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[Johnny]

I've just done a search, and it seems that we don't have a Charlie French thread....

...so I'm going to start one!

I'm playing for a new club this year, and they have their own Charlie French club shop. You can get kit bags in club colours, with the club crest printed on them, all the team wear is Pro skins (which seem to be CF affiliated) and there's discount on all the CF kit... about 15% - not much, but better than nothing.

So, there's a good chance that any kit I buy in the near future will be through them. Was interested to know people's opinions and experiences with CF?

[Tom]

They're popular in my local area, he also has a new composite handle coming out for this year called the ES-335.

They seem decent enough bats though.

[ianbuchanan]

i played against someone on a touring side last year who had one, looked like an awesome bat, great middle...

[Johnny]

Tom - do you have anymore info on the composite handle - can't see anything on the website. I've decided that next time I get a bat (probably not this season) - i'm going to send my Laver away to be copied by someone - wonder if this handle will be anything like my carbo-cane?

[Tom]

No more info sorry, it was on email I received with regard to an open day at his shop. It mentioned this handle and how he'd be giving a talk on how it improved the bats.

It may be worth emailing him for more info, it will be a bit different to the Laver handle though as it needs to fit in with the new MCC laws.

[Liam-SCCC]

my friend has the package deal, and has the fusion pads and gloves along with the Limited bat, the bat is nice, can't say I'm a fan of the softs tho

[Outlaw]

I Know Charlie quite well, and rate his bats highly I know many cricketers from different standards who use them and vast majority are very impressed and seem to return year after year for another. As for the new handle, I wasn't able to make the open day, but I will see Charlie during the week as I've got a bat needing some work on it, so I will speak to him about it  The Proskins stuff is very good, I've got most of it except the vest skins and it's as good as Canterbury etc and it's made in the East Midlands!

[Talisman]

I've used a few of Charlies bats in the past and always a nice shape with a decent finish. I liked them and think his stickers now look the part too.

[Johnny]

it will be a bit different to the Laver handle though as it needs to fit in with the new MCC laws.

I thought the Laver handle did fit with the MCC laws?

[Tom]

The original didn't as James had to re-design a new one, if you bought your bat in mid 2008 though it will be the latest handle which is ok.

[BlarneyArmy]

Only have ever seen one CF in N Ireland. It was used by Greg Thompson who plays or used to play for Ireland, now with Ireland A I think.
Must be decent bats if he was using them and I should note, he also used CF pads and gloves.

[Chrissy]

Seen a fair few and look quite nice know a lad who has one and his is quite nice (limited) with gold stickers looks lush... goes nice aswell.

[sultanofswing]

they seem to have good reviews in wisden equipment guide over last 3 years

[Outlaw]

Been used internationally as well, by Corey Collymore and Fidel Edwards I think.

[Tom]

More info on the handle is that the bat is called the "Ovation"



ES330 handle is a composite handle made of natural materials that fully conforms to new MCC regulations. The ES330 creates minimal torque (handle twisting) which channels more energy through the shot, therefore producing more power.

There's batmaking displays in Mansfield Woodhouse this Easter weekend if interested.

This is a question for Norbs etc, with these shorter blades could you use a boys/colts cleft to make it? I know width wise they're a bit smaller too but still over 4 1/4" inches.