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[samsam2]

Hello everybody!
I'm 14 years old and now 5 ft 9 and therefore will be purchasing my first full sized bat over the winter. As I have only previously used junior sized bats with weights up to 2 lbs 6 oz I am weary that a light pickup is paramount. Seeing as this is my first SH bat i would like to be able to visit the factory and feel a few bats as i have no idea what spec would work for me (I am in west london but could also visit H4L as i will be taking a holiday in kent at christmas). I have read many reviews of various companies on this forum and H4L seem to be popular, although they seem to specialise in big powerful bats, which isn't really what I am looking for! Also, blankbats seem appropriate, although I don't think that they can be felt before purchase... Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Sam

[PedalsMcgrew]

I think you've answered your own question really! You need to go and pick up a few bats, wave them around and see what you like. Most of us on here know roughly what we are looking for so buying 'blind' so to speak isn't so much of a risk. In your case, as it's your first full size bat I would definitely go and pick up a few. If you specifically want a bat from one of the smaller makers on here (much better value) then find an off the shelf shape you like and get someone to replicate it....

[petehosk]

I'm sure that if you PM Matt (H4L) then he will advise whether he can get some light clefts in for you?
And if you are visiting him then that's a great experience!!
Myself and Roco went to see him and both came away with a superb bat and could watch the magic take place!
We could also feel and pick the bat up after every step of the making to ensure that we were happy with it! 

Would be a brilliant experience to see your own bat being finished - and something that a guy as young as yourself would rarely have the chance to see!

[samsam2]

Thank for the quick replies guys! I think it would be a good experience to go and see the bats being made, especially because my local shop has a pretty limited selection as it is a general sports shop. The only question now is who to visit. As I mentioned I am not sure is H4Lis the bets choice when my main requirement is a light pickup, but you guys know much more than me!

[samsam2]

Would redback be a good option? Anyone know where they are based?

[ItsJustCricket]

Hello everybody!
I'm 14 years old and now 5 ft 9 and therefore will be purchasing my first full sized bat over the winter. As I have only previously used junior sized bats with weights up to 2 lbs 6 oz I am weary that a light pickup is paramount. Seeing as this is my first SH bat i would like to be able to visit the factory and feel a few bats as i have no idea what spec would work for me (I am in west london but could also visit H4L as i will be taking a holiday in kent at christmas). I have read many reviews of various companies on this forum and H4L seem to be popular, although they seem to specialise in big powerful bats, which isn't really what I am looking for! Also, blankbats seem appropriate, although I don't think that they can be felt before purchase... Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Sam

Hi mate, if you're based in West London, you're fairly close to our shop, so you'd be very welcome to come down here at some point and pick up a few bats.  We do have a few in the 2.7-2.8 bracket that could be appropriate.  We will be open throughout the winter, too - exact opening times have yet to be confirmed though...

[Colesy]

Would redback be a good option? Anyone know where they are based?

Redback are based in Devon and no-one seems to be unhappy with one they've had

[PedalsMcgrew]

The one thing you will learn very quickly here is that practically all the manufacturers can supply you with the bat of your dreams. All of them have the ability. Personally I would check out H4l, Chase and SAF as they are (i think) the closest to you. All 3 are run by guys who know what they are talking about. And all of them can comfortably make you your ideal bat. More to the point would be how much do you have to spend?  As this service doesn't come cheap!

[The_Bird]

GM Luna's have a very light pick up, also Laver can do some very light SH bats. I used to have a 2'7 private bin that was very light.

[ItsJustCricket]

Can't go wrong with a Bradbury or Salix if you want a light pick up!

[samsam2]

More to the point would be how much do you have to spend?  As this service doesn't come cheap!

Anything reasonable to be honest, as it is also a Christmas pressie! Thanks so much for all the advice - I'll see who is closest from Hell4Leather, Chase and SAF and try to pop downone day!

[junter97]

I know SAF are in oxfordshire but I don't know where. Chase are down at dummer down farm, h4l in Kent.

[PedalsMcgrew]

Dependant on where you are in West London I would think that Chase and SAF are the closest. SAF will be down the M4 and Chase down the M3. Never been to SAF so don't know how long it takes but you should be able to do Chase in less than an hour...

[ItsJustCricket]

Salix aren't too far away either, in Kent, strongly recommend a visit down there if you get the chance! Hoping to go down there myself around October time to hand pick a few of their 2013 range...

[PedalsMcgrew]

I'm fairly sure Salix aren't open to the public  Maybe they are now but they never were...

Also I'm not sure they would let this lad actually watch his bat being made....