At the back end of last year I bought this bat on a bit of a whim.
http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=17584.msg281742#msg281742It was bought purely on looks and the reputation of the bat maker, who also happens to be a site sponsor. When the bat arrived it was very clear that it had been refurbed to as new condition. It was an absolute bargain in respect of the quality of willow and craftsmanship, and a padded scabbard was also included. Happy days!
Although the bat has a fairly modern profile, it doesn't have over large edges, and it has the most minimal bow imaginable. It is also flat faced.
The bat had been used in one of the forum batoffs and had been well rated apart from the handle which was not to the liking of some. Prior to my buying the bat I believe the handle was trimmed. The bottom of the handle is still a large oval but feels very comfortable to me.
I was very impressed by the pick up of the bat, and also by the way it performed in shadow cuts and pulls.
Given the dimensions and various stated weights in posts about the bat, I did put it on the scales where it registered exactly 2 lb 8 oz.
I had originally contacted the maker with a view to having the bat re-stickered in its genuine livery which was agreed, however, in the meantime my financial circumstances changed so this had to be put on the back burner. A future refurb awaits.
So, with the above in mind I decided to use the bat in a net session. Old balls, a variety of bowling styles and what turned out to be quite a responsive matting track.
Well, you go in full of good intentions, get those feet moving, get into line, play straight. Then first up you get a leg side full toss or half tracker and all that discipline goes out of the window as you throw the kitchen sink at it.
Oh, dear friends, that is exactly what happened - and what a response from the bat.
Rarely have I felt so comfortable. I don't know if it is the flat face, minimal bow or just the over all quality, but for the first time in ages I felt that I was really getting full value for my shots, which I think is all that you can ask for.
For a bat purchased purely on pictures I think I've fallen out of the lucky tree and hit every branch on the way down. Cliché alert: what a gun!
I do hope that the maker comes out of the woodwork, so to speak, on this on. I believe he is going from strength to strength and based on this relatively early example of his craft it is very well deserved.
Come on fella, don't be shy.
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Topic: Assassin (Read 1451 times)