Topic: L&W special reserve vs L&W legend (Read 1408 times)

mlapse · « **on:** April 27, 2013, 09:37:39 PM »

Hi all,

Having bought a reserve from laver and being very pleased with it, I would like to get a back up bat as well. I'm torn between the legend and the special reserve. Don't quite know the difference between the two - both are supposed to be geared towards performance but the there any major differences (performance wise) ? I'm looking for something cheaper and don know how to decide between the two?

Thanks in advance.

petehosk · « **Reply #1 on:** April 27, 2013, 11:22:31 PM »

In my eyes there is a perfect resolution to this question.........

By from my point of view, I don't see to get on with the Legend bat! I used to have a pinger!
It would tap up beautifully and had superb rebound, BUT it was just a profile that didn't suit me! I tried but couldn't time it, even though it was a top quality stick. After a few attempts I sold it and the next owner loved it. So it shows you that not every bat is good for everyone!

I would personally have a Special Reserve made in the same profile and weight as your reserve. What better back up bat than one you are used to?

mlapse · « **Reply #2 on:** April 28, 2013, 05:12:57 AM »

Thanks Pete . Can't the legend also be made in the shape and weight of my reserve?

petehosk · « **Reply #3 on:** April 28, 2013, 08:21:54 AM »

Not as easily! The Legend is a 'stock' or standard profile.
If you go to a retailer that has a very good relationship with GN then they may be able to have a different GN model made in Legend willow. I know that Asad from Uzi had a Powerbow made from legend willow and was it Vitas that had a Dynadrive made from it too? But as far as I am aware, GN will only really make their standard profiles (Powerbow, maverick, dynadrive, etc) and not a completely custom profile or copy a bat you send them - I may be wrong but I'm sure someone else could confirm?

The difference is that Laver would make a custom bat in whichever willow you'd like - or if you want a favourite bat copied, they will offer that service!
Therefore this sounds like the better option to me!

tim2000s · « **Reply #4 on:** April 28, 2013, 08:39:21 AM »

Pete, i think he was talking about a Laver Legend, which is the cheaper one.

petehosk · « **Reply #5 on:** April 28, 2013, 08:44:39 AM »

DOH! You're right Tim. Just reading it back again!
I originally looked at this topic at the same time as I looked at the 'Laver v Screaming Cat' topic, so in my mind I had made the link that there was a laver v scat AND a laver v GN topic!! It was my Birthday yesterday so I reckon I got another year older and at least 10 years thicker and more senile!!!

mlapse · « **Reply #6 on:** April 28, 2013, 09:49:06 AM »

No worries. I should have been clearer.

I emailed Andy at L&W and he also said the Laver Special Reserve has excellent performance and can be a backup match bat. While the Laver Legend is a good net bat.

I'm not too clear what the difference between a net bat and a match bat is. Why would I have two different bats unless they were the exact same shape, weight and profile. I'd much rather play in the nets with the bat I'm going to use in the match?!!

Thoughts on this and comparisons between the two Lavers - Special Reserve and Legend would be great.

cleanbowled · « **Reply #7 on:** May 14, 2013, 01:28:39 AM »

The Legend is cheaper than the Special Reserve, but I think it is also a very nice bat in terms of performance. I am not sure how customizable they are in terms of shapes as I picked one up on a special offer (ie a pre made bat) whilst the Special Reserves were made to order. I think the Legends are made from grade 2 or 3 willow (some could be classified as 2 and some 3) in terms of looks, based on my discussions with them. I'd be happy to use it as a match bat if need be as it does perform very well but its not my first preference (as most of my other bats are customized to my specs).

I guess some people have a net and match bat in order to protect their more expensive bat and only use them in matches (I think everyone will have differing opinions on this).

A caveat in my observations though, all my LW bats are well over 3lb so you would expect any of them to go like a canons. The other thing is the profile - the legend I have has smaller edges compared to most big bats but a big spine (35mm/67-68mm) so if you like huge edges it may not be for you. Its more of a classical profile rather than the more modern shapes.

Depending on what weights you use perhaps ask them if they have either model on special offer as they can often be much cheaper that their standard prices. Might find your self a bargain.

Sammy · « **Reply #8 on:** June 04, 2013, 09:31:54 AM »

I have L&W reserve ultra and I'm getting a L&W legend bat made (will be in my hands next week

) to use in the nets and against the bowling machine. Basically, L&W legend is made from Grade 2/3 �Legend� willow and will be made to have the same balance as my Reserve ultra. From what Andy at L&W said, profile will not be identical and the edges might not be quite as large but it will feel the same and that is the main thing. It will be pressed harder to withstand more use in the nets.

As I have mentioned in one of the earlier threads, I'm getting back to cricket after 10 years gap, which means I would have to practice a lot. I don't want to break my reserve ultra even before I play my first game which is good few months away.

Author Topic: L&W special reserve vs L&W legend (Read 1408 times)

mlapse

L&W special reserve vs L&W legend

petehosk

Re: L&W special reserve vs legend

mlapse

Re: L&W special reserve vs legend

petehosk

Re: L&W special reserve vs legend

tim2000s

Re: L&W special reserve vs legend

petehosk

Re: L&W special reserve vs legend

mlapse

Re: L&W special reserve vs legend

cleanbowled

Re: L&W special reserve vs L&W legend

Sammy

Re: L&W special reserve vs L&W legend