kahuna Lite) is probably a very decent off the shelf option, especially if he’s already a fan of the shape and pickup.
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: Red Ink Cricket on April 12, 2021, 08:42:32 PM
I’ve had 5 orders like this in the last couple of weeks. Seems everyone’s young’uns have Shot up during lockdown and need that option that’s lightweight and a sh. I’ve got some lovely clefts in across all ranges and would be happy to make up one for you to specs. Get plenty for your money with a Red Inker and they come knocked in too. Drop me a message if you want to discuss
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: LockieEP on April 12, 2021, 09:57:40 PM
The fact that he’s currently using a very light bat, as well as the fact that he liked the vortex (shorter blade) and kahuna (high middle with bit of concaving), all point to a light SH bat. Perhaps 2lb 7oz Max. A 2oz jump can take some getting used to, so wouldn’t go above 2lb 7. Kahuna (or Kahuna Lite) is probably a very decent off the shelf option, especially if he’s already a fan of the shape and pickup.

As he liked the Chase bat what about a finback? They seem light
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: LockieEP on April 12, 2021, 10:01:31 PM
I’ve had 5 orders like this in the last couple of weeks. Seems everyone’s young’uns have Shot up during lockdown and need that option that’s lightweight and a sh. I’ve got some lovely clefts in across all ranges and would be happy to make up one for you to specs. Get plenty for your money with a Red Inker and they come knocked in too. Drop me a message if you want to discuss

Thanks John will mention it- at that age they are more swayed by the “brands” rather than best bat for money!
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: Alvaro on April 13, 2021, 08:27:03 AM
Thanks John will mention it- at that age they are more swayed by the “brands” rather than best bat for money!

Is it his money doing the buying? If not, then I would hope he'd be grateful to get any bat.
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: Jimbo on April 13, 2021, 08:28:22 AM
Is it his money doing the buying? If not, then I would hope he'd be grateful to get any bat.

Right, but if you're buying your kid a gift you want to make sure it's one they'll really like, surely? Come on now...
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: Alvaro on April 13, 2021, 08:32:43 AM
"Come on now"

Have a nice day.
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: LDifa on April 14, 2021, 10:34:38 PM
As a coach, I have a number of lads going through the same issues, suddenly stretched out.
I organised for some lovely blank (no stickers) bats to be made, and the lads jumped on eBay for New Balance and also MRF stickers
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: ashok2621 on May 12, 2021, 08:47:43 PM
I am also in similar situation.My son ,15+yr old wants a very light SH bat. He doesn't care for brand but wants a gun bat.Can anyone help? He wants size around 2lb 5oz to 2lb6 oz max.
best regards
Ashok
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: cobweb1510 on May 12, 2021, 09:01:22 PM
Thanks John will mention it- at that age they are more swayed by the “brands” rather than best bat for money!

Possibly too late to be of use now, but I took my son to Warrior cricket when he was 10 and needing his first "proper" bat. He got to see the workshop, see bats being made and the craftsmanship involved. When he needed to size up this year there was no question in his mind he wanted another (albeit with different coloured stickers).

If there's a localish bat maker near to you, he might well see the value of a hand made bat rather than a brand name.
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on May 12, 2021, 10:02:46 PM
I am also in similar situation.My son ,15+yr old wants a very light SH bat. He doesn't care for brand but wants a gun bat.Can anyone help? He wants size around 2lb 5oz to 2lb6 oz max.
best regards
Ashok

@ashok2621 i would be happy to make your son his first SH bat. Drop me a message to discuss further if you would like.
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: Jaffa on May 12, 2021, 10:52:19 PM
As many here will attest, it's hard to find the perfect bat. And in my small experiment, theory goes out the window and feel takes over.

I'd find one that's close enough while also being cheap enough. If budgets allow then next season during the next episode of finding 'the one', it could be used as a net bat.
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: LockieEP on May 13, 2021, 07:36:10 AM
Update - my eldest finally decided on the bat for him. Thanks to all on here for offering their services and some good deals. I was pleased that my son decided to opt for a "smaller" brand and went with a JN Garrard from their workshop selection and a very easy smooth process, he specified the weight and preferred profile plus choice of stickers and grip. All delivered in a G2, 2lb 7oz for £157.50 - came very well packaged , no plastic and all recyclable materials with a nice note on how to care for the bat.
Would post some pictures if could work out again how to do it!
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: LockieEP on May 13, 2021, 02:35:56 PM
 Some images of son's bat - 2lb 7oz and grade 2

(https://i.postimg.cc/wtwTNsVy/IMG-2020.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wtwTNsVy)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Cz4ydpJd/IMG-2022.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Cz4ydpJd)

(https://i.postimg.cc/SXJHZ24z/IMG-2023.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SXJHZ24z)
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: LockieEP on May 13, 2021, 02:42:02 PM
(https://i.postimg.cc/gwpY01nf/IMG-2021.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gwpY01nf)

(https://i.postimg.cc/QKdgZ6Q7/IMG-2028.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QKdgZ6Q7)
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: Jimbo on May 13, 2021, 03:10:54 PM
Ed does make a cracking bat, very fair prices too.
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: Jaffa on May 13, 2021, 05:24:39 PM
(https://i.postimg.cc/gwpY01nf/IMG-2021.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gwpY01nf)

(https://i.postimg.cc/QKdgZ6Q7/IMG-2028.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QKdgZ6Q7)

Not a bad place to start. Lucky lad.
Title: Re: First SH bat for eldest son
Post by: LockieEP on May 13, 2021, 06:01:26 PM
Not a bad place to start. Lucky lad.

Yep better than my first SH bat. To be fair he paid for it himself out of money from his paper round.
Plays his first men’s league game this Sat for the 2s  but hard work convincing him not to use the bat yet !