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[tim2000s]

Right, I know this maybe preaching to the converted amongst most people on here, but I've a couple of observations for you all on knocking your bat in properly.

I've been using a few of the old, used, ebay bats that I have in the nets, alongside a couple of other things that I've picked up. The older bats mostly have tremendous middles and go a lot better than I would have expected. They also have been used for a while and therefore are well knocked in. Three of them go like rockets! I've also used a couple of bats that are not fully knocked in alongside my match bats from last year and these.

There is a noticeable difference. It does beg the question as to how many people on the forum really, honestly, hand on heart, knock their bats in properly? Are many people using bats that need some work and therefore the willow is not responding as it could?

[Buzz]

Are you suggesting that a bat that is a season old - has about 500 runs on the board (plus associated net sessions) is about perfect?
 

[kaustav]

I would say the Asian bats take less of a time to get knocked in properly;
 And yes, in my honest opinion a bat which has yielded 500 runs is at its prime.

[tim2000s]

Are you suggesting that a bat that is a season old - has about 500 runs on the board (plus associated net sessions) is about perfect?

I am suggesting that buying a season old bat as a bargain is absolutely the right way to get a bat that is perfect for most amateur users.

I'd add the caveat that if you are a star batsman who has scored 2000 runs with your bat this season, it probably isn't quite so perfect, but generally, yes I think that's what I am saying.

[PedalsMcgrew]

I'd agree with that. I really think 'proper' knocking in takes a lot longer than we all think. I know I am fairly lazy about it. I tend to try and buy my bats 'ready to go' but even then I don't reckon I see the best of them for at least half a season.

[Number4]

I am positive alot of bats that guys are using on here aren't prepared properly, either oiled or knocked in just by observations I have made.

There are a couple of things I look for when knocking a bat in to make sure it is ready to use.

1. After knocking in with mallet check with ball or ball on a stick to see if it still makes seam marks

2. I look at the grains while knocking the bat in. When they start to slighty part right on the grain line I know they are perfect and ready to go. ( I have mentioned this "opening" of the grains previously on here before but it wasn't understood what I meant so tomorrow I will take a close up pic of the grains on my Laver to show you what I mean by opening or parting of the grains)

I also roll the edges on the bath tub

Using these techniques and observations I have never had a bat crack or break in the 30 years I have played cricket

[uknsaunders]

agree on both points. I know exactly what you mean on point 2. I'd go so far as to suggest buying a bat pre-xmas and using indoor nets (with old balls) as additional knocking in, once you have knocked the bat in.

[Liam-SCCC]

I have never been a big knocker in of bats, normally and hour on edges and toe, then scuff sheet and a rack or 10 on the Bola. That has been on the advice if the sellers, all being companies as well as forum members

That's what I did with my Talisman and it scored me a lot of runs and went brilliantly! It was the handle that went in the end, that's why I know that when it comes back from Mike with a new handle that it may walk straight back into my match bat slot! It certainly was getting to its prime when it broke, it went 49, 48, 63, 69 and was wonderful to use

[The_Bird]

I'd go so far as to suggest buying a bat pre-xmas and using indoor nets (with old balls) as additional knocking in, once you have knocked the bat in.

This has always served me well with my bats till some clown turns up with a brand new cherry and wonders why everyone with a new bat runs for cover, something I'd like to know is how much knocking in is needed with GM now/pre-prepared bats? How do these processes differ from the good old fashioned way and Also edges rolled on a bath tub? Please explain lol

[Number4]

This has always served me well with my bats till some clown turns up with a brand new cherry and wonders why everyone with a new bat runs for cover, something I'd like to know is how much knocking in is needed with GM now/pre-prepared bats? How do these processes differ from the good old fashioned way and Also edges rolled on a bath tub? Please explain lol

Thought it was pretty self explanatory...Roll the edges on the edge of the bath tub to round them off and harden them

[Bruce]

Also edges rolled on a bath tub? Please explain lol

I guess its like pressing, although its specifically presses the edges.
When you knock in the edges, you can miss bits but rolling them on a bath is a firm surface and repeating the process helps to keep edges intact.

[Number4]

I have never been a big knocker in of bats, normally and hour on edges and toe, then scuff sheet and a rack or 10 on the Bola. That has been on the advice if the sellers, all being companies as well as forum members

That's what I did with my Talisman and it scored me a lot of runs and went brilliantly! It was the handle that went in the end, that's why I know that when it comes back from Mike with a new handle that it may walk straight back into my match bat slot! It certainly was getting to its prime when it broke, it went 49, 48, 63, 69 and was wonderful to use

You have had a few bats that have broken though Liam.. Maybe this is the reason behind it.... Don't know

[The_Bird]

I guess its like pressing, although its specifically presses the edges.
When you knock in the edges, you can miss bits but rolling them on a bath is a firm surface and repeating the process helps to keep edges intact.

Thanks for the explanation bud

[thedon]

I knock the edges and toe for about an hour or so and leave the rest of the bat alone if I dont see any seam marks when tapping up with a ball. I then go to nets and give it to the big hitters in the team. That normally does the job of knocking i in nicely

[Manormanic]

There is a noticeable difference. It does beg the question as to how many people on the forum really, honestly, hand on heart, knock their bats in properly? Are many people using bats that need some work and therefore the willow is not responding as it could?

Interesting that you raise this - a few years ago I took to using a new bat in the nets and in midweek/Sunday games for at least half a season before using it in a League game.  I don't always think that this is totally necessary - there are bats that are ready much sooner than that, also ones that only reach their best when they are dropping to pieces - but I've found it to work.

Of course, it means I have two lovely white bats in my bag at league games and walk out with a battered B52 that looks like its seen at least one major international conflict...