Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: gihanrat on October 25, 2024, 01:14:02 PM
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I wondered which bat brands people fell in love with which have unfortunately disappeared over time.
For me, I never was able to acquire a SCAT original bat (had some SCAT inspired shaped bats which were amazing) to be able to experience the genius of JC (did have an old M&H though from when he worked in the UK which was sublime).That will always be one of my greatest cricketing regrets, especially as they now only sell for v silly money (and pretty sure some are knock-offs of the great man's work but passedx off as originals).
I've also had a couple of stunners from other bat brands which no longer exist and wish they had continued, Garrard which closed up end of 2023/early 2024, and then Bulldog (a little while ago, but bought one of their Growler bats which was amazingly light but yet powerful, and from an era before the OS edges came round).
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For me its Screaming Cat as well.
I have had some Newberys made by Tim Keeley that I adored. Newer Newberrys didn't give the same feel and left me disappointed.
Then I found Tim having his own brand - and now tipped into half of dozen Keeleys as he(as a batmaker) might stop making bats soon (5-10 years) too.
Jag.
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Oh another bat (not bat brand) I had a chance to get but I didn't and now I regret not getting it is Kookaburra Graphite-backed Kahuna.
Just wanted to have to see if it actually made any noticeable difference in ball hitting.
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Had an amazing Open Championship back in the day. Thought I was Gower flashing through the covers. Would love that back.
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Symonds Tusker
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Symonds Tusker
Think they have been relaunched in Australia, and could be bought when in stock through the main cricket retailers there (was the shape changed slightly to a more modern interpretation?). For those in the UK, you can get a Tusker lookalike (allegedly a coincidence) stock bat through an independent batmaker (even named after the mammal on the original logo! :D)
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Think they have been relaunched in Australia, and could be bought when in stock through the main cricket retailers there (was the shape changed slightly to a more modern interpretation?). For those in the UK, you can get a Tusker lookalike (allegedly a coincidence) stock bat through an independent batmaker (even named after the mammal on the original logo! :D)
And they look splendid...
https://kingsgrovesports.com.au/collections/symonds
The Waugh one looks great but is expensive.
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Had an amazing Open Championship back in the day. Thought I was Gower flashing through the covers. Would love that back.
Hunts might be able to produce something similar?
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https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334483952438?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=hNKKWnxsQ7a&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=lx4kAm9RTQ2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334483952438?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=hNKKWnxsQ7a&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=lx4kAm9RTQ2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY)
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https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334483952438?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=hNKKWnxsQ7a&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=lx4kAm9RTQ2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334483952438?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=hNKKWnxsQ7a&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=lx4kAm9RTQ2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY)
:o Wonder how many genuine offers of interest have been made over the years for these???
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Screaming Cat. I regret not ordering one when I had the chance.
My old Symonds Tusker. It was a thing of beauty!
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:o Wonder how many genuine offers of interest have been made over the years for these???
not many, if any, i'd imagine. The price will put people off even engaging with the seller.
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Honourable mentions from me would be:
Bernie Facer of Double B / Hawk. A few lads had very swish looking size Harrow Double B bats in my youth cricket. And I have seen a Hawk in the flesh which looked very elegant & curvy compared to the modern squarish shapes
Charlie French - I don’t know much about him other than good reputation as a independent batmaker.
I get the impression both were obsessed about handles, pressing and performance out of every cleft.
You just assume brands will go on forever until oh bloody he’s retired! You can’t do that??! How very dare he!! 😱🤣🤣
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Honourable mentions from me would be:
Bernie Facer of Double B / Hawk. A few lads had very swish looking size Harrow Double B bats in my youth cricket. And I have seen a Hawk in the flesh which looked very elegant & curvy compared to the modern squarish shapes
Charlie French - I don’t know much about him other than good reputation as a independent batmaker.
I get the impression both were obsessed about handles, pressing and performance out of every cleft.
You just assume brands will go on forever until oh bloody he’s retired! You can’t do that??! How very dare he!! 😱🤣🤣
Both amazing batmakers - never used a double B, but I think Bernie Facer retired around 2010 after joining up with Hawk cricket in 2004 (to take up golf!). Hawk cricket continues on as a brand though.
Charlie French sadly passed away last March, actually only a few days before the passing of Duncan Fearnley. Two great batmakers of yesteryear, now no doubt chatting away about how modern bats are a monstrosity whilst sipping away at their Earl Grey (or something stronger!) in the Great Podshavers Pavillion up above. I remember there was a crazy shaped bat that CF did, think it was called the Odyssey, from around the turn of millenium which had all manner of scoops cut out. Anyone with photos of this bat out there?
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Crown of Dewsbury.
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I remember my brother had an amazing piece of willow from Fusion Sports back in 2003, was so light in comparison to size, before I knew there was such a thing as pro willow clefts, certainly he paid "normal" price for it so wonder if it was misgraded. Unfortunately it grew legs and walked out of the clubhouse one day - may be a magic bit of willow then?
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I remember my brother had an amazing piece of willow from Fusion Sports back in 2003, was so light in comparison to size, before I knew there was such a thing as pro willow clefts, certainly he paid "normal" price for it so wonder if it was misgraded. Unfortunately it grew legs and walked out of the clubhouse one day - may be a magic bit of willow then?
Wait until you find out there isn't such a thing as pro willow clefts! 😆
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I had a couple of MG2 bats that were initially made for Sangakkara. These bats were handmade by Marty Graham and I do regret selling them on.
I did have a couiple of fusion Superbest bats but the concaving is very tricky to get used to and a rathert acquired taste. James Cornford is a lovely man as was his late father, Bill, may he rest in peace.
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I had a couple of MG2 bats that were initially made for Sangakkara. These bats were handmade by Marty Graham and I do regret selling them on.
You must be the only other person here who had bats from MG2.
I sold one but I don't regret selling it, it was a bad one. :D Kept others which are just fantastic.
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You must be the only other person here who had bats from MG2.
I sold one but I don't regret selling it, it was a bad one. :D Kept others which are just fantastic.
Would be great to see pictures of your MG2. I cannot remember why I sold them! Must have not been overly enamoured with them.
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I liked Centurian - i liked their branding and their funky shapes.
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Anyone remember Zentih? Kent based brand, around in the early 90's - Steve Marsh used them and some other Kent players. From memory, Newbury made them.
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Anyone remember Zentih? Kent based brand, around in the early 90's - Steve Marsh used them and some other Kent players. From memory, Newbury made them.
Yes I do, remember a friend having one when we were kids, was very indifferent to bats back then.
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The original (and best) SS (Stuart Surridge). Esp with likes of Graham Gooch, Richie Richardson and Viv Richards using their bats (Turbo, Jumbo) in the 80s and 90s. Never used them myself but was always partial to Graham Goochs mitt gloves he used in the 90s (maybe called the ultimate?)
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Anyone remember Zentih? Kent based brand, around in the early 90's - Steve Marsh used them and some other Kent players. From memory, Newbury made them.
Chris Cowdrey used this brand in the one Test that he captained England. (1988.)
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You must be the only other person here who had bats from MG2.
I sold one but I don't regret selling it, it was a bad one. :D Kept others which are just fantastic.
Seems to be still making bats.
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Seems to be still making bats.
Not the same anymore, think it was bought out and doesn't seem to be of the same standard. I think the original SS family tried to bring out another brand, Swannick maybe? But it wasn't the same success as the original SS brand.
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I was going to say redback but after a Google search it seems they are back in the market! Does anybody know if it's their or8ginal bat maker?
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I was going to say redback but after a Google search it seems they are back in the market! Does anybody know if it's their or8ginal bat maker?
It's Harry Solomon at Wombat who makes the Redback bats I believe.
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Would be great to see pictures of your MG2. I cannot remember why I sold them! Must have not been overly enamoured with them.
Here: http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=46757.msg753523#msg753523 (http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=46757.msg753523#msg753523)
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Sheesh, this thread made me dig up some unpleasant memories of selling bats I regret. (Top of the list is a Screaming Cat Series 3, followed by a Newbery Tour SPS and then a Golden Mongoose)
Had to dig through the collection, but a fair few names have been mentioned.
Bellingham and Smith - these were stocked by Vitas Cricket, and I still remember fondly seeing in their net test bin - it must have been one of the most concaved bats I've ever seen. It's one you've got to have tried to understand just how absurd it was - it sent the ball absolutely flying. Even had a discussion with someone else who had visited back in the day who also mentioned the exact same bat. It just seemed to defy the laws of physics and trends of big full bats today.
(https://i.postimg.cc/jqnwM2Bd/20250204-230241.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XX3YJjVT) (https://i.postimg.cc/gJQwYbLW/20250204-230313.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1n0RHTKC)
The South African side unfortunately got bought over by a sports store chain, which led to the cessation of the UK B&S distributor. I believe the SA workshop has also shut its doors now - but one of the bat makers there 'Gert' is still active on the batmaking scene. The bats sold here were mostly made in the UK in Sussex, although the bat mentioned above was imported from SA.
(https://i.postimg.cc/wTKtZHd5/20250204-233210.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RqRVJkhq) (https://i.postimg.cc/HnMrnvb7/20250204-233331.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1V9mYHC9)
Next up, we've got Focus UK, who were handled by Vitas before they shut, Stealth who were a sponsor for a short period of time (Richard was a lovely guy to deal with), Stretton Fox x RPC collab, (No, it wasn't me that bought the Wifey sticker, it arrived like that second hand) Blank Bats and Black Cat Cricket. The latter 2 are still active I believe, I had just snapped them too as I hadn't seen much from them in ages. Funnily enough, all bar the far left Focus so far have been made in Sussex.
(https://i.postimg.cc/4xPmY9Hw/20250204-233438.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Bj8qytg1)
(https://i.postimg.cc/DzzmLwqh/20250204-233914.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QFRXrs4Y)
(https://i.postimg.cc/02p6q38T/20250204-233522.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8jzkRZf4) (https://i.postimg.cc/kgq2McGB/20250204-233831.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F7CrD0j4)
Now onto slightly more funky ones - SAFBats, Mongoose, Stuart Surridge (Yes, that's the Turbo 333 Laminate with a lamitoe), BAS (Very recently seem to have ceased their batmaking), M&H, (When they made inhouse - I believe this might have even been a James Laver made one) Baronet Bats, (Bernie taught Charlie French and also Rob Pack) Gradidge (Surprisingly thin handle on this! Goes to show that - like bats narrower than 108mm - this wasn't necessarily just a modern bat thing!) and the Adidas of old, where the designs had some life to them.
(https://i.postimg.cc/50hth5D9/20250204-234206.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1nKP6F9b)
(https://i.postimg.cc/0j7NPMqY/20250204-234349.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0K2vCNjj)
(https://i.postimg.cc/FRdRCCWn/20250204-234236.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qhr4zwd8) (https://i.postimg.cc/XvDq868C/20250204-234240.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/f3mMzF1z)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mZ9kQqFP/20250204-234935.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G9cbRXKR)
Charlie French, who sadly passed away last year. A batmaker who wasn't about loud bells and whistles, just seemed to keep to himself and churn out high quality bats with a love for guitars and beer. I was sad that I never got the chance to meet him, but he definitely put a lot of smiles on peoples' faces with his handiwork. The Precision was a convex profile, the Broadside was full with a hint of shape, and the Fury was a distinctly concaved shape. Plenty on here will know more about him and his work, but from what I have seen definitely could make a really nice bat.
(https://i.postimg.cc/15czdqBP/20250204-235232.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bsr8Dd4F) (https://i.postimg.cc/7Yy6XVgm/20250204-235244.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hhpctVZd) (https://i.postimg.cc/4xf3Rx2c/20250204-235253.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YhP71MH2) (https://i.postimg.cc/BnmnSfRV/20250204-235303.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QFW3mw8Q)
Finally, the Newbery of old! Just remembered these bats being some of the finest money could buy, back when sheer volume and size, and width measurements seemed to become the dictator of what a good bat was. These aren't actually specifically Newbery bats, but were TK Pros which were of a similar enough shape for me to stomach putting some Tour stickers on them. I do love a good classic shaped Newbery, before they changed to the shield branding from this.
Now if anyone sees any of these defunct branded bats kicking around, and is thinking of sending them to goodness knows where to get them shortened into catching bats or having them completely stripped - please don't! There may be collectors around who would love to own them as pieces of history, so don't go sending your Newbery C6s or Vintage/Classic M&Hs away!
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Feel like after that post @Chad my answer should be anything you’ve out bidded me for on eBay :D of course thanks for sharing as ever.
I know I could still get one from Mr Pack but something about Puma from 2007 really sticks with me. Those ballistic stickers were ever so cool. As mentioned Newbery when they were proper Newbery. And a Kelsall laminate off here would sit quite nicely.
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I (not too often) wondered if Charlie French's Broadside might have been a not very discreet nod towards a Notts and England international contracted to Adidas at the time.
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Nice post @Chad - glad to see you included some very out there long gone brands such as Gradidge - looks like a nice clean piece of willow - have you ever used it in anger and what does it feel like?
And do you yearn for a return of Gradidge bats again? :D
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Gradidge became Slazenger.
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I have a newer SS Turbo Grand Prix 333 and no idea who makes them now & it’s not “grainy” but it’s got a great handle and goes like the clappers. Probably the best performance in the house, and there’s some serious posh brands knocking about various bags
If I can remember how to post photos I’ll add them.
Newbery Blitz is not far behind it for pure ping.
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Nice post @Chad - glad to see you included some very out there long gone brands such as Gradidge - looks like a nice clean piece of willow - have you ever used it in anger and what does it feel like?
And do you yearn for a return of Gradidge bats again? :D
Oops, didn't quite match the topic! Gradidge were well before my time really to yearn after... In terms of sought after/yearned for brands...
Screaming Cat, Newbery (While Tim was still making their bats), B&S SA, Peak Slazenger when they produced their own bats and Vantage Cricket - one of the first brands I bought a custom bat from!
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Always fancied a Peak Sports as they looked belters in hands of John Crawley,Jimmy Cook etc.....was it a Corniche as their top of range ?
think the shop is still in Stockport now but only selling Kids school equipment etc
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Always fancied a Peak Sports as they looked belters in hands of John Crawley,Jimmy Cook etc.....was it a Corniche as their top of range ?
think the shop is still in Stockport now but only selling Kids school equipment etc
Peak Sports was owned by the Monkhouse family whose main business was as supplier of school uniform. The retail store in Stockport supplied school uniform alongside the (much less profitable) sporting goods business.
The family sold out of the business in 2018 to a larger competitor, Banner. Peak Sports still exists as a dormant company owned by Banner.
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Peak Sports was owned by the Monkhouse family whose main business was as supplier of school uniform. The retail store in Stockport supplied school uniform alongside the (much less profitable) sporting goods business.
The family sold out of the business in 2018 to a larger competitor, Banner. Peak Sports still exists as a dormant company owned by Banner.
Interesting to learn about these companies from yesteryear. Did they also sponsor Dominic Cork and Darren Gough at one stage if memory serves?
I remeber there was a Stac Black Prince bat in our club team which went like a gun and was super lightweight feel, whatever happened to Stac?
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Interesting to learn about these companies from yesteryear. Did they also sponsor Dominic Cork and Darren Gough at one stage if memory serves?
To my recollection, Darren Gough, Dominic Cork, John Crawley and Mike Watkinson all used Peak Sports bats whilst playing test cricket
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Sure some WI players did too.
Anyone know who made their bats?
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Duncan Fearnley....I guess they are still there but haven't seen anyone using it. Nothing online either (in terms of reviews)
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I grabbed a Super Tusker Rhino Charge a few years back as I couldn’t afford one as a boy ~ brilliant bat https://kingsgrovesports.com.au/collections/senior-cricket-bats/products/symonds-super-tusker-rhino-charge-cricket-bat-1
This year in Au I used the 50th Anniversary Scoop amazing pick up.
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...as I couldn’t afford one as a boy ..
The root cause of many of my buys and bat purchasing... making the inner young boy happy...
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Always fancied a Peak Sports as they looked belters in hands of John Crawley,Jimmy Cook etc.....was it a Corniche as their top of range ?
think the shop is still in Stockport now but only selling Kids school equipment etc
I used to have a couple of PS bats. The brand was owned by ex Derbyshire player Bob Cooke. Lovely man. He played cricket in the Central Lancs league for Stockport. A lot of the local lads had PS gear, he did good discount for us. He actually had them made by SS, CA and I'm sure Larsons from a conversation I once had with him. Really good gear. I may still have one in the loft.
He then sold the business but still did some work with the cricket side.