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[smokem]

Ok so I've received my H4L Hellfire G1 today and I'm super excited!!! It was one of the bats handpicked by Paul from IJC. I've been really keen to try a H4L for quite some time now but never seem to come across any on the forum that was suitable. So when I heard that Paul was going to H4L, it was the perfect opportunity to pick one up.

Weighs is right on 2lb 8oz with a very nice pickup. Edge size around 33mm with a spine height around 53mm and minimal concaving. Here are some lazy iPhone pics:

 

 

There are 6 very evenly spaced straight grains, although you can just make out a tiny 7th grain on the right hander's outside edge. There are no blemishes on the playing face and no heartwood at all. So I feel the G1 grading is quite justified despite there being only 6-7 grains. I'm cool with this as I'm generally looking for 8-10 grains on my bats.

I've started knocking it in with a mallet and it feels very nice off the mallet. The ping does sounds a little deeper than most other bats I have which may support the theory that these are pressed a little softer than most. I'm not taking any chances and will patiently knock this bad boy in.

The only minor criticism I have is the handle. The semi-oval shape is very, very subtle and I would have liked a bit more of an oval shape. It is also relatively thin. I've now added a Salix Hybrid grip on top and it feels much better. It could probably be a touch thicker still but a 3rd grip would be too much. Maybe something like a GM Shock Absorber would be a good second grip to get it to the thickness I like. But handles are a very personal thing and I'm sure others won't have any issues with this.

A big thanks to Paul for picking another great bat for me! Being based in HK, the shops here have a limited range of predominantly big brand bats and are relatively expensive. So it's great to have someone like Paul to handpick bats straight from the suppliers. And approaching some batmakers directly can be a bit hit and miss at times. I've quite bought a few bats off Paul already and they've always been very good bats. So thanks again Paul and of course Matt!

[shoab68]

Looks a decent bat ---

[Six Sixes Cricket]

Looks good, I like how the grains look like they are pertruding out. How did you find the finish of the bat?

[smokem]

It may not have the sheen my Laver had but it is still uber smooth. Definitely top notch finish!

[Twelfth Man]

I do like these stickers and looks a good piece of willow! I'd personally have to put a clear scuff sheet on it though

[Six Sixes Cricket]

It may not have the sheen my Laver had but it is still uber smooth. Definitely top notch finish!

The one that passed thru my hands had a beautiful waxy feeling finish to it. Easily on par with lavers.

[Banksy]

Although it is a very nice looking bat, and looks a decent size for the weight, I personally would grade that a G2 if I was selling it.

[mattw]

Although it is a very nice looking bat, and looks a decent size for the weight, I personally would grade that a G2 if I was selling it.

I can only see 6 grains on that bat, G1 is normally 7-9 grains without any blemishes. However, it depends how H4L grade their bats - looking at the cleft I would assume that it's a nice light cleft which would add to making this a higher grade bat.

[smokem]

I do like these stickers and looks a good piece of willow! I'd personally have to put a clear scuff sheet on it though

I've put a sheet of Hammer Edge on since the photo this morning. Wanted the review photo to show the grains.

[smokem]

Although it is a very nice looking bat, and looks a decent size for the weight, I personally would grade that a G2 if I was selling it.

I can only see 6 grains on that bat, G1 is normally 7-9 grains without any blemishes. However, it depends how H4L grade their bats - looking at the cleft I would assume that it's a nice light cleft which would add to making this a higher grade bat.

Yep it all depends on how you grade your bats. If you go by Wright's grading system (http://www.cricketbatwillow.com/blades-grading), it's a Grade 1 - 5+ straight evenly-spaced grains, no blemishes and no heartwood.

[countycricketplayer]

bet you'll have fun using that

[aidankelleher]

nice bat

[Wickets-then-runs]

Hey Smokem, how's the H4L treating you?

[smokem]

Time for a quick update... And I have to say I'm super impressed with this bat. The Hellfire shape is a mid-low profile and the pickup is superb at 2lb 8oz. It gives me plenty of much needed bat speed and confidence when facing the new ball.

It strikes the ball with a nice dampened feel compared to other bats I own, which I put down to the softer pressing that H4L are known for. The sweetspot is very generous, which is something I look for, as I don't middle the ball as often as I used to. It is not a big bat by any means but it just goes so well given its modest dimensions. It was my match bat towards the latter part of the season once it had been properly prepped for match use. Sadly the season has finished for me. Next season can't come soon enough as I want to use this (and my Laver) in more matches.

Lastly, I can't recommend H4L highly enough. After reading so many positive reviews, I knew I wanted one. I too had some initial reservations about this being a borderline G1 but Paul from IJC certainly picked a good one. I don't regret pulling the trigger on this for one moment - it is that good! Now I really want to add a light NV to my collection (hi Matt)...

[smokem]

It is also interesting to revisit this as a few thought this should have been a G2 - interesting because Wrights has updated their grading criteria this season:
G1 last season - 5+ straight evenly-spaced grains, no blemishes and no heartwood
G1 this season - minimum of 6 grains visible, some red wood evident on the edge of the bat (up to 1.75 inches)