Okay, so here is my review of the Willostix Spitfire original, I had my first net with it yesterday evening. Due to the rain we had a couple of days ago (and it didn't half belt it down) it was played with on a slightly green netting track so the ball wasn't getting up as much as it would on a match day. So the higher middle wasn't met as much as I'd have liked. But once we set the bowling machine up after facing a few overs of spin it became easier.
The Good -
I'll start by saying the customer service I received, as most others on this forum, from Paul was second to none. Nothing was too much for him (especially as I 'to and fro-ed' between the Newbury and the Willostix). He sent me numerous pictures of both bats, next to each other and then on their own. The pickup is very good but I guess you'd expect that with a 2'8 bat really. When you meet the middle it did fly, but the sound wasn't 'normal'. I can't really describe it but you'll know what I mean! With the recent wet weather the outfield hadn't had a proper cut in about 4/5 days and the ball skipped along at a fair old pace from a couple out of the meat! I can only assume (and hope) that in time it'll get better and sound better as the sound didn't fill me with confidence, again I can't explain it but I hope you know what I mean.
The not so good -
Although the bat arrived knocked in and prepared to play it was clear it wasn't. The toe sounded very very "tinny" indeed. I've noticed on other threads that Willostix's toe's are notoriously weak and staff at Willostix had set out to fix this so I'll spend a couple of hours with a mallet low down on the bat to be sure. Paul mentioned in an email that the grains were starting to open up after he knocked it in (Which isn't such a bad thing) but I'm wary of them and wondering about fitting something to protect the face & edges. He also mentioned in the email along with pictures that there were a few blemishes on the face, and they kind of ruin what is normally a great looking piece of willow. He assured me there was no difference in feel when he used the mallet on the blemished part. The grip that the bat came with has a lot of grip but has already started to ride up and string is visible after one net! I was thinking about adding a second grip anyway and I may as well now! Using stronger tape. I have to say that another player used my bat in the net who I blame for the grip riding up so I think I'll be the only player to use it from now on.
Overall -
Good looking bat that's been let down by the blemishes. I'll spend an extra 4/5 hours knocking the bat in paying a lot of attention to the "tinny" toe and trying to get that middle sounding like a good 'ping'. A second grip and possible protection for the face and edges is now priority! Value for money? At £232.49 including £12.50 for the knocking in, I'd probably say not. For the bat I received at that price I'm wondering now if I should've got the Newbury! That's my honest opinion after just one net though. I'm hoping (and praying!) with time the toe sounds a lot less tinny, the middle sounds better and the grains don't crack and tear too early.
I'll be uploading pictures later when I get in from work
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Topic: The bat I bought this year is..... (Read 5709 times)