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[Dutch4932]

Hello Everyone.

This is my first visit to a site such as this and I'm not sure what I'm doing (A bit like my life really!) So please treat me with care whilst I find my feet or I may take my bat and ball home with me!

I've decided I'd like to own and play with a piece of willow of some note. So after some considerable research I elected to have a bat made by Laver and Wood (It's still currently being made as I type) I've chosen the Reserve bat and after reading the care instructions it stated that the bat life was good for a 1000 runs (Including nets) So my question is would the knowledgeable folk on here advise the purchase of a bat to use specifically for net practice and use the Laver and Wood for matches?

Your Views and opinions will be very much appreciated.

[petehosk]

Why not ask Laver to make you an identical net bat in lower grade willow - identical spec, profile, weight etc. and then you can prolong the life of your match bat? Plus you will have a practice bat that feels identical to your match bat?

[Blazer]

Welcome to the forum Dutch. It depends on what you want of the bat. If you want to prolong lifespan ,net bat is a good idea. However if you want to get used to the balance and pick up of certain bat , you could use the bat as both match bat and net bat. Make sure the net bat is a replica or closer in profile to your match bat. Enjoy your time here.

[joeylough]

All depends how you bat, I don't play as much as I wish and don't score as many runds as I wish, so that means, one bat. I did have 3 until this week, using one of them in winter nets. Now it will be just the one bat.

[Buzz]

Firstly your bat will last you longer than 1000 runs.

secondly - it is up to you, there is no need to have more than one bat...

Just be warned, Pete (above) only had one bat when he joined the forum, he now has more than 150 bats of the finest willow that money can buy. This forum is seriously damaging to your bank balance.

[MD2812]

If you have a net bat you could double it up as a wet weather bat. don't want to get a nice new laver out when it's raining.

[Simmy]

my match bat must be close to nearly 2000 runs. has started cracking down the grains but its still a cannon

[Dutch4932]

@Petehosk Wow!! That's a great idea (Why didn't I think of that?? Ha ha) I'll look into it.
@Blazer Thanks for your advise I think I will for a short period use just the one bat whilst I get the replica/net bat made.
@joeylough I do play quite a bit of cricket so getting through those stated 1000 runs wont take that long really. I never considered the lifespan of a bat in No of runs I used to think of it in seasons but those were cheap varieties so I didn't really matter too much.
@Buzz Thanks for that insight, it's reassuring to know it'll last longer than the 1000 runs I read and that news will please the wife.
@MD2812 That's another pleasant idea.
@Simmy What make is your bat and can I expect the same from the Laver?

[Simmy]

My Bat is an RK made by a lad called ryan on here.

but the cleft was pressed by Tim Keeley(sugested as the best)

ive owned a laver mate but i think it would last just as long as they are pressed pretty hard

[Dutch4932]

Ok Simmy again that's reassuring to read as I have had sleepless nights over the price I've paid Ha ha (Keep it quiet as the wife doesn't know the actual price!!)

[Simmy]

haha one bat is ok. its when u get the bug and u buy loads and u have to hide them! make sure the mrs is out when they deliver them etc

[mr_wickets]

I wouldn't bother to much with a net bat. Get used to what you'll be using in the middle.

As for saying a bat is good for a specific number of runs, I don't understand this??? What if you play a lot of glances or score a lot through singles in the inner circle to get to 1000 runs compared to someone who will look to clear the ropes when they bat. Not sure about that one.

[Dutch4932]

@Simmy You sound like a seasoned pro at this bat buying business??!! Ha ha
@Mr_Wickets that information is what I've read on the Laver and Wood site? http://www.laverwood.co.nz/batcare.php Take a look it's right at the bottom of the page last paragraphy. I do agree with your reasoning though.

[ogroupleader]

You need 1 match bat and about a dozen or more bats for the nets.

[MD2812]

So Dutch,

We know you're expecting a lovely new Laver & Wood (which we expect pics of once it arrives). What specs did you go for?

Tell us more about yourself.

What's your name, where'd you come from [/cillablack]

Where do you play your cricket etc etc

I'm Joe btw, play in SW London for Bank of England 2nd XI as a Wicket Keeper.