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[mussaduq]

Sorry to bother but I really wanted to know whats the diffference between flat faced bats, laminated bats and normal bats. Differences in specs and which is more better then the others. Most companies have now got ranges for flat faced bats and normal ones like Gm have the F2 ones.

[Buzz]

Hi - this is a good question to ask
Normal bats and flat faced bats are basically the same with the "curve" on the face of the bat being 2mm (for an F2/flat faced bat) and 7mm (for a F7/standard faced bat)

The advantages of a flat faced bat is that it allows for a more uniform pressing of the blade and thus gives a (hopefully) larger hitting area. It also gives the appearance of bigger edges and a much bigger bat. That is the theory, anyway - my view is that it is down to personal preference.

A laminated bat is effectively two bits of wood stuck together.
There are multiple different laminate options - from a "performance" laminate which has a very thin layer of wood glued to another which is then pressed, handled and shaped to a massive monster laminate which has an extra lump of wood glued to the back of the back to make it seem HUGENORMOUS.

In theory the "perforamance" laminates do hit the ball better than a normal bat, but as they are illeagal in most forms of cricket and i don't see the performance being markedly better, I don't see the point in them - but there are others who think they are the dogs breakfast.

I hope that helps

[mussaduq]

What exactly are the cons of a flat faced bats ? The other day I was in a shop and a guy said I dont want the flat-faced bats as they are too straight. What did that mean ?

[Buzz]

Sounds as if that is an asthetic thing and the guy doesn't like the way the bats look with a flat face - which is understandable.

The edges will need careful knocking in (as with all bats) but I haven't seen them break any more/less readily than any more traditional shaped bat.

I think it comes down to personal preference.

I am entirely indifferent - Currently I have two main bats, which both have a more traditional face and now an Octane with a flat face - I just want to score runs and will use what ever bat I feel will give me the most confidence to do that.

[mussaduq]

I have another question please, what does it mean when we say the bats face is too straight ? can't we play all kinds of shots with it ?

[uknsaunders]

Not sure you can have a too flat face and it won't stop you playing any shot you choose.

An excellent starting point is this blog by Andy at SAF Bats:-

http://www.whichcricketbat.com/cricket-bat/cricket-bats-edges-concaving-myths-smoke-and-mirrors

Should answer your questions and many more!

[mussaduq]

Ok thank you guys 

[philharr]

I bought a flat faced Kookaburra Ricochet and I have been very disappointed with it.  Outside of the middle the bat doesn't sound great. Kookaburra have looked at it and said it is perfectly ok so maybe the flat faces aren't for me.  Still sticking with my taped and glued up CA Plus 10000 for now although have got my eyes on a Bellingham and Smith from a retailer on here 

[mussaduq]

Which riochent did you buy ? Players, 1000, 800 ?

[Chad]

I bought a flat faced Kookaburra Ricochet and I have been very disappointed with it.  Outside of the middle the bat doesn't sound great. Kookaburra have looked at it and said it is perfectly ok so maybe the flat faces aren't for me.  Still sticking with my taped and glued up CA Plus 10000 for now although have got my eyes on a Bellingham and Smith from a retailer on here 

The Ricochet bats I've seen all have heavy concaving, this will affect the spread of the sweetspot as they've essentially just taken wood out of the centre of the bat and put it on the edges. The blog links that uknsaunders has posted up cover concaving, and shows that too much of a concave effectively narrows the sweetspot.


Some people say that flat pressing allows you to hit the ball near where you intended it to go when you play an off-centre shot, as the ball doesn't glide off the face like it would do on a traditional faced bat. Personally, I've found that flat faced bats with lots of concaving and round handles tend to make the bat twist quite significantly in the hand when you play an off-centre shot, a friend of mine has had this problem with one of his CAs.

[mussaduq]

Ca's are'nt that flat faced !

[Chad]

Ca's are'nt that flat faced !

His one was flat faced, or at least flatter than a traditional one.