Hi Slowers, I agree with you tough call as I am also a very mediocre club cricketer and always concerned that the view might be "all the gear no idea" but if you feel confident and you can play with a smile on your face then go with what you want, I spoke with fusion last week (a firm that has a lot of fans on this site) and they are currently having a "mid season sale" and you are able to pick up a custom made top grade bat for £150 and a grade 2 for £120. They seem like really nice guys and have a strong reputation for after sale support (will refurb at the end of season etc) might be worth a comparison with Hell4leather who also have some impressive looking bats. hope this helps