https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u4HjiAP3kFg/Vxp4SfqRsKI/AAAAAAAABGM/pk7hA6DGEMUR-LGml4YfStuprfPkrxZfQCCo/s128/IMAG0524.jpghttps://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BhSinoJ-GsY/Vxp5isTwfWI/AAAAAAAABGg/XXO8XaOAR8gowHsmvjfJcJbJUZORpOFZQCCo/s512/IMAG0525.jpghttps://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KUOuxZ-eCWw/Vxp6SuX70UI/AAAAAAAABGs/o_-LDssxBsUTM1spKWHu0a76XyC0aJ2agCCo/s800/IMAG0544.jpgthe above two pictures are of the pro blade.
here is the review:
i got this bat here from india and i hand picked it from ravi who is a great chap and very helpful. he has bats in 3 grades which are pro,grade 1 and 2.
phonex pro blade:
edge size: 44 mm
spine: 65mm
toe thickness: 22 mm
concaving: minimal and has a duck bill toe to help pick up
weight: 2.11 oz
price: 175 quid
phonex grade 2 bat:
edge size: 41mm
spine:64mm
toe thickness: 20mm
concaving:minamal and has duck bill toe
weight:2.9oz
price: 75 quid
as you can see from the above pictures the pro blade has 28 straight and evenly spaced grains and though there is heart wood which i like it on the right handers edge. when i went to hand pick the bat it wasnt easy as there were so many options and i stumbled upon this one just for the look of the grains but when i tapped it off the mallet it was like a spring board. i have quite a few bats from big companies but for me this bats taps the best. i was surprised to see a bat of that size in that weight and i can assure you its not overdried as i have been using it for long and its my match bat. i now own 4 bats from phoenix cricket and i cant recommend them more highly.they are great value for money and even the grade 2 just pings like trampoline proving no. of grains isnt the accurate measure of the performance of the bat.finally instead of spending hefty amound on sticker companies and big reputed companies, i think we should try some of these local talent coz u might be pleasantly surprised.
i found out bout phoenix cricket on fb and i contacted Ravi who was very quick with a reply and knowledgeable too bout the game. he helped me with my requirements and within few days i was headed to his home in bangalore where he has this lovely stock of cricket bats. i rate this guy very highly and you cannot go wrong with him in quality.