A bit off topic - they have their bats there listed as 2.7lb for example. Does anyone know if that is 2lbs 7oz or 2.7lbs?

https://sapwoodworkshop.online - Salix outlet, some great deals on softs. I got a pair of top quality gloves for circa £40.

I've got these in two sizes and reduced to just 20 quid plus pp at the minute....

https://scottcricketbats.co.uk/products/scott-thigh-pads

Used them for the past few years after having P2s previously

and any recommendations for the best value thigh pad for the (very) average club player?

I would recommend giving Salix a pickup & try.
I think there are certain bats/brands that if the bat had no stickers on you would always favour in a lineup. Salix to me is definitely one of those bats. I have found with Salix bats over the years that the focus is very much on light, balanced pickup. I can imagine they feel very agreeable on mass to most customers. The bats generally feel light and nimble in the hands for their weight. Specs are irrelevant over feel, just trust the versatility the bat offers to use the pace of the ball or placement. That pressing allows timing rather than brute aggression to hit the boundary.

Looking back again at my cricket shopping career. There are certain brands I wish I purchased as my first SH adult bat as an investment. Particularly when my dad refused to buy me a Harrow because I grew out of everything so fast.
Salix would’ve been a good long term investment bat to me as a youngster whilst developing strength. (This is all pre internet)

I know online today there are so many profiles to choose from and brands. So youngsters and lightweight bat lovers can choose ‘light’ ranges within ranges.
Long handle, shorter blade setups are weight saving. Mega concaved profiles. Scooped & grooved profiles (which I had) are still around today. Or just a good old traditional 2,7.

I personally feel that a traditional profile cricket bat is the best option for club cricketers in terms of longevity with performance. Eg How many big brand bats are you going to buy compared to 1 Salix? (Other independent batmakers available)

I just shut my eyes and paid the price (Black Friday) for my Salix as prices will only ever go up.
But if I divide that huge cost over 10 years, it makes me feel alot better.
And that’s generally how I buy a bat nowadays assuming it can last over 6 years.