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[velvetsky01]

I have been wondering if a bat once knocked in etc and played with for a couple of years do they stop performing as well as before?

For example- I had a Salix going back around 8 years ago (not a top grade I was a poor student at the time) which was great after I loving knocked it in for its first 2 years but then it slowly deterated and didn't feel as good and didn't ping as it once did.

I replaced that with possibly he best bat if ever owned a top grade m&h solution in 2010 this is still going but after having picked up another one on eBay this winter (brand new and never used) this one feels and knocks up better than the 2010 one (which has had 5 years use)  which is to be expected but there is a significant difference

There must be a reason why people go through more and more  bats is this due to boredom or do bats have a peak of the first 1-2-3 years?

Hope that makes sence

[Ayrtek Cricket]

They reckon a good bat will last 1000 runs, its not a firm set rule as the SCAT has done 2500 but has now been retired due to war wounds that mean its served its duty.

With wood being a natural material you cant say how long it will perform for or last, with the bats the Pros have they want maximum performance and arent worried about longevity due to the fact they arent paying for them, they are therefore pressed softly or to gain peak performance. Where as we as club cricketers have to spend our hard earned coin on them so would like them to see us through a few seasons at least ideally.

If the bat is well looked after (cracks repaired, well oiled and stored correctly) then there is no reason its performance shouldnt continue over time. We have to accept the inevitable fact that when you buy a bat at some point its going to break....the question is when!

[Gurujames]

my SS Turbo has got better and better over the 25 years I have been using it. Only retired it now from league game as the face of it resembles crazy paving and I feel it deserves a rest at the bottom if the kit bag.
Well maintained, I believe a bat can go many thousands of runs and get better and better with each year.

[GarrettJ]

i think they gradually dry out and lose a bit of ping and eventually break.

i had one last about 5000 runs over 3 1/2 seasons but i dont net at all so prolonged it a bit.