Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Bat Care => Topic started by: niceonechoppy on October 24, 2010, 07:04:16 PM
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Hi all,
Thought I would do a different review to the norm and quickly post about a recent refurb I had done on my Kookaburra Blade by Mike (Talisman). Throughout the 2009 season, this was my main match bat of choice, and I scored over 700 runs with it; however I went to go down the English made route this year and subsequently bought a Solitaire bat; which is heavier and has an oval handle instead of a round handle. As a consequence the 2'7 Kookaburra didn't see much if any time at the crease this year, and I used it as a net bat on the odd occasion.
I picked the bat up again around 4 weeks ago and thought that I could use it again next year, however it would have to be cleaned up first before this could happen, I contacted Mike as it seemed a very cheap service (£20 inc postage back) which included your choice of scuff sheet, toe guard and grip all within 10 days as per his topic on the service.
I asked for:
1) Hammeredge fitted
2) Toe guard fitted
3) White octopus fitted
I sent the bat off to Mike, who passed it on to his guys, and it was returned after 20 days by Special delivery (which costs £8.65).
He fitted a green chevron, and stated beforehand that he had ran out of the octopus grips but would send some white Lekka combi grips in the post (as of date are yet to arrive). A clear scuff sheet, not Hammeredge; not that I am too bothered, and no toe guard was fitted. However he did an excelent refurb but perhaps some dents/holes in the front/back could have been filled in like my mates Kookaburra was. The bat came with a nice smooth finish to it and although it doesn't look brand new, the refurb has given me confidence to have a net or two with it over winter, which I'd imagine is what the purpose of the refurb is, to have the drive to reuse an old bat of yours!
Overall, I am pleased of the quality of service for the money, and can never see myself paying anything over £20 for a refurb, which is really just sanding to a white wood and buffing/polishing. I would like to thank Talisman for his efforts on the bat, and I look forward to future deals with him.
Pictures to follow of before and after refurb.
Choppy.
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Before:
(http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/niceonechoppy/0def76d0.jpg)
(http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/niceonechoppy/475f46e1.jpg)
(http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/niceonechoppy/4bf855a0.jpg)
(http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/niceonechoppy/811d27b6.jpg)
(http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/niceonechoppy/e2acaf40.jpg)
(http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/niceonechoppy/41d0bff4.jpg)
(http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/niceonechoppy/6155ee0a.jpg)
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After:
(http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/niceonechoppy/0666275b.jpg)
(http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/niceonechoppy/6c5f31f8.jpg)
(http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/niceonechoppy/7b246cb1.jpg)
(http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/niceonechoppy/005f76fb.jpg)
(http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/niceonechoppy/3f47727b.jpg)
(http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/niceonechoppy/4cccfed0.jpg)
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Looks good mate
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Looks great!
Just wondering are those crack near the handle splice still visible on top of the shoulder?
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Sorry forgot to add shoulder picture, no they aren't visible.
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My bat has similar cracks as well thats why I asked you if they are still visible. Looks like a great job was done on the bat. I wonder how was that done as I don't know anyone who refurb bats here.
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To fix a crack like that you need to apply glue into the crack then clamp it up and leave for a day or 2 then sand it
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To fix a crack like that you need to apply glue into the crack then clamp it up and leave for a day or 2 then sand it
Ah okay will try doing that. Wood glue should be the glue for this job, right?
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PVA is what i use and on a big crack i also apply the glue that come in toe guard sets
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tbh i would of wanted to have things i asked for but you cant get it all for twenty pounds excellent price !!!!
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Not being funny, and nothing against Talisman but as far as I can see, of the three things you were asked to specify, none were carried out properly. I'm not sure how you can say that is good service. I realise Talisman is well thought of on here and indeed I have had god servie from him, but I think a little reality is needed too.
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Not being funny, and nothing against Talisman but as far as I can see, of the three things you were asked to specify, none were carried out properly. I'm not sure how you can say that is good service. I realise Talisman is well thought of on here and indeed I have had god servie from him, but I think a little reality is needed too.
You are right, he never said that there were octopus grips available but all credit to him, he is posting a couple of Lekka combi grips in the post at his expense (I will let you all know if this doesn't happen). A hammeredge is a scuff sheet, which he fitted just its clear and not with edge tape and I'm not bothered about that, and I'm sure there is a valid reason for no toe guard.
Reality? I am happy with his service and what I received. It's good service because he sent it via Special delivery, and for the most part replied to all PMs I sent.
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Not being funny, and nothing against Talisman but as far as I can see, of the three things you were asked to specify, none were carried out properly. I'm not sure how you can say that is good service. I realise Talisman is well thought of on here and indeed I have had god servie from him, but I think a little reality is needed too.
Quite agree - you have not got what you asked for, which in my boook is not good service!!
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Ah okay will try doing that. Wood glue should be the glue for this job, right?
I heard that, waterbased superglue is good for cracks that are not open enough to get PVA into. PVA is good as it allows a certain amount of elasticity.
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You are right, he never said that there were octopus grips available but all credit to him, he is posting a couple of Lekka combi grips in the post at his expense (I will let you all know if this doesn't happen). A hammeredge is a scuff sheet, which he fitted just its clear and not with edge tape and I'm not bothered about that, and I'm sure there is a valid reason for no toe guard.
Reality? I am happy with his service and what I received. It's good service because he sent it via Special delivery, and for the most part replied to all PMs I sent.
Fair enough, I'm glad you're happy with the service. My point is if someone had sent their bat off to an unknown company to be refurbed, members would be baying for blood if the service described was not provided.
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Will see how mine come out when I get them back off mike on tuesday
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i was really pleased with my refurb tbh. good pricing too
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I'm not saying I disagree with any of you! Had I payed 10 pounds more, I would be concerned, but for the money I am happy.
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Both White Lekka grips came today, and are very high quality. Superb work, I am more than impressed.
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Just got my bats back from mike and are exactly what I asked for refurb scuff toe guards and new grips :)