Thought I'd post a topic about my new GM now that I've used it to gauge a proper insight.
First of all I was putting the feelers out about a new GM as I wan't getting on with my Gray Nicolls and since my last Icon bit the dust I wanted to have another as it was the best bat I've used. I contacted Jake at Vitas to see if he had any Icons (not F2 Icons) in a 2lb 8/2lb 9 range to which he said no but ordering one wouldn't be a problem. I was toying with the idea of an Original or even L.E but felt the extra £100 over a 808 was purely aesthetic. So that's what I decided to go for, 2lb 9 and a lighter pick up on the GM index. After a few PMs Jake said ordering wouldn't be a problem and should be with me within a week. True to his word I got my bat a few days later and was impressed with it. In comparison to my old Icon it seemed to have a bit more wood (I know they're CNCd) so I don't know if they've changed the shape slightly as there seemed to be less of a bow too. It has evenly spaced, straightish grains with a small knot near the middle from what I've seen so far has no impact on performance. Onto performance it seems to have a softer middle than my old Icon but that was just opening up and flying when it went so I still have high hopes for mine once I've had a few more games and the face fully hardens. The pick up is sublime, normally I have two grips to help with the pick up but this only needs one and it still feels chunky enough for me to be happy with it.
One thing that does annoy me about recent GMs is the face they put a face cover on then the stickers. This means I can't change the scuff sheet without removing the stickers.
Overall I'm very happy with it. People say bats are just pieces of willow but they're not, I don't think it's coincidence that whenever I use a GM my timing is a lot better and I feel more confident.
A big thank you to Jake and the guys at Vitas, their customer service was fantastic and would definitely recommend them if you haven't used them before.
Now. Pictures