Topic: What to get? �150-�200 range. (Read 1946 times)

kaz · « **on:** July 13, 2013, 10:48:37 PM »

Hi everyone!
My birthday's around the corner so the rents have agreed to get me a new bat! All my most recent bat purchases have been from indian made brands (SS, RNS & BAS) and although they are great value for money and provide good performance , they fall on aesthetics and most often than not are not really to my specifications. And even though I have bought these, my match bat is still a 3 season old salix! So for my next purchase I've decided to go local again. I've listed a quick list of specs Im going for.
weight 2'14-3'0
Very high long spine extending from the shoulder to the toe, not overly fussed with edge sizes, but I want a fairly substantial toe/shoulder.
Clean blade. Not too fussed it being grade 1 etc, but as long as it doesnt look like a shocker I'm okay.
Semi Oval Handle.
If there are any manufacturers that allow a factory visit to pick the cleft etc within this price range that would be awesome.
Thinking of going something handmade as opposed to machine made. But this isn't really a deciding factor as long as I can meet my specs.
And most importantly I want a bat with a very good finish. This is what I like most about my salix. Any manufacturers out there that can match/better that sort of finish?

Did a bit of research and at the minute I'm very inclined to the H4L tempo. But theyre based in kent (im in sheffield) and I'm quite sceptical buying a bat without picking it up. Are there any retailers who stock their range in the area?

Or is there something else I should be looking at? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

smilley792 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2013, 11:03:55 PM »

B3s are machine made. But as there in Nottingham, just off the m1. They are close enough for you to visit.

They also allow you to pick your cleft,

Will sit down and design the bat with you to any spec you want.

There 1stripe bespoke is 190 so in your range.

kaz · « **Reply #2 on:** July 13, 2013, 11:13:05 PM »

Thanks for the input!

Just looked at their website, very interesting! Is the 1 stripe their grade 3 bat? Any idea if they grade on looks or performance?

i12breakfree · « **Reply #3 on:** July 13, 2013, 11:25:20 PM »

Aldred bats have great finish
You can also message blank bat guys and may be they have something in ur price range

kaz · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2013, 12:08:12 AM »

Liking aldred bats! Not too far from where I am either! Do they do custom shapes though?

Chad · « **Reply #5 on:** July 14, 2013, 12:22:05 AM »

I would go for a Vulcan with your budget, I think they're doing a deal right now, which is �185 plus postage for a Pro grade bat (works out to just under �200 I think), which can be custom made to your specs, and I think it might even come with a winter refurb service!

Here's the topic: http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=25291.0

I wouldn't recommend anything that isn't custom made in the specs you are looking at, as I can't really think of anything off the top of my head that fits in that category that picks up too well, except maybe a Gray Nicolls Powerbow Extreme, the one I saw was 3lb 5oz with a long middle and picked up pretty nicely, but still far too heavy for me! Give Dean (Vulcan Cricket) or Gary a call. Gary makes a top bat, and I've heard the finishing is excellent. Matt at H4L also finishes his bats beautifully, up there with the rest IMO! I don't think you can get a much better blade for that kind of a price!

With regards to B3 and their grading system, I think that if you ask procricket, he will give you some insight! I would personally prefer a G1 for �185 over a G3 though!

Paul024 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 14, 2013, 12:47:27 AM »

With this in mind, what type of bat should I expect for �130.00 including shipping to the USA? And who might be able to offer such a deal?

Thank you, what a great forum!

i12breakfree · « **Reply #7 on:** July 14, 2013, 01:09:06 AM »

Quote from: kaz on July 14, 2013, 12:08:12 AM

Liking aldred bats! Not too far from where I am either! Do they do custom shapes though?

Paul can do custom shapes
I got one from him

Paul024 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 14, 2013, 01:23:55 AM »

Thanks for the info, I'll take a look as what I have seen they are beyond lovely bats. So not sure try be in that range. But I can dream.

kaz · « **Reply #9 on:** July 14, 2013, 01:34:02 AM »

thanks for the awesome feedback guys! vulcan, aldred and b3 are definitely on my radar now. however one thing that is drawing me towards the h4l tempo is the oversized clefts they use. I think the relatively higher weight and "high spined" profile Im going for could really benefit from this. How much bigger are these oversized clefts compared to "normal" ones? And are h4l unique in this or do other bat makers offer something similar?

Marc28 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 14, 2013, 01:55:43 AM »

Talk to the lads at itsjuscricket as well, i have a Vantage Lithium brilliant bat traditional shape and very well priced grade 1 plus the lads could sourse you what size shape you want, highly recommend them

Simmy · « **Reply #11 on:** July 14, 2013, 05:46:53 AM »

if your only in sheffield mate ryan is pretty local! only in wakefield

and can make you something custom in budget

fatbats · « **Reply #12 on:** July 14, 2013, 09:16:33 AM »

This seems to fit the bill apart from mine is long blade

2lb14.5
70mm edges
31mm spine

kaz · « **Reply #13 on:** July 14, 2013, 08:36:37 PM »

thanks again guys. Will def look into RK bats as well. Being local is a big plus.
Lovely profile there fatbats but that stock shape isnt what im after exactly. Looking something with a thicker toe/shoulder and a spine that runs higher up the bat. Willing to sacrifice on overall edge size and a bit heavier too maybe.

Ive also got some bat related questions for all you knowledgeable chaps out there.

1. what are the dimensions of a raw cleft? Are "oversized" clefts really necessary for a massive spine?
2. Does lightweight willow = overdried willow?
3. Im guessing that grains dont really alter that bat at all. Its all down to the density of the cleft, the profile of the bat, and the pressing. Is that correct?
4. And a follow up question - who do you guys think is consistently the best when it comes to pressing blades?

If you can give me some insight into these that would be awesome. Thanks again.

fatbats · « **Reply #14 on:** July 14, 2013, 08:47:40 PM »

That is my custom shape so can be made to any shape and variation and are made from over size clefts

Plus its that size at 1" long blade so bigger in sh

I posted that pic as was one we did close to what you said but can adjust and customise as needed

Author Topic: What to get? �150-�200 range. (Read 1946 times)

kaz

What to get? �150-�200 range.

smilley792

Re: What to get? �150-�200 range.

kaz

Re: What to get? �150-�200 range.

i12breakfree

Re: What to get? �150-�200 range.

kaz

Re: What to get? �150-�200 range.

Chad

Re: What to get? �150-�200 range.

Paul024

Re: What to get? �150-�200 range.

i12breakfree

Re: What to get? �150-�200 range.

Paul024

Re: What to get? �150-�200 range.

kaz

Re: What to get? �150-�200 range.

Marc28

Re: What to get? �150-�200 range.

Simmy

Re: What to get? �150-�200 range.

fatbats

Re: What to get? �150-�200 range.

kaz

Re: What to get? �150-�200 range.

fatbats

Re: What to get? �150-�200 range.