Topic: Grade 2 & 3 willow - in one bat? (Read 3035 times)

Mattsky · « **on:** February 03, 2018, 07:44:11 PM »

So I was nosing around the Pro: Direct Cricket website, and blundered across the lightweight New Balance Burn.
(I don't like NB branded bats, as they're a sticker label essentially, but that's another story.)

The description had me raising an eyebrow a la Roger Moore:

Made from Grade 2 and 3 English willow, split 60% / 40%

Curious. Had a quick shufty at the NB UK website to see if it offered an explanation, but the bat doesn't seem to be listed.

I smell marketing BS. Anyone have any ideas?

http://www.prodirectcricket.com/products/New-Balance-Burn-Cricket-Bat-Blue-Red-Cricket-Bats-Pro-164598.aspx

Mattsky · « **Reply #1 on:** February 03, 2018, 08:18:13 PM »

Ah, right. Must be. 60% are G2s, 40% are G3s.
Lucky dip as to which one you'll get, by the looks of it.
I'd be cheesed right off if I paid �315 for a G3 bat.

Andythomo21 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 03, 2018, 08:23:57 PM »

I read it the same as your initial post @Mattsky .

Don�t think they could, for the same price, offer 60% grade 2�s and 40% grade 3�s, sounds like rot to me?!

Mind you, a bat made up of 60% grade 2 and 40% grade 3 willow is also BS so who knows??

Manormanic · « **Reply #3 on:** February 03, 2018, 08:36:24 PM »

Sounds like they are not confident that the manufacturers grading meets even their own low standards

Six Sixes Cricket · « **Reply #4 on:** February 03, 2018, 10:07:46 PM »

Yep it�s split so you may get either grade 2 or grade 3 willow

Grade (LB & SH Grade 2 & 3) Split 60%/40%

And on either the 560 or 580 model it�s

Grade (LB & SH Grade 4 & 5) Split 30%/70%

Gurujames · « **Reply #5 on:** February 03, 2018, 10:29:06 PM »

Crazy prices for potentially a G3, hardly reasonable for a g2 in my opinion either

The Cricket Boutique · « **Reply #6 on:** February 03, 2018, 11:55:35 PM »

Which begs the question. Why do people buy from them?

No description, generic pictures, non specific weights.

I know we will never compete with the big boys but really.

Seniorplayer · « **Reply #7 on:** February 04, 2018, 09:41:11 AM »

Quote from: TCB on February 03, 2018, 11:55:35 PM

Which begs the question. Why do people buy from them?

No description, generic pictures, non specific weights.

I know we will never compete with the big boys but really.

No you can't compete
But the disconcerning cricketers won't buy they prefer smaller companies like yourselves where they can establish what they are getting

joeljonno · « **Reply #8 on:** February 04, 2018, 10:07:49 AM »

Because

A - cheaper
B - easier
C - some aren't as picky
D - known quality of company

For instance, I'd happily buy from there, if the bat is a price I am happy with and I trust the quality of the batmaker.

Salix, for instance, I would buy blind from here.

There are a lot of people who want to pick up their bat and wave it around before use, but that doesn't prove quality or that you'll be comfortable with it when you are starting to get a bit tired when batting.

Some people then just think that higher price = better bat and pay for what they can afford.

WalkingWicket37 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 04, 2018, 10:21:26 AM »

How many people actually care what they're getting?

We're a rare breed on here, and your "average" player (apparently) doesn't measure the shoulders, edge and toe of a bat as soon as it arrives.

While the smaller retailer is great for those who want a bat in X weight, with 12.5 grains 23.7% heartwood and and offset oval handle parallel to the outside inner toe, what percentage of the market actually wants this?

Pro direct is great for the guys who want "a Joe Root bat". They'll see the price, order it and abuse said bat until it breaks or they have a new favourite player.

The Cricket Boutique · « **Reply #10 on:** February 04, 2018, 01:08:01 PM »

Quote from: joeljonno on February 04, 2018, 10:07:49 AM

Because

A - cheaper
B - easier
C - some aren't as picky
D - known quality of company

For instance, I'd happily buy from there, if the bat is a price I am happy with and I trust the quality of the batmaker.

I understand where you are coming from with Salix. You will struggle to go wrong with them.

Not sure about the cheaper (in all cases) or easier bit though. You mention trusting the quality of the batmaker however apart from Salix how many of the brands do you know who the batmaker is?

I would buy softs etc from them (if I had the need to) but not bats because it would be a bit of a punt.

WalkingWicket37 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 04, 2018, 01:55:16 PM »

Quote from: TCB on February 04, 2018, 01:08:01 PM

Not sure about the cheaper (in all cases) or easier bit though. You mention trusting the quality of the batmaker however apart from Salix how many of the brands do you know who the batmaker is?

From Pro Direct I'd imagine most people would know (or think they knew) who the maker was for most of their brands

Chase
Gray Nicolls
Gunn and Moore
Kippax
Kookaburra
Salix
New Balance
SS/Ton
Millichamp and Hall

The Cricket Boutique · « **Reply #12 on:** February 04, 2018, 02:02:56 PM »

I believe think they knew is about right.

Author Topic: Grade 2 & 3 willow - in one bat? (Read 3035 times)

Mattsky

Grade 2 & 3 willow - in one bat?

Mattsky

Re: Grade 2 & 3 willow - in one bat?

Andythomo21

Re: Grade 2 & 3 willow - in one bat?

Manormanic

Re: Grade 2 & 3 willow - in one bat?

Six Sixes Cricket

Re: Grade 2 & 3 willow - in one bat?

Gurujames

Re: Grade 2 & 3 willow - in one bat?

The Cricket Boutique

Re: Grade 2 & 3 willow - in one bat?

Seniorplayer

Re: Grade 2 & 3 willow - in one bat?

joeljonno

Re: Grade 2 & 3 willow - in one bat?

WalkingWicket37

Re: Grade 2 & 3 willow - in one bat?

The Cricket Boutique

Re: Grade 2 & 3 willow - in one bat?

WalkingWicket37

Re: Grade 2 & 3 willow - in one bat?

The Cricket Boutique

Re: Grade 2 & 3 willow - in one bat?