How do you get a performance grade bat without it being fully knocked in so the bat maker is sure it has good performance?
I have a bat which is made like all the rest, but it looks sub standard with a few pin knots on the face. Could I say it's performance willow without knocking it in? Well I decided its not a great looking bat and not one I would sell with my stickers on and sell for £150 maximum. I started knocking it in, better than the £225 knocked in bat I have but I'd be wrong to sell it as a performance willow.
I think this performance will thing is nonsense unless bats are supplied knocked in before you buy them. For me knocking in is part of falling in love with your piece of willow. It's a time to tell her that you love her and she is your only true love and that as well as being a looker she needs to be a right goer to.
How bloody true mate too many people rate bats on initial tap rubbish.
as i have previously alluded to 90 per cent of bats are the same no matter grains and wood.
Heartwood 3 years ago was the rage now it seen just as wood like fashion things change.
A BAT IS A BAT no matter what it looks like grains and wood just get the one that picks up well and has the wood in the right area ie coverage..
The players bats i have seen have not been the best looking like the reserve willow at a bat place i go to it about weight to wood ratio.
Nobody can tell if a bat is going to be a belter until it been fully knocked in and used quite a bit or been battered by a bowling machine..
Mr Garrett i will be in touch