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Companies => Off-the-shelf companies => Salix => Topic started by: The4thStump on June 20, 2023, 08:30:32 PM

Title: ACID
Post by: The4thStump on June 20, 2023, 08:30:32 PM
Salix have released a post on instagram that they have launched which im not sure is a sub brand called ACID, with the motto being BIG LIGHT POWERFUL.

Not sure what the price points are of these, but anyone who lives local to them/ knows more care to update the forum? They also have a 30% discount if you visit the showrooms…. So its reeling me in!

Title: Re: ACID
Post by: billyb on June 20, 2023, 08:38:04 PM
I'm not so sure about the sticker designs yet. I wonder if this will be like Hits Hard - a proper sub brand?
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on June 20, 2023, 09:14:03 PM
 :) :) :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on June 20, 2023, 09:16:55 PM
https://youtu.be/FEdiOBz4zeM (https://youtu.be/FEdiOBz4zeM)
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: edge on June 21, 2023, 06:22:05 AM
Looks like they let the apprentice do the stickers! 'Artisan Craft Indian Dynamic' is a clue, seems a likely bet it's a new imported range?
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Jimbo on June 21, 2023, 08:33:22 AM
Yeah stickers are awful, although might appeal to kids.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on June 21, 2023, 10:02:25 AM
A bad trip, you might say?
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Buzz on June 21, 2023, 12:13:57 PM
I think they look great.
Appear to be SS part made that Salix finish.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Z0zZgnv0/Screenshot-20230621-131253-com-instagram-android.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0KnLK8fq)
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Jimbo on June 21, 2023, 12:22:08 PM
Each to their own but I can't help thinking they look like labels from a local craft brewery that does most of its business with "edgy" bars.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Alvaro on June 21, 2023, 01:09:27 PM
I'm interested :)
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on June 21, 2023, 03:44:53 PM
"I don't trust the world's leading manufacturer of cricket bats to finish making my cricket bat."
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on June 21, 2023, 04:08:36 PM
"I don't trust the world's leading manufacturer of cricket bats to finish making my cricket bat."

Do class worlds leading manufacturer by quality or volume?? They are certainly the largest producer but quality certainly not in my view. Nice to see total transparency for a change, not that I would expect anything else from Salix.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Dazz on June 21, 2023, 04:30:35 PM
Imagine how well a HitsHard revival/remodel would have been received in comparison to these monstrous labels!! Think they’ve missed a trick here.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Buzz on June 21, 2023, 04:34:59 PM
Hits hard was the brand of one of Andrew's apprentices.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Dazz on June 21, 2023, 04:39:07 PM
It was a junior brand within Salix. @SOULMAN1012 will be able to shed more light but it wasn’t owned by Ben that’s for sure.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on June 21, 2023, 04:49:27 PM
Do class worlds leading manufacturer by quality or volume?? They are certainly the largest producer but quality certainly not in my view. Nice to see total transparency for a change, not that I would expect anything else from Salix.

I guess I meant largest. Agree about the transparency.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Jimbo on June 21, 2023, 07:13:30 PM
It was a junior brand within Salix. @SOULMAN1012 will be able to shed more light but it wasn’t owned by Ben that’s for sure.

Think AK posted some clarification on that on the Salix Instagram.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on June 22, 2023, 10:16:36 AM
Why can't Salix make big bats themselves? Or they can?
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: LEACHY48 on June 22, 2023, 10:31:43 AM
They have always struggled to make big bats, I suspect it's to do with moisture content as well as sheer volume of willow ordered
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: KettonJake on June 22, 2023, 11:26:08 AM
The RAW is/was a big bat. I saw plenty of bruisers when I last visited.

The typical Salix shape is quite reserved and traditional, it doesn't mean they can't or don't make big bats though.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on June 22, 2023, 11:30:54 AM
They have always struggled to make big bats, I suspect it's to do with moisture content as well as sheer volume of willow ordered

Don't they grow their own willow?
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Chad on June 22, 2023, 12:04:13 PM
Don't they grow their own willow?


Even if you did - you can't just tell your willow to be low density 😂 Also requires kilns to get the moisture content low enough to make higher volume bats at lower scale weights. (Which I don't think Salix have) Romida for example only take stock that's up to 2lb 10oz max generally. Most of the Salix bats there are pretty small compared to other brands, but I've only ever seen 2 Salixs break prematurely, and they both had storm damage. I suspect the expert craftsmanship and higher moisture contents in general will play a part in that.


Salix are one of the few who won't compromise on width, and also their 'artisan' ways, so their bats will generally look how Kember thinks bats should be crafted, at least from what I've gathered.


I really didn't like the stickers when I first saw them - but agree that the transparency is definitely refreshing. Good to see them continuing to stick to their ways in the sense that they don't want anything to leave that they view as shoddy craftsmanship, and best way to do that consistently while producing to volume is to ensure that they still maintain a high level of control, even if using SS part mades for this range.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: jonny77 on June 22, 2023, 02:39:30 PM
A little sad that they feel they have to compromise a little tho? The drive for big bats is obviously still evident, so they're maybe trying to meet that demand here, but at the same time having to compromise a little. Or am I reading that wrong? Good to be transparent, but obviously didn't want to put these out under the Salix brand.

I don't mind it either way. I kind of like Salix have always bucked the trend and just made quality bats, big or not by today's standards tho
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on June 22, 2023, 03:29:36 PM
Nice post, Jonny.

Don't get me started on 'wobble seam'.  ;)
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Jimbo on June 22, 2023, 04:55:39 PM
A little sad that they feel they have to compromise a little tho? The drive for big bats is obviously still evident, so they're maybe trying to meet that demand here, but at the same time having to compromise a little. Or am I reading that wrong? Good to be transparent, but obviously didn't want to put these out under the Salix brand.

I don't mind it either way. I kind of like Salix have always bucked the trend and just made quality bats, big or not by today's standards tho

Not entirely clear but is this maybe a budget offshoot of their main brand?

Demand for Salix seems to keep them pretty busy and their cheapest bats are definitely not budget friendly to your average midweek warrior so perhaps an attempt to bring in some extra business that way while reducing costs with the SS part mades?
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: The4thStump on June 22, 2023, 05:49:29 PM
Any idea what these bats are retailing at?
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Aftabius on June 22, 2023, 08:11:29 PM
Salix most certainly can make a big bat!!

https://postimg.cc/gallery/Kc7Z2rJ
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: edge on June 23, 2023, 07:01:06 AM
Er, can't see it suggested anywhere by Salix that they're doing these to get bigger bats? Seems much more plausible that this is intended to get them a bit of the lower budget market that they don't currently serve.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: thegowerwaft on June 23, 2023, 07:10:13 AM
It's also getting people talking about Salix. Clever move mid-season when sales slow down.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: jonny77 on June 23, 2023, 08:42:28 AM
Er, can't see it suggested anywhere by Salix that they're doing these to get bigger bats? Seems much more plausible that this is intended to get them a bit of the lower budget market that they don't currently serve.

Sorry, think it may have been an assumption from their initial tagline on Insta 'Big, light, powerful'. Could be wrong obviously and coud be a more budget friendly option.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: LEACHY48 on June 23, 2023, 09:07:55 AM
Er, can't see it suggested anywhere by Salix that they're doing these to get bigger bats? Seems much more plausible that this is intended to get them a bit of the lower budget market that they don't currently serve.

Given the rrps are as follows, it is nowhere near a budget brand. Also, logically it would make no sense to buy part mades to try and serve a budget market, as AK still has to finish the bats and still has to account for his time, utilities etc, whilst then paying SS for their time in processing the cleft to bat, and then factor in import duties etc.
SSP
G3 £399.60
G2 £430.13
G1 £474.84
Pro £615
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: edge on June 23, 2023, 09:25:50 AM
Given the rrps are as follows, it is nowhere near a budget brand. Also, logically it would make no sense to buy part mades to try and serve a budget market, as AK still has to finish the bats and still has to account for his time, utilities etc, whilst then paying SS for their time in processing the cleft to bat, and then factor in import duties etc.
SSP
G3 £399.60
G2 £430.13
G1 £474.84
Pro £615
Yikes that's definitely not budget. Outsourcing part of your process to a cheaper supplier is a pretty well worn route of lowering costs, but it's hard to make sense of this as if they're attempting to market it at a higher price than their own brand bats.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: LEACHY48 on June 23, 2023, 10:17:23 AM
Yikes that's definitely not budget. Outsourcing part of your process to a cheaper supplier is a pretty well worn route of lowering costs, but it's hard to make sense of this as if they're attempting to market it at a higher price than their own brand bats.

Outsourcing to India is no longer a cheaper option generally. Prices generally have caught up to raw cost prices over here mainly due to shipping charges going through the roof, plus having to factor in import duties.

Arguably it would be cheaper for AK to just buy finished bats from India than doing half the process there and half here, but raw costs in India are astronomical compared to what they used to be.

To give you some context, I ordered a batch of junior sample bats from a few subcontinent suppliers, they all cost me more than if i were to make them here, with the exception of the very low grade stuff.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Neon Cricket on June 23, 2023, 10:23:53 AM
Outsourcing to India is no longer a cheaper option generally. Prices generally have caught up to raw cost prices over here mainly due to shipping charges going through the roof, plus having to factor in import duties.

Arguably it would be cheaper for AK to just buy finished bats from India than doing half the process there and half here, but raw costs in India are astronomical compared to what they used to be.

To give you some context, I ordered a batch of junior sample bats from a few subcontinent suppliers, they all cost me more than if i were to make them here, with the exception of the very low grade stuff.

Not to derail the thread, but what Jake says is correct - it's just as expensive to import bats as it is to get them made in the UK now. It actually costs me more to import the bats I do compared to a number of UK based suppliers I could use/have used previously.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Jimbo on June 23, 2023, 10:53:56 AM
Is it just the volume that Indian suppliers can produce that makes them attractive then? Seen some videos of the SS/SG facilities and they're enormous.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Bats_Entertainment on June 23, 2023, 04:31:12 PM
More cocaine than acid.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on June 24, 2023, 10:18:18 AM
It was a junior brand within Salix. @SOULMAN1012 will be able to shed more light but it wasn’t owned by Ben that’s for sure.

HitsHard like this Acid brand was just another arm of Salix. I assume this follows the logic like HitsHard that the Salix brand is very stylish, and traditional and HitsHard was very bold and brash in terms of its branding. Both were full handmade in the same Workshop and HH where from the Salix Clefts where as this new Acid brand uses imported SS initially pressed clefts which Salix then press also to ensure there own quality and then shape and finish to the standard we have come to expect from Salix.


All HH bats were still made by Andrew, Ben, Ian and Hugh at the time when I was there, which was many years ago now. There wasn’t from memory that it was Ben and who made HH and AK made Salix.

Anyway personally I like the new branding and as for the bats themselves well I’ll let you know

(https://i.postimg.cc/JnkK24zy/IMG-7340.png) (https://postimg.cc/S2mWX48q)

Title: Re: ACID
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on June 24, 2023, 10:23:19 AM
Given the rrps are as follows, it is nowhere near a budget brand. Also, logically it would make no sense to buy part mades to try and serve a budget market, as AK still has to finish the bats and still has to account for his time, utilities etc, whilst then paying SS for their time in processing the cleft to bat, and then factor in import duties etc.
SSP
G3 £399.60
G2 £430.13
G1 £474.84
Pro £615

The G3 is sub £300, G2 £350 and G1 is £400 from Salix or the Bat Guy who seems to be a support outlet for the brand which is the same format as was used for HH when I would have a small amount of stock and visit local clubs to promote, share and highlight the brand. I believe the RRP is used to be the discount point of players are accepted on the S3 sponsorship program Salix offer as they have the RRP, Workshop price and S3 sponsorship rates but don’t quote me on that as it may well have changed.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Neon Cricket on June 26, 2023, 07:25:38 AM
Is it just the volume that Indian suppliers can produce that makes them attractive then? Seen some videos of the SS/SG facilities and they're enormous.

The speed of being able to turnaround a large order is definitely a key factor, but the quality and consistency of what I receive far exceeds anything I've had from suppliers previously which is the main driver.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Chalkie on June 30, 2023, 05:05:50 PM
I may be a bit slow noticing this but apparently you can now buy Salix at Sports Direct   :o

https://www.sportsdirect.com/salix-slx-players-crk-bt-852421#colcode=85242190 (https://www.sportsdirect.com/salix-slx-players-crk-bt-852421#colcode=85242190)

Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Jimbo on June 30, 2023, 05:10:24 PM
I may be a bit slow noticing this but apparently you can now buy Salix at Sports Direct   :o

https://www.sportsdirect.com/salix-slx-players-crk-bt-852421#colcode=85242190 (https://www.sportsdirect.com/salix-slx-players-crk-bt-852421#colcode=85242190)

Was that maybe leftover stock from when they bought somebody out? Remember them having a few around the time they took somebody else over.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Thamesvalley on August 08, 2023, 02:09:25 PM
Anyone seen the new salix bat launched today  a new model in acid range

Nitric I believe it’s called …

Title: Re: ACID
Post by: FvanN on August 08, 2023, 02:16:04 PM
Anyone seen the new salix bat launched today  a new model in acid range

Nitric I believe it’s called …

Yes. I cant lie I quite like all the acid range, Sadly will never get to use one :(
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Jimbo on August 08, 2023, 03:13:32 PM
Lovely shape but those stickers are just as brutal as the rest of the range.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Thamesvalley on September 01, 2023, 08:21:07 AM
How’s your acid bat going Soulman ? Worth the buy now you have had it a few weeks ?

Did anyone pick up any in the sale or any new shape ones the released 2-3 weeks ago . I think it’s ended now ?
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: JTtaylor145 on September 01, 2023, 09:27:10 AM
How’s your acid bat going Soulman ? Worth the buy now you have had it a few weeks ?

@Thamesvalley I've got the acid bat from Chris. I'm just knocking it in. Nice shape and weight and so far performs nicely.
Title: Re: ACID
Post by: Thamesvalley on September 01, 2023, 11:00:03 AM
Ahh nice, enjoy sounds like a good one :)