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Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: jonpinson on February 27, 2011, 05:22:22 PM

Title: Salix - A brief and incomplete pictoral synopsis
Post by: jonpinson on February 27, 2011, 05:22:22 PM
So, 6 of the 7 of my Salix bats. As you might gather, they are something of a personal favourite. The 7th is incorrectly labelled so I decided to leave it out. This collection is by no means complete, and I intend in the fullness of time to have at least one example of every stickering style. Soon to be added to the collection is one from the most recent lineup with the innovative turned edges.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/jonpinson/P1010702.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/jonpinson/P1010705.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/jonpinson/P1010704.jpg)

Very briefly,

1.Royal. Don't know alot about this one, it may even be kashmir but it represents one of the earliest stickering designs.

2. Atlas. The big hitter's model back in it's day. This one weights around 2'12 and has a peculiar spine running into the bottom of the toe. I estimate this was made circa '96-'97.

3. Supernatural. The lightweight touch player's bat from the same rage as the Atlas. In need of a dowel repair, but still taps up well. Quite likely to end up using this one.

4. Vantage 5*. My favourite bat. This example served me well for a good couple of seasons yet never seemed to pick up damage. The profile is very slight compared to today's standards yet when comparing this bat to a modern example, I fail to see any great improvement. 2'7.5 without grip. Lots of life in it yet. Just a joy to use. I bought this around 2000-01.

5 Praestantia. 2'10. Had a couple of superficial cracks which have now been glued, but a refurb would make it look as new. Probably only a couple of years old.

6. Fera Performance. First bat that I bought last Autumn having had the cricket bug bite me again. Paid too much for it at my local shop, but all signs point to it being a cracker. Lightest pickup I've experienced in a bat, despite weighing 2'9.5. Mr Kember certainly got this one right.

Enjoy.
Title: Re: Salix - A brief and incomplete pictoral synopsis
Post by: FattusCattus on February 27, 2011, 06:55:27 PM
Hey Jonny,

The profiles on 5 & 6 are very similar - do they pick up similar?

I've never had a Salix before, but I'm liking the profile on those - is there much concaving?
Title: Re: Salix - A brief and incomplete pictoral synopsis
Post by: jonpinson on February 27, 2011, 06:59:39 PM
Hey Jonny,

The profiles on 5 & 6 are very similar - do they pick up similar?

I've never had a Salix before, but I'm liking the profile on those - is there much concaving?

Pretty much a standard amount, not really extreme. Salix do't do for the massive edges, they just make bats of the very highest quality.

The Fera (6) has a higher middle, and thus picks up better. But it is true to say that all their ranges last year were very similar in shape, having only subtle differences. I've not looked at this year's new models to be able to comment.
Title: Re: Salix - A brief and incomplete pictoral synopsis
Post by: Maverick79 on February 27, 2011, 07:00:34 PM
Love the profile of the Fera and the Prestantia seems a bargain. I picked up a Pod One grade 1 on ebay 6 months ago for £70. The toe was split and it had started to lift and the previous owner had removed the stickers but sent it to Salix who did a fantastic job on it. For 2lb 10oz it has the best pick-up and balance of any bat I have had so far. It has a huge middle as well.
Title: Re: Salix - A brief and incomplete pictoral synopsis
Post by: procricket on February 27, 2011, 07:03:03 PM
i'd rather have a Laver but nice looking bats there Jon

fera performance profile looks a cracker##

what is a synopsis ????
Title: Re: Salix - A brief and incomplete pictoral synopsis
Post by: ca_gold on February 28, 2011, 05:40:29 AM
great pics - great collection.
Title: Re: Salix - A brief and incomplete pictoral synopsis
Post by: JamesC on March 02, 2011, 08:26:15 AM
I remember having a Royal 5 star which was a fantastic bat but i don't remember the back looking like the Royal in your picture but the front sticker certainly looks like my old one. We are talking at least 17 years ago here. Have you tried giving Salix a call they may help you out. GOD i feel old now, going to have a lie down and drink some beer . . .
Title: Re: Salix - A brief and incomplete pictoral synopsis
Post by: DRob on March 03, 2011, 10:50:43 AM
On bats 1, 2 and 3 the labels say made by AJK/ TJC (I think?). Do you know who TJC is?
Title: Re: Salix - A brief and incomplete pictoral synopsis
Post by: Tumo on March 03, 2011, 10:58:08 AM
On bats 1, 2 and 3 the labels say made by AJK/ TJC (I think?). Do you know who TJC is?
IJC, Ian Carey.
Title: Re: Salix - A brief and incomplete pictoral synopsis
Post by: DRob on March 03, 2011, 11:17:59 PM
Do you know if Ian is still with Salix or is he making bats somewhere else now?
Title: Re: Salix - A brief and incomplete pictoral synopsis
Post by: jonpinson on March 03, 2011, 11:18:41 PM
Still there as far as I know.
Title: Re: Salix - A brief and incomplete pictoral synopsis
Post by: paul090971 on June 15, 2011, 01:31:48 PM
Salix royal stickers look different to the one i had back in early 90's, front looks right but did not have the 4 gold bits at the bottom. Mine had one big long diamond on the back, year after it was replaced by the GEM, the atlas looks like a VENOM which had a triangular toe, was a sloggers bat!  I remeber my Salix having the best oval handle ever! I've been waiting for 20 years to find anything as good.  Nearest was a M&H original from years back.  Which one has the best oval handle? Mine used to have  a flat shaved bit at the bottom for right thumb & finger to sit on really nicely.
Great collection of classics.
Title: Re: Salix - A brief and incomplete pictoral synopsis
Post by: JamesC on July 04, 2011, 08:34:38 PM
There is a Royal on eBay at the moment, don't know if you'd be interested. Nothing to do with me but saw it and remembered this thread.