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[kal_m]

Hello all,
I am a huge fan of this forum. I am a regular visitor and can spend hours by just reading and learning from you experts. I am looking to order a Woodstock bat and was wondering if anyone can share their experience dealing with them and the quality of their bats. I am inclined towards the Tour de Force XL Gold. I really appreciate any insight or advice or alternatives.

Thanks,
Kal

[charliemott]

Hi! Good to have you here. If you use the search function up the top, it should come up with various topics.
I have no personal experience with Woodstock but get the impression that they are very good bats, however a few people on here (correct me if I am wrong) have found the maker to be not particularly helpful (once again correct me if I am wrong). This is just the impression I get, all the best.

[yogi206]

Are you a purist looking to get a bat made from the cleft to finished article all in the same place? Or just looking for a great bat? Personally id go for an Aldred or RK if I was looking for something special. I saw some of the Tour de Force bats at the Lords show last year but spoke to the batmaker and he wasn't very forth coming on how they handle and press the clefts to get the shape in the bow. like I said just my view for what its worth.

Ps I am no expert ! just a fan of a dying art....

[acko109]

ive had 3.. all been top notch .. couldnt get along with the tour de force middle was a little to low .. but my airstream is class , got rid as is a tiny bit heavy with the extra pace ill be facing this year. id recommend personally

[WalkingWicket37]

Performance and feel wise they're top bats.
Shape wise I couldn't get in with the Tour de force either, the middle was just too low for me

[fasteddie]

Talking to a few people in the trade, Woodstock seem to be like Marmite.

I can't say this 100%, but I have had it on good authority that they simply sticker the bats and the workshop is a bit of a front.
The bats are not made by the bat maker and could come from anywhere!

My advice, go to somewhere where you are sure of the providence.

I've had H4L and Aldred and would recommend them both without question.

I would not buy a Woodstock.

[jamielsn15]

I've had one - a TDF - very nice bat; lovely finish, tight grains, was a gun.  I couldn't get on with the extreme concaving...  They are finished very well, but where they start, who knows?!

Use the search topic top right, put in Woodstock and you'll find plenty of posts, some older, some new.

Welcome to the forum!

[Blazer]

Woodstock do have some lovely bats and you won't be disappointed  . I bought the one you had jamielsn and it was played well except for the extreme concaving which made the middle smallish to my liking.

[kal_m]

Thanks for all the replies and advice. I will search for more information and explore other bat makers. Looks like Aldred and H4L are the popular choices. Will keep you guys posted.