A few weeks ago I popped in to see Rob and grab some new spikes and whilst I was there, naturally having a look at some bats I saw a few GM Chromas I liked. I asked Rob that if he had a few light ones come in to give me a shout - which he did.
So this GM Chroma 404 comes in and Rob sends over a photo. Now I can't really justify a new bat as the Purist is going great guns but I have a team mate who is in need. I send him the picture, he seems happy enough not having to spend £250 on a new bat and agrees for me to pick it up for him.
I've not been as in tune with cricket gear as I used to be over the past few years so a lot is new to me.
This bat is 2lb 8, lovely full profile and decent sized edges, I'm sure you're all familiar with the Chroma.
Handle is lovely with it being slimish and round and the top and a bit fuller and more oval towards the base. Pick up is great and a ball fires off the face.
Now, it's not a looker, thats clear. It is bleached and has a stain across the face - however it has 9 straight, even grains and goes well.
I can't get my head around why people are willing to pay hundreds (and hundreds) of pounds for bats basically for aesthetics. Prices have soared since I last bought a bat and seeing teammates buy M&Hs (for example) for £350/£400+ which appear to be G2 and yes they're nice bats, but do they really go 3/4/5 times better than this £100 bat? No.
Of course each to their own and everyone's entitled to do what they want, but I could never find myself buying bats when the cheaper end of the market can provide some decent bats.
Anyway, pictures are below and thank you to Rob for the heads up. I'm sure the owner will be more than happy scoring six after six with this bat rather than how it looks.