GN Viper
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Author Topic: GN Viper  (Read 3062 times)

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goodarmcindy

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GN Viper
« on: July 02, 2018, 01:40:54 PM »
I bought a destickered GN off eBay at the start of the season for an incredibly reasonable price to use as a net bat, but ended up supplanting my usual match bat (Salix Wasp — now sold). It was in pretty poor condition, which a chip off the back and a corner of the toe chipped away which had been repaired and taped. It was also fitted with an Aero-branded grip and what I think is one of the old carbon fibre handles.

It was sold as a GN Sabre, but upon a bit of digging, it appears to be a GN Viper, which I must admit I don't know anything about. Some quick Googling doesn't turn up a lot — save a few junior bats and that a few Pakistan batsmen may have used them but stickered up differently. It certainly doesn't seem to appear much on eBay.

Can anyone confirm whether it is a Viper?







Unfortunately as you can see it's suffered some pretty traumatic damage and I'm pretty sure it's not long for this world.

I was wondering if anyone else had any experience with them? I must say, I think it's probably one of the best balanced bats I've ever used. Beautifully light (2lb 8oz) and goes like a train — though I wonder what role the handle has to play in this?
« Last Edit: July 02, 2018, 01:51:32 PM by goodarmcindy »
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19reading87

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Re: GN Viper
« Reply #1 on: July 02, 2018, 01:45:37 PM »
I thought it had good edges ;)
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RageofKlugman

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Re: GN Viper
« Reply #2 on: July 02, 2018, 02:37:23 PM »
It certainly looks like a GN Viper to me - I remember being tempted to buy one about 10 years ago. Pretty sure they were endorsed (at least in the marketing blurb) by Mohamed Yusuf.
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Seniorplayer

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Re: GN Viper
« Reply #3 on: July 02, 2018, 04:41:33 PM »
 Goodarmcindy It's a GN Viper  bat but  doubt it will have  the  lighter  carbon composite fibre handle as this was only fitted to the GN Fusion bat you can easily tell as the 100 percent carbon handle weighs less than a third of a cane handle.
More likely it is a Carbo handle if it is the handle will consist of 8 to 10 laminated cane with cork for springs the handle will also have been re enforced with carbon attached to the exterior of the handle  at the back upwards from the top of the splice this offers protection to the handle from ball strike because as we  know the base of the handle is a natural stress point.
Unless it's been lost the top of the handle is fitted with a cap to reduce accustics.
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goodarmcindy

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Re: GN Viper
« Reply #4 on: July 03, 2018, 08:36:55 AM »
Quote from: Seniorplayer on July 02, 2018, 04:41:33 PM
Goodarmcindy It's a GN Viper  bat but  doubt it will have  the  lighter  carbon composite fibre handle as this was only fitted to the GN Fusion bat you can easily tell as the 100 percent carbon handle weighs less than a third of a cane handle.
More likely it is a Carbo handle if it is the handle will consist of 8 to 10 laminated cane with cork for springs the handle will also have been re enforced with carbon attached to the exterior of the handle  at the back upwards from the top of the splice this offers protection to the handle from ball strike because as we  know the base of the handle is a natural stress point.
Unless it's been lost the top of the handle is fitted with a cap to reduce accustics.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. It does still have the cap at the top of the handle, which is why I thought it might be the full carbon handle, but your description is spot on, so I'm sure it's just the Carbo handle.
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goodarmcindy

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Re: GN Viper
« Reply #5 on: July 11, 2018, 12:02:51 PM »
Just seen a Viper appear on eBay. It's a Viper Venom though, do we know what these different gradings are? I can't find out much about them online...
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Seniorplayer

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Re: GN Viper
« Reply #6 on: July 11, 2018, 02:42:12 PM »
 If I remember correctly GNs   early venoms were  lower grade bats made from lower grade willow G3 or G4 if it's an early venom it would have been made at Robertsbridge the first ones were made in 2004 and again around 2009  if the bat as the original stickers the sticker colour will help identify the year of manufacture. Also the earlier bats didn't have toe guards.
« Last Edit: July 11, 2018, 02:53:30 PM by Seniorplayer »
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