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[kaustav]

Hello Folks--- so here is the situation: I have this Oblivion 4 Star which is really a nice bat and would probably would give some higher end bats a run for their money because of the terrific ball response. It has 12 straight grains and actually looks quite good for a 4 Star. The profile is quite big for a 2.8 and no I do not know whether it is too dry. But based on what has happened to it in just two practice sessions and during a short inning of 17 runs, it does seem a bit dry and the pressing too seems soft---hence, maybe the good ball response from get-go. Anyway--- there are ball impressions and surface cracks that have already appeared on the bat which are quite unlike the normal surface cracks/indentations that I have seen in my other bats. It seems that the face is bidding a premature good bye. Also, there is a crack extending from the side of the toe to about 2-3 inches now; the first couple of pictures delineate the cracks before my last practice session. The next few show how the situation has deteriorated after another 5 overs; inside-edging a low yorker did not help either. Anyway please let me know what you guys think: like I said the bat is only two practice sessions and 17 runs old. Should I try treatment on my own or should I let the retailer know? Unfortunately, in North America I am not aware of how the warranty process works. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

This is how it looked before my last practice:





Now here are the surface indentations/cracks and the older crack after a mere 5 more overs:


















If one looks at the indentations, it seems the entire upper layer is coming off.

Anyway sorry for the clumsy pictures; any and all advises are welcome.

[johnnyw]

Did you knock it in?

[kaustav]

Yeah-- I was going to add that point: yes I knocked it in; and made sure the first time I used it in the nets, only older balls were used against it. I always take care to knock my bats in and this is actually the first time I am looking at these strange indentations; normally those benign cracks appear as we have all seen but this is quite different.

[Howzat]

With seam marks like that near the toe of the bat if you took it back the retailer would just say its due to you striking a yorker

[jw17]

tape it up!

[kaustav]

I would tape it up but the crack near the edge has me worried? Wood glue + clamp + tape perhaps?

[Six Sixes Cricket]

Take toe guard off, glue then clamp it, toe guard back on and tape it. Or take it back.

[kaustav]

Take toe guard off, glue then clamp it, toe guard back on and tape it. Or take it back.

Any particular glue mate? Will super-glue work? Thanks.

[Six Sixes Cricket]

You need a wood glue. (pva)

I know your in the us and a but something similar to this

http://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/wood-finishes/glues-and-adhesives/pva-glue-extra-strong.htm

[kaustav]

Cool. Thanks Rob 

[Johnny]

Surely worth contacting the retailer - they can only say no, after which you could start making your own repairs

[peplow]

Look like compression cracks on the face. CAused by crap balls or just little flaws in the willow. THey are like traps that cannot be seen and activate when hit. Not a lot can be done to prevent i don't think! Maybe more prone to happen with softer willow and if using crap.hard balls..

[kaustav]

I thought those were compression cracks; the balls used were good mate. Maybe the willow is a bit too dry and hence the big profile for a 2.8; but why the side crack--- do compression cracks effect anything other than the surface?

[uknsaunders]

While it could be an over dried bat or a defect it's difficult to be certain while seam marks are all over your bat.seam marks indicate the pressing is too soft and extra knocking in is required. I would repair it after you have knocked it in, assuming that's the cheapest option.

[Ryan]

Agree with d7bow, take the toe guard off then open up the crack, apply PVA and clamp. I'd also re-apply the toe guard for a little more protection.

I'd also knock it in some more seen as your still getting seam marks in the face.