Here are some pictures of the H4L after it's first net. You will see from the marks that I actually nailed one out of the screws! (I think that was the 80 mph length ball from my son where I just closed my eyes and swung for glory)
If I only had this bat for the season I would be happy, but I have the Tempo coming (fingers crossed tomorrow) so I'll just have to make do!
Oh, I'll happily stick my chin out for a good slap for the poor photos.
A review?
Well, Matt calls this a 'Devil' grade in light of the 3 stupidly small pressing cracks on the face. I'd call him generous in the extreme.
It has 10 straight and even grains, a good splash of heartwood on the outside edge, some concaving but not too much, and a great balance.
It weighs in at 2 lb 13 and has a pick up which feels like 'menace'. It's no lightweight but is beautifully balanced.
I was worried it would be hard to swing but the balance is fantastic.
Matt patiently added my required 1/2 grip (at the splice end) and then 2 more on top.
I found myself punching shots and limiting my follow through. However, when I gave it the beans it pinged like a good un and screamed away.
I knocked it in for about 30 minutes with a mallet and ball and stick thing. Boned the edges with a rolling pin, and just netted as normal. My son tried to kill me (as normal) and when I got a ball which wasn't aimed at my throat, from him it flew.
I have no idea how the Tempo with feel alongside this, but as I said, if this where my only bat I would be grinning.