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[PeteW]

I realise this subject has been brought up on here more than a few times, and I've looked through some of the older threads that touch on this but I really don't understand why "big edges" are desirable. Reading some of the other stuff on here people seem to suggest that bigger edges provide a wider sweet spot, but I can't understand why that would be the case.

If I overlay the cross-sections of a traditional v-shaped profile and a modern concave profile it looks something like this:



My understanding is basically the more wood you have behind the point of contact with the ball the better. What I've tried to show with the lines in the diagram is that a traditional v-shape should therefore provide a wider sweet spot. The only advantage of the big edged bat is if the ball comes off the very outside sections of the blade and I assume when this happens the bat will twist slightly on impact so energy is lost and you won't get much power anyway.

I'm hoping there's a few knowledgable types on here who can point out the flaws in my argument, before I head over to Hove and spend a load of cash on a Mjolnir!

[RightArmRapid]

A lot of batsmen (me included) like to look down the blade to see an enormous pieve of wood. It makes you feel gpod and makes your comrades jealous

[Buzz]

all about ego and what makes you feel good at the crease.

one bat has huge edges and concaving, the other is more traditional




they weigh almost the same, the middle position is similar, the pick up is similar, but most people these days would choose the massive edges.

logic and ego aren't always compatible, I like both bats!

[PeteW]

Sure I understand that

It's not the quantity of wood that I'm questioning though, it's how a given volume should be shaped to optimise performance.

[PeteW]

So Buzz - you're suggesting it's all just psychology? The bat appears bigger so you think you can hit bigger. Is that really all there is to it? If so I'm definitely going trad for my next purchase.

[procricket]

the yellow gripped beast looks very nice indeed love the toe area and the shape

[Buzz]

So Buzz - you're suggesting it's all just psychology? The bat appears bigger so you think you can hit bigger. Is that really all there is to it? If so I'm definitely going trad for my next purchase.

with the fat edges you think you will find it harder not to middle the ball.

if you naturally are a good timer if the ball, I would go for a more traditional shaped bat.
 
these days you can have a bit of both!

the yellow gripped beast looks very nice indeed love the toe area and the shape

it is, speak to sillyshilly, he reshaped it for me...!

[tim2000s]

Middle position relative to the toe and balance are far more important than having big edges...

My three favourite bats all have a similar middle position lovely balance, and with the exception of one, are moderately edged, rather than massively edged.

[RightArmRapid]

As buzz said you can opt for a nice middle ground! Moderately sized edges with a traditional shape.

[Manormanic]

the advantages of big edged bats are most keenly felt when you are out of form - they give you a more stable blade so that your mishits are more controlled and powerful.  If you're batting well, they make very little real difference!

[tim2000s]

the disadvantages of big edged bats are most keenly felt when you are out of form - they give you a more stable blade so that your mishits are more controlled and powerfullarger edge so that your mishits carry to slip, gully and the keeper.  If you're batting well, they make very little real difference!

[procricket]

Too many people think too much about edges and stuff just pick a few up and go with the bat that feels right.

If your in form you could use a broom handle if your not I understand what manoramic is saying it is about coverage but for me coverage is most important because we're not pros and we tend to not find the middle more than finding it so I utilise things like offset edges.

Edge size to overall coverage I know which one I want

[uknsaunders]

I probably draw issue with your diagram as it on shows the benefit of the middle of the bat. It proves a point but hides another, as others have mentioned big edges = better off centre power. I've got 3 bats and they go through the range of big edges small spine to smaller edges big spine. I'm happy to use all 3 because they are all decent well balanced bats. To me, the pickup comes first and edge profile is a bonus, sure a decent edge helps when you are struggling but I've had very few sticks that have stopped me scoring runs.

[Manormanic]

erm, not really.  I don't think a nick off a big edged bat goes any further than one off a thinner edged bat!

[tim2000s]

erm, not really.  I don't think a nick off a big edged bat goes any further than one off a thinner edged bat!

Maybe not, but I've hit a six off the edge of one of my bats.....