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[Vic Nicholas]

I am certain this has been covered somewhere here before - heck, I even tried searching for it with no success...

Has anyone removed the twine off the their bat handle.

I have heard that a number of pros do this and I remember that Hussey said he does this because he has small hands.

I have small hands, so I removed the string off one of my bats that I use when netting.

I haven't used it in the nets yet, but it already feels good in my hands.

Has anyone else done this and how have they found the results?

[e4sby]

I know Dave (procricket) does this so wait till he's online and I'm sure he will share his views on the matter

[Chad]

Never tried it before, but I think some people recommend wrapping some insulating tape or fibreglass tape around it if you do that. Acts similarly to the twine, in that it helps stiffen the handle a little, while helping prevent splinters from going through the grip, it is just a lot thinner. Not sure though, but Stuart Kranzbuler does it sometimes.

I think Hussey also did it as it makes the handle feel more whippy, which he prefers.

[toenails97]

Interesting as I have small hands also, did you tape where the twine was? Otherwise you could get splinters through your grip mate! Also will removing the twine allow more flex in the handle?

[wilkie113]

I did it, and used cotton tape to replace the twine, works well!

[Vic Nicholas]

I did it on one of my SS LE's and when I unravelled the twine off the handle, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there is some kind of gauze stuck on the handle, so there is no chance of splinters coming up through the grip!

I will net with it this week and see how it feels before I consider putting any electrical tape underneath the grip. I may not have to.

We will see.

Anyways, I hope that others who have done this share their experiences.

Thanks in advance.

[Torque]

I'd be careful, there's a far greater chance of the shoulders splitting if you remove the twine.

[WalkingWicket37]

If you remove the twine isn't it advisable to put zinc oxide tape round to stop the handle flexing too much??

[procricket]

I remove the top half of the twine because in my mind it aids whip and performance.

I know it is a subjective subject but i do prefer it half twined only.

A few asian players prefer a handle either just cracked or broken there is some theory on handles taking time to flex as well but it all about personal preference.

I know what i like and have done it on all my B3 and found it work for me

[Blazer]

I have removed twine from a couple of my bats but then also used a spokeshave on the upper part of the handle to thin it down and replace twine later. Wouldn't you want to keep the bottom handle part thick as possible to avoid dominating bottom hand ?.

[procricket]

As i said mate i take the top half off not the bottom hand twine i even measure where i hold the bat.
Only thing i'm fussy on is handles

[Seniorplayer]

I have done this for years as I also have small hands, and prefer a whippy handle but you can create vibration through the handle. I use masking tape around the handle  to stop splinters. I find the best method is to remove the binding only from where you grip the handle.

[tim2000s]

When I made my bat, I couldn't be bothered to twine the handle and used insulating tape. Worked very well.

[AxleEel]

I've done this a few times, wouldn't say I have noticed much performance difference in the bat but does feel better personally.

Would point out if you already have a thin handle to be careful as the tape is slippery and the grip can slide.

[Vic Nicholas]

I netted with it and it basically feels great!

I did not notice any difference in performance either better or worse...but the feel in the hands is much better.