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[dynamiccoins]

Got the bat after my previous visit to B3.

Although it doesn't have many grains (I was thinking it would have more what with it being a 2 strip but hey not sure I should be hung up on that), it looked nice but I have to say it tapped up "rock hard" for want of a better description.  I had asked for it to be knocked in and it came with a scuff sheet but I have had to knock the thing in and it still taps up as though it needs a lot more.  I'm not sure if this is to be expected but I sort of feel a tad disappointed.  Knocking in with the scuff already on is a bit odd to me - I've always knocked in then added a scuff.

I've been down the nets with my son to throw some gentle old balls at him and although he seems happy, I can't quite get over how hard the thing was....and still is after a load of knocking in. 

I haven't spoken to B3 as I feel a little confused to be honest!  Maybe I was expecting too much after the really enjoyable visit.

Anyways heres the pics....

https://ibb.co/NmJH8TG
https://ibb.co/vQcBRNN
https://ibb.co/BGTcrvT
https://ibb.co/9W8tSt2
https://ibb.co/3rPMrmK

[jonny77]

 I take it 2 stripe is grade 2? If so that looks pretty clean to me. Never had a B3 so can't comment on the feel, but as long as your lads happy with it that's all that counts I reckon.

[Kulli]

B3 handles take a fair bit of breaking in from my experience. They can feel a bit hard before this happens.

[leatherseat]

Lovely grains, straight through the toe. Clean face- I'd be happy with that as a 2 stripe (I wouldn't expect anything that good as a one stripe; their grade 3).
How is the response off a mallet/ball?
I'd ring B3 for a chat about it. They are very approachable, as you found and have a good reputation for customer service. A chat with them may alleviate your concerns, or may lead to a solution if there is still an issue.

Let us know how you get on (and how many runs it scores).
Good luck,
David

[WABH-J]

Looks like a nice piece of willow - what do you mean it feels hard? Like over pressed? Given the experiences I'm having at the moment I think I'd prefer that!

[edge]

Looks like a nice grade 2 cleft to me. In my experience of a couple of their bats, the B3 press does feel a bit harder than most - certainly the brand I've used who get it closest to needing no knocking in. Definitely a modern press rather than some (Hunts are a good example) who need loads of mallet work to avoid big dents. Forget about the mallet and focus on how the ball goes off it when actually in use would be my advice, all the previous B3s I've seen have been real pingers. If it's not performing then that would be the time to worry.

[SD]

I have had a few B3s and they have all been exceptional bats with the exception of one - which was under pressed and felt like a sponge - which they replaced when I raised it with them. 

From experience their grading is not very generous but I think what you have there is pretty good for a G2 bat in today's market.  I have two G1s from them in my kit bag, neither of which is as good looking as that bat.

I would agree with what others have said about them being on the firm side.  My preference is for  a bat that needs a lot of playing in before it is match ready.  I think this gets both the best performance and maximum longevity from the bat.  For me this is one of the big selling points with B3

[Butterfingerz]

Hi All,

I've kept my eye on this thread over the past couple of days.

We do hear that our press is a little harder than the average however getting a balance between longevity and performance is the trick. We have recently had a lot of bats from other manufacturers in for repair and notice that their bats are much softer. The fibers should release / soften during the playing in phase and as we always say the more time the bat spend being prepared for play the longer it will last.

I personally tested this bat before it left the factory, I was happy with the performance off the face otherwise I wouldn't have let it leave us.

If the performance is not as you would expect please get in touch so we can look how we can resolve this.

Rich

[dynamiccoins]

Hi Rich

Appreciate the reply.  As I said I was surprised how "hard" it knocked up when it landed and I was confused as to whether it had been knocked in.  I've spent an age with the mallet knocking the thing in so it has opened up but that's not something I have done after the scuff sheet has been applied.

I'm not looking to send the thing back and will see how it goes over the season.  As you'll know from seeing him bat he doesn't need a top class bat with a shed load of grains!

Bottom line if my son is happy so maybe its me just been "over critical".

Anyways that aside the visit was excellent!

Thanks

[dynamiccoins]

Looks like a nice piece of willow - what do you mean it feels hard? Like over pressed? Given the experiences I'm having at the moment I think I'd prefer that!

When I said "hard" I meant how it tapped up with the mallet, both rebound (or lack of) and sound, which was not deep as I have with my bats.  OK deep is maybe not the best description but hopefully you know what I mean!

I do appreciate that can mean a longer bat life so and after knocking it does feels much better.

[Jimbo]

@dynamiccoins How much time did it take to knock in? Have just picked up a B3 from their sale site for a teammate and on a very brief tap up it feels very hard too.