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[fasteddie]

I've had a quick scout around and can't find the answer in older posts.

I'm ambivalent as to which, I just want the best solution.

My Aldred has a naked toe and before the season begins I'll need to give it something.

Over to you.
Which?

[Chad]

I put shoe goo, as it completely seals off any exposed wood on the toe, while toe guards tend to leave a little space between scuff and the guard unprotected, so water can seep in there. The benefit of shoe goo is that you can put a few layers, and it won't come off as easily as a toe guard if you hit a ball on the toe!

Hope this helps!

[fasteddie]

Thanks Chad.

A quick q.
When you slide your bat in does it tend to 'grab' or can you slide with ease?

[ajmw89]

You can slide with ease.  Although I have found if you arre a compulsive tapper at the crease, it can wear away quickly on hard surfaces

[ewan68]

The guys at Vitas have put some resin on the bottom of my Fireblade,looks like a much better option than a toe guard,they ALWAYS seem to come off...seen loads of discarded ones all over the place over the last few years!!
Not sure about the relative merits of shoo goo?!
Have asked them to do the same on the B & S Supreme that my mate is ordering!!

[Chad]

It does depend, as you feel it is pretty grippy when you first use it, but I think that the surface becomes less 'sticky' as you use it. I would put 2-3 layers, and saliva tends to work best when smoothing it over, but careful not to lick any shoe goo if you do this! Water is a safer option!

[Red Ink Cricket]

i have never used shoe goo so cant comment but do fit toe guards to my bats. ive found that the better toe guards that stay on are those stiffer ones. ive sourced some from various places and the first ones i had were poor. slight tapping at the crease or dig out a yorker and they were off. offered absolutely no protection to the toe whatsoever. the batch i have at the moment are great. Alot stiffer in comparison and i havent had one come off yet. they stay on that well that when i refurbed an early one i had to power sand off the toe guard to replace. it was worn but the remainder just wouldnt shift!

i tend to oil the gap between the scuff sheet and the toeguard but can see the benefit of shoe goo. maybe theres space for both?

[johnrockin]

Shoe goo is the best option. Spread it on with an old knife, or piece of card and use a wet finger to smooth it down You'll get loads of bats fitted with one tube, so it's cheap as well. I got mine from ebay.

[ajmw89]

Glue a toe guard on with shoe goo perhaps?

[fasteddie]

Loads of good advice.

Thanks.

[Chad]

Glue a toe guard on with shoe goo perhaps?

Could try that, but it would be a little thick, wouldn't it? May stay on a bit better though!

[ajmw89]

One layer of shoe goo, folded over the toe, Whack the toe guard on, wait for it to dry then sand flat and smooth.  Shoe goo is better adhesive than the stuff they give you in teh toe guard packs

[uknsaunders]

is everybody insane? Whats wrong with linseed oil on the toe? It doesn't weigh anything, doesn't fall off, isn't messy to apply and protects your toe from water.

[Kulli]

Resin is a big no no, makes the toe more likely to split as the bond is stronger than the wood.

[ajmw89]

is everybody insane? Whats wrong with linseed oil on the toe? It doesn't weigh anything, doesn't fall off, isn't messy to apply and protects your toe from water.

Doesn't protect the toe from damage.  For the sake of an extra oz or so, I'd rather have the protection