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YES

30 (75%)

NO

7 (17.5%)

UNSURE

3 (7.5%)

Total Members Voted: 39

[junter97]

I have bought one bat online, a Salix Pod Players. When I first opened it is was unimpressed to say the least, although there were no blemishes or heartwood, there were only 6 grains and very wavy. However using it for the most of last season I am extremely happy. The ping is amazing! Returning did cross my mind but now I'm glad I didn't.

[junter97]

Hard to test plankness in a shop though

Bounce a ball or tap it up with a mallet?

[RightArmRapid]

Bounce a ball or tap it up with a mallet?

In Romida they let you use a mallet however they don't let you tap up balls as I think think they're afraid of the apparition of seam marks.

[junter97]

In Romida they let you use a mallet however they don't let you tap up balls as I think think they're afraid of the apparition of seam marks.

Yeah I had this with the Romida in Maghull.

[BakarooBonzai]

In the states there's no option but the internet.  I have lucked out in picking reputable places like IJC.  I usually call them and get their opinion about pickup and request pictures to check out cosmetics.  For performance and ping I just have to take their word for it.

[ca_gold]

I have ordered all my bats online and every single one has been a stunner. I've got four bats through Asad - and I know trust his choice. I've also had a H4L which was great and Matt provides great cs. I guess the rule of thumb is get a bat from one of the forum sponsors here and you won't be disappointed - great community here.

[FvanN]

First bat I bought online was a SG cobra- best bat I have ever owned
Next two bats were from bulldog - fantastic bats even the basher which had 24 grains.
Then came a very sexy SAF which is perfect.
I then bought a heavy warsop but had to swap that as I just could not middle a ball with it. I swapped it for a Duck and Run 5* centurion which is almost exactally the same profile & weight as my SAF... 

The internet is yet to let me down when it comes to bats... other things I have not been so lucky with.. Worst buy ever was a hair dryer for the wife, blew up in her hand and while I thought it was extremely funny  she was not to impressed. 

[charlie15]

The last 3 bats that I bought were all over the internet.  Last seasons bat was bought before I new about the forum and wasn't really quite right for me.  Now if I'm buying online I'll look at the forum sponsors first and discuss what it is I'm looking for with them before purchasing.

I bought my Shark and my L&W Heritage off Ryan that way, and with the latter is very useful to be able to read a number of reviews on it first.

[ItsJustCricket]

Thanks for starting this thread, Ajmal - very interesting...

Is there anyone on here that's bought bats online despite living within 5 miles of a cricket shop? It would worry me if there are such types - I suspect there are though...

[FvanN]

Thanks for starting this thread, Ajmal - very interesting...

Is there anyone on here that's bought bats online despite living within 5 miles of a cricket shop? It would worry me if there are such types - I suspect there are though...

I have game set and match 15 miles to the east and another shop in southampton but when you add the cost of fule and the very high prices of the bats its not worth buying from them...would use the forum or ebay before i used a shop unless said shop had a sale on..

[ItsJustCricket]

I have game set and match 15 miles to the east and another shop in southampton but when you add the cost of fule and the very high prices of the bats its not worth buying from them...would use the forum or ebay before i used a shop unless said shop had a sale on..

Frank, I think 15 miles is far enough to make an online purchase a good option, to be fair! Especially, as you say, if their shop prices are so high.  It's interesting that they do this.  Our bat prices are, generally, exactly the same in-store as they are online...

[FvanN]

Frank, I think 15 miles is far enough to make an online purchase a good option, to be fair! Especially, as you say, if their shop prices are so high.  It's interesting that they do this.  Our bat prices are, generally, exactly the same in-store as they are online...

I did pop into the shop a little while ago to try helmets and while they did have some nice bats the price was off the scale compared to what you can get on the forum and some times on ebay..

[Kulli]

Nearest cricket shop when I lived in Scotland was probably Penrith, goodness knows where the nearest to Oslo is.

Happy buying most gear online but prefer to have a feel of a bat when at all possible, hard to resist buying online when it's often around half the price though (nevermind trying to get to a shop)

[ajmw89]

Thanks for starting this thread, Ajmal - very interesting...

Is there anyone on here that's bought bats online despite living within 5 miles of a cricket shop? It would worry me if there are such types - I suspect there are though...

I live just a couple of miles away from fordham sports in Kingston, but I find that hey are seriously over priced...  The last bat I bought online was from Morrant, having gone down the road to Fordham's to test pick up etc of the bat I wanted! But when it comes to shoes pads and gloves, I need to buy in store as I like to check they fit.

[thecord]

I have only ever bought softs online and would never buy a bat but then I am within driveable distance of Uzi Sports, M&H, Redback plus walkable distance to Ayrtek and don't have to pay for fuel so I guess I am lucky