Topic: Toe Guard Method Pro's/Cons and 'Ultimate Toe Guard' (Read 10534 times)

Joe · « **on:** July 02, 2012, 06:00:19 PM »

I have somewhat of an unhealthy obsession with toe guards. I am to toe guards what buzz is to thigh pads, and now having tried just about every method I think I may have found a solution.

So here is a brief outline of just about every toe guard method:

Shoe Goo:

Pros:
Cheap
Easy to apply

Cons:
Can peel or wear off

Pro Tips:
Applying superglue before the shoe goo will help it stay stuck. Folding it over (sometimes bridging the gap between toe and scuff sheet) also helps.

Normal Toe Guard:

Pros:
Cheap(ish)
Doesn't wear off

Cons:
Fiddly to apply
Peel/Fall off easily
Don't cover between scuff sheet and toe

Pro Tips:
Using Neoprene rather than a bought toe guard helps. Contact adhesive such as Evo-Stik is better than Fevibond also.

Linseed Oil:

Pros:
Cheap
Very easy to apply

Cons:
Doesn't prevent feathering
Only partly stops water intake
Doesn't prevent general wear and tear to the toe.

Epoxy Resin:

Pros:
Easy to apply

Cons:
Generally peel/crack off easily
If the crack may take part of the bat with them

Pro Tips:
Just don't

PVA Glue:

Pros:
Easy to apply
Cheap

Cons:
Generally peel/crack off easily
Not very effective at stopping feathering or moisture intake

Best Toe Guard

This is what I now do to my bats, works a treat.

Items needed:

Neoprene (1.5mm thick) www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110894592522
Shoe Goo
Contact Adhesive http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370520742261
Scuff Sheet

The scuff sheet is cut off to the shape of the toe of the bat, and is placed as low as possible on the bat. A very thin layer of shoe goo is then applied, folding over the bat to go up 2-3mm of the scuff sheet. Then a neoprene toe guard is applied over the top of this using usual toe guard application methods. Finally, a layer of bat tape is placed over the shoe goo on the face to stop it peeling. This is very effective and stops all moisture getting into the toe of the bat.

Pros:
Completely effective - if done properly will last for a while and work very well

Cons:
Adds weight
Relatively expensive

Pro Tips:
Make sure you rough up the neoprene with some rough sandpaper first. Make sure you follow the instructions on the glue very carefully.

I plan to try and glue a toe guard on using Gorilla glue at some point, will let you know how that gets on.

Cumbrian Pete · « **Reply #1 on:** July 02, 2012, 06:09:59 PM »

Wow...that is serious toe guard research, very impressed!

Abighugeappl · « **Reply #2 on:** July 02, 2012, 06:30:00 PM »

I saw something about using some form of No More Nails.

Anyone do this?

Ryan · « **Reply #3 on:** July 02, 2012, 06:31:46 PM »

That's all a little anal joe. Maybe too much time on your hands? Lol

GarrettJ · « **Reply #4 on:** July 02, 2012, 06:34:45 PM »

what about varnish? or electricians tape?

Joe · « **Reply #5 on:** July 02, 2012, 06:38:07 PM »

Quote from: fletcheruk on July 02, 2012, 06:31:46 PM

That's all a little anal joe. Maybe too much time on your hands? Lol

undoubtedly, its more of a collection of what I have found by trial and error rather than methodically trying every one.

Blank Bats · « **Reply #6 on:** July 02, 2012, 07:39:27 PM »

Any pics of the finished article....

I think there is definitely room for improvement with toe guards and I think they are essential for preserving the life of your bat

tim2000s · « **Reply #7 on:** July 02, 2012, 08:13:22 PM »

I still don't understand why you'd add an extra ounce or two at the point where it will most affect pick up?

Number4 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 02, 2012, 08:29:01 PM »

Quote from: Abighugeappl on July 02, 2012, 06:30:00 PM

I saw something about using some form of No More Nails.
Anyone do this?

I have heard of liquid nails being used as well. Haven't tried it yet though

Joe · « **Reply #9 on:** July 02, 2012, 08:31:20 PM »

Quote from: Number4 on July 02, 2012, 08:29:01 PM

I have heard of liquid nails being used as well. Haven't tried it yet though

I shouldnt think it would work, will have to try it

GarrettJ · « **Reply #10 on:** July 02, 2012, 08:37:18 PM »

what about just putting some tape on the bottom?

Joe · « **Reply #11 on:** July 02, 2012, 08:38:13 PM »

Quote from: GarrettJ on July 02, 2012, 08:37:18 PM

what about just putting some tape on the bottom?

Tried this, just comes off pretty quickly.

cricketbadger · « **Reply #12 on:** August 23, 2012, 09:29:58 AM »

is shoe goo just the stuff i can buy on ebay for like �2 a tube?

ajmw89 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 23, 2012, 09:54:19 AM »

yeah

Buzz · « **Reply #14 on:** August 23, 2012, 10:41:38 AM »

I am absolutely loving this devotion

Quote from: tim2000s on July 02, 2012, 08:13:22 PM

I still don't understand why you'd add an extra ounce or two at the point where it will most affect pick up?

because it will protect the bat and make it last longer. Not everyone has a choice between multiple sensational lavers or all the other fabulous bats you have Tim!

Quote from: fletcheruk on July 02, 2012, 06:31:46 PM

That's all a little anal joe. Maybe too much time on your hands? Lol

yes but this is a cricket geeks forum - it is what you should expect!!

Author Topic: Toe Guard Method Pro's/Cons and 'Ultimate Toe Guard' (Read 10534 times)

Joe

Toe Guard Method Pro's/Cons and 'Ultimate Toe Guard'

Cumbrian Pete

Re: Toe Guard Method Pro's/Cons and 'Ultimate Toe Guard'

Abighugeappl

Re: Toe Guard Method Pro's/Cons and 'Ultimate Toe Guard'

Ryan

Re: Toe Guard Method Pro's/Cons and 'Ultimate Toe Guard'

GarrettJ

Re: Toe Guard Method Pro's/Cons and 'Ultimate Toe Guard'

Joe

Re: Toe Guard Method Pro's/Cons and 'Ultimate Toe Guard'

Blank Bats

Re: Toe Guard Method Pro's/Cons and 'Ultimate Toe Guard'

tim2000s

Re: Toe Guard Method Pro's/Cons and 'Ultimate Toe Guard'

Number4

Re: Toe Guard Method Pro's/Cons and 'Ultimate Toe Guard'

Joe

Re: Toe Guard Method Pro's/Cons and 'Ultimate Toe Guard'

GarrettJ

Re: Toe Guard Method Pro's/Cons and 'Ultimate Toe Guard'

Joe

Re: Toe Guard Method Pro's/Cons and 'Ultimate Toe Guard'

cricketbadger

Re: Toe Guard Method Pro's/Cons and 'Ultimate Toe Guard'

ajmw89

Re: Toe Guard Method Pro's/Cons and 'Ultimate Toe Guard'

Buzz

Re: Toe Guard Method Pro's/Cons and 'Ultimate Toe Guard'