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[Maverick79]

My brand new H4L Excel 5* arrived today which I bought from RoCo Da Pixie via the items wanted/for sale section of the forum. I wanted a second bat that I could use when needed as I intend to play a lot more cricket this year. The bat is 2lb 10oz, and has 10-11 grains half of which is heartwood. I have had heartwood on bats before but not this much, although it didn't put me off buying it. When I first saw the bat listed for sale I loved the look of it but wasn't sure how well it would pick-up being that there is a massive amount of wood in this bat for the weight and I tend to open the batting for my team. After speaking to Matt, he assured me that the bat picked up well and would be suitable for me. The bat picks up so well for the amount of wood. When you look down at the bat in your stance it looks massive (which it is!) but then you pick the bat up and it is so light which really surprised me.

The bat is still to be knocked in but the initial signs are very good. The bat responds very well to a mallet pretty much all over to within a couple of inches of the toe. I have to say I am very impressed and looking forward to netting with it - i think the ball is going to fly off this one. For those who like the edge and spine details - edges 38mm approx and spine 65mm approx!

I have taken some pictures which are below and will comment more once the bat is fully knocked and I have had a net or two with it.

[Maverick79]

Thanks Johan  . I don't think me and pictures go. I put them in the [IMG] brackets as you said but didn't work!

[johan95]

Can't do it mate, sorry...need a picture wizard as I said

[Cover_Drive]

[Maverick79]

Cover_Drive to the rescue again!

[Buzz]

This bat would be totally wasted if you just used it as a net bat.

[Tumo]

This bat would be totally wasted if you just used it as a net bat.

I cannot agree with this enough. God, give it to me and I'll use it!

[Maverick79]

I don't normally use my match bats in the nets as I have broken a few before so will have a net or two with it to see how it goes performance wise. I will be definitely be using it for Sunday's/midweek matches so is definitely going to get used - as you say would be a waste just to have it sitting around or as a net bat. It really has impressed me

[RoCo Da Pixie]

Chris, Glad you like the bat, It does look a beauty, But i didnt like the heartwood,

Hope you score some runs with it.

[Maverick79]

Thanks mate, hopefully I will. Looking forward to using it

[19reading87]

You'll get into the first team in kit alone mate... aha

[Maverick79]

  It's funny you should say that, my team mates give me a load of stick each season about my kit because I usually have something new or the amount of kit I have, which to be fair I don't think is a lot. What I need is petehosk to turn up at my club with his bat collection........that'll keep them quiet!

[roco]

I get and have had the same stick but I can't help that I like new shiny things

[johan95]

Keeper was giving me a bit of lip when he saw my redback last night as I have used 3 bats in nets, he was like is that another New bat...lol - I have had stick about my helmet but they've stopped now. I know I will get abuse but I really couldn't care less tbh really. I value my head lol...

[19reading87]

What lid u got bud?