I'm not sure where the guys store their bats but the fact remains that they are a quality product and would probably out-perform most of these Slaz bats hands down. With the huge price difference, surely for people in the know it's a no brainer. I can see them selling well to the less fortunate though and as you say no more expensive than their Rival brands
Interesting, so are we likely to see more lower grade clefts upgraded in house by brands in the future?
Yes, if you're in the know and know a quality back-bedroom bat brand then there's a chance for a bargain. But there's a place for big brands, and the retailers who stock them. There's a need for retailers who source quality products and ensure their customers get quality.
With no name brands, maybe you'll save a bit. But choose carefully, as there's many who aren't what they claim - and there's not the protection of buying through a multinational company through a well respected retailer who handpicks the bats and ensures they stock quality.
There's room for both types of company in the marketplace but price wise, in my opinion, they can't be compared (and one called a rip-off), as the service and protection offered differs vastly.