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[Buzz]

I have to say there has been a bit of conversation around the different types of handle insert, cork or rubber.

now personally I have used both and not really known the difference...

what do you think?

here are the two options in two english made bats.

[uknsaunders]

you can have both in the same bat as well. Rubber,Cork, Rubber on my Ayrtek.

[pacman75cricket]

Good bats have had Cork inserts, had a Bernie Facer with cork(a pre forum custom bat).

[Simmy]

well i have settled my cork vs rubber argument as both msr bats have cork the 2nd bat has no vibration! so must be a poorly fitted handle on the 1st bat

[19reading87]

Never noticed a difference if I'm honest...

[Cover_Drive]

I have personally never noticed a difference, to be honest, I would say we will never be able to notice a difference.

I have seen loads of players bat and even to them it makes no difference whatsoever. We are fussy when it comes to equipment so we go in depth detail unlike players who care about feel and performance.

[procricket]

Agree UZair to them it about mainly pick up the feel

[M77]

Materials are important but the construction is key... I think Simmy can now testify to this. You can have all the best components but if its a poorly assembled handle you may be able to tell

Having played around with these for a while I like cork... But I like treated cork. Also two springs. Introducing new materials is tough so I applaud James Laver as I think it'll have more to offer than the Slaz handle. I really think improvements can be made and that hopefully was proved this evening. But I'll leave other guys to comment on what they found rather than what it is that I have done. 

[tim2000s]

Do tell us more...

[Buzz]

I thought I would bring this back up as we are now seeing many UK made bats with cork handles, all the GM bats, plus recent bats from black cat and blank bats.

some of the big Indian brands are also using them, SS for one. KG for another


given that how key the handle is to how we feel the shots, I am really interested at this change.

do other people care? what do you think?

[wilkie113]

I can't say I've ever looked at whether or not it's rubber or cork in my handles. So it's never made a difference to me I suppose?

[procricket]

Is there a shortage of certain handles

[Chad]

I am quite interested in this as well. Perhaps rubber offers more flex, and cork offers a slightly stiffer (marginal) handle?

[hell4leather cricket]

Weight is the simple answer

[kouservice]

What about the new Hexa handle technology introduced by Slazenger ? It looks like a hole in the handle. how do they insert cork or rubber in these handles ?