Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: Purist90 on January 13, 2024, 12:54:05 PM
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I had a recent visit to Serious Cricket and whilst in there couldn’t resist checking out the new bats.
Plenty of choice by all the big brands available in there in various grades and weights.
But the bats all had one thing very much trending in common. Skinny handles and weight defying pickups.
From Salix to GN to kook, the bats all felt ridiculously light. Too light really! Ive never been one to complain of a bat being too light but I was. 2,8-2,10 all feeling like 2,6. I couldnt believe it. So I tried some 2,12s, these felt a bit more like my own 2,8s but still felt ridiculously light.
I always thought I wanted a 2,10 bat to feel 2,7. Now that I’ve actually experienced it I cant get my head around it and actually don’t like it. Im starting to wonder of ive conned myself all along and actually want a 2,7 to feel 2,10.
I thought handles last year were skinny but theyve gone even thinner this year. The bats seem long and lanky in the hands.
Ive said over the years that there is a noticeable bat revolution going on to move more and more to a baseball style bat eventually. And this is a massive move towards a baseball style bat even more. Anyone else amazed by this years bats?
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Yes just picked up a Robertsbridge made Powerspot which is absolutely mental
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Yes just picked up a Robertsbridge made Powerspot which is absolutely mental
😁😁😁😁🏏🏏🏏👍👍👍👍
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That’s really interesting purist
Salix are known for their thick handles .. have they thinned out too ..
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That’s really interesting purist
Salix are known for their thick handles .. have they thinned out too ..
Just got my hands on an ACID and having to get the handle double bound as it's distinctly on the thin side. May just be that range but certainly not a thick handle.
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This powerspot has a right thick handle 5 springs full as hell picks up so welll
It a slight different shape to the other powerspot I have Indian made which is very nice too to be honest.
Impressed this year with the retros as I was with the elite when it came out.
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I had a recent visit to Serious Cricket and whilst in there couldn’t resist checking out the new bats.
Plenty of choice by all the big brands available in there in various grades and weights.
But the bats all had one thing very much trending in common. Skinny handles and weight defying pickups.
From Salix to GN to kook, the bats all felt ridiculously light. Too light really! Ive never been one to complain of a bat being too light but I was. 2,8-2,10 all feeling like 2,6. I couldnt believe it. So I tried some 2,12s, these felt a bit more like my own 2,8s but still felt ridiculously light.
I always thought I wanted a 2,10 bat to feel 2,7. Now that I’ve actually experienced it I cant get my head around it and actually don’t like it. Im starting to wonder of ive conned myself all along and actually want a 2,7 to feel 2,10.
I thought handles last year were skinny but theyve gone even thinner this year. The bats seem long and lanky in the hands.
Ive said over the years that there is a noticeable bat revolution going on to move more and more to a baseball style bat eventually. And this is a massive move towards a baseball style bat even more. Anyone else amazed by this years bats?
Have you spent a lot of time in the gym? ;)
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This powerspot has a right thick handle 5 springs full as hell picks up so welll
It a slight different shape to the other powerspot I have Indian made which is very nice too to be honest.
Impressed this year with the retros as I was with the elite when it came out.
The powerspot is a lovely bat if you have the new 2024 release. Got one myself mate and tbh the one release this year iv liked, nit that it will get anything more than maybe a net or two with the WW business going well. Hope it scores you loads mate
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That’s really interesting purist
Salix are known for their thick handles .. have they thinned out too ..
Yes I looked at the Salix bats first. Both Amp and AJk had skinny handles which I wasn’t expecting which is why I quickly checked out all the others. I think if you study closely Salix website pictures and scale the handle to the bat width you might just about get the idea of handle thinness.
Fashion may well be that the top of the bats are narrower than the toe end of the bat to help lighten pickup. This is also creating that long thin baseball bat style shape again.
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Have you spent a lot of time in the gym? ;)
I wish mate. But I might have been filling out in the pub this winter…😁
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The Chase range felt thinner than my recent 2023 Volante handle also. As in, I don’t remember instantly feeling Im going to need at least 3 grips on this bat.
GM handles felt slightly thicker than the new Salix, kook, GN, Chase handles.
But only slightly and were still too thin in my opinion. In fact I only picked up a couple of GM bats as both felt so lumpy and unbalanced I didnt bother to try anymore. But this has been my reaction to GM bats for almost 10 years now since they thinned their handles. (Definitely tried a Hypa, will guess either a Prima or a Aion from the stickers)
So thats what I was so surprised about with all these new style bats. The thinnest of handles but yet the lightest of pickup. And so well balanced too. How on Earth do they do it?
I really hope somebody else is visiting a cricket shop soon as please tell me Im not imagining all this 🤦♂️😂
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On the other hand I look at Aldred handles and they seem too thick
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Scale weight is an issue when it comes to customers and retailers stocking/selling bats IMO. Thinner handles are an offset to having bigger edges/spine which is what the latest trend/demand is from customers. Going back 10 years I could sell bats on here purely on the fact they had 37/38mm edges as the GN kaboom trend hadn’t hit yet!
People will immediately dismiss anything 2.11+ as they think they need/wants a 2.8/9.
I had a new batch of chevrons arrive and the manufacturer is now making grips that are durex thin so brands can dress the bat and keep an ounce off of it to make it lighter in deadweight on the scales.
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Scale weight is an issue when it comes to customers and retailers stocking/selling bats IMO. Thinner handles are an offset to having bigger edges/spine which is what the latest trend/demand is from customers. Going back 10 years I could sell bats on here purely on the fact they had 37/38mm edges as the GN kaboom trend hadn’t hit yet!
People will immediately dismiss anything 2.11+ as they think they need/wants a 2.8/9.
I had a new batch of chevrons arrive and the manufacturer is now making grips that are durex thin so brands can dress the bat and keep an ounce off of it to make it lighter in deadweight on the scales.
This is spot on mate. I spoke to a retailer last year and they said they specifically don't order hardly anything in over 2lbs 10oz. It's ridiculous imo, as people could easily use a bit heavier and the drive to get big bats at these weights is making bats worse essentially. Some of the smaller sticker brands have been worse tbh, wanting only G1 bats at 2lbs 10oz or under with min 38mm edges etc etc. Staggering really.
The grip thing is really interesting. You can get lightweight grips which will save an oz and hit a scale weight, but they're so thin most people will change them immediately and add an oz back on, yet they'll then happily use it without realising. However, if a thicker grip was on there originally and i the bat was an oz over their scale weight, they'd dismiss it in a shop. Very few people could tell you how much their gloves weigh tho! 😆
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Yeh that’s the issue IMO, the amount of times someone says they want a 2.8 specifically then asks for a second grip to be added as they are about to leave 🤣 so that’ll be 2.10 in the end then!
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Real problem when you want to try a range of options. Went to a big store last year (mid season) and they only had 2.8/ 2.9 bats.
Had the money to buy a bat and needed one (broken bat rather than CBF obsession driven purchase) but walked away without buying because nothing grabbed interest - I would, politely, suggest due to lack of options.
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(https://i.postimg.cc/pT5z9Sq3/IMG-2701.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7GDfdKvN)
(https://i.postimg.cc/c1Yf0VKn/IMG-2702.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w3q1k4Qq)
(https://i.postimg.cc/j2zfc7VX/IMG-2703.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/p5LyXyLh)
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Yeh that’s the issue IMO, the amount of times someone says they want a 2.8 specifically then asks for a second grip to be added as they are about to leave 🤣 so that’ll be 2.10 in the end then!
So we're saying a certain batmaker and ex regular contributor to this forum has some valid points? 😆
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It a funny one this topic.
I guess if you are a big brand you get volume of wood and get lower density.
All your all doing is going down the Alfred route which is valid to a degree about thick handle and balance point.
I feel smaller bat makers are at a disadvantage in this whole episode because they simply get what others don’t want hence the lack of 40mm edge full profile at 2/8.
However as I know Johnny does balance a bat and that’s I guess the trade off even if the bats heavier by general consensus
Issue and only issue which doesn’t now effect me as it once did (old age and lack of quality) 2/12 bat over a hour or so is 2/12 whilst a 2/8 will over time not wear you out as much and you can hold your shape for longer.
It a great debate though dead weight v pick up weight makers who have access to light wood and quantities to them who get given what they get given.
As for weight I have also gone by if it still confident and hold your shape after a net session 30 minutes on it usable.
Also think the weight issue is a strange one I look at players who are more punch then fast hands so if your a puncher you may go heavier whilst if you have fast hands you may go lighter.
All opinions mind I know good bats come from all places and bat weight are very subjective
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It a funny one this topic.
I guess if you are a big brand you get volume of wood and get lower density.
All your all doing is going down the Alfred route which is valid to a degree about thick handle and balance point.
I feel smaller bat makers are at a disadvantage in this whole episode because they simply get what others don’t want hence the lack of 40mm edge full profile at 2/8.
However as I know Johnny does balance a bat and that’s I guess the trade off even if the bats heavier by general consensus
Issue and only issue which doesn’t now effect me as it once did (old age and lack of quality) 2/12 bat over a hour or so is 2/12 whilst a 2/8 will over time not wear you out as much and you can hold your shape for longer.
It a great debate though dead weight v pick up weight makers who have access to light wood and quantities to them who get given what they get given.
As for weight I have also gone by if it still confident and hold your shape after a net session 30 minutes on it usable.
Also think the weight issue is a strange one I look at players who are more punch then fast hands so if your a puncher you may go heavier whilst if you have fast hands you may go lighter.
All opinions mind I know good bats come from all places and bat weight are very subjective
I get where you're coming from on the willow, but to say the small batmakers just get the willow others don't want, certainly isn't true in my case. I can assure anyone, I get good quality willow from a small supplier who I work closely with. He doesn't deal with the big brands as they generally already have their own supply, but has dealt with Wrights. So to say smaller makers get 'cast offs' essentially, is a more than a bit harsh mate tbh.
Obviously, if you buy 100 Clefts, you'll get a percentage of light willow. You but 1000, you'll get more lighter clefts, but not necessarily a larger percentage. I see plenty of bats from the big brands which are nowhere near gauge fillers at 2lbs 10z, let alone 2lbs 12oz. Us smaller makers don't have to make bats which are 2lbs 12oz to get them big, just as the big brands don't just only make gauge fillers at 2lbs 8oz either.
All this said, not sure how many times it needs to be stated that a bat doesn't have to be ultra light and fill the gauge to be good either!
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No you’re right it was a bit harsh but most small makers get what there given your right it was harsh saying all.
You make a good bat for sure and can balance a bat but my point was smaller makers struggle to give you 2/8 big bats and in truth so do a lot of shops or batmakers but willow growers and bigger users/buyers have the advantage
I do know though drying techniques are changing for sure and the argument between natural low density and overdried density is another ploy for another day.
I have used mainly 2/8 I agree I can use heavier but if I bat along time no matter how well balanced a bat a 2/12 bat is still a 2/12 bat and the arms creek!
Your last point is very true not just big bats make good bats good bats come in all shapes and sizes.
Light clefts making big full profiles at 2/8 are rocking horse for all companys
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No you’re right it was a bit harsh but most small makers get what there given your right it was harsh saying all.
You make a good bat for sure and can balance a bat but my point was smaller makers struggle to give you 2/8 big bats and in truth so do a lot of shops or batmakers but willow growers and bigger users/buyers have the advantage
I do know though drying techniques are changing for sure and the argument between natural low density and overdried density is another ploy for another day.
I have used mainly 2/8 I agree I can use heavier but if I bat along time no matter how well balanced a bat a 2/12 bat is still a 2/12 bat and the arms creek!
Your last point is very true not just big bats make good bats good bats come in all shapes and sizes.
Light clefts making big full profiles at 2/8 are rocking horse for all companys
Just wanted to clarify, as putting comments which basically state small batmakers are making from cast off willow could get pretty damaging to them and to be honest, I don't be think it's actually accurate or fair tbh mate.
As for 2lbs 8oz gauge fillers at full width with good sized handles and the right moisture content, I think most would struggle to produce those on a consistent basis. Not sure why 2lbs 12oz keeps getting brought up either, we can and do all make good sized bats at all weights. However, I certainly feel most can easily use bats heavier than 2lbs 8oz. Batting for 30 minutes in the nets is very different to batting out in the middle.
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Just wanted to clarify, as putting comments which basically state small batmakers are making from cast off willow could get pretty damaging to them and to be honest, I don't be think it's actually accurate or fair tbh mate.
As for 2lbs 8oz gauge fillers at full width with good sized handles and the right moisture content, I think most would struggle to produce those on a consistent basis. Not sure why 2lbs 12oz keeps getting brought up either, we can and do all make good sized bats at all weights. However, I certainly feel most can easily use bats heavier than 2lbs 8oz. Batting for 30 minutes in the nets is very different to batting out in the middle.
I don't think it damaging at all it is the truth more willow more choice/ maybe my words are not used correctly,(I did not call them cast-offs) but if you getting in part made (which I know you don't) then the seller ain't going to give you their best-looking/lightest wood but what you can do as a smaller maker is make them competitive prices and more bespoke.
I like to point out I have not criticised your brand or the other smaller makers I'm simply stating the limitations with smaller makers which there are some but there are all kinds of markets. Big brands - bespoke like b3 who can make what you want but at a premium cost and the smaller makers who make just as good bats too. but there are limitations to all 3 - one will not let you get bespoke one will but at a cost and the other may not always have ready available light wood.
Looking over sales from the smaller makers there is not much under 2/10 is there but you make your point a 2/8 can feel 2/10 or 2/12 but I remember a while ago there was a crusade against this and a certain maker.
I buy lots of bats and keep ones that feel right I have had a 2/11 off you and it went bloody well great bat but it did give me tennis elbow (not your fault it was mine)- you make great bats and it was what I asked for and was massive.
For what it's worth I think you make great bats are honest and if you thought my tirade was against you it wasn't.
I was looking at Kookaburra this weekend they make big edges but have narrow blades and most models had quite a bit of concaving and the smallest handles I have seen on bats.
At no point have I said big bats are better or gauge fillers are best. Get the weight you want and the style you want within your budget is my motto.
PS I'm using a 2/8 with 37 mm edges and a small spine full convex back currently it no gauge filler either.
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Maybe light bats is a trend that will reverse at some point. Looking at bats from the 1980s and 1990s, plenty of players used bats around the 3lb mark. It seems odd that in a generation where players are significantly stronger and better conditioned, that bats are getting lighter to the point of cutting their width to reduce weight.
On a purely selfish level, as someone who doesn't used anything below 2.14, some of the few remaining good deals to be had are on heavy bats. But the current trend is isn't conducive to better bats, at least not for your normal club player
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Weight aside, it's grading I've seen a noticeable shift in attitude towards - I can only assume it's due to the ever rising cost of willow/cost of living crisis etc, but I rarely get the classic 'I want 14+ grains/the bat must be Grade 1' emails anymore.
Selling bucketloads of G2/G3 willow in comparison to G1/G1+, much to the buyers delight when they realise the bats perform exactly the same (not that all of us haven't been saying it for years!).
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I purchased a new bat for myself at the end of last season for £130 from someone I have dealt with before on Instagram (which a few players from my club and a friend have now bought from). It came plain with no stickers, toe guard or grips, it had been graded as a 3 and weighted around 2lb 12oz; it is a gauge filler with 40mm+ edges with a low middle. I applied my own stickers, toe guard, 2 grips with counter balances, protective sheet and taped edges along with my company's own sticker and it now weighs around 3lb, which is my preference as I am a punching batter who prefers to drive but can still play the short ball well but with the standard of cricket I play, I will not be getting anything that quick to trouble me. I did see something on Instagram recently that the duckbill toe is getting quite common to allow better weight distribution but if bats are gauge fillers that are weighing in the region of 2lb 8oz, the edges by the shoulders will be thinner, which in my own opinion would have to have a thinner handle.
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I don't think it damaging at all it is the truth more willow more choice/ maybe my words are not used correctly,(I did not call them cast-offs) but if you getting in part made (which I know you don't) then the seller ain't going to give you their best-looking/lightest wood but what you can do as a smaller maker is make them competitive prices and more bespoke.
I like to point out I have not criticised your brand or the other smaller makers I'm simply stating the limitations with smaller makers which there are some but there are all kinds of markets. Big brands - bespoke like b3 who can make what you want but at a premium cost and the smaller makers who make just as good bats too. but there are limitations to all 3 - one will not let you get bespoke one will but at a cost and the other may not always have ready available light wood.
Looking over sales from the smaller makers there is not much under 2/10 is there but you make your point a 2/8 can feel 2/10 or 2/12 but I remember a while ago there was a crusade against this and a certain maker.
I buy lots of bats and keep ones that feel right I have had a 2/11 off you and it went bloody well great bat but it did give me tennis elbow (not your fault it was mine)- you make great bats and it was what I asked for and was massive.
For what it's worth I think you make great bats are honest and if you thought my tirade was against you it wasn't.
I was looking at Kookaburra this weekend they make big edges but have narrow blades and most models had quite a bit of concaving and the smallest handles I have seen on bats.
At no point have I said big bats are better or gauge fillers are best. Get the weight you want and the style you want within your budget is my motto.
PS I'm using a 2/8 with 37 mm edges and a small spine full convex back currently it no gauge filler either.
Fair enough mate, I just thought it was a little harshly put and it's difficult enough for smaller makers (which I am) as it is, without people saying they only make bats from the Clefts 'other people don't want' (apologies if I misconstrued your words, but that sounded like basically cast offs to me). Truth or not, I'm just not sure it needed such a setting statement on a public forum without knowing the ins and outs of individual businesses.
Maybe I'm just overly defensive, but as I said it's hard as it is and getting harder with costs rising. For the guys who are making from part mades, their willow costs are also actually much higher. So although they don't have the overheads of premises etc generally, their costs are still high unfortunately. So even making them cheaper is difficult. I just think its good to support the guys trying to keep batmaking going in the UK and should be what this forum is partly about. I appreciate you have supported though mate and appreciate the comments about my bats, but just felt I needed to make it clear around the willow comments that's all.
As for the bats on sale being over a certain weight, for me it's generally as most lighter ones go quickly or are used for custom bats as people generally want 'specs'......thanks CBF! 😂
Hope the tennis elbow clears up and thanks for clarifying it wasn't
the bats fault. If I had the power to cause injury, I'd give them out for to every overseas we play against. I did say I could get more weight out of it tho as feel memory it had 40mm + edges! 😆
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I do feel for small bat makers who are trying to do a good job
Bat prices are insane
I think Aldred doing well but I think his emperor butterfly is 399, no idea how people afford it.
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In fairness, people are still earning good money in certain industries and can afford it, cost of living crisis or not. Granted, not everyone, but a lot can and so people will charge it. When we see SS etc charging over a grand for a bat, then it doesn't actually seem too bad tbf!
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Iv wondered who buys these 1000 SS bats but there are global buyers
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I was in my local independent cricket shop last season chatting. A bloke came in who was going to play a 1 off game on the weekend. He spent thousands on top quality gear, despite the recommendation of the shop. He was on 5he phone to “a mate who knows what he’s talking about” who’s only advice was “get a kookaburra - they’re good bats” so there’s definitely more money than sense out there.
On the other hand my club operates a policy of second hand kit that anyone can donate to and anyone can take, so that money isn’t a barrier to the game.
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I was in my local independent cricket shop last season chatting. A bloke came in who was going to play a 1 off game on the weekend. He spent thousands on top quality gear, despite the recommendation of the shop. He was on 5he phone to “a mate who knows what he’s talking about” who’s only advice was “get a kookaburra - they’re good bats” so there’s definitely more money than sense out there.
On the other hand my club operates a policy of second hand kit that anyone can donate to and anyone can take, so that money isn’t a barrier to the game.
If these folk keep cricket shops and batmakers in business then have at it.
I've put a fair bit of effort into finding decent quality kit for my club's team kitbags over the years, always a bit surprised when teams with money for overseas/paid players don't have something I'd consider a necessity.
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This has been an interesting read.
For what it's worth.......you can produce all the timber you want, density is naturally occuring and I can and have processed and graded 1000s of pieces at a time to get maybe 20/30 low density bits of wood.
We all have to make do with what is produced. Some years you can have a high yield of low grades, other years high density, and we haven't really even started on the fluctuating handle weight.
As a bat maker you do the best you can with what you have depending on your market. For some that will be gauge fillers at any weight, for others that will be reduced dimensions as long as it doesn't finish over 2.9.
We would all love for every piece of wood to be perfect, but it just isn't and never will be.
😁👍
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I had a recent visit to Serious Cricket and whilst in there couldn’t resist checking out the new bats.
Plenty of choice by all the big brands available in there in various grades and weights.
But the bats all had one thing very much trending in common. Skinny handles and weight defying pickups.
From Salix to GN to kook, the bats all felt ridiculously light. Too light really! Ive never been one to complain of a bat being too light but I was. 2,8-2,10 all feeling like 2,6. I couldnt believe it. So I tried some 2,12s, these felt a bit more like my own 2,8s but still felt ridiculously light.
I always thought I wanted a 2,10 bat to feel 2,7. Now that I’ve actually experienced it I cant get my head around it and actually don’t like it. Im starting to wonder of ive conned myself all along and actually want a 2,7 to feel 2,10.
I thought handles last year were skinny but theyve gone even thinner this year. The bats seem long and lanky in the hands.
Ive said over the years that there is a noticeable bat revolution going on to move more and more to a baseball style bat eventually. And this is a massive move towards a baseball style bat even more. Anyone else amazed by this years bats?
This just reads like you've been picking up Kookaburras circa 10-12 years ago...
What does actually seem different, anecdotally at any rate, is shops refusing to take heavier bats these days. Combined with the fact that shapes have converged a lot over the last few years and even quite a well stocked shop can not offer a great deal of choice to a player who likes something other than a light duckbill style bat. I get that it's a lot more of a punt for a retailer to take stock that's outside of the accepted norm, but if a shop doesn't offer a good range of choice then why go there instead of online?
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To be honest this just reads like you've been picking up Kookaburras circa 10-12 years ago...
I thought this when i first saw the thread pop up.
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This just reads like you've been picking up Kookaburras circa 10-12 years ago...
What does actually seem different, anecdotally at any rate, is shops refusing to take heavier bats these days. Combined with the fact that shapes have converged a lot over the last few years and even quite a well stocked shop can not offer a great deal of choice to a player who likes something other than a light duckbill style bat. I get that it's a lot more of a punt for a retailer to take stock that's outside of the accepted norm, but if a shop doesn't offer a good range of choice then why go there instead of online?
Yes I can see how it might read that way. Oops!
But I was comparing my browsing from 2022 & 2023, to this January 2024.
And I’m very surprised how different the bats are in such a short space of time. Especially if Salix are joining the trend with a new standard too.
My initial thoughts with such a thin handle on bats with thick edges is how long are these bats meant to last??
And are we happy about the splice end of the bat being 1/2 inch narrower than the toe end?
Bat handles used to be 40mm give or take, now I think they are more like 28mm. All for what? Because a sponsored player who gets 12 bats a tour wanted it in the name of ‘bat speed’. Well you can keep your ‘players’ bat for the players. I can’t see how they will last a summer. Maybe that’s the idea of them.
The cricket bat is quickly changing and I wonder where they are heading. Longer handles, narrower widths, thicker spines. The bat in 5 years time could very much look like a square baseball bat very similar to the Mongoose. Im guessing next year shoulders may not be a thing on a bat anymore. What do you all think??
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This must be one of the few posts iv seen that seems to believe that the modern shop retail scale weight obsessed bats pick up well. The one think iv noticed is that very few bats seem to generally pick up well these days that have the thin handles. Couple this with quite often majority of ranges having a mid/low to low swell and to me most are just ok. That’s just my view and pick up is very subjective anyway.
As for the bits about smaller bat makers getting cast offs, or the willow being of a lower level that others I don’t buy into that at all. Off the top of the my head the best few bats that’s have come through my workshop over the last few years for work and refurbs etc was one from Red Ink and one from another small shaper but I don’t know tbh where his willow came from and seem some shockers from some bigger brands that have access to more of the market and do more. More so in what Is sold as top grade in both looks and performance.
Fact is the price now is just silly. Iv been going 5 years now and a G3 partmades is now twice what it was then and seen a larger increase in G3 and G2 clefts, part mades what ever I buy. It’s a tough time for the smaller guys as the big brands have bats in the £120-£160 mark like the signature, GN 200 models 3 stars that generally are decent all the time and then our entry point now is around £220-£250. The importers can get very cheap bats and have great mark ups, and it’s a struggle to try and enter retail as you need to have the RRP to be able to get the mark up trade need and want but means the bat maker doesn’t make sweet FA from the transaction either.
And as for the forum supporting small bat makers you just have to look at the amount that tried and left, tried and got sick of the all the abuse, tried and for what ever reason are not about or tried and got so little input it’s not worth it and we now have a custom bat forum without a single bat maker that’s a sponsor paid or free what ever that contributes, hardly any interaction from the retailers. Shame really
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I don’t know where forum users buy their bats from as they tend to be very picky
I personally will not buy any more bats if the trend of thinner handles and thinner shoulders
I highlighted this year how Gm handles had thinned out, the Gm owner said they had not but they had and the bats had become less wide , not all but some of them
I would rather buy a 2.10 which is full not the 40mm edges 37 is more than sufficient and it be full width
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The fact that willow prices have doubled within the last 2 years has driven up the cost of things and now you're paying over £450 with most brands for a G1 bat.
5 years ago you could get a G2 for 200 but that now closer to 300. Cost of things has gone up regardless of the cricket market, I had an email from Sports Direct last night advertising the new Nike footy boots...£275 for the top-of-the-range option!!! Ridiculous for a man-made product compared to a cricket bat where the raw material is finite and hugely in demand.
The forum has changed over the years as I've been on here as a member via my @Ayrtek Cricket account since 2009 but prob longer under my own name. As mentioned earlier kit sales used to be rife on here and brands could shift 5-6 bats with ease. The change in the forum came and people were looking to offload used or unwanted kit that drove sponsors away as members expected bats at cost price or below from us. Most of the bat makers were doing it outside of work hours so time in front of a PC/phone was limited in terms of being able to offer input into the forum.
I took the plunge and bought TCB last Nov to enable me to work with some forum brands and champion their work by stocking and promoting them on social channels. Having seen the likes of Vitas Cricket and IJC work with the forum members previously to source/supply and offer members products. I've got to admit that uptake from people on here has been very low which is a real shame, but fully accept Im not going to set about selling products just above trade prices simply to gain a sell as its the margins that will enable me to progress as a business and reinvest in new products/brands to offer.
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This must be one of the few posts iv seen that seems to believe that the modern shop retail scale weight obsessed bats pick up well. The one think iv noticed is that very few bats seem to generally pick up well these days that have the thin handles. Couple this with quite often majority of ranges having a mid/low to low swell and to me most are just ok. That’s just my view and pick up is very subjective anyway.
As for the bits about smaller bat makers getting cast offs, or the willow being of a lower level that others I don’t buy into that at all. Off the top of the my head the best few bats that’s have come through my workshop over the last few years for work and refurbs etc was one from Red Ink and one from another small shaper but I don’t know tbh where his willow came from and seem some shockers from some bigger brands that have access to more of the market and do more. More so in what Is sold as top grade in both looks and performance.
Fact is the price now is just silly. Iv been going 5 years now and a G3 partmades is now twice what it was then and seen a larger increase in G3 and G2 clefts, part mades what ever I buy. It’s a tough time for the smaller guys as the big brands have bats in the £120-£160 mark like the signature, GN 200 models 3 stars that generally are decent all the time and then our entry point now is around £220-£250. The importers can get very cheap bats and have great mark ups, and it’s a struggle to try and enter retail as you need to have the RRP to be able to get the mark up trade need and want but means the bat maker doesn’t make sweet FA from the transaction either.
And as for the forum supporting small bat makers you just have to look at the amount that tried and left, tried and got sick of the all the abuse, tried and for what ever reason are not about or tried and got so little input it’s not worth it and we now have a custom bat forum without a single bat maker that’s a sponsor paid or free what ever that contributes, hardly any interaction from the retailers. Shame really
Appreciate the positive feedback on the Red Inker!
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The fact that willow prices have doubled within the last 2 years has driven up the cost of things and now you're paying over £450 with most brands for a G1 bat.
5 years ago you could get a G2 for 200 but that now closer to 300. Cost of things has gone up regardless of the cricket market, I had an email from Sports Direct last night advertising the new Nike footy boots...£275 for the top-of-the-range option!!! Ridiculous for a man-made product compared to a cricket bat where the raw material is finite and hugely in demand.
The forum has changed over the years as I've been on here as a member via my @Ayrtek Cricket account since 2009 but prob longer under my own name. As mentioned earlier kit sales used to be rife on here and brands could shift 5-6 bats with ease. The change in the forum came and people were looking to offload used or unwanted kit that drove sponsors away as members expected bats at cost price or below from us. Most of the bat makers were doing it outside of work hours so time in front of a PC/phone was limited in terms of being able to offer input into the forum.
I took the plunge and bought TCB last Nov to enable me to work with some forum brands and champion their work by stocking and promoting them on social channels. Having seen the likes of Vitas Cricket and IJC work with the forum members previously to source/supply and offer members products. I've got to admit that uptake from people on here has been very low which is a real shame, but fully accept Im not going to set about selling products just above trade prices simply to gain a sell as its the margins that will enable me to progress as a business and reinvest in new products/brands to offer.
Question for you, just a thought if stock is not revolving because of higher prices
I was really surprised you had not sold the 606 aion you got ( you may have sold it now ) how do you invest in the business ?
Is it not better not to make 10 -15 -20 quid less margin still seems to be profit tjere otherwise other shops would not sell it and sell much more product
You have your own business model and it works but I don’t think forum users are gonna buy bats at prices which are the highest in retail around.. I would buy but it has to be competitive not the most expensive retail version around , doesn’t have to be the cheapest ..
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The Aion 606 is still in stock at 155 which is 20 off of RRP or 11% which is pretty much the max id want to do whilst still making it worthwhile stocking/selling it.
As mentioned before I’d rather stay closer to the RRP’s but offer additional extras to customers if buying through TCB. So you’d get the equivalent to £50 worth of extras inc with a purchase over 150.
It amazes me some retailers sell bats that are rising in costs due to the supply chain issues of willow for a 10 margin! It’s a vicious cycle of needing to sell more bats to make more money to pay for overheads/wages which means more willow is needed to make them which as we keep banging on about is in demand so prices are increasing.
Sell closer to RRP, make more margin so less stress on the supply chain and prices will plateau out so everyone wins.
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The forum has changed over the years as I've been on here as a member via my @Ayrtek Cricket account since 2009 but prob longer under my own name. As mentioned earlier kit sales used to be rife on here and brands could shift 5-6 bats with ease. The change in the forum came and people were looking to offload used or unwanted kit that drove sponsors away as members expected bats at cost price or below from us. Most of the bat makers were doing it outside of work hours so time in front of a PC/phone was limited in terms of being able to offer input into the forum.
I will offer a different point-of-view.
As someone who bought a lot of kit (bats, accessories) from the forum bat makers, I had very specific requirements both in terms of quality and price. I purchased some bats that were discounted but for most, I paid the asking price - whatever the custom bat maker wanted. I was looking for quality. Bats that pinged. Bats that were made well. prior to joining the forum, I had had some very bad experiences with bats I bought earlier in my club cricketing days and my goal was to avoid all the headaches/frustrations that results from a poor purchase. Those poor purchases wasted a lot of my time. That's what brought me to the forum - good (or great) bats at a good price. Not all bats I purchased thru the forum bat makers were great. Some were really bad. But most were very good. The forum also introduced me to other bat makers - established names like Keely etc. and even GN top tier stuff made in AUS. Over all, in terms of cost averaging, I did not come out ahead but I ended with a lot of great (above average) bats.
What are some of the lessons I learned?
1. For a clubbie, especially a newbie clubbie, a well made G3 (or a price discounted G2) is a very good option. GM with their 606 and above have that market down pat. There is an area where custom bat makers could offer value to bat buyers thru the forum.
2. Unless, a batter has had a few years of experience using bats, they have no business customizing their own bat. I made that mistake and I ended up designing really poor bats. Funnily enough, the shapes that did wonders for me were stock shapes and I stuck them for many seasons and many sixes (and runs :D ).
3. A custom bat maker is well within their rights to tell a customer that their ideas are bad and that shape wouldn't work. To a degree, Aldred does that which, in hindsight, is a good thing for the customer/buyer.
4. Good bats are good bats no matter where they come from. My favorite comes from a big brand. My second favorite comes from a big name bat maker, the shape was commercially available and I had him make me several copies. Many sixes. :D Both more expensive than average but worth every penny!
5. More than anything, a batter's physiology determines which weight and shape bat they can swing well. I have two but tried many and settled for the same two no matter which bat maker. The science of bat shape/weight etc. is too complicated for an average club players to comprehend. Bat makers don't have the time nor the energy to explain every nuance which is understandable. Bat buyers must try different shapes until they find the shape and weight that works for them. After that, it doesn't matter which bat maker or corporate brand makes that shape. If you are going to be in the game of cricket for many years, trial-and-error is the best teacher in determining the type of bat that works for an individual.
6. The second best way of finding a great bat is to have a pro/semi-pro pick a bat for you. :D This becomes easier when a pro/semi-pro is hunting for a bat himself. Friends. Friends of friends. Family network. All are good ways of hunting down a great bat at a great price. My first great was picked by someone else and was not made by a custom bat maker.
7. Work with a custom bat maker to replicate a bat EXACTLY to the spec. as you prefer. That is the best way of utilizing the skills of a custom bat maker. If you have direct access to a shop, then it is easier to work with a custom bat maker. If you are an overseas buyer, it is very hard. For someone who bought bats from 3 continents, I wish I could walk into a shop and wave a bat or different shapes /weights before deciding on one.
8. Many will disagree with this but cost averaging will not work for you if you are buying from custom bat makers. You will end up paying more and may not get the results you seek. I know this is harsh but this was my experience. What is the value of a custom made bat in tangible/practical sense? You can get a bat with great ping for much less if you are buying in India. GM makes bats that offer incredible value at 505/606 levels for a weekend warrior/clubbie. What is the value proposition of a custom bat v/s a commercially made bat?
9. Other problem with this type of a business model is that your market is local and limited. Unless someone walk into a shop, it'd take a big risk taker to make an internet purchase. Ultimately, custom bat makers are catering to local/smaller markets. For an overseas buyer, bat maker needs to understand their customers. What are their needs? Do they even like to oil and knock their bat? Do they have time for it? Do they perform seasonal ritual of sanding/oiling a bat after season's end? I know people who just want a bat to perform without extensive knocking. They don't have time to oil a bat nor do they know how to oil a bat. For them a cricket bat is no different than a tennis racquet or a golf club. Use it and put it away - that's all they care about. Is the risk of buying a product sight unseen (from an overseas custom bat maker) worth the risk of marginal performance gains over a popular brand like GN/CA/GM?
10. People leave the market and the forum because value is else where. To attract a buyer and make them return, you have to offer them value. Simple. Everybody would agree that cricket participation/market size is dwindling everywhere except for India (and Indian diaspora) . I have said this before (you can search my old posts :) ) that cricket equipment is not easy to buy or maintain. Cricket is a hard sport to play as gear is NOT user friendly. Prices are high. In the age of shorter attention spans (tik tok, video games), who wants to toil in cold weather or burning sun for house hours when cheaper, more entertaining, and less physically demanding options are available. If you only want the purists and passionate ones, you will find yourself with a very small pool of buyers. This is the reality.
What is the value of the forum then? Information. It made me an informed buyer. It helped facilitate some great contacts. I bought a bat that was made for Aaron Finch and what a great bat it is! I still haven't used it because it is just too nice. :D This is also a place where bat makers can share their thoughts about the market and have open discussions like this one. This forum is a great marketing tool. It may not be a great market place though. Good product will attract buyers. Laver and Wood is a prime example of that. They are located in NZ but ship bats all over the world.
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I certainly wouldn't agree that the cricket playing pool is dwindling in England. Particularly at junior level, a look around the league structures makes it clear that there is a depth that didn't exist 20 years ago.
There are also far more people willing to spend money on it as a hoby. The Club kit bag doesn't even exist for the main at junior level let alone for adults. There has never been more people making a living running club coaching sessions and offering 1-2-1 coaching. The idea of club sides offering branded teamwear would have seemed ridiculous 30 years ago (go back to the 90s, and England players supplied their own trousers).
The trend as I see it is that the Internet has opened up choice that didn't exist when you were limited to whatever your local dealer stocked.
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The trend as I see it is that the Internet has opened up choice that didn't exist when you were limited to whatever your local dealer stocked.
IIRC , we are discussing internet sales for custom bats. So, technically, if what you are saying is true, people wouldn't be complaining about reduced sales. Rising tide lifts all boats but that's not the case here is it?
Regarding growing popularity of cricket, that's nice to read/hear.
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The trend as I see it is that the Internet has opened up choice that didn't exist when you were limited to whatever your local dealer stocked.
This is the big one. Simply put without the internet/social media, Neon wouldn't have got off the ground and that goes for quite a few of the 'newer' brands that have gained traction over the last 3-6 years or so.
The reality with us badgers on here is we represent an incredibly small niche of the industry. My orders are still something like 95% online vs 5% in-person, yet pretty much everyone who comes in to buy a bat can't believe others would even fathom buying a bat online. Earlier this week I had a customer and his dad drive from Essex for a size 5, but then I also had an online order from someone who lived 4 miles away - offered them the chance to come in and pick their bat, but they declined as they were too busy!
COVID definitely accelerated the change in buying habit, but the current generation are growing up ordering anything and everything off Amazon so buying something like a bat online is just second nature. I'm only 32 but I still have fond memories heading to the Duncan Fearnley factory to get my bats when I was a youngster growing up in Worcester, but it just isn't the case any more for the majority.
I should add as a side note, the youngsters that do come in to choose their bats pretty much always only come in because the parent plays/played themselves and 'wouldn't buy a bat online' - the kids themselves barely ever care!!
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It is one of the nice things about the forum for those of us who live nowhere near any cricket manufacturers at all, the ability to have kit picked out based on what you need by someone who you can be sure knows their stuff and isn't just out to make a quick profit.
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IIRC , we are discussing internet sales for custom bats. So, technically, if what you are saying is true, people wouldn't be complaining about reduced sales. Rising tide lifts all boats but that's not the case here is it?
Regarding growing popularity of cricket, that's nice to read/hear.
I don't think any rising tide in a consumer market lifts all boats. There will always be winners and losers.
I find it hard to believe that a new brand like WCW could have grown in the way it has, selling at the price point it does, in the era before online retail. Established brands like Kippax and Keeley have manged to expand beyond their geographical areas.
I don't think that the large Indian brands could have expanded into the UK at the rate they have if they had required individual shops up and down the country to take a risk on stocking new products
Conversely, there have certainly been losses from this. For some of us, the decline of Duncan Fearnely is sad to see.
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I don't think any rising tide in a consumer market lifts all boats. There will always be winners and losers.
I don't think so. If bat sales are growing and supply is constant, every bat seller will see demand. This simple principle was more than obvious during the pandemic.
I find it hard to believe that a new brand like WCW could have grown in the way it has, selling at the price point it does, in the era before online retail. Established brands like Kippax and Keeley have manged to expand beyond their geographical areas.
I don't think that the large Indian brands could have expanded into the UK at the rate they have if they had required individual shops up and down the country to take a risk on stocking new products
Your assertions are a:) bat buying market is growing because more young people are getting into the sport; b:) custom bat brands have grown because of online presence; c:) established brands like Kippax and Keeley have also grown "beyond their geographical areas". TCB's original post that I commented on was about this forum helping with sales. That's all I was responding to with some additional comments about bat buying behavior.
Regarding Kippax and Keeley, don't forget Laver & Wood and their mass appeal. Now, we are talking about larger market's buying patterns and not just forum related sales. You are correct, those brands have expanded & yet in larger context, not every clubbie is buying those brands and I refer you to my points 8, 9, & 10. These brands are expensive. Cheapest Kippax I see on their website is GBP 295 (https://kippaxcricket.co.uk/shop/); I know about pingy no-brand India made sold for USD 250. Find a friend in India and you will find many good deals. :D Outside of UK, people buying those expensive bats are less than 1 percent of the 1 percent club players. People buy goods (bats in this case) that are priced reasonably for them. I am talking about adult club players, not internet/social-media savvy kids. Do people buy more bats because they are available online? My point is that accessability is not necessary growth.
How many of these kids play club cricket as adults? Are they return customers? How many bats they buy during their playing years? Is market reach "beyond their geographical areas" same things as market growth?
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Best thread in ages!
Firstly, to comments about retailers, recently i asked Tom / Ayrtek / Cricket boutique to help me purchase a couple grands worth of kit for my youth coaching. He recommended and sourced kit from all over the place and even helped when i had an issue with one item. Great service and if you can, i couldn’t recommend him more. I am unsure if he would like to do all that work again 😂
On the bats and handles, ive always preferred a thicker handle and have struggled with the trend in bats. I always wanted to try an Aldred but was worried about the whole weight thing. I visited with a mate and picked out a butterfly bat at 2’11. Great bat but wished i had asked for something lighter, so i did contact him and it got a bit awkward and i didnt order.
Just before avheistmas he put some bats up at 2’8, i grabbed one. They pick up identically …. Felt a little silly. Both are great bats though and i have alreqdy started netting because im so excited to use it.
I rarely post anymore so while i am typing i just want to recommend that there should be another unoffical cbf game if we have 11 active members now. I miss neons leg spin.
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Intrigued about the Aldred thing
So you have a 2.11 which you picked up at the workshop , felt good but later in your own space felt heavy ?
You recently got a 2.8 from Aldred , when you say picked up identical what do you mean ?
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I miss neons leg spin.
You'll be pleased to know it's as consistent as ever and awaiting it's next outing under the CBF banner ;) :D
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You'll be pleased to know it's as consistent as ever and awaiting it's next outing under the CBF banner ;) :D
Certainly enjoyed the last outing at Klive for sure
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Intrigued about the Aldred thing
So you have a 2.11 which you picked up at the workshop , felt good but later in your own space felt heavy ?
You recently got a 2.8 from Aldred , when you say picked up identical what do you mean ?
I have a 2’8 and a 2’11 aldred. They are identical in size and shape. They also pick up identically. Both pick up very well. I bought the second one because it was lighter and im a fool.
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That’s bizarre the 2.8 and the 2.11 pick up identical
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That’s bizarre the 2.8 and the 2.11 pick up identical
Who'd have thought?
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Certainly enjoyed the last outing at Klive for sure
We could always squeeze another game into cricket week if we had enough players.
11 batsman and no bowling is always entertaining.
Could make 350 but also might not defend it!!!
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We could always squeeze another game into cricket week if we had enough players.
11 batsman and no bowling is always entertaining.
Could make 350 but also might not defend it!!!
Im happy to play/bowl if it helps numbers. Depending on where the matches take place. But I guess with notice I could just find a hotel…..with a bar……😁
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We could always squeeze another game into cricket week if we had enough players.
11 batsman and no bowling is always entertaining.
Could make 350 but also might not defend it!!!
Would love to play down at Kilve again if we can get it arranged!
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Looks a nice setting.
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Im happy to play/bowl if it helps numbers. Depending on where the matches take place. But I guess with notice I could just find a hotel…..with a bar……😁
I can confirm there is a great pub with accommodation 5 mins walk away
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I think that the reason for the shift towards light to mid weight bats that pick-up well is actually fairly simple: economics
I used to work in the cricket equipment/retail industry (I won’t say where). And in my experience bats that were 2.8 to 2.9 were by far and away the most popular for the vast majority of people, with some preferring a slightly lighter bat, and the proportion of those who wanted a bat over 2.10 being fairly low. It seems to me to be basic good economic/business sense to produce more bats that most people like, especially in tough times such as these.
I think the number of people who think they need a very low sweetspot on their bat ( meaning it probably will pick up like a railway sleeper more times than not) is dwindling. I think the logic behind that was always flawed (unless you’re overseas on subcontinent style pitches). Have a look at your bat… I have very rarely seen someone’s bat that was covered in lots of marks toward the bottom end of the blade. In my experience most amateur cricketers use most of the face and the better players hit more balls somewhat centrally and around where a mid blade sweetspot is usually positioned. As such, with modern dried out willow, a mid blade sweetspot, not too much wood in the toe and an overall weight of about 2lb 8oz, the bat is going to pick up very nice and light. I think the market for funky profiles or big heavy bats is limited. There is a good reason that most pros use fairly similar profiles (there are often slight differences of course but they are generally not a huge range of profile shapes that I can see when I watch). I also think with how good bats are these days, you don’t really need a massive bat, if you play a half decent shot and have a nice bit of wood, chances are it’s going a good distance!
I saw a comment making fun of people who ask for exactly 2.8 and add a grip making it heavier, I feel this was unfair and I will explain why… Personally I don’t use two grips, I like a fairly thin handle, and I prefer the feeling one one grip as I feel the sponginess of two grips gives me less feel for how the bat is responding and slightly less control of the bat face. I prefer to carefully apply some zinc oxide tape around parts of the handle I’d like to thicken ever so slightly to get it to where I feel comfortable. I also apply small pieces of older grips around the top of the handle (where the pommel would be if it were a sword) to get the bat to pick up to my liking. However, for consistency, I like to weigh my bats with a face and with just one grip on them, no counter balancing grips. Customers like those mentioned above may well know that they like a 2.8 bat with a second grip on top of that, and that’s fine. In the same way I know I like a bat that’s 2.7-2.85 with some tape and some counterbalancing until it feels right. For me, the mistake is to not take into account the weight of a face, especially if you are using a good quality clear antiscuff that can add weight in a way that makes it feel heavier.
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You've got some serious feel mate if a scuff sheet makes a bat feel heavier or unbalanced!
I think the comment about 2 grips was the fact she people are adamant they can't use anything over 2lbs 8oz for me example, but then get a 2lbs 8oz with a very thin handle (partly no doubt made thin so as to hit a scales weight of 2lbs 8oz. But will then put an extras grip on, so the bat becomes 2lbs 10oz and they don't bat an eyelid.
Which was kind of the point I think. That a well made bat at 2lbs 10oz for example, will sometimes feel better than a 2lbs 8oz Which has just been made up hit a scale weight with little thought on balance or longevity (due to those bats being more saleable)
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People narrow down bat choice on budget and weight from my 20 years experience selling them, heavier models will be dismissed and the 2.8-2.9 range will typically take centre stage.
As mentioned the adding on a grip then pushes these into the heavier cracked where a bat with a thicker handle may have been residing at 2.10.
Scuff sheets add an 1.2oz usually when using good quality clear stuff.
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1.2oz is a lot more than Iv seen it’s normally 0.5oz and that’s from the top guy that sells them to GM etx
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I think scuffs tend to vary wildly - length, does it come with attached edge tape, clear or fibre, etc. I can't remember many that were as light as 0.5oz but 1.5oz would be heavier than any I can remember using.
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One I use is a top quality scuff sheet (used by the big boys I believe) and I think adds around 0.5oz. I'll do a very scientific test tomorrow and let you know.
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One I use is a top quality scuff sheet (used by the big boys I believe) and I think adds around 0.5oz. I'll do a very scientific test tomorrow and let you know.
Imagine we're using the same (Eddie?), and it's pretty much always 0.4-0.5oz depending on the length cut - yes I'm sad enough to weigh it each time I start a new roll! :D
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Never mind scuff sheets, think how much weight gets wasted with fancy modern embossed stickers ;)
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Never mind scuff sheets, think how much weight gets wasted with fancy modern embossed stickers ;)
Again, around 0.5 Oz. is this the point where we ask everyone if they know what their gloves weigh?! 😆
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Yeah I was referring to the top boys one and the main supplier to them or some of them
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Again, around 0.5 Oz. is this the point where we ask everyone if they know what their gloves weigh?! 😆
Always been a bug bear of mine how much this gets overlooked. Gloves can vary in weight by as much as 6 ounces across the brands and models.
whenever you go shopping for a bat, take your batting gloves with you.
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Always been a bug bear of mine how much this gets overlooked. Gloves can vary in weight by as much as 6 ounces across the brands and models.
whenever you go shopping for a bat, take your batting gloves with you.
I always make sure when someone comes to me they put a set of gloves on when picking up bats. Fact is you never ever bat without gloves on so you can’t make a valid argument on how a bat feels without wearing a set.
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Yeah my point was mainly that people obsess over half Oz of scale weight, but never consider the weight of the gloves they also have to swing about. We should all use 2lbs 17oz bats and be done with it!
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Fact is you never ever bat without gloves on so you can’t make a valid argument on how a bat feels without wearing a set.
Couldn't agree more!
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Yeah my point was mainly that people obsess over half Oz of scale weight, but never consider the weight of the gloves they also have to swing about. We should all use 2lbs 17oz bats and be done with it!
Wouldn't that be 3lb 1oz?
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Yes mate, it would. Was a little joke.
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Crikey I really opened up a can of worms with this thread didnt I! 😂
Why ever did I think it would be just a discussion about handles versus thick edges. In proper CBF style weve gone full detail right up to the politics of cricket and the market strategies of the future. Brilliant! I love it! 🤣
Anyway, the lads at Serious have made a fun video showing off the DCS range.
I will just add, notice the thin handle comments….😬
https://youtu.be/iAfhAoU2w3Y?si=ZafvUGjUZoZWlxmc
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Yes mate, it would. Was a little joke.
Some people are very particular. ;)
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Crikey I really opened up a can of worms with this thread didnt I! 😂
Why ever did I think it would be just a discussion about handles versus thick edges. In proper CBF style weve gone full detail right up to the politics of cricket and the market strategies of the future. Brilliant! I love it! 🤣
Anyway, the lads at Serious have made a fun video showing off the DCS range.
I will just add, notice the thin handle comments….😬
https://youtu.be/iAfhAoU2w3Y?si=ZafvUGjUZoZWlxmc
Not shocked, I had my hands on a DSC over the winter and it was an absolute twiglet handle.
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I take the point about the grips. I was assuming we were talking about bats made by sensible manufacturers who tend to make bats with sensible sized handles. I have noticed a few brands that have used some quite skinny handles, that tends to be one good way that I’d be put off that manufacturer.
I understand the point about how a well made bat that’s a bit heavier, say 2.10, can pick up like a 2.8. In my opinion that’s true for straight bat shots, but when it comes to a pull, hook, or cut the actual weight feels like it’s more significant.