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[pablomarmite]

Hi
I have used light bats for the past 7-8 years (2.5-2.7 one grip, super short handle). Decided to sell them and to purchase a new one similar weight. Nothing had caught my eye yet (that I can afford!love that multi grain beauty that is for sale/isnt for sale!) and therefore I was batless. Borrowed a bat for last couple of games long blade 2 grips 2.12, completely different. Now of course bat speed has been reduced, no other technique changes have been made. In both games I batted well all be it for a very short time( 14 in first over out 3rd over to same bowler played on pulling, 30 retired midweek game 4 overs) and the ball went quickly to the boundary, quicker than it has done for a while.
So some questions guys. Has anyone else changed their bat so radically - shape, handle, blade weight? How have you got on? Do you have different bats for different wickets, types of games?

I am certainly re-evaulating my next bat purchase and it has even got me thinking about my style of batting and run scoring areas. Most of my runs historically have come square of wicket and behind - cuts, pulls, sweeps run downs to 3rd man, hip glances, with larger bat I seem to want to drive more and hit straighter or have the confidence to.

[Colesy]

I've gone the other way, I currently have a 2.13 Ayrtek which I like, the thing flies and at my level I don't have any problems against the bowling.
Just ordered a new bat at 2.8 as I feel this will be better for me.

[PedalsMcgrew]

I've always used 2'11 - 2'12 weight bats in the past, no real reason I just always have. I'm far more focused on how the bat picks up. I've used bats at 2'9 that pickup heavier than other bats at 2'12+.

Having said that if you are looking to buy a heavier bat I would suggest a long net session with one first! It's only after 10 or so overs that you will start to notice the real difference and it may be that it doesn't suit you.

[pablomarmite]

Interesting. I have generally played at a level above my ability as a cheerleader/backstop/keeper or rarely used bowler. So have struggled against the bowling. Playing lower level as a opening batsman, against less pace with a less meaty bat but with the same batting style has meant I wasn't scoring as much or as quickly as I felt I could and should. eg 1s not 2s, 2s not 4s, less opportunity to cut, pull play, run down. I put this down to the need for a new bat but perhaps the need for a totally new style of bat was what was required. The bat I am using weighs 2.12 on scales and doesn't pick up as a toothpick! Funny I when I have picked up other people's bats I have immediately put them down and said too heavy, yet when I have hit a few balls with them I have liked them. I am obviously worried about a prolonged use in the middle with a heavy bat, haven't netted with it so haven't had that experience either. I know that some of the pros and guys on this forum no doubt net with heavy bats and then use lighter ones in the matches.

[pablomarmite]

Agree with that mate. I am hoping for a net tomorrow and will then post my feedback.

[PedalsMcgrew]

Only then will you really know buddy, if your arms feel like they're about to fall off it's probably too heavy! I've borrowed a few off another member of this forum recently that are up around 2'13 - 2' 14 and I could barely lift my pint glass at the end of a 30 minute net.

Just remember that a heavier bat does not mean you will hit the ball further! (There's a thread about it on here somewhere, it's quite technical though!) Buy a bat you like the feel of, whatever the weight, and get used to using it. There are advantages to using a heavier bat but there are an equal number of drawbacks as well...let us know how you go..

 

[pablomarmite]

Ideally it would be great if there was a try and buy scheme. Use a bat for a month if you like it buy it if not return it! I think that is why there are so many swaps and sales on here.  Someone mentioned the next bat is the best syndrome and I would agree with that. If I can't hold a pint after using it then it is a def no no!Netting is more extensive that a game so will be a really interesting. I know arms will hurt no doubt about that it is just how sore and for how long. Therefore it may be the 2nd net which is the most interesting.

[Bez013]

I went from 2lb 10oz to 2lb 15oz (I must have been feeling macho!) last season and suddenly everything clicked for me, I stopped trying to lace the cover off the ball and just played solid shots, it really changed my game I think I scored around 50 in each of the first 5 innings with the bat having not made more than 30 for 2 seasons. 

The majority of the bowlers I face aren't all that quick but I do struggle against anyone really quick if it is short.

[Tumo]

I'm torn between 2 bats - my 2'12 Hunts and my 2'9 GN, the GN is in use at the moment because of the lighter pick-up and early season lack of timing. Tempted to get a couple of ounces shaved off the county, just a tad too heavy for me right now!

[tim2000s]

Ideally it would be great if there was a try and buy scheme. Use a bat for a month if you like it buy it if not return it! I think that is why there are so many swaps and sales on here.  Someone mentioned the next bat is the best syndrome and I would agree with that. If I can't hold a pint after using it then it is a def no no!Netting is more extensive that a game so will be a really interesting. I know arms will hurt no doubt about that it is just how sore and for how long. Therefore it may be the 2nd net which is the most interesting.

This is why the bat copying done by many of the makers on here is useful. It allows you to recreate a bat that you know works for you.

[pablomarmite]

Had net this evening. No major after pain (was able to bowl immediately after) or slowness in shot. Bigger hits but still in normal shot zones pulls, cuts, back foot punches. Haven't all of a sudden become a front foot bully! I will probably be thinking around the 2.10ish with two grips weight range although I know it is all about the pick up and yes you can have any shape made that you love but I still haven't found what I am looking for!It has been a revelation for me because it opens up more bat options if you are not desperately in need of very light. For example I love the look of Matt's h4l bats and would have previously never of dreamt of buying one due to size. Anybody else made big changes to their bat requirements or borrowed a mate's bat and been surprised?

[tim2000s]

I own bats from 2lb7oz to 2lb15oz. Depends on the needs at the time . 20 overs with 2 wicket left? Mid-weight blocking. 20 overs with 6 wickets ? Lighter weight playing shots. 3 overs, quick runs? Heavy slog!

[pablomarmite]

I am prob not in the position to own multiple bats or to be truthful capable of being a multi-style batsmen. I play one way and it would be best described as solid. I was surprised by the lacking of arm pain as you could use my arm as a ruler. The bowling wasn't very quick, in fact it was rather slow, so my reactions weren't called into question tonight, but has gave me plenty of food for thought. I have also been getting my head round using a longer blade. My warsop 2.5 had a slightly shorter blade so that has been interesting too. I was prone to the yorker as while not tall (182cm) I do stand up in my stance. I had had some spinning in my hand but I have put that down to the fact my gloves have gone but it could be a weight thing or a two grip thing which have both been different on this bat. As I have said I am very genuinely interested in peoples' opinions about their bats as there are guys on here who have used an awful lot of bats and I am sure they can't have all been the same size and shape remade ad nauseam.