It's been a while since I posted the pics of my new Paradox LE and after using the bat for the first time in a game on Saturday I would add to the initial review.
I asked for the bat to be knocked in which Gary did for me before I received it but I continued to knock the bat in for a further 5-6 10 minute sessions before facing some throw-downs in the nets. I then used the bat (carefully - I have a habit of breaking bats in nets!) in a couple of net sessions and then on to score 70 with it in Saturdays league game.. The dead weight of the bat is 2.10 with a single grip (and I asked for a spiral over the top so probably weighs around 2.11-12 now) and it picks up well. Not the lightest pick up (around 2.9) I have had form a bat the same weight and grip set up but it is superbly balanced and feels great in the hands which to me is the most important aspect.
The bat really did come alive the more I used it and it was still noticeable in the game. When I first started to net with it I thought the middle may be a little low for me as the first 6 inches of the blade (bar the first inch) from the toe was the area to really get going first. I went back to using the mallet and really focused on the area above this before returning to the nets a few days later and this definitely made a difference as a much bigger are of the blade was now starting to respond well.
I walked out to the wicket with the banter already starting, "he's got a good bat, wonder if he knows how to use it" being the opening comment. Using it in the game I found it hard going early doors and struggled to find the middle but was quite adept at using the edges! Eventually after a few overs I started to time the ball well and began to find the middle and what a beauty it is. To begin with I was having to hit the ball hard to reach the boundary but as time progressed I was finding as a result of my improved timing and middling the ball a lot more it became effortless. The opposition bowler bowled a full ball which just short of yorker length which I blocked towards wide mid-off and this resulted in four runs past the fielder. Having said that I found the bat quite forgiving with off-center shots which was very pleasing.
Reading other Redback owners reviews and posts, these bats really seem to get better and better the more they are used and I can't wait to use it again next week. A number of the lads were asking where I got it from and were very impressed with it so you may have some more customers soon Gary!
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Topic: Redback Paradox LE (Read 31503 times)