Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: Chad on December 25, 2021, 10:46:45 PM
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On the first day of Batsmas the bat gods gave to me...
A James Laver Signature:
(https://i.postimg.cc/MTfg7pyK/20211225-212531.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R69P99sj)
(https://i.postimg.cc/903KJHpP/20211225-212608.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cgmFLjP6)
(https://i.postimg.cc/brQM5VC7/20211225-212632.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1V3JnBZB)
Merry Christmas everyone! Hope all are keeping well, and that everyone has been in good company over the festive period.
Just a little thread which I'll lock after each post until after the 12th day - figured it's been a while since I've shared any bats, so may as well do it this way for fun... I've tried to pick it so it kind of goes with the traditional tune/rhythm, but ofc, not all will really follow... I've also done my best to make sure that no makers appear twice if possible...
We have a beautiful L&W Signature here in the Bradman shape. (Number 69) I guess some would argue that it doesn't quite look as good as we would expect from a Signature, but still a rare piece crafted with the utmost care from one of the best.
A potential contender for this spot was a Purist OLE... But GM will appear at some other point. :)
(https://i.postimg.cc/pTvKZ0jh/20211225-224117.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qtmtBxj4)
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On the second day of Batsmas the bat gods gave to me...
2 Johnny Scotts:
(https://i.postimg.cc/8CfZcvZC/20211226-231053.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/p9xf1mbN)
(https://i.postimg.cc/G20qypfx/20211226-231113.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3yBXM3Yk)
(https://i.postimg.cc/gk4STmwG/20211226-231126.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vcgt1RLK)
Sheesh, I nearly forgot about this - but here we go, 2 bats made by @jonny77 - both of which I went to pick out/check out in person. I'll post more up about my/our visit soon when I find some time, as it's the least I owe him as he has been incredible to deal with. These are both stunning bats, good size for the weight, and pickup and ping are superb. As he says himself, if he isn't happy with it, he won't let it leave the workshop. :)
A potential contender for spot 2 was Oxfordshire, but unfortunately, it doesn't quite fit in with the syllables of the song. :D Two excellent batmakers born from this forum who would put a lot of craftsmanship out there to shame, which I hope we continue supporting. :)
(https://i.postimg.cc/g2JS9QR8/20211226_231219.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/6ykLnHMp)
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On the third day of Batsmas the bat gods gave to me...
3 Charlie French's (or CFs if you're strict about syllables)
(https://i.postimg.cc/90KX9pzr/20211227-234302.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/FkbQ50y4)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Px65Xhjb/20211227-234416.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Q9T3m2VV)
(https://i.postimg.cc/KcH8CZQx/20211227-234522.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w3DzmYSG)
Dangerously close to finishing the 3rd day without posting - should try post these a touch earlier on in the day so I don't forget!
Anyways, decided to take the plunge and go for some CFs after they posted up on the Black Friday sales. Must be said, there really isn't much better in terms of value for money from a Master who has been in the industry for 30 years. They'll be popping their prices up this coming year, but despite this, I reckon they'll still be competitively priced. The bat covers are also some of the best I've seen...
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On the fourth day of Batsmas the bat gods gave to me...
4 Salix Bats (I wish they were all Pods - and yes, some of the bats have seen a bit of use!)
(https://i.postimg.cc/V5ymPKCq/20211228-225404.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zHk9nSpv)
(https://i.postimg.cc/LXbmN940/20211228-225513.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bD1XvjtQ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/sfbh2yPc/20211228-230032.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t7tTrKMZ)
Often seen as the benchmark for the finest cricket bat shaping and finishing amongst many a badger (And private school kid I guess), Salix are a brand which are very much like the Rolls Royce of cricket bats, with every bat being meticulously crafted into an elegant piece of art. These ones are no exception to the craftsmanship that Kember prides himself in, and with performance to suit. Many may be put off by the lack of size to the bats, however with a refusal to over-dry or narrow bats, (Often many will end up being 109mm wide) Salix have remained faithful to their philosophy of batmaking, while also adopting some of the trends such as having thicker edges with fuller profiles, having some with flatter faces etc.
From memory, many of the retailers dealing with Salix would have to wait for months for their bat orders to be ready - and their price points can often put some off. Much of what you pay is actually reflective of the time spent crafting, and also each bat undergoes very strict grading - IIRC, Andrew mentions in a video that they only buy G1 and G2s for the range. Definitely one of the batmakers that I would like to visit sometime in the future.
'Some people are able to just close their eyes to shoddy workmanship - I just find it impossible.'
A contender was...
4 Sancta Grails
(https://i.postimg.cc/qRRkshr3/20211228-225652.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Y45KkShr)
(https://i.postimg.cc/05zSxrSj/20211228-225806.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CdV5shmp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/T15fszp2/20211228-225831.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gLpCXBV1)
All stunning pieces of wood - let down by ridiculous weight gain of around 1.5-2oz on each bat after arriving, besides the lightest one funnily enough. (Unsure if they had been overly aggressive with their climate room or drying process or what, but unusual for anything more than 0.5oz generally) The finishing on these though compared to Salix was just chalk and cheese - functionally brilliant and lovely profiles, let down by the finishing touches and the weight gain.
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On the fifth day of Batsmas the bat gods gave to me...
5 GM Players! (Or GMs if you're pedantic about syllables)
(https://i.postimg.cc/vZGwFsw0/20211229-232239.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GHg5G62D)
(https://i.postimg.cc/sDdRmW6d/20211229-232317.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Th9SYKvC)
(https://i.postimg.cc/kXQPp5zV/20211229-232349.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zVGQLqJ5)
The very best that GM have to offer, these bats are probably some of the best looking and low density bats you can buy off the shelf. The profiles differ ever so slightly - Vince and Stokes are practically the same, Markram is like them with a bit more wood lower down and the Lawrence is like the old Root shape.
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On the sixth day of Batsmas the bat gods gave to me...
6 M&H's Sareen Sports Bats
(https://i.postimg.cc/C58QLtLK/20211230_222437.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MfWD99Bk)
(https://i.postimg.cc/xdjhytgs/20211230_222517.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/873ZTd2W)
(https://i.postimg.cc/v8xjz1Ld/20211230_222550.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5j1n92RP)
Had to be done - here is SS/TON, the first Indian brand entry, and probably one of the most readily used bat brands in the pro scene, be it their own sponsored players or people stickering them as blanks. (Or pinching them from Moeen Ali's batch from what I've been told) Having scored 3 of my 5 50+ scores with an SS, I can certainly see the appeal of them. Big bats at light weights with pretty whippy handles seems to be a recipe for a good time, but not necessarily a long time.
Did you know: Marie Kelly actually used one of Moeen's old bats to score her 100* off 53 balls against the Southern Vipers? There's a bit of absolutely useless and redundant info about SS and who uses/used them for you. :D
Initially, SS was actually going to be the contender for this round - however, due to overused meme-worthiness amongst those in the know, SS edged this one. (You know, cause they've been narrowed.) The contender for the sixth day is DSC.
(https://i.postimg.cc/7LQs1D56/20211230_223926.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/94ZYV6t5)
(https://i.postimg.cc/bvvV2dNW/20211230_224004.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rDvNBV4N)
(https://i.postimg.cc/gJXMN5hK/20211230_224050.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YG7fSdb4)
Now I'd be lying if I said I'd ever used a DSC, despite owning a fair number of them. But having spoken Eclipse All Sports, (Coincidentally, all of the bats pictured besides the red SS TON were sourced from them) the feedback and impression he got was that DSC offer some of the best and most consistent quality - in particular with the lower grades.
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On the seventh day of Batsmas the bat gods gave to me...
7 English (made) GNs. (If you squeeze the syllables, could probably get away with Robertsbridge GNs)
(https://i.postimg.cc/zvq35YG8/20211231-233014.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/r0YqCb4P)
(https://i.postimg.cc/C5J5xrRD/20211231-233108.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/V0rm7RBL)
(https://i.postimg.cc/qBGzwq1R/20211231-233201.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Lhn969KK)
In a rush today, so won't do these bats/this entry any justice, (and neither will any of the English Test batting lineup) but these are some exquisite bats that were made in Robertsbridge. I've found their press to yield some pretty incredible bats, and obviously the iconic checkered wrap around strips and red splice stickers are often too alluring to pass up. I have a fair few more of these, but figured that the 7 different ranges would make for some interesting photography. (Shame I didn't have time to do it properly!)
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On the eighth day of Batsmas the bat gods gave to me...
8 SG Players
(https://i.postimg.cc/y6r3DHHx/20220101_232954.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BtHnzRtf)
(https://i.postimg.cc/0NdJjKk1/20220101_233152.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SXRKtsYg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/63W4v6q2/20220101_233321.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WDy4RvMT)
First up, Happy New Year to all who haven't gotten bored of this yet!
Another quick one today, but here are some of the finest bats you can buy from one of the largest manufacturers in the world. Here from left to right we have:
Ishan Kishan
Cheteshwar Pujara
MS Dhoni (Mahi) x 2
Hardik Pandya
KL Rahul
Shane Watson x2
SG do seem to have a little more variety on their Players series shapes, at least more obvious variations. (And the Dhoni, which just stands out quite a lot from the rest) From experience, if you want something close to a Players bat in terms of profile, but don't want to pay for looks, then the Icon grade of some ranges can potentially be a suitable alternative. :)
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On the ninth day of Batsmas the bat gods gave to me...
9 Rob Pack BlueRooms
(https://i.postimg.cc/qRPf4b5M/20220102_212155.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R6LpTRmj)
(https://i.postimg.cc/zBbZmZpc/20220102_212256.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/phH18Swf)
(https://i.postimg.cc/przwTfwQ/20220102_212405.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dZQHNytD)
One of a handful of manufacturers I've actually been able to visit, as well as one of the brands I had really wanted to try for a while - this is quite a rare selection in that about half of these bats I actually picked up in person. I've yet to write up the follow up visit with another friend, where I picked up the black with blue wave and the green wave, both of which were made in front of me, and requested to have the spines as large and flowing as possible with very little to no concaving - the reduced edge size being compromise. Some beautiful profiles and fine craftsmanship on display here, and at pretty darn sensible prices in today's climate - especially from one of few Master batmakers around. :)
The one that didn't quite make the cut, as it didn't have Blueroom stickers. (I absolutely love these RPC ones though)
(https://i.postimg.cc/FKKXZJSm/20220102_212425.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WdxypzSf)
(https://i.postimg.cc/W18Pg7hX/20220102_212435.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pmm7tzQF)
(https://i.postimg.cc/W1Tvdybd/20220102_212452.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/567GGnzJ)
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On the tenth day of Batsmas the bat gods gave to me...
10 Aussie GNs
(https://i.postimg.cc/L80TgVqF/20220103-235007.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/FY3c23gT)
(https://i.postimg.cc/MGMY7jRM/20220103-235118.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rdTWcsfM)
(https://i.postimg.cc/vmJt3HLP/20220103-235201.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NyxX0tnT)
2 apologies - first is this rushed post and snap, wouldn't have done these any justice at all. Second is for the Wifey sticker on the Velocity, apologies for any kids around, and no, I didn't stick it on, but it was attached when bought second hand.
Well, here we have 10 fine bats hailing from Melbourne. Probably the batmaker somewhat indirectly responsible for the restrictions we now have, you can see how the bats Stuart Kransbuler designed caught the eyes of many - and unfortunately rather than the designs and craftsmanship being the topic of discussion, often the discussions were 'if I had bats that big back then...' and we unfortunately lost quite a lot of scope for skill/craft expression.
Hopefully this posts on time!
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On the eleventh day of Batsmas the bat gods gave to me...
11 Hell 4 Leathers
(https://i.postimg.cc/2893tgYs/20220104-235536.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nC7HjRC2)
(https://i.postimg.cc/FH2zrc7G/20220104-235625.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qNx4QNcC)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Z590zjKC/20220104-235732.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0zs9pYSs)
Need I say much more? These bats are some of the best and most impressive in the collection, often striking envy (NV) in any who walk in and see them in the flesh. (Although they only strike envy, no cricket balls from the looks of mine...) Honestly an incredible experience to hop down to the farm and watch Matt @hell4leather cricket and James @Perkins17 go about making bats and their impressive setup. In this selection, we have some of their full profiled Pro shapes, a Darren Sammy styled shape (DS88), a monster Joe Root shape, and monster James Taylor shape and an oversize JM styled custom shape. (Amongst many others) Some sensational looking willow coupled with expert craftsmanship and some very nice modern styled branding, not many brands will be able to cover so many bases for their sticker choices, and have access to the willow and skills to make bats to suit all styles of play.
Apologies about the late edits after the 11th day, but I honestly just ran out of time trying to decide which ones to show. Another write up which I'm long overdue to do!
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On the twelfth day of Batsmas the bat gods gave to me...
12 Keeley Pro Bats
(https://i.postimg.cc/Kctr4SSn/20220105-235447.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Jt4BdFhn)
(https://i.postimg.cc/P55m6CL4/20220105-235008.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SJH2RNf2)
(https://i.postimg.cc/htZVNKTq/20220105-235117.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XrFZCSs2)
Occupying the lion's share of the collection are bats that have come from the Keeleys, so what better candidate than them to be the final day. I would say more, but it wouldn't be the 12th day anymore!
Having visited the Keeleys back in August, I can see why many people say that a visit is worthwhile and why it's probably @ch1p 's favourite place in the world, despite the rather arduous drive there. I would describe it, but I guess it might spoil the fun for some folks, and I definitely wouldn't do it justice! They are a lovely bunch, and I really enjoyed my experience there and listening to Tim and Nick describe the process, and also talk about their time in the industry. :)
But onto the bats, we have various profiles here, ranging from Kohli, Root, Warner, Masood and Azam profiles. As you'd expect, all guns, and finished immaculately. You can see why a lot of folks use/used Keeley in the past for their label brands. Some have actually built a reputation on it, then switched manufacturers while trying to hide it, others have just flat out lied about having Keeley make their bats. One thing is for sure, amongst even those who aren't badgers, Keeleys are very much sought after - having owned my fair share, I can tell why!
And that concludes it folks, hope this has been of some enjoyment to most!
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And there we have it folks, 12 days of Christmas in the theme of bats. Hopefully it's been enjoyable for some despite the mad rush just before midnight to snap these and post them up. I'll unlock the topic now as I've managed to do the 12 days consecutively, so open to abuse for the number (or lack) of cherries on the edges and toes of any bats that have been used...
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Drooling over those full profile H4Ls... Must not buy more bats...
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Amazing collection! Thanks for showing it off, I知 sure everyone here is very envious. Can you narrow it down to a top 3 based on looks and shape if not performance?
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Enjoy them all! Amazed by your love for cricket bats! Thanks for sharing.
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Stunning collection @Chad. I wonder how many bats do you actually end up using each year, how many gets sold, and how many do you replace every year? Do you have a fixed upper limit on the total number of bats you wish to have ;).
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I am always in aw and wonder at your bat collection mate, and ever think what would happen if a 'full for sale' thread from yourself came up the carnage it would cause to everyone's wallets.... lol
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(https://i.postimg.cc/VkYLMbwV/C07-DC200-877-A-43-BB-A838-07-CC78-C1-AA8-A.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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Exceptional work @Chad and great to have a number of mine within such a collection! 😁
I've never come across a nicer bloke with as big of a thirst for willow as Chad. Top bloke who genuinely wants to support not only the big guys, but the smaller ones trying to make their way too. Some lovely bats in there and now a few of his own too! 👏
Keep posting @Chad, always good to see!
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This thread excites me
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I have always dreamed (perhaps sadly) about having a bat room...a room with all bats on display. Based on this alone Chad would need one hell of a room to display. very jealous and thanks for sharing
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Thank you so much Chad for this thread, I looked forward to seeing the new additions every day!
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Whooooooo!!!!
As a group: Oxfordshires, Charlie French, and Kippax just look outstanding.
Those extra-large GNs!!!!
PS: How's the market for those large GNs these days? Are they still sought after bats?
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Just an amazing thread. I love so many of them!
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I'd want them to be used. ;)
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Thanks Chad for showcasing some of your collection. A great concept, that had me looking forward to every post, wondering what would be next. Bravo!!
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Awesome thread. Honestly I am a tad bit surprised not to see BB's.
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Drooling over those full profile H4Ls... Must not buy more bats...
We're incredibly lucky to have them as sponsors. Far more active on Instagram now than on here, so do keep eyes peeled for some absolute stunners. They do a superb Butterfly too. :)
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Amazing collection! Thanks for showing it off, I知 sure everyone here is very envious. Can you narrow it down to a top 3 based on looks and shape if not performance?
Thanks for reading through, and glad you've enjoyed. :) It's near impossible to narrow down - I guess if I've been there when they've been crafted, there's a bit more of a special attachment to them? For example, I really love the Blue with Black background Blueroom as well as the Green/Grey, as I watched them being crafted. The H4L Monster James Taylor and also the H4L Millichamp styled bats were also 2 I watched shaped in front of me. Hard to tell which are best performing without having swung them against a ball! :D
Enjoy them all! Amazed by your love for cricket bats! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks AJ, glad you enjoyed it. :)
Stunning collection @Chad. I wonder how many bats do you actually end up using each year, how many gets sold, and how many do you replace every year? Do you have a fixed upper limit on the total number of bats you wish to have ;) .
92 bats have been displayed on this post, with 78 being the selected 12 batmakers of Christmas, and 14 as ones which could have been on specific days. The fact that this is a fraction of the collection is daft, and I should have an upper limit. :-[ With the number of times I've actually been able to play this year, not many bats have been used!
I am always in aw and wonder at your bat collection mate, and ever think what would happen if a 'full for sale' thread from yourself came up the carnage it would cause to everyone's wallets.... lol
Ah, you'll always get people low balling and asking for pictures at every angle and the weight to the absolute nanogram, so I try limit the number of for sale posts I do as it is a time sink. I used to sell a lot more often, so the collection wouldn't really bloat as much, but I've just been daft with buying for the past 2 years!
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(https://i.postimg.cc/VkYLMbwV/C07-DC200-877-A-43-BB-A838-07-CC78-C1-AA8-A.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Precisely how I look after you show the fruits of each of your visits to Keeley :D
Exceptional work @Chad and great to have a number of mine within such a collection! 😁
I've never come across a nicer bloke with as big of a thirst for willow as Chad. Top bloke who genuinely wants to support not only the big guys, but the smaller ones trying to make their way too. Some lovely bats in there and now a few of his own too! 👏
Keep posting @Chad, always good to see!
Thanks Jonny! Great to be supporting a brand run by good chaps such as yourself. The bats are superb - love the craftsmanship and attention to detail, and looking forward to seeing what 2022 brings for Scott. :)
This thread excites me
Glad you enjoyed it @wilkie113 :) Think I just about hid most of these ones from you when you popped round hahaha.
I have always dreamed (perhaps sadly) about having a bat room...a room with all bats on display. Based on this alone Chad would need one hell of a room to display. very jealous and thanks for sharing
I'm trying to get some bat racks to help display the bats without them being clutter - gonna need a fair few! Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed. :)
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Thank you so much Chad for this thread, I looked forward to seeing the new additions every day!
Awesome, thanks for reading and I'm glad you looked forward to it. :)
Whooooooo!!!!
As a group: Oxfordshires, Charlie French, and Kippax just look outstanding.
Those extra-large GNs!!!!
PS: How's the market for those large GNs these days? Are they still sought after bats?
Yup, there's a fair few beauties in here. I think the larger numbered ones wouldn't have seemed as appealing as there's so many of them on the picture at once, so no real focus on any in particular. But some excellent craftsmanship on display here. :) Large GNs are becoming rarer, as they're not as readily made anymore. You do get some that won't fit through the gauge these days, but getting rarer. What incentive do people have afterall to get oversized clefts, when there's an MCC regulation for size - the ones that do want oversized stuff tend to be quite a niche market!
Just an amazing thread. I love so many of them!
Hahaha unfortunately, so do I, which is why I've struggled to sell! Glad you enjoyed it. :)
I'd want them to be used. ;)
Haha me too, although preferably by myself - although watching some videos of me bat, might not be such a good idea...
Thanks Chad for showcasing some of your collection. A great concept, that had me looking forward to every post, wondering what would be next. Bravo!!
Thanks for keeping up to date with it, and glad you enjoyed. :)
Awesome thread. Honestly I am a tad bit surprised not to see BB's.
Thanks @kal_m , I'm glad you enjoyed it. Didn't feature BB as this was just to showcase batmakers and their own brands really... If I included label brands, then there would be a lot more contenders, but tried to keep it to a specific batmaker for each entry. :)
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We're incredibly lucky to have them as sponsors. Far more active on Instagram now than on here, so do keep eyes peeled for some absolute stunners. They do a superb Butterfly too. :)
It's bad enough when you're posting your collection, the last thing I need is to know how good a H4L butterfly is 😅
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As others on here may know/suspected,, your collection is unreal.
I知 sure this thread has been keenly viewed for all the right reasons, and I知 sure this years 12 days thread, will feature your own bats
Amazing thread Chad, thankyou for taking the time to post
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@Chad, he'll never say how many he'd in his collection, my guess 300! Might have gone over it or reaching this figure 👍
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Is @Chad a secret millionaire 🤔. The collection is outstanding!
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As others on here may know/suspected,, your collection is unreal.
I知 sure this thread has been keenly viewed for all the right reasons, and I知 sure this years 12 days thread, will feature your own bats
Amazing thread Chad, thankyou for taking the time to post
Thanks for taking time to read @Northern monkey - not buying bats is difficult when you see so many gorgeous looking ones made by the likes of yourself and others on here. :) Glad you enjoyed it!
@Chad, he'll never say how many he'd in his collection, my guess 300! Might have gone over it or reaching this figure 👍
Hahahaha might be best keeping the figure under wraps for now - gotta keep folks guessing. :D
Is @Chad a secret millionaire 🤔. The collection is outstanding!
Pffft, I wish! I'm just daft - @wilkie113 will tell you that!