Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: Cover_Drive on November 29, 2010, 05:31:35 AM
-
Hey Guys,
Hope you're well!
Well I am looking to buy a bat and I am in some sort of dilemma in selecting a bat. There are two bats which I am very keen to get. Personally I would love to buy both but sometime there are other factors (apart from money) which don't help you. Anyways, I am stuck between a Gray Nicolls Powerbow (from Prodirect) and Salix Factory 2nd (from Uzisports [This bat has no issues whatsoever]).
That GN is absolutely at a bargain price and I am quite tempted to try out a carbon fibre handle. Whereas on the other hand Salix is a stunning piece for its price as well.
Any help will be appreciated!
Thanks
-
have you used a carbon handle before, as i fgind these dont pick up as well as a bat with a standard handle......
id go for the Salix personally
-
id go with neither!
as both will be ££££ lol
-
I'd seriously consider having a chat with SAF and H4L. Waiting for my SAF, but the H4L is magnificent. They'll do you a fabulous bat for £150 + P&P.
-
Have a look at my Redback Paradox fella.
-
H4L is definitely on my to do list, although my Talisman is gonna be hard to beat
-
Canners: No, never.
Simmy: Sorry that is not a option lol
Tim: Thanks will look into it.
mdl: They are stunning but I am scared to say they are slightly heavy for me.
Canners: thanks will look into it as well.
Thanks guys!
Anyone else sharing there thoughts?
-
You have been PMd
-
I bet I
You have been PMd
I bet I know what that's about...
-
Just woke up has he... Get back to bed before you get a slap.
Just Bren scouring the tinterswebbynet and there's loads of sales on. Won be an easy choice wherever you go for a bat cover_drive
-
Guys what do you guys think of the following Salix Factory 2nd;
http://uzisports.com/product_info.php?cPath=30_195&products_id=695&osCsid=v28ltag40jijmetl1pfsidgk70
Will be waiting for your thoughts.
Thanks
-
Guys what do you guys think of the following Salix Factory 2nd;
[url]http://uzisports.com/product_info.php?cPath=30_195&products_id=695&osCsid=v28ltag40jijmetl1pfsidgk70[/url]
Will be waiting for your thoughts.
Thanks
It is one I have considered. The UZisports contact on here claims the bat is not flawed, which makes one wonder why it is a Rogue.
In the end something didn't add up, as I'd be paying £170 for a factory second bat, when you can get a G1 handmade from several folk on this forum for the same amount or less.
I love Salix, but £170 for a second? A bit steep.
-
It is one I have considered. The UZisports contact on here claims the bat is not flawed, which makes one wonder why it is a Rogue.
In the end something didn't add up, as I'd be paying £170 for a factory second bat, when you can get a G1 handmade from several folk on this forum for the same amount or less.
I love Salix, but £170 for a second? A bit steep.
I second Jon's comment. You'll get a lovely piece of wood from the guys on here for a similar price, and it will be made to your specs...
-
i did say this to Cover drive but we also need to remember how strict salix are when grading bats. there omly has to be a tiny blemish on the face and it goes into the Rogue bin.
-
i was thinking that you could get a better/new bat for the same, if cheaper from the various chaps on here.
I am picking up my Blueroom this weekend (Rob Pack - Puma's top boy) Just ask Prowannabe and Simmy about theirs.
Plus, the bloke is a top geezer. Well worth a shout in my opinion
-
i did say this to Cover drive but we also need to remember how strict salix are when grading bats. there omly has to be a tiny blemish on the face and it goes into the Rogue bin.
That is true to a point, but as a rule blemished G1s end up as 'Performance' which is G1 but not quite as pretty. The bat in question does look blemish free (actually one of the nicest pieces I've seen) so there must be more to the story. Salix wouldn't sell a bat for £170 if they could get £300 for it. I guess, and it hurts me to think it, it might just be a dog. Without having a play with it, that will always be the gamble.
-
I think you are right mate. Sounds too good to be true really.
-
^ I was in touch with Prowannabee regarding Blueroom and I have no doubt in Pack's credibility and I know that he is one of the top batmakers in the world without any doubt. There are some factors which at the moment are pulling me away from Blueroom. Personally I also love to buy a Redback but again due to same reason as Blueroom I can get it.
Prowannabee, I fully understand what you are saying. Salix do hold a high stature in my eyes especially due to there strict grading which some batmakers don't even consider. I mean there are some brands whose top of the range bats have blemish but if Salix bats have exact same blemish it is kept aside.
What I am assuming here is that if this bat has been moved to factory second bin due to cosmetic issues then I am assuming the performance would be same as top of the range non factory second bats, no?
-
Cover, may I ask what is pulling you away form Blueroom at the moment?
-
Afraid to say payment method
-
That is true to a point, but as a rule blemished G1s end up as 'Performance' which is G1 but not quite as pretty. The bat in question does look blemish free (actually one of the nicest pieces I've seen) so there must be more to the story. Salix wouldn't sell a bat for £170 if they could get £300 for it. I guess, and it hurts me to think it, it might just be a dog. Without having a play with it, that will always be the gamble.
Not saying this is the reason but there's a slightly bigger margin (for the maker) on a £170 bat sold direct from manufacturer than there is a £300 RRP bat sold through a retailer
-
^ I was in touch with Prowannabee regarding Blueroom and I have no doubt in Pack's credibility and I know that he is one of the top batmakers in the world without any doubt. There are some factors which at the moment are pulling me away from Blueroom. Personally I also love to buy a Redback but again due to same reason as Blueroom I can get it.
Prowannabee, I fully understand what you are saying. Salix do hold a high stature in my eyes especially due to there strict grading which some batmakers don't even consider. I mean there are some brands whose top of the range bats have blemish but if Salix bats have exact same blemish it is kept aside.
What I am assuming here is that if this bat has been moved to factory second bin due to cosmetic issues then I am assuming the performance would be same as top of the range non factory second bats, no?
Feasible, yes. Not necessarily the case though.
But the other Rogues on the Uzi site have photos detailing the specific visual flaws which made them Rogues. That bat has no such thing, it looks flawless, it looks world class to be honest, but there are no pics of flaws, and the Uzi man says there is no story to it.
I don't doubt Uzi, but the fact is there has to be a story. As good as Salix are as batmakers, I also know they are not the sort to throw money away, so I say again, if this bat is flawless, why is it being sold for less than it could be? Also, why hasn't it sold? It looks like a rare bargain, but it is still there. Trust me, I have hovered over the buy button on that bat more times than I care to think about, but something has always held me back..
It is true what they say, there is no such thing as a bargain these days.
-
Not saying this is the reason but there's a slightly bigger margin (for the maker) on a £170 bat sold direct from manufacturer than there is a £300 RRP bat sold through a retailer
Yeah but this bat is being sold through Uzisports for £170, so there is the middleman. Surely if they could get more for it, they would.
-
Afraid to say payment method
???
why is that an issue? he takes cards and everything?
-
i think this Salix needs a real explanation... Asad.... care to comment pal??
-
Afraid to say payment method
Really? He does pretty much everything, paypal, bank transfer (you only have to walk to a bank or internet banking)
-
C_D lives in canada guys
-
i think this Salix needs a real explanation... Asad.... care to comment pal??
I don't think Asad knows any more than has already been said, when I spoke to him he was as baffled by the situation as we are. It is really Salix who need to answer questions. Email them, should get a reply around Easter :D
-
C_D lives in canada guys
And that is a terrible shame for him :D but being serious, Paypal at least should be an option.
-
Rob and Gary both don't accept paypal. Bank transfer from Canada cost £35 so that ruins the taste for me.
Jon, I spoke to Asad regarding this and he said Salix Factory Second bats usually come with a small catalogue which describes the damage/defect on the bat. However, this bat's catalogue said nothing in regards the damage and flaw. Someone pointed that the only flaw is stains on back side ?
-
I don't think Asad knows any more than has already been said, when I spoke to him he was as baffled by the situation as we are. It is really Salix who need to answer questions. Email them, should get a reply around Easter :D
I did email Vicky the pictures of this bat and am awaiting a response from her.
-
Sorry CD mate, I understand now. Bit tricky that then. Good luck though
-
Rob and Gary both don't accept paypal. Bank transfer from Canada cost £35 so that ruins the taste for me.
Jon, I spoke to Asad regarding this and he said Salix Factory Second bats usually come with a small catalogue which describes the damage/defect on the bat. However, this bat's catalogue said nothing in regards the damage and flaw. Someone pointed that the only flaw is stains on back side ?
I'm 90% sure if you bought it you would be over the moon. But I don't want to see you buying a bat that 'could' not perform well, especially due to your location.
Salixs are lovely, really. My favourite brand, but the truth is these days you can get bats of equal quality for less money. There are alot of great bats on the Uzi site. I have a feeling the unbranded jobs for £150 will effectively be top grade Newbery, so will be just as good. Never thought I'd say it, but stay away from the Salix in your situation.
-
I did email Vicky the pictures of this bat and am awaiting a response from her.
Vicky is good at emails. Sent her two in June, got one response in September, one in November. I wouldn't hold your breath.
-
I'm 90% sure if you bought it you would be over the moon. But I don't want to see you buying a bat that 'could' not perform well, especially due to your location.
Salixs are lovely, really. My favourite brand, but the truth is these days you can get bats of equal quality for less money. There are alot of great bats on the Uzi site. I have a feeling the unbranded jobs for £150 will effectively be top grade Newbery, so will be just as good. Never thought I'd say it, but stay away from the Salix in your situation.
I have dealt with Asad before and bought a Newbery from them, hence, I don't want to buy a Newbery again.
But aren't Salix famous for there performance?
Really? Vicky has been very effecient in my case and usually depots within 24 hours
-
Sorry CD mate, I understand now. Bit tricky that then. Good luck though
Thanks I know how painful it is to live in Canadawith everything being in UK, Aus, Asia etc
-
I have dealt with Asad before and bought a Newbery from them, hence, I don't want to buy a Newbery again.
But aren't Salix famous for there performance?
Really? Vicky has been very effecient in my case and usually depots within 24 hours
Salix are good mate, probably as good as anyone, but it isn't true to say they are clearly better than anyone else. Tell us more about your Newbery, as they have an equally good reputation.
The more we speak the more I think you should look at a H4L or something similar. You can have a bat made to your specs, so you know what you are getting will be right for you.
-
Here is a review of my Newbery;
http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=6018.0
Honestly the finishing on my Newbery is second to none and I am truly impressed with Newbery's work.
I will be looking at those options, however, I am not too fussed about custom made bats. I pretty much got a bat in summer by MB Malik which was made to my specs (as far handle, grains etc) were concerned whereas the profile/shape was according to Shahid Afridi's bats and so far I am really liking that shape. Here is the mb I am talking about
http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=7304.0
-
I guess the question is what's wrong with the Salix - as if it is faultless its a bargain.
It's hard to know or guess with Salix not usually setting a recommended price. For example someone could pick up a very cheap storm damaged bat and sell it on.
They'd be best of grading the defect into tiers and sticking that on the bat.
-
I guess the question is what's wrong with the Salix - as if it is faultless its a bargain.
It's hard to know or guess with Salix not usually setting a recommended price. For example someone could pick up a very cheap storm damaged bat and sell it on.
They'd be best of grading the defect into tiers and sticking that on the bat.
Annoyingly, they half do that. Rougues can be bought from factory for as little as £50, but you know it will be a shocker at that price. They go up in bands all the way to £200 I think. What they don't do is specify on their labelling which grade of Rogue it is, which would help alot.
-
Annoyingly, they half do that. Rougues can be bought from factory for as little as £50, but you know it will be a shocker at that price. They go up in bands all the way to £200 I think. What they don't do is specify on their labelling which grade of Rogue it is, which would help alot.
They do mate. The link I posted says 'Grade One'
-
They do mate. The link I posted says 'Grade One'
Yeh, but you don't then see 'G2' 'G3' on lower Rogue models. I wonder if the G1 label in that case actually signifies that originally the bat was destined to be a Salix G1, not a Rogue at all.
You know, it could be something really stupid like someone put the wrong label on at the end of a long day. Rogue labels look very similar to other models, it is possible. It would explain the lack of notification as to the flaw from Salix too. In which case you really do have a bargain there. But these are all ifs and buts.
-
Yeh, but you don't then see 'G2' 'G3' on lower Rogue models. I wonder if the G1 label in that case actually signifies that originally the bat was destined to be a Salix G1, not a Rogue at all.
You know, it could be something really stupid like someone put the wrong label on at the end of a long day. Rogue labels look very similar to other models, it is possible. It would explain the lack of notification as to the flaw from Salix too. In which case you really do have a bargain there. But these are all ifs and buts.
I don't think Salix make G2 or even G3 bats. the performance which is lower range is also Grade 1 but not a good looking one as Grade One model.
I am not too sure if Salix makes G2 or G3 bats seperately for Rogue model.
-
I don't think Salix make G2 or even G3 bats. the performance which is lower range is also Grade 1 but not a good looking one as Grade One model.
I am not too sure if Salix makes G2 or G3 bats seperately for Rogue model.
Ah, this proves my point perfectly, we've got our wires crossed.
Let us assume for the rest of this that all willow destined for Salix bats is G1.
Now, when for whatever reason, a bat is identified as one destined to be a Rogue, Salix operate a Rogue specific grading system dependant on the seriousness of the flaw that is found. The 'G1' Rogues might have a minor visual imperfection, tiny dent etc, and are near full price, all the way down to 'G5' (I think) which will be something with a major structural or performance or longevity issue, which can be had for £50. So a 'G5' Rogue would have started life as a G1 cleft when originally graded before manufacture began.
Yeh, it is terribly complicated.
-
Ah, this proves my point perfectly, we've got our wires crossed.
Let us assume for the rest of this that all willow destined for Salix bats is G1.
Now, when for whatever reason, a bat is identified as one destined to be a Rogue, Salix operate a Rogue specific grading system dependant on the seriousness of the flaw that is found. The 'G1' Rogues might have a minor visual imperfection, tiny dent etc, and are near full price, all the way down to 'G5' (I think) which will be something with a major structural or performance or longevity issue, which can be had for £50. So a 'G5' Rogue would have started life as a G1 cleft when originally graded before manufacture began.
Yeh, it is terribly complicated.
Yes, you are kinda correct.
but I don't think when they grade Rogue the grading system changes. I mean have a look at the following bat;
http://uzisports.com/product_info.php?cPath=30_195&products_id=697
This bat was always a performance stick and so due to imperfection it went to rogue bin where the grade remained the same but the price depends on the damage. Basically the cheaper a rogue bigger damage it will have and vice versa.
Very complicated.
-
Salix do manufacture Grade Two bats, usually sold in their Fera model or Performance models, however the quality of the willow sold in these bats is usually that of top end mass producers.....
Usually, the Rogue model will only have issues with apperance or Pressing cracks, though neither is a bad thing.
-
Salix do manufacture Grade Two bats, usually sold in their Fera model or Performance models, however the quality of the willow sold in these bats is usually that of top end mass producers.....
Usually, the Rogue model will only have issues with apperance or Pressing cracks, though neither is a bad thing.
Honestly there are some manufacturer who sell bats similar to rogues in terms of appearence and they are there top of the line bats.
As far pressing cracks are concerned I would be very picky and fussed on them but seem like in this case they aren't there.
-
Yeah I've got the PDF somewhere, it doesn't shed much light.
-
Salix do manufacture Grade Two bats, usually sold in their Fera model or Performance models, however the quality of the willow sold in these bats is usually that of top end mass producers.....
Usually, the Rogue model will only have issues with apperance or Pressing cracks, though neither is a bad thing.
Well the Fera is available in Grade One and Performance, but the rest of what you say is correct. 'Performance' is their in house name for G2.
God, I'm confusing myself.
-
Not necessarily, however I would be surprised if Andrew would let a clean bat that was a dog performance wise, out of the factory. Reputation and all that.
-
cover_drive. I have pm'd you previously about blue room. It is worth waking up and calling him directly with your credit card details if you don't want to email for security reasons. All cards are protected with insurance from the card provider from fraud. If anything happens you will be reimbursed. Remember Rob is puma's goto man so I think he is more than legit. Reviews from wisden and AOC both list rob's pumas in there top 10 bats of 2010, I think wisden has got it at number 1. So if you ask me about buying a bat blind then the reviews and the fact that you are dealing with the maker directly is more than a good argument to get blueroom.
-
Hi Lazza,
Yes, I am fully aware of your PM but the problem is that Robert Pack doesn't accept paypal whereas he accepts payment over credit card or bank transfer. I am a student and I don't have a credit card. I am 200% that I will not be scammed but I don't have a credit card from which I can pay Robert.
I fully understand what you are saying and I appreciate your comments as they were very helpful and sincere.
Thanks
-
AAAAH, o.k now I see the dilemma. What a shame. Can you get a visa or mastercard debit card, in australia you can get travel debit cards with a prepayed amount on it and use it as if it were a credit card. Check with your bank.
-
AAAAH, o.k now I see the dilemma. What a shame. Can you get a visa or mastercard debit card, in australia you can get travel debit cards with a prepayed amount on it and use it as if it were a credit card. Check with your bank.
I have two banks debit cards. No I don't think that we have debit credit card as you are referring but it is worth giving bank a shout.
Seriously these sort of things are really frustrating >:(
-
YOu can get those pre-pay cards in the UK as well. I'm sure that there must be something available in CAnada - this site certainly thinks so: http://dan.matan.ca/Canadian-Prepaid-Mastercard-Visa-Card-Reviews-Information (http://dan.matan.ca/Canadian-Prepaid-Mastercard-Visa-Card-Reviews-Information)
-
Is there not a trusty forum member you could send the money to who could pay rob for you...
-
cibc is now offering a visa-chequing card - simillar to what the posters are saying above CD. it takes five minutes to switch your regular chequing card over - and you can use it everywhere (online shopping) as a visa card. will come in handy.
-
Does it use interest?
-
I don't think we have interest in the Uk anymore, or at least it feels that way when I look at my savings account.
-
Does it use interest?
no - its like using your normal chequing account, except you will be able to use it as a visa card. Obviously you need to have the funds in your chequing account to be able to purchase - its not like a regular visa card in which your extended credit and have to repay with interest.
This card gives the conveniance of a Visa - linked to your checking. Makes my life alot easier when i travel - as i have access to my chequing account everywhere Visa is accepted.
-
I had emailed Vicky the bat pictures and here is what I got in reply;
Dear Uzair,
It is impossible to comment on the bat without seeing the actual bat, but it was downgraded for a reason. Asad bought these as such and we explained at the time, so really you must take all advice from him.
Kind regards,
Vicky
-
I had emailed Vicky the bat pictures and here is what I got in reply;
Dear Uzair,
It is impossible to comment on the bat without seeing the actual bat, but it was downgraded for a reason. Asad bought these as such and we explained at the time, so really you must take all advice from him.
Kind regards,
Vicky
There you go. Something somewhere doesn't add up.
-
Well yeah that is what I have been thinking since I got this mail.
But the question where is something wrong? Asad doesn't know nor the small catalogue which explains the damage is stating this.
-
Why don't you go for something from a smaller brand for a similar price that could be made for your specs..? Probably safer for you..!
-
Well yeah that is what I have been thinking since I got this mail.
But the question where is something wrong? Asad doesn't know nor the small catalogue which explains the damage is stating this.
Mate I'm not going into this again as we've gone in circles in this thread, but if I was in your position, I would look at a different bat. Uzi has some lovely non Rogue Salixs at good prices, which you don't have to have doubts about. I know the Rogue in question is a looker. Plenty of other choices available.
-
I have seen Non Rogue Salix at Uzi but they are tad expensive and pop out of my budget. I will be making a final decision very soon and will keep everyone posted.
Thanks for your help jon and everyone else, I really appreciate it
-
I have seen Non Rogue Salix at Uzi but they are tad expensive and pop out of my budget. I will be making a final decision very soon and will keep everyone posted.
Thanks for your help jon and everyone else, I really appreciate it
As Johan says then, you can get a bat made by someone else that will not be a factory second, for the same price.
Question is, how much are the Salix stickers worth :)
Let us know how you get on, and if you have any more questions you know where we are. I'd personally take up the H4L offer, £150 for a bat made for you. Unbeatable really. Or PM Peplow on here, he has one or two crackers for sale.
-
I am sure you can use some money transfer service like Western Union OR XOOM.com etc.. to transfer money from Canada to UK.
-
I am in a dilemma, i have my newbery mjolnir c6, my gt cadbury, millichamp s6 (retro stickered) and my ashraful bat, however i am so tempted by a distinction but cant offerd to have all five. Considering letting one or potentially more go but dont know which or if i can bear parting! Help!! haha
-
I have the same thing got that 14 grain h4l off mike and the d&m brought for mates who are pissing me about may have to get rid of as little light for me good luck with your decision CD
-
I am in a dilemma, i have my newbery mjolnir c6, my gt cadbury, millichamp s6 (retro stickered) and my ashraful bat, however i am so tempted by a distinction but cant offerd to have all five. Considering letting one or potentially more go but dont know which or if i can bear parting! Help!! haha
Easy, buy the distinction and give it to me
-
Haha i will give it you in return for £260 :D!
Keeping the c6 for sure,
pro's and cons of other bats! like gt middle stupidly high for brizzle! goose seemingly too good to let go! and would i rather have s6 or distinction?!
-
I am in a dilemma, i have my newbery mjolnir c6, my gt cadbury, millichamp s6 (retro stickered) and my ashraful bat, however i am so tempted by a distinction but cant offerd to have all five. Considering letting one or potentially more go but dont know which or if i can bear parting! Help!! haha
I'm sure I could take the gt off your hands ;)
-
All the pics I've seen of it seem to show it's a fricking gun! You'd get a beaut I'm sure!
-
Newbery c6 is staying but the rest will probably be going (or as many as i need to go! - watch this space!
-
Gonna be offloading the gt and the s6 as new footie boots (as and when i can play again!) and xmas presents are needing to be bought, and i odnt get paid again til new year almost!! will get a topic up and going with them in :)
also hoping to shift my leather adizero footie boots as well as some pumas for very very good prices :D
sorry for shameful plugs!
back on topic - decided on anything cover_drive?
-
Gonna be offloading the gt and the s6 as new footie boots (as and when i can play again!) and xmas presents are needing to be bought, and i odnt get paid again til new year almost!! will get a topic up and going with them in :)
also hoping to shift my leather adizero footie boots as well as some pumas for very very good prices :D
sorry for shameful plugs!
back on topic - decided on anything cover_drive?
Sam do you exist only by night these days?
-
yeah working 9-6 these days most days then am always busy after work :( odd day off though! thank god!
-
I thought I would update you guys. So at the end I have opted for Salix bat 4 on UziSports.
The bat is on the way to peplows place for knocking.
Asad as usual was a great person to deal with but this time his service was beyond my expectations and perfection. For the treatment i got this time I can rate him 10/10 as this is not justified, in fact, a 20 out of 10 would be a lot better. Thanks a ton Asad Bhai!
Will hopefully get the bat on Friday so will post the review.
Thank you to everyone for there inputs, i really appreciate it!
-
I thought I would update you guys, I recieved the bats 30 minutes ago and it is fabulous stick.
I have looked every corner and still can't find the defect....:20:
Watch out for a full detail review in Uzi Section
-
Come via Sam I take it? So ready to go? What are its specs, if you can't see the fault you might have got a real real beauty!
-
Unfortunately no. Time was really really limited and we didn't want to risk it. Sam was paid in advance and that funds were asked to stay in Sam's bank account as I had wasted his time so it was compensation for him.
So I'll have to start knocking it soon!
Really can't find any defect expect small blemishes near the inside edge and s black mark/scar on the back which I don't think is seriously at all!
Uhmm shape is Pod 1's, 2.10, oval handle has a great pickup etc. Finishing is the best and I would say slighty better than Newbery
-
Here is review of my bat;
http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=8874.msg138173#msg138173
Mods can lock this topic
Thanks