Topic: Which Custom Made (Read 8186 times)

dhackett89 · « **on:** January 30, 2012, 05:27:08 PM »

Hi all i realise this seems to be a regular first post for new members but some advice would be useful.

I am looking to purchase a top quality bat, i have previously had 3 lavers 2 of which were fantastic, but now with customs charges etc i dont fancy paying upwards of �350. Since the Lavers i had a run of disapointing bats that was ended with a Funky (untill that broke, i understand this is a normal problem)

i have been looking at Black Cat, Hell 4 leather and Solitaire

black cat seem to me to be the best looking bat but as always the most expensive will the performance of them far outweigh the other two or would i be better saving money on a Solitaire.

I'm looking for something around 2 11-13 with a lowish middle and thick edges

any advice would be good to hear

cheers Dan

Joe · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2012, 05:30:11 PM »

Well, there's this thing about Solitaire and weight

Go for a Black Cat. They are very, very cool and I have heard only good things about them.

peplow · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2012, 05:30:48 PM »

Welcome

, at 2lb 13 you might be best of going for solitare if you are looking for vlaue for money and like the profiles. If not then my vote goes for h4l as its a proper custom made at a smashing price.

gabbers · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2012, 05:34:08 PM »

Which ever you go for you'll be happy with. H4l are great but if you want a black cat there is a discount code, and if you order either today or tomorrow it's �50 off otherwise it's �35 by February which is still very good

petehosk · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2012, 05:58:01 PM »

Welcome to the forum!
It's a sensible question as you want to ensure you get value and quality!!
The Custom brands on this forum are very good quality otherwise they wouldn't be on this forum for long as members who purchased would soon be vocal about bad points!
Lavers are decent bats - I have a number of newer ones and older ones (older ones = 3+ years old) and I personally prefer the slightly older profiles - but that is purely a personal opinion. You really don't get a great reputation like James Laver has without making superb bats! But I can fully understand the price implications at the moment - same as Screaming Cat!
As Joe mentioned Solitaire do seem to have a weight issue, but if you use 2'12+ then this shouldn't be a problem, as long as you make it clear that the weight you want the bat to be is fully dressed!
There are other excellent brands which are all worth considering such as H4L, Blueroom, Instinct, Charlie French, and Bulldog seems to come up with great deals too!

If I had to have just a single brand of bat though, I have always been honest and said that I would likely use Black Cat. The main reasons are that he has his own plantation of willow and can pick the absolute best - plus all the Black Cats I have had are absolutely superb!

There are other options on here too, such as the likes of Blank Bats and others who could offer an excellent service!
And some of my absolute best bats have come from Asad at Uzi Sports, so don't dismiss these other options.

I would take your time and see what takes your fancy!!
Sorry about too much info but there are no set answers as there really is so much quality from the sponsors on here!
It depends if you are looking to have something made whilst you watch, or want to order a certain profile, or simply want an stonker of a bat but not really too bothered about what stickers it has on it!

Just read lots and have fun deciding!

harry kovert · « **Reply #5 on:** January 30, 2012, 06:11:40 PM »

Always worth looking in the "for sale" section. Often some beauties at bargain prices!

The_Bird · « **Reply #6 on:** January 30, 2012, 06:15:31 PM »

Welcome and what a fantastic predicament to be in!! Your in the right place for custom made beauty's and someone will no doubt meet your needs and some.

Buzz · « **Reply #7 on:** January 30, 2012, 06:23:08 PM »

just be careful you don't spend a grand on willow in the next week, it is very easily done on this forum...!

Six Sixes Cricket · « **Reply #8 on:** January 30, 2012, 08:21:07 PM »

I think Pete has given you some great advice. I've just ordered a custom black cat and it will take around 3 weeks. It has a bit of competition in my collection so will be interesting to see how it will compare. But most reports are favourable for there performance.

Ryan · « **Reply #9 on:** January 30, 2012, 08:35:48 PM »

I don't think you will go far wrong if you go for ether of the three mentioned, however dont forget about redback, ayrtek, saf, blank bats, instinct, blueroom, bulldog...all of these are very good quality. Better of just picking the best stickers and go with that. You won't be disappointed!

Or indeed kelsall custom bats

haha

junter97 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 30, 2012, 10:17:46 PM »

You're in a win win situation, whoever you decide to go with, the bat won't disappoint you. There are so many manufactures to choose from, Woodstock, H4L, Redback, Black Cat, Instinct, Bulldog, Ayrtek, Solitaire and I've probably mused out loads. My advice would be the same as Fletch's, choose the stickers you like best.

thedon · « **Reply #11 on:** January 31, 2012, 09:03:12 AM »

If you want my honest opinion, dont buy blind...make sure you go and see the bat, pick it up, have a swing and most importantly like the feel of it before you part with your hard earned cash.

Find out which bat maker is closest to you, and pay them a visit.

Johnny · « **Reply #12 on:** January 31, 2012, 09:26:33 AM »

Quote from: thedon on January 31, 2012, 09:03:12 AM

If you want my honest opinion, dont buy blind...make sure you go and see the bat, pick it up, have a swing and most importantly like the feel of it before you part with your hard earned cash.

Find out which bat maker is closest to you, and pay them a visit.

Good advice for buying an off the shelf bat, but if it's a true custom bat, then surely that's not an option? For me a custom bat is about finding a batmaker you trust to produce a bespoke item that suits your game

dhackett89 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 31, 2012, 03:01:54 PM »

cheers for all the advice guys think im just about narrowing it down to a couple and will decide soon. If i could afford it id have about 10 as i imagine most people on here would!

will post pictures etc once i get one

cheers again

Ayrtek Cricket · « **Reply #14 on:** January 31, 2012, 06:27:36 PM »

We've got some 2.12 in stock currently to which are crackers!

Author Topic: Which Custom Made (Read 8186 times)

dhackett89

Which Custom Made

Joe

Re: Which Custom Made

peplow

Re: Which Custom Made

gabbers

Re: Which Custom Made

petehosk

Re: Which Custom Made

harry kovert

Re: Which Custom Made

The_Bird

Re: Which Custom Made

Buzz

Re: Which Custom Made

Six Sixes Cricket

Re: Which Custom Made

Ryan

Re: Which Custom Made

junter97

Re: Which Custom Made

thedon

Re: Which Custom Made

Johnny

Re: Which Custom Made

dhackett89

Re: Which Custom Made

Ayrtek Cricket

Re: Which Custom Made