Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Bat Care => Topic started by: Thorne_Cricket on October 16, 2024, 12:58:37 PM
-
I have just treated myself to a new bat for the 2025 season as a birthday present (as you do!) and I could not resist the great deal from CricCounty. Now, as I start the process of knocking it in (to smooth out those seam marks from the initial testing), boning the edges, applying a liquid protector to the toe, adding grips and a counterbalance, I am debating what kind of sheet to apply to the face; if any.
On my current bats, I have taped the edges and applied a clear sheet, but for this one, I am strongly considering a fibre sheet. I have already noticed some very fine cracks around the toe and edges during the knocking-in process, which I know is pretty normal, but I want to ensure this bat lasts a few seasons, especially since it is pro grade.
What is your opinion? What would you recommend for the face protection?
(https://i.imgur.com/jtyeJqQ.jpeg)
-
This season I switched from the clear to fiber face, primarily to save a few ounces (don’t get me started). Make sure you get a good quality one whichever you choose as I initially applied a random one and it started splitting after 1 net session. I then put on the GN Fibertec and it has been solid since.
-
This season I switched from the clear to fiber face, primarily to save a few ounces (don’t get me started). Make sure you get a good quality one whichever you choose as I initially applied a random one and it started splitting after 1 net session. I then put on the GN Fibertec and it has been solid since.
As a cricket bat "doctor" mainly for my cricket club, Chingford; I do fortunately have rolls of both clear and fibre, which I have purchased through a reliable and well respectable supplier. I understand that fibre is lighter than the clear, I am not bother about the additional weight, it is more about protection. There is no particular reason why I have taped the edges and applied clear sheets to my own bats, apart from it being a standard process I carry out on a number of bats I have worked on in the last 2 years and often the customers wants clear sheet fitted, I only apply fibre sheets to a bat when requested by the customer which is not that often or if there is sufficient damage to the face that warrants it. I want to apply a fibre sheet to my new bat to prevent damage and prolong the life span.
-
Fibre definitely seems to hold bats together better. I use clear but that's largely so I can see any damage early and sort it out.
-
My view is that fibre overall offer better protection. Admittedly you can’t see the fine edge cracks but if you normally apply edge tape over clear you can’t see them anyway. I certainly would never as a bat maker and repairer advise to not have a scuff sheet the balls in club cricket are by and large not great quality. Maybe after it’s been used for a season or two then the argument on that fact is maybe muted but on a new bat certainly not.
As for it being a pro grade I’m not even getting started on that as just winds me up lol
-
This season I switched from the clear to fiber face, primarily to save a few ounces (don’t get me started). Make sure you get a good quality one whichever you choose as I initially applied a random one and it started splitting after 1 net session. I then put on the GN Fibertec and it has been solid since.
A few ounces? What the hell were you using?! 😆
-
Funny to have a bat named after a player with one first-class hundred.
-
A few ounces? What the hell were you using?! 😆
You got me started now! Got a bat that was almost 2.10, needed it to be 2.85. So started stripping things; toe guard, removing binding off handle, trimming top of handle off etc. Still needed to lose a bit so switched from clear to fiber which reduced weight by almost 0.04. Got the bat down to about 2.87 :D
-
I always use fibre, and any of ours pros' bats I apply fibre to. It's lighter and stronger, so a no brainer IMO
-
I always use fibre, and any of ours pros' bats I apply fibre to. It's lighter and stronger, so a no brainer IMO
Can't look at the lovely grains though, choices choices choices... 😂
-
There seems to be mixed opinions out there about fibre and the clear sheets
Some say the fibre is thin and doesn’t protect a bat much , and a pain to take off
Some believe it’s stronger
The clear gloss stuff is heavier , easier to take off . I noticed some slight more rebound with fibre
-
Can't look at the lovely grains though, choices choices choices... 😂
Can't look at them while you're batting anyway :D
-
Are pros starting to use more fibre sheets to protect their "one"?
-
Can't look at them while you're batting anyway :D
Can while you're walking off having played a crap shot though, "if only I had another few grains that would have been in the next postcode" 🤣
-
My view is that fibre overall offer better protection. Admittedly you can’t see the fine edge cracks but if you normally apply edge tape over clear you can’t see them anyway. I certainly would never as a bat maker and repairer advise to not have a scuff sheet the balls in club cricket are by and large not great quality. Maybe after it’s been used for a season or two then the argument on that fact is maybe muted but on a new bat certainly not.
As for it being a pro grade I’m not even getting started on that as just winds me up lol
As I know that CricCounty have been to the SG factory in Meerut and purchased a huge stock of their bats and some of those bats were intended for some of their sponsored players, it is only an assumption that it is graded as pro, whether it is or not, it is still a nice bat with a decent ping; I am not too fussed on the grading of the willow; as it is not all about that. As I have provided some business to CricCounty along with carrying out works for them, I was given a great deal; I was not looking for a new bat, but I am hoping that I can use more next season as I hardly bat this season and when I did for my club, I never got out in the 9 innings.
-
As I know that CricCounty have been to the SG factory in Meerut and purchased a huge stock of their bats and some of those bats were intended for some of their sponsored players, it is only an assumption that it is graded as pro, whether it is or not, it is still a nice bat with a decent ping; I am not too fussed on the grading of the willow; as it is not all about that. As I have provided some business to CricCounty along with carrying out works for them, I was given a great deal; I was not looking for a new bat, but I am hoping that I can use more next season as I hardly bat this season and when I did for my club, I never got out in the 9 innings.
And that’s my point there is no “pro” grade. Just means people pay more for nicer looking G1 bats is all.
Just my view and as you say looks a nice stick and most SG’s I’ve used and seen have been decent bats albeit narrow and the normal tricks to reduce weight vs size but hope it scores you lots and you enjoy it.
-
And that’s my point there is no “pro” grade. Just means people pay more for nicer looking G1 bats is all.
Just my view and as you say looks a nice stick and most SG’s I’ve used and seen have been decent bats albeit narrow and the normal tricks to reduce weight vs size but hope it scores you lots and you enjoy it.
I totally agree with your points and views; it is not all about the looks, it is about performance and maintaining it. Once I have completed my initial processes with the new bat, I will test it during the off season in the nets with throw downs.