Topic: My first custom bat! (Read 6964 times)

Bats_Galore · « **Reply #15 on:** May 01, 2016, 01:22:19 PM »

If it were me I wouldn't spend the extra, I am not convinced that the higher grade of bat will play better, and given that AOC gear test had the B3 bats in reverse order from their grading, I would go with the lowest grade. Also since you are there and see your cleft, you should be able to get one you like the look of even if its in a lower grade, just might have some specs of marbling etc.

rockymoghal · « **Reply #16 on:** May 01, 2016, 09:38:17 PM »

@Bats_Galore Thanks for that. I have seen some cracking 2 stripe bats which could easily be graded a 3 stripe in my opinion. From what I've heard the most important thing for a bat to ping is the pressing. Is there anything else I should keep in mind?

The Doctor · « **Reply #17 on:** May 02, 2016, 11:11:27 AM »

Quote from: Bats_Galore on May 01, 2016, 01:22:19 PM

If it were me I wouldn't spend the extra, I am not convinced that the higher grade of bat will play better, and given that AOC gear test had the B3 bats in reverse order from their grading, I would go with the lowest grade. Also since you are there and see your cleft, you should be able to get one you like the look of even if its in a lower grade, just might have some specs of marbling etc.

My view on our grading (or for that matter) anybodies grading whom is transparent with their grades;

1 Stripe - entry level bat, wont look the prettiest, in terms looks but will play well - generally heavier (density)

2 stripe is a great value for money bat

3 stripe will look nice and play superbly

Crown - you know all aout these beasts

I disagree with the AOC test;
Not sure how you can compare bats of different weights, as the heavier the bat, the better the bat will play, so to compare a 3lb bat with a 2lb 10oz bat is not right. In my opinion you need to compare apples with apples and set a weight range for each catergory.

Also, how can you score on pick up, as one mans ferrari will be anothers fiat.....

Streaky

hanif · « **Reply #18 on:** May 02, 2016, 11:25:12 AM »

completely agree, the weight ranges in the gear test vary massively. it is like putting a heavy weight with a feather weight boxer. I think for future tests weight ranges for each categories would make it much fairer. The pick up and balance test, different shapes will always pick up differently, so maybe categories for different shapes such as high middle mid middle mid to low and low, will help level the playing field.

avkrish · « **Reply #19 on:** May 02, 2016, 11:36:02 AM »

Quote from: The Doctor on May 02, 2016, 11:11:27 AM

I disagree with the AOC test;
Not sure how you can compare bats of different weights, as the heavier the bat, the better the bat will play, so to compare a 3lb bat with a 2lb 10oz bat is not right. In my opinion you need to compare apples with apples and set a weight range for each catergory.

Also, how can you score on pick up, as one mans ferrari will be anothers fiat.....

Streaky

I have been trying to figure out how AOC ranks bats that have different profiles, weights and other specs. As the bats are tested by players with different styles and preferences, maybe they have a way of averaging the score and decide on overall rating. Not too sure that someone who buys a brand /model that is ranked no. 1 in the AOC tests will be happy with his purchase though, as his personal preferences could be completely different.

springbok45 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 02, 2016, 12:01:43 PM »

It's scored the same as any other subjective test, multiple scores averaged out. All those doing testing will have different views and it's averaged to give a rough idea to the reader.
I agree that the weights should be standardized though, leaning forward to drive a few underarm feeds is always going to make a 3lb monster look better than a 2'7" wand.

Bats_Galore · « **Reply #21 on:** May 02, 2016, 12:22:20 PM »

Quote from: The Doctor on May 02, 2016, 11:11:27 AM

My view on our grading (or for that matter) anybodies grading whom is transparent with their grades;

1 Stripe - entry level bat, wont look the prettiest, in terms looks but will play well - generally heavier (density)

2 stripe is a great value for money bat

3 stripe will look nice and play superbly

Crown - you know all aout these beasts

I disagree with the AOC test;
Not sure how you can compare bats of different weights, as the heavier the bat, the better the bat will play, so to compare a 3lb bat with a 2lb 10oz bat is not right. In my opinion you need to compare apples with apples and set a weight range for each catergory.

Also, how can you score on pick up, as one mans ferrari will be anothers fiat.....

Streaky

Regarding the AOC test, did you not supply them with bats of the same weight?
Regarding the grading, I agree that the grading is based on looks, and to a lesser degree density. To my understanding the grading is initially set by the willow merchant, and whilst wood maybe downgraded if it isn't as responsive, I have never seen a top grade bat with faults all over it, because it performs outstandingly. As such if you are worried about the looks of the bat whether that is the size of the bat or grain structure, it is worth buying a top grade bat, but if you are only worried about the performance, I cannot see that it is worth spending the extra for the higher grade.
I am fully willing to accept that I may be the exception, but I haven't found that the best performing bats are necessarily the highest grade. I have had butterfly bats that are exceptional, and I have had average top grade bats.

LDifa · « **Reply #22 on:** May 02, 2016, 04:23:24 PM »

I would go for a 2 stripe, that way it hasn't cost too much when you go back sooner than you think with a tweak to the design.

I never go on looks, they get covered in cherries and marks, I always prefer performance.

rockymoghal · « **Reply #23 on:** May 02, 2016, 07:47:05 PM »

I guess it's something I can talk to B3 about. I don't really play at a high level but this will most likely be my only bat of the season so price isn't an issue for me. I just find contradicting information about whether the upgrade in willow is worth the extra price. @LDifa have you ever had to return a bat for tweaking? I wonder how easily it can be done if I do want the bat tweaked. So many decisions to make. I guess the problem with grading and price is that everyone will have a different opinion based upon their own personal experience. I know players who use �60 bats which absolutely ping, and have also seen players with �400+ bats that seem like absolute planks. I guess only my own experience will guide me and maybe in the future I will have an answer to my own question lol. I do respect a lot of the opnions on here as the combined knowledge on this forum is vast. @The Doctor I do agree with you about the grading process in the AOC test. I would much rather here what people who have used the bats for an extended period of time have to say about it. I will say that the great reputation that B3 has must show that they know what they are doing. Just need to decide on the grading. Decisions, decisions

ch1p · « **Reply #24 on:** May 02, 2016, 08:12:44 PM »

Hey Rocky,

although I didnt pop in with a few tweaks to make I did have an old bat mapped with tweaks being made as well as having some weight taken from a couple of other bats.

The bat map was brilliant as I asked for the old bat to be modernized and made a little bigger, in terms of what streaky did - he asked me if i wanted bigger edges, spine or both and then we discussed how he would make the shape even better. Even the smallest of details were discussed.

Closer to tweaks being made with the weight reductions - i tasked B3 with trying to get 3oz out of one bat and 3 and a half out of another. We took some time to discuss exactly how we could do it as it is quite a significant reduction. Everything i asked for was listened to including a double binding, changing the toe from square to rounded and much more, so i have no doubts if you took your bat in for tweaks B3 would be able to change even the smallest thing.

In terms of grading i've had two very early 1 stripes from B3 and an offer 3 stripe and I would say the performance is quite a bit better the higher the amount of stripes. This could also be that B3 have had a few years to improve the process or better willow these days. Im not sure, not quite an expert.

So to sum up - im pretty sure B3 will be able to sort even the smallest of your tweaks and ive experienced a significant improvement with a higher stripe ( I also really want to try a crown out)

Hope this helps

rockymoghal · « **Reply #25 on:** May 02, 2016, 09:39:12 PM »

Hi @ch1p,

Thanks for post. I am really looking forward to my visit with B3. Sounds like you had a great time designing your bat. I will see what Dave says and it may just be that I go one off and just jump in with a higher grade bat. If not I'll probably be asking myself what the higher grade bat was really like until I manage to get another bat lol. Thanks for the information though, it gives me an idea of the process and what to expect. You mentioned rounding off the toe, what does that achieve? Is it simply to help the pickup? I'm trying to learn as much as I can so I have some knowledge when I visit B3

LDifa · « **Reply #26 on:** May 02, 2016, 10:35:47 PM »

Hi Rocky, on a second visit Gavin shaved a bit more weight out of my bat for me, and it is an absolute gun, just felt a tad heavy.

I have had two butterflies and they pinged for fun, you can always get wood taken off, just a bit hard to put it back on!

rockymoghal · « **Reply #27 on:** May 03, 2016, 06:27:14 PM »

@LDifa That sounds like excellent customer service. How long is the tweaking process? Was it a same day job? Also how long did it take for you to receive the bat from design to end product? I am really intrigued by the "crown" grade, it doesn't seem to be on their website. Does anyone have any experience with the crown grade and what is the difference between crown and 3 stripe? I think I'm just going to go for it and get myself a top of the line bat. Obviously if it goes well for me then I can always add to my growing bat collection

LDifa · « **Reply #28 on:** May 03, 2016, 09:15:30 PM »

Rocky I am really sorry - I cannot remember how long it took to receive, it wasn't long, speak with Streaky @B3 he will be honest about timescales. As for customer service they are exceptional, the tweaking was done in front of my eyes and I took it home with me, an absolute pleasure to watch.

On key birthdays we all have a whip round at my club and have bought 3 or 4 bats (one stripe), the last had orange stickers for a Blackpool fan. We took one chap down on a road trip for the full experience, under guidance he worked on the gentle hand finishing of the handle and loved it.

Crown willow is expensive, it is - and a cheap ball can put a crack in any bat, my advice is 2 stripe all the way, then use the money savedfor B3 pads and gloves

Author Topic: My first custom bat! (Read 6964 times)

Bats_Galore

Re: My first custom bat!

rockymoghal

Re: My first custom bat!

The Doctor

Re: My first custom bat!

hanif

Re: My first custom bat!

avkrish

Re: My first custom bat!

springbok45

Re: My first custom bat!

Bats_Galore

Re: My first custom bat!

LDifa

Re: My first custom bat!

rockymoghal

Re: My first custom bat!

ch1p

Re: My first custom bat!

rockymoghal

Re: My first custom bat!

LDifa

Re: My first custom bat!

rockymoghal

Re: My first custom bat!

LDifa

Re: My first custom bat!