If I remember correctly my first proper bat was a Gray Nicholls Powerspot, followed by about 6 Slazenger V12s which broke one after the other, before I gave up on them.
1st SH bat was a Newbery Mjolnir, which kept me going from the age of 14/15 til 27 (though I did have 6/7 seasons out of the game after uni due to work) when it broke brutally - was a lovely piece of willow.
Then bought a Slaz Elite Pro, which has recently been refurbed by Gary @ Redback, but is now my net/spare bat, as I have a spankingly good Redback Allegiance, which shall be causing carnage across Hertfordshire this summer.