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[Cover_Drive]

Given there's generally a lot of negative press on here for bats pressed in India, whats different with SC's, do they have a very high level of QC, does the Millichamp name sell the bats, or something else?

He still shapes them.

[Kulli]

He still shapes them.

Yeah, but a lot of the negative mentions (from my memory) for bats made on the subcontinent is that their pressing was considered very inconsistent compared to UK made ones.

I've never even waved one around, so maybe the do live up to the hype, but I always wonder when I see the price tag.

[Dan W]

Both superb brands, and I still think the L&W have some of the best shapes, but the SCat quality control and consistency is like no one else in the business. No contest IMO

[Cover_Drive]

Yeah, but a lot of the negative mentions (from my memory) for bats made on the subcontinent is that their pressing was considered very inconsistent compared to UK made ones.

I've never even waved one around, so maybe the do live up to the hype, but I always wonder when I see the price tag.

I wholly see where you're coming from and agree with your sentiments.

But personally I would discount the pressing and focus more on finish, shape and handle/glue.

Pressing on subcontinent bats seem to be fine in my experience.

[Kulli]

I wholly see where you're coming from and agree with your sentiments.

But personally I would discount the pressing and focus more on finish, shape and handle/glue.

Pressing on subcontinent bats seem to be fine in my experience.

But do we think finishing, shaping and the handle have a bigger effect on performance than pressing does, given bats pressed by say Matt at H4L, but finished and shaped by say me, still seem to fly.

[Six Sixes Cricket]

Does Julian not press the bats himself at the factory in India?

[Kulli]

Does Julian not press the bats himself at the factory in India?

On that i have no idea, as all to often there's a fair amount of mystery and intrigue around. Can't even remember where I read that they were pressed in India.

[Six Sixes Cricket]

On that i have no idea, as all to often there's a fair amount of mystery and intrigue around. Can't even remember where I read that they were pressed in India.

I have a feeling I read that he flies in to India and presses his own batch, again can't remember where I read it.

[Cover_Drive]

Wouldn't that cost him more? Why not buy a pressing and keep it in Australia, sure that would be cheaper than spending a return ticket and paying carriage for clefts.

He is a mysterious man I guess.

[Vitas Cricket]

I have a feeling I read that he flies in to India and presses his own batch, again can't remember where I read it.

My understanding is he gets them pressed in India. I doubt he is present, but you never know.

The main reason for not doing the pressing himself in Aus is he is getting older and a load of pressing is a big workload for him.

Either way, it's not a cost issue thats the reason behind Indian pressing, it's a health issue.

[Jagminder]

Wouldn't that cost him more? Why not buy a pressing and keep it in Australia, sure that would be cheaper than spending a return ticket and paying carriage for clefts.

He is a mysterious man I guess.

Lol even better - press, make and sell from india.

[Chad]

IMO, both will serve you well. If you are going to use the bat for nets and games, I would go for the Laver, as they tend to play in over time, while I think that SCat play well from the start, but may not last as long. I could be very wrong though, as I have only had experience with Laver!

Great thing is that Laver also have slightly more customisation because of handle types they can offer!

Hope this helps!

[mlapse]

Thank you guys - I have ordered the L&W reserve - I value the pickup, the customization and the longevity (seems to be higher than SCat)

Question about my order - I mentioned to Andy that I didn't want too much concaving and preferred having a bow to the bat. Andy mentioned that scalloping is important to get the balance and pickup right so some is unavoidable. Also he mentioned that they don't recommend a bow because the best ones develop naturally.

Has anyone had a L&W reserve made up with very little concaving? Does it put the balance off? Also about the bow - why is it best to let the bow develop naturally and opposed to have it put in? Any experience you guys could share would be great!

Thanks in advance!

[mlapse]

More information about my order if needeD:

Sweetspot - Mid/low, extended,
Handle - Oval, large, C-Ten, single grip
Weight - 2.9 / 2.10
Balance and pickup - should be similar to a GM Icon
Knocked in
Toe Guard

Anything else I should mention to Andy/James that might be important?

[ca_gold]

I have a screaming cat series 1. I've knocked it in and played for hours in the nets and in practice with it. I still find my Thruxton SPS - which is half the cost a MUCH MUCH better performing bat. To be honest I haven't been impressed with the performance from the Scat and in fact am debating on selling it.