Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: CricketisLife on January 09, 2011, 10:09:49 PM
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Guys,
I have been thinking hard on the bat to buy this year as I am now a regular opener. I have one of Mike's beauties, cricket bat that is before you all go off on a tangent, the Distinction from M&H. I used to have the Retro but the new Amplus looks like Mike's bat.
Given that I need to buy one soon, any suggestions from anyone who can help me chose a bat ?
Mr. Hosk, given that you are a bat collector and hard hitter, i am sure you would have a couple but looking for some options here...
thanks guys...
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Mate the best is to go to a shop and select a few based on the pick and then tap them up to see which is the one for you.
Remember as a opener the most important is the pick-up and feel.
Also the middle position on the bat would depend on the kind of wickets you play on....
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stop
the best weight is what you feel comfortable with facing opening bowlers
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Just to clarify, do you have a Distinction and one from Mike, or is that the same bat?
Do you like that bat(s)? If so, what do you like about it (them)
What would you improve upon?
What kind of pitches do you play on? What is your playing style?
There are a world of top notch bats available for you, and thankfully a motly crue here who know one or two things about them :)
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@ jonpinson - they are different bats mate. Distinction I use when there is no bounce and it comes of the middle of the bat as the middle is quite low on that one. The one which Mike gave has a higher middle which I use to tracks that give good bounce but the bottom is almost good as dead as there isnt much to drive and I got caught in the covers many times.
Playing style - I love to cut through covers and point, go above the cover fielders, basically very attacking and love to punch down the ground straight..
Pitches - I play Thames Valley Division 4 (we lost at 3 last year) so the pitches are normally ok.
The very fact I messaged here was as there are so many experts here I would have to have a few more than 1 lifetime to learn the tricks of the trade...
@ procricket - I got done by that theory mate, as the oppo sussed me out and used to get the spinners to open the bowling after I hit them all over the park the last time.. :-(
@ yvk3103 - I havent found any shop that gives me the full range of bats to look for mate..any suggestions ?
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So mate you change your bat depending on the bowling????
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@ procricket - not really mate. I haven't tried that but my theory is that the pitch determines the bat. Even with the spinner you get the ball to bounce you need to have a bat that gives you the ability to play with the bounce..unless I am wrong...
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Ok mate, so are you looking for the low or high bounce tracks?
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something that does both ?? or is it too much to ask ? I would like the profile of Amplus and Distinction put together :-(
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you play TV4? - I played that for Marlow for many years - which club do you play for?
I can probably tell you the best bat as I've played on most of the tracks :-)
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@ uknsaunders - I play for Theale and Tilehurst Cricket Club mate...near Reading. whats your best bat mate ?
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something that does both ?? or is it too much to ask ? I would like the profile of Amplus and Distinction put together :-(
Then my advice to you would be to get in touch with some of the makers on here. They all make good bats, can't really go wrong. They'll be able to advise you as to what will do the job, and then make it for you.
We could sit here and throw bat types at you, but unless you can actually get to feel them its pretty useless.
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You want a cross between an amplus and a distinction....... You must be referring to the M&H railway sleeper
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If you do however found that combo please can you let me know as I was after a bat that performs like a retro/distinction but picks up like the harlequin and am yet to find it
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assuming you have been relegated downwards you'll have in 4b:-
FINCHAMPSTEAD 3 EVERSLEY 2 HURST READING 3 ODIHAM & GREYWELL COVE 3 OMT Bracknell
OK - High Bouncing - Finch, Reading 3 - both lovely decks
Low Bouncing - Bracknell, OMT, Hurst
Don't know much about - Eversley, Odiham (played at both 20 years ago) or Cove 3 (played on main ground and that's low)
I don't know your ground but remember 50% of your matches are there.
Give me a few minutes and I'll have a think about bat types.
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@ Canners1983 - thanks bud....;-) maybe a potential gap in the market we have uncovered here ;-)
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I would recommend that you go for a M&H Distinction. It will suit you very well. Also with the new shape the middle is longer - Mid to Low and has a very good pick-up
GN Quantum could be an option as well
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SAF do something similar with there offset edge design I believe
YASH I think the new distinction may well be my next bat.....
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You want a cross between an amplus and a distinction....... You must be referring to the M&H railway sleeper
Weighs 3-1 tho
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Although does the distinction come in weights of 2.8?
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M&h harlequin? original?
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@ Canners1983 - Yep.. I got it done for me last year from them and Nick was kind enough to do one for me as I get a lot of stuff from him
@ Liam -SCCC - Yes mate its the original one.
All - there is a new shape for distinction ?? Never knew that...
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go for a normal position middle. Never used a low middle until I played 3's in TV7, but a fair number of the Marlow guys get joy from using Kooks and B&S. Small edges, long middle positioned aorund the centre of the bat would give you the best allround performance.
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I'd like to point out any Newbery
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go for a normal position middle. Never used a low middle until I played 3's in TV7, but a fair number of the Marlow guys get joy from using Kooks and B&S. Small edges, long middle positioned aorund the centre of the bat would give you the best allround performance.
go and see Malik in Slough - he supplies most of the thames valley league!
other guy is Hawkinsport - Bourne End/High Wycombe.
Both will probably be able to make some suggestions.
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I'd like to point out any Newbery
I have the Newbury Cadbury from Mike, my first ever newbury and I love it....just want some wood at the bottom...any recommendations ? Does anyone have a Newbury for Pros ?
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GN Xiphos , GM Hero, Kook Kahuna might all do a good job. I used Magnum, V100, GN Millenium, Dukes Pro-Century, Woodworm in my years at Marlow.
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I'm guessing you've already spoke to M&h regarding this dilemma would love to hear what their thoughts were......
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Not yet mate..I will be calling them tomorrow but wanted all of your expert suggestions first..
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I would've said a Thruxton or Krakatoa would be good. Gunn and Moore Flare/Icon would also be something to consider.
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I love the GM Flare shape, the bat I am using this season (and used last season) is very similar. I actually had a GM Flare 808 Plus at around 2lb 12oz and it was a lovely bat. Not a bad bat at all.
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@CricketisLife - Play style, or have I missed that?
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@CricketisLife - Play style, or have I missed that?
Mate, its Sunny here....attacking opener mate...love my shots, esp the drives towards covers and above the bowler....
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But also cuts?
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But also cuts?
yep....
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Mate, its Sunny here....attacking opener mate...love my shots, esp the drives towards covers and above the bowler....
Ahhh Sunny, stick with the GT shape or similar mate, did it not serve you well?
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Ahhh Sunny, stick with the GT shape or similar mate, did it not serve you well?
Mate it was amazing...just that the bottom was dead as there wasnt much wood there...so I kept getting out when I used to drive at cover as the ball wouldnt get much elevation..I did knock the bat properly...but maybe I should have done it a lot more...
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Screaming Cat series 3 with a slight bow
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So you think its the bat that getting you out? To me its either your execution of the shot or shot selection. If you keep getting out in the same way it should really ring some alarm bells
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So you think its the bat that getting you out? To me its either your execution of the shot or shot selection. If you keep getting out in the same way it should really ring some alarm bells
Possible mate....although the same shot with my Distinction at the same ground got me a few boundaries the next time I played there....and yes I need to start looking into the shots I play with the bats too...
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Call me boring but keeping it on the floor could help ;)
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Screaming Cat series 3 with a slight bow
Do you get these in the UK mate or do I have to order them from Au ?
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I suppose a batmaker on here may be able to replicate it
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I have the australian evo and the middle on that is placed perfectly for both types of decks in my opinion.
Having a look around and it seems that the quantum has the exact shape, worth a look.
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I considered the SCAT series 3 couldn't warrant the price tag tho
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A factor that may have affect is how quickly you pick the ball up, if you pick it up earlier you're probably more likely to middle it, if not then it will hit higher up the blade I guess.....
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Guys,
Guess what... I got a quote from Julain Millichamp (Screaming Cat) for a Series 3 bat for £430 including shipping, extra grip and bat cover...
Worth it ??
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If you can afford it, and you want to I can't see why not. You could save yourself £230 and get one from a batmaker here.
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If you can afford it, and you want to I can't see why not. You could save yourself £230 and get one from a batmaker here.
True mate....I know a few bat makers here who can do a better job too...
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Get 2 ;)
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I doubt you will find many who make a better bat than mr millichamp mate
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Guys,
Guess what... I got a quote from Julain Millichamp (Screaming Cat) for a Series 3 bat for £430 including shipping, extra grip and bat cover...
Worth it ??
In all honesty? No
The high price is at least in part due to the bad exchange rate at the moment. Spending £430 on one of those won't get a bat twice as good as one that costs £215. They are a premium brand, but their prices are artificially high.
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Jon have you used a screaming cat before?
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It's fair to say that it's a piece of shaped willow. You can get a similarly shaped piece of willow locally for a lot less. The natural resource is not going to be any different, although the pressing will be, but I'd suggest that in a blind test, side by side with an M&H, SCAT, SAF, H4L, etc, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference!
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I have to agree - the fact is that with the exchange rates as they are, buying a Screaming Cat or a Laver and Wood really is going to be expensive - they will be enjoing increased margins as well as they will be able to get the willow comparatively cheaper due to the fall in value of the pound, even given increased willow prices.
For £400 you could get a Redback and a SAF (for example) - or a Hawk and a blank bat off Asad. If it was me personally, I would use the cash to fund a visit to a batmaker and have one made in front of me - discussing the style of play, the different clefts and weights in person.
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I had a screaming cat proffesional grade and it was a special bat if you buy one just make sure you like oversized oval handles or ask him for a different one as that's the only reason I sold it but Tom seems to love it
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I had a screaming cat proffesional grade and it was a special bat if you buy one just make sure you like oversized oval handles or ask him for a different one as that's the only reason I sold it but Tom seems to love it
I'd say the same of my M&H though. When I time it right, I've been very surprised how hard it has come off the bat (and so were the other guys in the nets!).
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Yeah I nearly wept when I sold it but I am really fussy when it comes to the handle/grip set up I spent 1/2 hour at robs just changing grips around from octopus chevron spiral snake till it felt right but glad Tom is getting some serious use out of it plus I got a great deal off him for it so I can't complain ;)
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Jon have you used a screaming cat before?
Yes.
Your point?
I was lucky enough to have a net with one. Yes it was very nice but it offered nothing over my best bats most if which cost under half the price.
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jus wondered thats all...... you seemed to dismiss them very quickly
at present with the exchange rate they are extremely expensive , but i have only heard marvelous reviews of them and the one or 2 i have seen looked very good bats with lots of wood in them for the weight......
what would you say the best bat you've used out of interest?
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jus wondered thats all...... you seemed to dismiss them very quickly
at present with the exchange rate they are extremely expensive , but i have only heard marvelous reviews of them and the one or 2 i have seen looked very good bats with lots of wood in them for the weight......
what would you say the best bat you've used out of interest?
I don't think I have dismissed them. The OP asked if they were worth it, and I honestly don't believe they are at the moment. We are taught to believe cost = performance, so people hold them with an esteem that somehow they must be better. Frankly anyone who orders one with the price in mind, expecting it to be some kind of wonder bat that ranks above all other makes is deluding themselves. I guarantee you if they cost £200 people wouldn't speak so highly of them. I have no issue with Screaming Cat, Mr Millichamp has a long held reputation for making fantastic bats. If the OP can afford it and wants one, he should go for it. He will get a good bat which will serve him well. However he asked for opinions and I gave mine.
Edit: How do you define 'best'? I have used bats that benefit my technique more, and some less. The simple truth is a bat will only be good for you if you can get on with it. They can only be so good. We are all guilty of thinking too much about it. Truth is any established batmaker has the ability to make as good a bat as the next one.
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I think a bit of male pride also takes account for the glowing reviews - if someone forks out £400 for bat, likelihood is that they will themselves it's a brilliant bat even if it is no different to any other they have had. Whether people like to admit it or not, psychology has a massive effect on the bats perceived performance. Almost more important than this, is the fact that psychology has more of an impact on your game than any bat will ever have. I expect people to strongly disagree with this fact, but pro's will score runs with any bat - therefore, we can assume that the bat is just an insrument used to demonstrate both their physical and mental ability........we probably make a bigger deal about bats as we are either unable to understand our own flaws/weaknesses and an easy way to locate these is simply through the tools we use........blimey, off on a tangent here!
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I think a bit of male pride also takes account for the glowing reviews - if someone forks out £400 for bat, likelihood is that they will themselves it's a brilliant bat even if it is no different to any other they have had. Whether people like to admit it or not, psychology has a massive effect on the bats perceived performance. Almost more important than this, is the fact that psychology has more of an impact on your game than any bat will ever have. I expect people to strongly disagree with this fact, but pro's will score runs with any bat - therefore, we can assume that the bat is just an insrument used to demonstrate both their physical and mental ability........we probably make a bigger deal about bats as we are either unable to understand our own flaws/weaknesses and an easy way to locate these is simply through the tools we use........blimey, off on a tangent here!
The difference between you and I is you had the balls to say that :D
It's the same reason why even the lowest level village green cricketers amongst us want a (for example) GM Original LE rather than a 606. In reality you're going to play the same shots and score the same runs with either.
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No testicular fortitude here, just a bitter person without £400+ to splash on a laver who's convinicing himself that any old bat will do :D
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No testicular fortitude here, just a bitter person without £400+ to splash on a laver who's convinicing himself that any old bat will do :D
Same boat, despite what I've said in this thread.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could all be happy with an entry level £50 bat that remained fashionable and never broke.
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The difference between you and I is you had the balls to say that :D
Failing that or the bat would appear in the for sale/swap with the commentary - "I've got too many bats so want to off load one" or " I just don't get on with it - it is the wrong weight for me, but it is a super light cleft with Pro ping" - I better stop my synical ranting...
Returning to the question... which is who makes the best 2lbs 8oz bat? - well we may be able to rule out Solitaire (not wanting to cast aspersions, obviously) the Laver and the Screaming are a bit too expensive thanks to the exchange rate (and the fact it is postage is expensive)
so what are we left with?
I think that Gunn and Moore make a pretty decent bats at that weight - the Asian bats tend to come in around the 2lbs9/10 mark at their best. The GN oblivion is very pretty and popular and the £150 5 star version I consider to be decent value. Different people will vouch for different forum "brands". SAF's are quite good I hear ;)
I have seen a few nice Newbery's at that weight and given that Newbery won Talisman's bat world cup on here (what ever did happen to him - oh that is another topic) that would probably be a banker.
So we are left with returning to a comment made by "Our Graham" in the mid 1990's when asked by Cilla who do you want 1, 2 or 3... the choice is yours...
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Cynical ranting is the priviledge of the elderly Buzz, think of it as hard earned trait :D (Just kidding!)
Never paid more than £150 for a bat and now knowing costs involved i'm begrudged to pay over £100. Just think, rather than spend £400 a year on bats, spend it on coaching and you'll be far better off!
Graham, i think i'll take choice number 3, the kashmiri suprise.........
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Failing that or the bat would appear in the for sale/swap with the commentary - "I've got too many bats so want to off load one" or " I just don't get on with it - it is the wrong weight for me, but it is a super light cleft with Pro ping" - I better stop my synical ranting...
Returning to the question... which is who makes the best 2lbs 8oz bat? - well we may be able to rule out Solitaire (not wanting to cast aspersions, obviously) the Laver and the Screaming are a bit too expensive thanks to the exchange rate (and the fact it is postage is expensive)
so what are we left with?
I think that Gunn and Moore make a pretty decent bats at that weight - the Asian bats tend to come in around the 2lbs9/10 mark at their best. The GN oblivion is very pretty and popular and the £150 5 star version I consider to be decent value. Different people will vouch for different forum "brands". SAF's are quite good I hear ;)
I have seen a few nice Newbery's at that weight and given that Newbery won Talisman's bat world cup on here (what ever did happen to him - oh that is another topic) that would probably be a banker.
So we are left with returning to a comment made by "Our Graham" in the mid 1990's when asked by Cilla who do you want 1, 2 or 3... the choice is yours...
Did the world cup actually finish or has it drifted away? I remember seeing the final still running long after it was supposed to have stopped...I digress.
I maintain the best thing the OP can do is email a few batmakers on here. Discuss what he needs and make a decision on which to go for based on that. You will end up with a bat made to suit you, rather than a bat you think will do the job.
Oh and thumbs up to Buzz for doing the cynial mod thing. Funny. The rest of us would be banned :D
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Guys,
I have been thinking hard on the bat to buy this year as I am now a regular opener. I have one of Mike's beauties, cricket bat that is before you all go off on a tangent, the Distinction from M&H. I used to have the Retro but the new Amplus looks like Mike's bat.
Given that I need to buy one soon, any suggestions from anyone who can help me chose a bat ?
Mr. Hosk, given that you are a bat collector and hard hitter, i am sure you would have a couple but looking for some options here...
thanks guys...
Go to your local shop & buy the one that:
A: Your favorite pro player uses
and/or
B: Has the nicest stickers (preferably shiny)
I wish I could go back to those days of innocent bliss, when I knew nothing of grades, ping, moisture level, density, concaving & the 50p on the edge :)
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spend it on coaching and you'll be far better off!
Graham, i think i'll take choice number 3, the kashmiri suprise.........
charging for coaching - I should do that!
I chose for number 2 - An oxforshire beauty
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I don't think I have dismissed them. The OP asked if they were worth it, and I honestly don't believe they are at the moment. We are taught to believe cost = performance, so people hold them with an esteem that somehow they must be better. Frankly anyone who orders one with the price in mind, expecting it to be some kind of wonder bat that ranks above all other makes is deluding themselves. I guarantee you if they cost £200 people wouldn't speak so highly of them. I have no issue with Screaming Cat, Mr Millichamp has a long held reputation for making fantastic bats. If the OP can afford it and wants one, he should go for it. He will get a good bat which will serve him well. However he asked for opinions and I gave mine.
I agree that you can probably get just as good a bat for £200 as it seems alot of bats are sourced from the same place/ made using J.S Wright clefts
however if you wholeheartedly believe this why on earth would you consider buying a Gray Nicolls Legend or even bother enquiring about a Laver and Wood.....
I guess its a case of ' We are taught to believe cost = performance, so people hold them with an esteem that somehow they must be better. Frankly anyone who orders one with the price in mind, expecting it to be some kind of wonder bat that ranks above all other makes is deluding themselves.'
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Guys, thanks a lot for all your feedback...
One thing from my side would be that the £430 includes shipping...
Anyway I need to read through all the posts and make a quick snapshot of all the comments that would help me decide....
Also I am off to India on holiday in February so I might have a look at a few there...any bats I need to look out for ?
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I agree that you can probably get just as good a bat for £200 as it seems alot of bats are sourced from the same place/ made using J.S Wright clefts
however if you wholeheartedly believe this why on earth would you consider buying a Gray Nicolls Legend or even bother enquiring about a Laver and Wood.....
I guess its a case of ' We are taught to believe cost = performance, so people hold them with an esteem that somehow they must be better. Frankly anyone who orders one with the price in mind, expecting it to be some kind of wonder bat that ranks above all other makes is deluding themselves.'
Because the joy of living is I can spend my money on whatever I choose without being answerable to anyone :)
Whichever interests I have at any point in my life, I like to have the best gear. A few years ago I decided to learn guitar. Rather than go and buy a piece of (No Swearing Please) £50 starter kit, I comissioned a group of artisans in Moscow to build me a unique one. It cost as much as a new small car. Do I play guitar any better for it? I doubt it. Absolutely not the point of it though.
I have been known to spend £50 on a packet of a certain type of leaf tea, because it is considered exceptional. Looks the same as pg tips when I piss it out in the toilet.
I don't drink much whisky, but I have a small collection of 50 or so single malts, which will last many many years before they run out. Why? Because I find the subtle differences interesting. And because I can.
I will buy a Legend, or a L&W or maybe even a SC when the right one comes along. Will I expect them to be perform better than other bats? No. Will they make me a better player? Unlikely. Will I take an immense amount of pleasure from knowing I have the best, the pinnacle? Absolutely.
Logic and sense do not come into it. I know these follies are not worth their premium if you rate them so calculatingly on 'performance', but it is so very much more than that. You may not understand it, which is fine. I owe you no justification.
A Laver or a SC or a Legend are not worth their cost if you are buying because you think their premium will equate to an inflated level of performance. That is the point I was making to the OP, who with respect to him seemed to have found the most expensive bat he could and fallen for the myth that it must be the best...
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Because the joy of living is I can spend my money on whatever I choose without being answerable to anyone :)
Whichever interests I have at any point in my life, I like to have the best gear. A few years ago I decided to learn guitar. Rather than go and buy a piece of (No Swearing Please) £50 starter kit, I comissioned a group of artisans in Moscow to build me a unique one. It cost as much as a new small car. Do I play guitar any better for it? I doubt it. Absolutely not the point of it though.
I have been known to spend £50 on a packet of a certain type of leaf tea, because it is considered exceptional. Looks the same as pg tips when I piss it out in the toilet.
I don't drink much whisky, but I have a small collection of 50 or so single malts, which will last many many years before they run out. Why? Because I find the subtle differences interesting. And because I can.
I will buy a Legend, or a L&W or maybe even a SC when the right one comes along. Will I expect them to be perform better than other bats? No. Will they make me a better player? Unlikely. Will I take an immense amount of pleasure from knowing I have the best, the pinnacle? Absolutely.
Logic and sense do not come into it. I know these follies are not worth their premium if you rate them so calculatingly on 'performance', but it is so very much more than that. You may not understand it, which is fine. I owe you no justification.
A Laver or a SC or a Legend are not worth their cost if you are buying because you think their premium will equate to an inflated level of performance. That is the point I was making to the OP, who with respect to him seemed to have found the most expensive bat he could and fallen for the myth that it must be the best...
Think this hits the nail on the head Jon! If you can afford to have the 'best'/priciest, you might as well!
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agree Jon
thats why i only buy the best for myself in everything cricket
I buy load but only keep the best
I earn the money and spend it my way and same goes for my kids
So my advice is buy what you can afford and enjoy it no point in buying 2nd best because you spend more money in time correcting it
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Because the joy of living is I can spend my money on whatever I choose without being answerable to anyone :)
Whichever interests I have at any point in my life, I like to have the best gear. A few years ago I decided to learn guitar. Rather than go and buy a piece of (No Swearing Please) £50 starter kit, I comissioned a group of artisans in Moscow to build me a unique one. It cost as much as a new small car. Do I play guitar any better for it? I doubt it. Absolutely not the point of it though.
I have been known to spend £50 on a packet of a certain type of leaf tea, because it is considered exceptional. Looks the same as pg tips when I piss it out in the toilet.
I don't drink much whisky, but I have a small collection of 50 or so single malts, which will last many many years before they run out. Why? Because I find the subtle differences interesting. And because I can.
I will buy a Legend, or a L&W or maybe even a SC when the right one comes along. Will I expect them to be perform better than other bats? No. Will they make me a better player? Unlikely. Will I take an immense amount of pleasure from knowing I have the best, the pinnacle? Absolutely.
Logic and sense do not come into it. I know these follies are not worth their premium if you rate them so calculatingly on 'performance', but it is so very much more than that. You may not understand it, which is fine. I owe you no justification.
A Laver or a SC or a Legend are not worth their cost if you are buying because you think their premium will equate to an inflated level of performance. That is the point I was making to the OP, who with respect to him seemed to have found the most expensive bat he could and fallen for the myth that it must be the best...
This has got to be up there in the top 5 forum rants........love it!
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jonpinson and buzz, the forums residential ranters, keep it up chaps :D
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Well you can have a chapter 2 then. The example I forgot:
I took a gap year between school and university. I got a minimum wage job for the year and once I had saved up enough I bought an Omega Seamaster watch. Cost me a grand. Thats a lot of hours of minimum wage. A £10 swatch will likely be more accurate. I cannot begin to describe the immense sense of pride I feel every time I look at that watch and remember how it came about. God forbid, but that watch would be the very last thing I would sell if it was necessary to do so. One day that watch will given to my son on his 18th birthday, along with a stern description of the value of money and hard effort.
Like it or not gents, it is how I work.
I've said it before, most of us have a similar way, just not so extreme. Otherwise all of us village cricketers would be happy with £50 bats and pads from the 70s :)
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Good lad Jon
Not all of us are village cricketers tut tut
The truth is the work ethics are none existance in todays youth it a FAST LIFE culture and want it now...
Good story Jon and i bet you lad will be proud of the lessons you will teach him
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Well you can have a chapter 2 then. The example I forgot:
I took a gap year between school and university. I got a minimum wage job for the year and once I had saved up enough I bought an Omega Seamaster watch. Cost me a grand. Thats a lot of hours of minimum wage. A £10 swatch will likely be more accurate. I cannot begin to describe the immense sense of pride I feel every time I look at that watch and remember how it came about. God forbid, but that watch would be the very last thing I would sell if it was necessary to do so. One day that watch will given to my son on his 18th birthday, along with a stern description of the value of money and hard effort.
Like it or not gents, it is how I work.
I've said it before, most of us have a similar way, just not so extreme. Otherwise all of us village cricketers would be happy with £50 bats and pads from the 70s :)
I love this story - but surely you should give you son the swatch and then send him out to work and earn cash to buy his own watch - rather than just give him yours, as this would defeat the object?
If I didn't have a wife who has spent all my money on our house I would adopt a similar pholosophy on buying the best.
My story is similar - I took a gap year and spend the first 9 months teaching (including a certain AN Cook cricket) and then spent the money I earned on a 9 week tour of Africa which also brings me many great memories - although they pale into insignificance as to the pride I see when Ali scores a million runs against the Aussies!!!
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but this is rather off topic -
Guys, thanks a lot for all your feedback...
One thing from my side would be that the £430 includes shipping...
Anyway I need to read through all the posts and make a quick snapshot of all the comments that would help me decide....
Also I am off to India on holiday in February so I might have a look at a few there...any bats I need to look out for ?
on the topic of buying bats in india in Feb - humm a trip to india to check out cricket equipment - that is also worth saving up for!!
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but this is rather off topic -
on the topic of buying bats in india in Feb - humm a trip to india to check out cricket equipment - that is also worth saving up for!!
Really ? Can I actually get good bats in India too ? Any suggestions ?
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worth a look at SS whilst over in India, as they can make some quality bats.
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worth a look at SS whilst over in India, as they can make some quality bats.
Thanks mate...I hope they also talk in same scale for weights....I need a 2'8...so need to make sure they understand that...
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make sure they have something to weigh it, then watch whilst they do it.
Good luck though.
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work it out in grams too, they love grams i think!
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or just pick the bat up with a pair of gloves on and if you like it great, if not move to the next one!! Start with a light and a medium one and work out which one you prefer, remembering that it will get a bit heavier once you have oiled it and put a sciff sheet on (if that is something you do)
There is also BAS who make a decent bat and SG who make all the kookaburra bats as well as many small guys. Better not foget Puntu or Robinsons or Symonds or KG or Matrixx.
I mean this in a nice way - but I am kind of concerned that you say you are willing to pay over £150 for a bat but didn't know that bats were made in India... :o
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What's the quality of the handles like in these Indian made bats?
Or would you advise an Indian bat should be re handled?
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What's the quality of the handles like in these Indian made bats?
Or would you advise an Indian bat should be re handled?
Better than the usual handles in a Pakistani made bat.
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2.8 bat for an opener with a low middle.......
hmmmm i think this could be the bat for you!!!!!
http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=7260.0
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2.8 bat for an opener with a low middle.......
hmmmm i think this could be the bat for you!!!!!
[url]http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=7260.0[/url]
Mike I do like the look of this bat, I might need to have a feel when we meet up next.
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yeah mate no probs i may have to bring a duffle bag full of bats in true Pete Hosk style ;)
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yeah mate no probs i may have to bring a duffle bag full of bats in true Pete Hosk style ;)
That will only work if you can pull out of it a Flintoff bat, Strauss Bat, Afridi Bat, and some other beauty's
Otherwise you might be the Hosk apprentice working your way up to the big time bat collecting.
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Well you can have a chapter 2 then. The example I forgot:
I took a gap year between school and university. I got a minimum wage job for the year and once I had saved up enough I bought an Omega Seamaster watch. Cost me a grand. Thats a lot of hours of minimum wage. A £10 swatch will likely be more accurate. I cannot begin to describe the immense sense of pride I feel every time I look at that watch and remember how it came about. God forbid, but that watch would be the very last thing I would sell if it was necessary to do so. One day that watch will given to my son on his 18th birthday, along with a stern description of the value of money and hard effort.
Like it or not gents, it is how I work.
I've said it before, most of us have a similar way, just not so extreme. Otherwise all of us village cricketers would be happy with £50 bats and pads from the 70s :)
Anyone else thinking of the scene when you read Jon's (incredible) post?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kngBtoylIVM&feature=related
Jon...you don't have to deliver that speech in military uniform...but would be bloody amazing if you did
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Swear I've not clicked the link but s it Forrest Gump?
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Swear I've not clicked the link but s it Forrest Gump?
Nope it is not Forest Gump
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It's the famous Gold Watch speech from Pulp Fiction, where Christopher Walken talks about his watch and what his Dad went through to get it, and saying one say it will be his sons...priceless
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I thought it was quite apt anyway
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I'm sure that Jon didn't smuggle his cricket bat out of a prisoner of war camp up his jacksie though....
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It's the famous Gold Watch speech from Pulp Fiction, where Christopher Walken talks about his watch and what his Dad went through to get it, and saying one say it will be his sons...priceless
Now that's odd. I had the right scene, wrong film. But yeh that was what I was thinking.
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I'm sure that Jon didn't smuggle his cricket bat out of a prisoner of war camp up his jacksie though....
Given the circumstances dear boy...
Does this explain your affinity to LB bats? Haha
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Given the circumstances dear boy...
Does this explain your affinity to LB bats? Haha
LB, LH..... ;)
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2.8 bat for an opener with a low middle.......
hmmmm i think this could be the bat for you!!!!!
[url]http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=7260.0[/url]
Is this still available mate ?? looks great I have to say...
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Iv got a Mjolnir SPS that is 2.9 with a thick spiral grip that i cud part with for the right offer, some of our new profile samples are also 2.8 when finished inc stickers that would fit you spec's by the sounds of it.
http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=9022.15
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Is this still available mate ?? looks great I have to say...
It's never been up for sale, I would consider a decent offer tho