Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Cricket Manufacturers / Brands => Hell4Leather => Topic started by: ad2606 on October 22, 2023, 02:46:47 PM
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Hi I'm wanting a pro grade bat for next season but was wondering whether it's possible to get advice or some sort of fitting session to see what weight and profile suits me best? Wanting a H4L to match my pads gloves and bag.
I usually go for heavier bats with a low middle but no real reason for this, is a fitting session (similar to when you get new golf clubs) a possibility?
Thanks
Adam
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Yes you go to the showroom as buy direct
If you’re near h4l go there
He doesn’t answer calls it seems or reply to messages much from what I have heard
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6 hour drive for me but if I could get booked in so they knew I was coming then I would get a train down
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6 hour drive for me but if I could get booked in so they knew I was coming then I would get a train down
If I was travelling hours I'd want a bat that pinged and looked totally impeccable aesthetics wise. Wish you good luck... and be sure to share what you end up with.
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Surely there's someone nearer?
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Depending on where you are I’m sure we could recommend other bat makers
Sounds like you are more northern based ?
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I’ve been to H4L and picked out a bat, long way for me but did it en route to Disneyland with the kids. Matt was great and the bat was superb
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I missed the "matching gloves and pads" bit. :o
Deadly.
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I’m sure Matt will accommodate you if he’s knows ur travelling down to see him to make a purchase. Given you’ve got the softs already I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with the bat 👍
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Depending on where you are I’m sure we could recommend other bat makers
Sounds like you are more northern based ?
Yeah I'm up in the north east matey near Durham.
Would deffo think about local bat companies but I'm proper OCD so if there's a way I can get my stuff to match then I'm all up for it. I get cheap train travel so maybe see if that's a possibility
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If I was travelling hours I'd want a bat that pinged and looked totally impeccable aesthetics wise. Wish you good luck... and be sure to share what you end up with.
Cheers matey will do :)
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I missed the "matching gloves and pads" bit. :o
Deadly.
Stupid OCD mate! Ha
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I’ve been to H4L and picked out a bat, long way for me but did it en route to Disneyland with the kids. Matt was great and the bat was superb
Probs make a night of it and find somewhere nice to stay with the Mrs although will have to make sure she doesn't see how much I'm paying for the bat hahaha
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Bat fittings aren't really needed and aren't really available in the same way as golf clubs. Unless you're at one of the extremes size wise, or have any reason why you'll need something out of the norm (injuries, disability etc), then its more a discussion over shape, your personal preferences on handle and weight etc. Golf fittings are largely data driven, with technology playing a big part. Cricket doesn't really have that as such, but I have seen things creeping in and being tried. Not sure how relevant they are, or useful.
That said, I'll happily do all I can with customers to ensure they're getting exactly want the want. If they're not sure what that is, I'll discuss options at length and let them feel a number of different bats etc until we get to what they feel is right.
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Bullshit has crept into cricket.
What's the bullshit matey?
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Bat fittings aren't really needed and aren't really available in the same way as golf clubs. Unless you're at one of the extremes size wise, or have any reason why you'll need something out of the norm (injuries, disability etc), then its more a discussion over shape, your personal preferences on handle and weight etc. Golf fittings are largely data driven, with technology playing a big part. Cricket doesn't really have that as such, but I have seen things creeping in and being tried. Not sure how relevant they are, or useful.
That said, I'll happily do all I can with customers to ensure they're getting exactly want the want. If they're not sure what that is, I'll discuss options at length and let them feel a number of different bats etc until we get to what they feel is right.
Yeah I wouldn't expect anything as in depth as golf club fitting but I have no id a whether I'd want oval or round handle (or what difference each makes) if I'm better off with a lighter bat or staying heavy, profile choices.....not a clue on which is best for me or the reasons for picking a particular one.
I'm happy to spend £500 on a custom bat but would love to have a slight bit of knowledge on what I'm actually customising if that makes sense
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Bat fittings aren't really needed and aren't really available in the same way as golf clubs. Unless you're at one of the extremes size wise, or have any reason why you'll need something out of the norm (injuries, disability etc), then its more a discussion over shape, your personal preferences on handle and weight etc. Golf fittings are largely data driven, with technology playing a big part. Cricket doesn't really have that as such, but I have seen things creeping in and being tried. Not sure how relevant they are, or useful.
That said, I'll happily do all I can with customers to ensure they're getting exactly want the want. If they're not sure what that is, I'll discuss options at length and let them feel a number of different bats etc until we get to what they feel is right.
It is also just a nice/fun experience for the customer though. Getting to see your bat being made and actually engaging with the batmaker him/herself is cool and rare. I think it is selling an experience more than it is a product/technical fitting of equipment.
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I agree. I was just saying that golf fittings are very different, having had that experience many times and golf fittings were mentioned in the original post. I'm all for supporting your local or smaller batmaker to obviously! 😆
As I said, when anyone comes to me for a custom bat, I'll always discuss every aspect and run through the options. As I want the customer to be happy, but I'm also conscious of closing their thinking. I personally think too much is made of certain shapes for certain players/conditions etc tho. I feel there's some merit in it, but no point playing with a shape you don't like the look or feel of, just because someone says you should have that based on your style of play, or pitch you play on, or just because they prefer it. You don't necessarily have to spend £500 either, plenty of makers will make you a custom bat up for much less mate.
Matt's a good bloke and makes a bloody good bat, so sure you'll be more than looked after.
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I agree. I was just saying that golf fittings are very different, having had that experience many times and golf fittings were mentioned in the original post. I'm all for supporting your local or smaller batmaker to obviously! 😆
As I said, when anyone comes to me for a custom bat, I'll always discuss every aspect and run through the options. As I want the customer to be happy, but I'm also conscious of closing their thinking. I personally think too much is made of certain shapes for certain players/conditions etc tho. I feel there's some merit in it, but no point playing with a shape you don't like the look or feel of, just because someone says you should have that based on your style of play, or pitch you play on, or just because they prefer it. You don't necessarily have to spend £500 either, plenty of makers will make you a custom bat up for much less mate.
Matt's a good bloke and makes a bloody good bat, so sure you'll be more than looked after.
Cheers matey, I will as just going off the G1 price on the H4L website to be fair I've never treat myself to a brand new expensive bat so it's all abit new to me, I usually just get second hand ones off here (some absolutely awesome ones over the years!)
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Tough one with you being so far away from H4L.
I can't comment on matching pads/bat- done exactly the same for my son (and he's a 'keeper- so that's 2 of everything!). :D
That said, I completely agree with you on the idea of a "bat fitting". If you're spending that much (or even if not), you want something that feels right. The problem I had was neither myself nor my son had the language to express what we wanted in the bat. We travelled from near Burnley to Wakefield to do exactly what you suggested (and Johnny described). Swing some bats around, talk about how they feel with the batmaker, and generally agree on a spec that we wanted. We go to Warrior (We love Warrior bats, but his reputation seems to be local/regional!), Scott's seem to have an exceptional reputation on the forum- and Leeds isn't so far.
I think the process is worth the time (in fairness we went for the first senior sized bat- I recently bought a spare over the phone because I could just ask for the same again)- obviously others here seem to disagree. So that pushes it back into your court.
1) Can you justify the time/cost/pain in the (No Swearing Please) to visit H4L? If so, that would lead to you getting exactly what you want.
2) Visit someone closer. Plenty nearby (both I suggested are easy to get to for you). You get a bat that feels exactly as you want, but the stickers don't match. Only you can quantify that.
3) Go to a shop. Swing some bats, and pick one you like. Easiest option.
As a final (sneaky) option- don't some bat companies sell stickers? No idea if H4L do or not. Or maybe get some made up? Buy a bat without stickers locally, then add the stickers on to match the kit. Obviously unethical if you were reselling etc, but if it's just to satisfy your aesthetic needs, then why not?
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I'd contact Matt and go for the full experience. If your heart and mind is set on a H4L, you'd be best going for one as otherwise I'm not sure you'd ever be fully invested in another bat. You'll get a great weekend away and a stunning bat mate to what you want at thr end of the process. Win all round!
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Apologies I have just seen this . Unfortunately being on my own , I am guilty of being crap answering calls and emails ! Adam please email - h4lcricket@h4l.co.uk
Regards
Matt