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[keysersolze]

Hi Guys i know there are a lot of super bat makers on this forum and i am wondering if they have ever considered making a bat for disabled players?  I dont have great mobility so i like a long bladed bat so i can reach the ball at times. I also like it light as i have poor balance though when i make contact with the ball i can normally hit it out the park!! I had a bat custom made a little while back and will put the photo bucket link on here so you can all take a good luck. it would be great to get some feedback from you guys and especially from the bat makers on here. As i think the maximum weight for a disabled player with physical dissabilities is 2'8-2'9. So honest feed back is welcome and the pictures of the bat in question that i had made for me are taken with my mobile phone so the quality is questionable. The  willow used for the bat was destined for an international cricketer i was informed and i have used it and it does have a lovely ping and all and has a super balance and feel. !!! But that is my opinion so come on guys get back to me and lets here what you think would be best for a disabled cricketet.

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[keysersolze]

Not doing to good a job with the photo link but they are all on photo bucket on the keysersolze page

[keysersolze]

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[keysersolze]

Another pic for you all
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[keysersolze]

more pic
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[keysersolze]

Another pic
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[Ayrtek Cricket]

Hi Keyer...

Looks like a fair bit of meat behind the middle of the bat there, edges are particulary huge as some profile on otehr bats of similar weight but each to their own i guess. In regards to whats suits best to each person with a disability i guess it would depend upon the individual case, as with all cricket shots power is gained by the trasnfer of weight and timing of the shot.

As you mention your balance isnt great so it would be depend of the physical restraint of each person as to what they feel suits them best as this would effect their proprioception and power in the shots as a result of this. A longer blade would equal a greater lever arm etc to gain more power if for instance someone was restricted in their movement on one leg.

[keysersolze]

You sound like a fellow engineer Ayrtec? Lever arm, eh am waiting for youngs modulus and first moment of area next lol!!!! Everything you said makes sense fella!!! I think there is going to be a fairly large chunk of business for the company that can make quality bats for disabled players and women!!! Though that bat was a one of, as the willow was destined for an internatinal batsman who is playing right now in a full test match. Shame i can't tell you who it was but the bat weighs 2'9 but picks up like my girls 2'6  bat, and it has super balance!! It would be nice to think a company could make bats with disabled people and women more in mind!!! As their is a huge market for it!! I see newbery are the first to make a womans bat though.!!

[Tom]

Newbery were about the 4th to do a Women's bat, GN Spirit, Puma Zenith, then a couple of other smaller people did them. Impala or someone. Not quite sure how they got away with that one!

With disabled cricket I'm guessing there's a wide variety of disabilities in the cricket teams which would obviously affect the bat the player could use. So perhaps there wouldn't be a one sized fits all for disabled cricketers, may be worth a custom company getting a link up with a few disabled sides though if there's a market.

[keysersolze]

There is definately a market Tom and i think the most important thing is keeping the weight down, and i have three daughter 4, 8 and ten and they all love cricket and play but they moan that they want a pink bat or one thats pretty and sassy kinda sexy not just a boys bat!! And with the chance to shine programme hitting a lot more schools next year than previously a lot more girls are gonna start playing. And i did not know there had already been so many womens bats !! It just shows how little i know!! But as far as figures go i know of one goverment repoert done with sport england and disabled groups and they estimate there to be around 120,000  people eligble to play disabled cricket so i think if a manufacturer approached the disabled groups something could be done but obviously manufacturers have to make money out of it !!!