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[Talisman]

All bats pick up differently, even those at the same weight and shape.

Pick is the hardest factor to put into a bat, you can generalise but never guarantee it will feel right.

[Str8bat]

Great topic Norb! It is intriguing how there are pages upon pages of topics around # of grains, importance of heartwood and even how to remove the anti-scuff sheet but not on edge size, bowing and other fundamentals of custom bat specs.
I think CD's question about what constitutes a "big" edge for any given weight is primordial. I use bats in the dead weight range of 2.9-2.10 with no concaving and a low-ish swell. Those specs almost invariably lead to a max edge size of around 30 mm which is big by my standards. Getting into the 35mm range would require 2 trade-offs i.e. reduce spine height  or go for major concaving (spine on a plank)...neither of which are acceptable for me. Clearly the primary goal is to have a strong centre and a decent off-centre so neither should be compromised. The obvious 3rd way is to increase the weight which rules itself out as an option equally obviously.

The only exception to the above 30mm approx rule is when I stumble upon a light density bat which as we all know is quite rare. To Mike's point a light density basically acts as a multiplier i.e. increase all round proportions without the above trade-offs. I have had 2 bats like that which allowed a 35mm+ edge without the compromises nor increasing the dead weight . A Redback Allegiance that is truly exceptional and hats off to Gary for creating that. There is another SS that is my dearer-than-life match bat but it has clearly been artificially over-dried.

I have also had a few 35mm+ "all edge" bats with insufficient spine. Curiously, those were the easiest to resell. So there does seem to be a fetish for large edges that is impacting the demand and supply.

[SAF Bats]

Pickup is relative to person using it,some people grip the handle with high hands some people have low hands this pivot point effectively defines how the bat pickups for you.  There is a happy medium you can get to when making them and you aim for that point, well you try. I think talisman said he had one of mine that didn't feel right and you know what I techie I am! I reweighted it as I agreed with him, there was loads of scoops to contend with or I was half asleep when balancing it, anyways I kept it and its now all mine

Not off topic on the concaving stuff it is something that allows you to leave a larger edge but again takes away from the middle

Str8bat based on the last bit there.... If you are reseller then edges are the way to go and you get asked for a large edge more often then not.  I'm still unsure if it is perception thing, that is, it will be better a bat or they don't want to have something out of the percieved norm

[Watsontotty]

All bats pick up different and perform different so I'm not sure Norbs will find an answer to his question ? I'm not convinced under any circumstances that a bat with a big edge will play better than perhaps a bat with small edges ? some may but some wont and that's goes for any shape or size concave non concave sh or lh or even lb.

Get 5 bats of all differing size and shape an you wont find a shape or size bat which performs any better across all 5 than the others. Big edges bats are the choice of some international players who want a big profile but in a light weight and due to the low density willow available for such players bat makers can produce this for them which wasn't always possible say 5 years ago.  So what you see the top players use ain't available off the shelf an if you actually pick up a pro players bat you will see the difference an feel it.

[steelcouch]

Norbair,
Was that the bat that TALISMAN COMPARED WITH THE LAVER AND WOOD?
What weight was that?

[SAF Bats]

Watsontotty - It is more of leading question to get people thinking of different bats shapes

steelcouch, yep and god knows, probably 2lb 12oz knowing Talisman. It was the 1st of its kind and I scooped a little bit more off the toe and changed the grip to sort it.  I posted a similar shaped T20 bat on here, again a prototype but balanced this time

Why do you ask?

[Talisman]

It was 2.12 which is lighter than my match bat but it felt wrong, I have no idea why but it is a shame as I wanted to use the shape and Andy was very kind in making it for me.

I've since ordered a retro beast from him, hand sanded in the pub which may make all the performance difference as the edges could be all over the place.

[steelcouch]

Fishing around for another bat.

[SAF Bats]

Fishing around for another bat.

Ahhh I took it back applied a complex toe formula to it for balance :-) and kept it. I used that and similar shaped redwood bat as my main 2 bats, don't tell Talisman though

[Talisman]

I refute that accusation, did I draw it on in the car park??? I can't remember....

I have a new shape being collected on Wednesday from a new bat maker, and he makes them in a workshop, not the pub, as you stare at the iPhone on your bar stool....

[SAF Bats]

I refute that accusation, did I draw it on in the car park??? I can't remember....

I have a new shape being collected on Wednesday from a new bat maker, and he makes them in a workshop, not the pub, as you stare at the iPhone on your bar stool....

Opps I just deleted that post as it was more out of context then most of this page...

Anyways staying off topic...

A new bat maker you say, a workshop you say.... When will these people learn that Beer, Cider and the odd shot is good for willow

PS my phone doesnt work in the pub that is why I go there :-D