Some of the guys from the forum have seen this bat at the Lord's net we had on Monday, and a couple of other people have asked about it too so I thought I'd get round to doing a review today (as City vs Chelsea isn't really exciting me that much).
This was bat number 1 in the Deal of the Century thread, and I wasn't really looking for a bat at the time. However, the profile, plus the fact that it was G1 bat for £168 persuaded me to buy it pretty quickly. It's now going to be my match bat, unless I really don't get on with it (which I can't see happening to be honest).
First of all, specs of the bat:
Weight: Was around 2lb 9/10oz when I got it, with a second grip on it now weighs 2lb 11.8oz.
Pickup: Very good pickup, feels 2lb 8/9oz
Handle: Oval
Edges: 34 mil
Spine: 70+ mil (haven't actually measured) (only just fits in my bat cover...)
Grains: 8, fairly straight, evenly spaced
It's made from an oversized cleft, and is a bit of a beast. But the amazing thing about it is how light it feels, and how well balanced the bat feels when you pick it up. You can pick it up and wave it around with no problem at all, and I'm not the biggest guy in the world. It just feels like an extension of your arms, which is pretty impressive.
The finishing is also very good too, nice rounded edges, very high quality toe guard (not the kind you have to worry about falling off in the middle of an innings) . Came with a red chevron grip, and I've added the Salix style 1/2 chevron 1/2 spiral, which just helps the pickup even more. Stickers that came with it are very nice too, lovely matte finish and classy colours, minimalist design which lets you see the wood too.
Only used in one net so far, and I wasn't really feeling it due to a couple of hours of nets the previous day and 1.5 hours of bowling. Still, a few shots which I did middle went quite nicely. I plan to use it in a few more nets before the season starts, but I'm very happy with it so far.
Now for the fun part, pictures (if only I had any photography skills whatsoever...) . Enjoy
Couple of nicks I was told about, but not bothered about at all really...