Topic: Super G1++++ MEGA Clefts (Read 5319 times)

Leddster138 · « **on:** May 30, 2013, 12:19:38 PM »

Apologies if this topic has been covered before but I was looking through a few "what's in your kitbag" videos on youtube (where they gets pro's to run through all their kit). Now I know it makes sense that these boys should get access to the best wood but some of these bats are enormous yet all seemed to come in at 2.8-2.9 (See James Taylors dynadrive vid in particular).

Now with respect to the fine batmakers on CBF, I just haven't seen anything like it so I was wondering is it just the case that some wood is just not available to the little guy? This isn't a question on build quality as there is some fine willow on display each week on the forum. It's more of a wondering that if you were a batmaker could you get hold of the same cleft that Cook* et al hold in their hands

*I know GN have their own willow so not much chance of getting hold of that.

Leddster138 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 30, 2013, 12:21:22 PM »


James Taylor talks to Gray-Nicolls about Bats

Vitas Cricket · « **Reply #2 on:** May 30, 2013, 12:30:21 PM »

Quote from: Leddster138 on May 30, 2013, 12:19:38 PM

Apologies if this topic has been covered before but I was looking through a few "what's in your kitbag" videos on youtube (where they gets pro's to run through all their kit). Now I know it makes sense that these boys should get access to the best wood but some of these bats are enormous yet all seemed to come in at 2.8-2.9 (See James Taylors dynadrive vid in particular).

Now with respect to the fine batmakers on CBF, I just haven't seen anything like it so I was wondering is it just the case that some wood is just not available to the little guy? This isn't a question on build quality as there is some fine willow on display each week on the forum. It's more of a wondering that if you were a batmaker could you get hold of the same cleft that Cook* et al hold in their hands

*I know GN have their own willow so not much chance of getting hold of that.

http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=20821.0

Or more specifically, this post:

http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=20821.msg342828#msg342828

Leddster138 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 30, 2013, 12:52:06 PM »

Thanks those are massive but I understand it's possible to buy something similar pre-made but my question is aimed more at the custom batmakers. The clefts that these huge pro bats are made from - is it possible for a non "big brand" to get hold of them? Could a bat maker on here replicate that size for that weight?

tushar sehgal · « **Reply #4 on:** May 30, 2013, 12:58:51 PM »

Quote from: Leddster138 on May 30, 2013, 12:52:06 PM

Thanks those are massive but I understand it's possible to buy something similar pre-made but my question is aimed more at the custom batmakers. The clefts that these huge pro bats are made from - is it possible for a non "big brand" to get hold of them? Could a bat maker on here replicate that size for that weight?

I think since brands like H4L, RPC etc provide to pro's they might have access to special clefts, I think they both get their own willow as well and not from JS Wright.

Red Ink Cricket · « **Reply #5 on:** May 30, 2013, 01:06:52 PM »

light clefts do exist but you dont get that many. the bigger brands obviously order in alot more than the smaller bat makers like myself so have a better chance of finding that gem. ive been fortunate to have a couple of pretty light clefts which have made big bats but not that many. its also a combination of flat faces and concaving or in this case scooping. taking alot of wood out via concaving or scooping gives the impression of size.

it would also be interesting to know if the weights they quote are fully dressed or pre stickers/grip etc

Vantage_Cricket · « **Reply #6 on:** May 30, 2013, 01:15:02 PM »

Bats with grains like this, are what our Limited Edition grade bats look like. We offer bats with 10+ grains which are limited to only 50 for this year due to the limited nature of the willow.
here are some examples;

Red Ink Cricket · « **Reply #7 on:** May 30, 2013, 01:18:09 PM »

Not sure that really answers his question matt. think hes refering to large bats at low weights not pretty clefts. Nice wood though!

Vantage_Cricket · « **Reply #8 on:** May 30, 2013, 01:46:34 PM »

Ah, my bad.

Most of it is to do with the natural density of the willow - with the amount of willow they get through then they are certainly going to get some nice lightweight clefts with a stunning grain which is set aside for the pros.

It does depend on the natural weight/density of the willow cleft to get the bats down to 2'7 and to keep them a good size when they have a tight grain due to the way that the tight grain clefts are structured as they are naturally heavier than clefts with wider grains. Drying and the softer pressing the clefts has a major role in this though and this is mainly what separates the bigger boys and the smaller boys - this is why you see bigger bats for the weight and also that the rising amount of bats you're seeing breaking from the bigger boys in the professional and amateur game.

Leddster138 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 30, 2013, 01:48:29 PM »

Quote from: Red Ink Cricket on May 30, 2013, 01:18:09 PM

Not sure that really answers his question matt. think hes refering to large bats at low weights not pretty clefts. Nice wood though!

Thank you for your answers and whilst those Vantages look absolutely stunning , Red Ink is right, it's more of a question of size than looks (although the pros seem to get both). Are these "light" clefts more of a accident when they turn up or could you say to J Wrights, I want 10 clefts identical to the ones you would normally give to XXXX who make bats for {insert international pro name}? I imagine they come at a premium even if they are available and working with a �100+ cleft is probably riskier for a small operation.

Red Ink Cricket · « **Reply #10 on:** May 30, 2013, 02:00:04 PM »

im not sure on how the big guys work. i would imagine a certain amount of 'sorting' goes into clefts for them to ensure they get the pick, but dont quote me on that. i doubt JSW would be able to offer 10 light clefts for a smaller brand. its hard enough getting on their books anyway before making any requests like that. i think its a case of you order a batch and hope for the best. I guess it also depends on the relationship the business has with the supplier. with wood being natural you will always get the variants in density and weight. certain factors affect weight such as moisture, amount of grains etc. GN have a slight advantage as they have access to their own willow. i guess its random that a tree produces light weight clefts. they dont have to send any willow out so can pick and choose the best ones for the pros! envious position to be in. Id love to have access to some raw willow.

Matt at H4l could probably elaborate more as he has access to his own willow. he may be able to give you advice on how many light clefts he gets from his trees.

SkipperJ · « **Reply #11 on:** May 30, 2013, 02:03:28 PM »

I don't think JSWrights do that, because then folks would only ask/pay for premium light weight clefts, and there'd be no takers for the rest. I believe they only sell big lots with several grades mixed in (not even G1 only), and the lightweight clefts might be in there somewhere, not necessarily G1.

Lightweight clefts are a freak of nature, I don't think you can specifically grow them. They just happen.

You might have better luck scoring one of those with batmakers who have their own willow supply, such as Black Cat, H4L etc.

trypewriter · « **Reply #12 on:** May 30, 2013, 02:11:08 PM »

Or grow your own with Kippax?

PedalsMcgrew · « **Reply #13 on:** May 30, 2013, 02:18:41 PM »

Whilst I appreciate that we're talking about clefts as opposed to finished bats if you go into any big stockist of bats, Uzi, Serious Cricket etc and just have a browse you can nearly always spot a few bats that have been made with these clefts. Myself and the Hosk had a browse at Serious Cricket not so long ago and there were a couple of absolutely massive sticks in there at around 2.8. These were obviously made from low density clefts but they were priced identically to other bats of the same model and weight. They are out there if you're patient and prepared to shop around....they slip through the clutches of the contracted players and end up on the shelves so us mere mortals can buy them!

Buzz · « **Reply #14 on:** May 30, 2013, 02:22:18 PM »

not all professional players feel the need to use a giant super light bat.

most just use the same bats as we can get, they are just fitter than us, practice more than use and are more gifted than us (FattusCattus excluded) and thus give the appearance of the bats being better than ours.

While having a superlight, overdried lump of willow can be appealing in the bat envy stakes. I think your team mates would prefer it if you averaged 60 over the season with a matchstick than averaged 20 over a season with an overdried beast.

sorry for not answering your question very well.

Author Topic: Super G1++++ MEGA Clefts (Read 5319 times)

Leddster138

Super G1++++ MEGA Clefts

Leddster138

Re: Super G1++++ MEGA Clefts

Vitas Cricket

Re: Super G1++++ MEGA Clefts

Leddster138

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tushar sehgal

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Red Ink Cricket

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Vantage_Cricket

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Red Ink Cricket

Re: Super G1++++ MEGA Clefts

Vantage_Cricket

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Leddster138

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Red Ink Cricket

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SkipperJ

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trypewriter

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PedalsMcgrew

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Buzz

Re: Super G1++++ MEGA Clefts