Having made a trip to IJC yesterday I now have my kit sorted for the season. Picked up a helmet and some Salix bat wax so now I'm good to go.
First up, bats! Currently have 6 bats which I feel may be 1/2 too many but we'll see what happens - at least I have options eh?
Specs (from L to R in first pic) :
GM flare Original, 2lb 11oz.
BB Distinction Profile, 2lb 11.8oz.
Black Cat Jester, 2lb 12.3oz.
MSR Net Bat, 2lb 14.5oz.
SS Matrix, 2lb 11.8oz.
CA with Vantage Custom stickers, 2lb 12.5oz.
The BB will be my match bat for Saturdays, with the Jester used for Sundays/T20s.
I'm not sure about the Flare yet as I haven't netted with it yet, but it does tap up very nicely so may get a look in for Saturdays. The MSR is for nets hence why it's heavier than the rest, try and get used to playing with a heavier bat to improve swing speed. CA is another wet weather/net bat as it's a pretty decent bat.
The SS is decent, taps up really nicely. Seems a lot softer than the other bats when bouncing a ball on it, but my Dad's pretty keen on it so will probably give it to him when the season starts.
Out of all of them I'd say the Jester taps up the best, but this is probably because it's had a few nets and half a season's worth of use. The BB and Flare have had barely any/no use yet. The BB is just a fantastic profile though, and picks up like a dream. It's interesting hearing the different sound off each bat though, there is quite a range!
Bag is next, Salix Pod Pack from 2012. Picked it up at the end of last season for £30ish, and it does the job. Looks quality, and has room for all match day essentials. Just had a sort out, and realised there are a couple of mesh pockets inside too, as well as the 2 pockets either end. Fits pads, gloves, shoes, thigh pads, helmet, small towel, bat wax, inners, box, spikes in the main compartment. Bat in the bat compartment, spare grips, hat, sunnies, other miscellaneous gear in the bat pocket. Balls, drink etc in the 2 end pockets. Has wheels too so is less hassle than other bags I've had.
With all kit inside:
Empty:
Gloves, probably my favourite piece of kit (other than bats). SAF, really comfy and flexible, decent amount of protection plus the sweat band top hand thumb; genius!
Pads, not actually match pads (those are Vantage Volts and are currently in my boot), these are BAS which will be used for nets. Fairly comfortable and provide good protection but hoped they would be a bit ligher.
Helmet, GM, bought yesterday. My head was slightly too small for large Masuri/
Albion but too big for small. The GM was perfect fit, lets you adjust the size at the back.
Shamrock thigh pads, fit well and provide protection.
Shoes, GM Original Pros, nothing special, had them for a couple of seasons and fit really nicely.
Shame my camera skills don't do justice for most of the kit, but i'm pretty happy with this for this season and probably a couple of seasons after that too.