Hi guys and gals. So after finally getting the old ACL replaced its time to start netting again and I need a bat. (Yes one for now  )

Needs to look good and perform even better. £500 budget....

It's worth popping down if you can! I'd still trust him to pick me out a bat when I'm not there, but nothing quite like visiting a batmaker and watching them work. He'll have a lot of pre-made stock in his showroom that you can pick from, and he makes adjustments on those if required. Just be sure to message first!

Hi all

I have been mulling over getting a new bat for next season and have been in two minds about where to purchase a bat from.

I want a custom build bat to my weight and feel.

I have seen many YouTube videos of Robert Pack especially going through his different profile bats.

I take it you guys would recommend Robert as my choice of purchase?

Also, am I better of going down to his shop or how does it work purchasing online?

Thanks mate - appreciate the response!

I have a custom bat maker just up the hill, and I will probably get him to make me up a replica.

My old Gray Nic X181 750i from around 2014 has done sterling service but is starting to fail and, after multiple repairs, is probably more glue than wood now.

As I live in the bush, I struggle to get hands-on with too many different models to see what might be suitable. Equally, descriptors in catalogues are fairly vague and uninformative.

Any general advice on what modern bats would be of a similar design to the X181 (i.e. low middle / extended spine) so that I can check ahead with various shops to see if they have models in store the next time I am in the big smoke?