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[simonmay5]

I think you'll find that number 2 is the same bat mate

Maybe someone should contact Steve wilkinson and ask what model off bat goes to aus and as ln the message he said a number of gm bats are made in India for that market 

[Krs]

Maybe someone should contact Steve wilkinson and ask what model off bat goes to aus and as ln the message he said a number of gm bats are made in India for that market

Will you be bringing this down to nets on Friday? Would love to have a proper gander lol

[IQ]

Hi all, the bats in pictures are low English willow made in India. Looks like a 404/505/606 and someone has taken off the model number and selling them as super grain top bats etc.

The GM factory in India makes all models uptill 909. Only the original and original LE are imported into India from GM UK.  I have been to the GM factory in India and it's one of the best - nice open area, nice new equipment, lots of willow,  really good quality control on pressing, handles and willow etc. They got their own cane and were making their own handles too. Having been to a few factories - they were definitely more serious about pressing and handles. Their pressing machines showed how much hydraulic pressure was being applied etc and they vary it - didn't see that anywhere else. The bat in the pictures is lower grade grade 4 at best- the higher ones are better finished. The UK made GMs are pressed more and are harder bats, take time to open. The Indian ones are more softer in terms of pressing. They are same quality as any top end bats.

Best part about the GM India factory was the hand knocking of English willow bats. The Kashmir were knocked in on machines. Apart from the usual range GM India also sell a couple more cheaper bats in English willow.

The higher ones have proper 3d stickers. They all have a hologram as well. Can post some pics of older bats if allowed.

Bats sold in Aus shops come from GM UK.

[simonmay5]

Why did Steve say that their is a few higher made bat in the factory and a 404 is not in the same league mate I know its got heartwood on the blade but that does not make it a bad bat I willing to let the forum net bat test this bat against the original version but I know what I was told an if any one doubts what Steve said your more than welcome to listen to the message and if you can find a 404 off that quality I bye the lot   

[SOULMAN1012]

Why did Steve say that their is a few higher made bat in the factory and a 404 is not in the same league mate I know its got heartwood on the blade but that does not make it a bad bat I willing to let the forum net bat test this bat against the original version but I know what I was told an if any one doubts what Steve said your more than welcome to listen to the message and if you can find a 404 off that quality I bye the lot 

I do not see this as a 404 model or anywhere near that low. But anyway at the end of the day mate if your happy and paid a fair price for it mate then who gives a monkeys. That's the thing with this forum there will always be disagreements and arguments and views about this kind of thing. If you have spoke to GM that's good enough for me. Hopefully meet you at one onthe forum nets at some point in time and would love a go with it just because its different and I've fallen a bit in love with GM's of late.

[Gingerbusiness]

I find your comments astonishing IQ.

'Lower Grade 4 Willow' and 'looks like a 404' - Really?!

[billyb]

404? I have an Icon Original sitting beside me, UK made, that is almost half heartwood...

[IQ]

Hello all,

Didn't mean to sound harsh on the bat. Have edited the original post to make the guess a bit wider. Apologies for any offence caused. 

I sold a few 303s ( natural with fibre tape at front) and 404s that looked like that.

Also in addition to that the missing stickers on the front (the model name) most certainly means the seller thought they looked better than the grade. The GM India are really strict and would never do a "custom" GM or anything like. Offered them equal or more money(as branded GMs) to make unbranded plain bats for me - they wouldn't even consider it. lol. Very nice & loyal GM enthusiasts. Very process oriented- not like usual  Indian companies where everything is happening all over the place! 

As an example couple of 404s

[IQ]

Not sure if it easy to make out but the stickers are embossed too.

this is only one picture. can do heaps more examples if mods permit? Mostly old bat pictures and all already sold - so not trying to sell/promote these or anything.

[Jimmyg]

Not sure if it easy to make out but the stickers are embossed too.

The Octane's stickers do not look embossed, didn't Simonmay5 say also that they weren't 3D, presume that means the same thing.
If Indian made GM 404 bats are sold with embossed stickers and a grade sticker on them(ie 404) as per IQ's photo. I would be suspicious of any Indian GM bat without those features. Frankly the eBay listing posted I wouldn't touch with a barge pole.

[Edward Lowy]

Where's Ed when you need him.

I'm here!

[Edward Lowy]

The clue is in the labelling - "Made in India under license" means that the bat is er, made in India under license!

Bats made by our licensee in India are for the Indian market only.

Bats made in Nottingham using our DXM processes, which are unique to GM and lead the industry, are marked DXM. Only bats made in Nottingham are marked DXM.

GM DXM bats made in Nottingham are shipped around the World, including Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. These bats may or may not be equipped with GM Now and / or Toe Tek finishes. These are specified by our local distributor in each market.

The bat as shown has had its grade label removed. This would not be as it left the factory of the GM licensee in India. I have no doubt that it will perform ok, it carries our brand name. Different people will have their own views on the merits of the closeness of the grain and the amount of redwood. It would not, in my view, be classified as a very high grade as the grain is not as straight as I would like, however cosmetic appeal is not necessarily a guarantee of performance.

Kind regards

Edward

[Jimmyg]

They are not bad but not as good as the uk finishing and it has got a dent in the spine dam postman 

The dents on the back are on the photo on the seller's eBay listing, so the postman shouldn't be getting the blame!

[smilley792]

Cheers for the reply ed. Clears that up, an Indian made bat, for the Indian market with its grading label removed. Straight from the head of gms mouth.


This steve seems to have told a few porkies, for the Southern Hemisphere it is not!

[simonmay5]

The clue is in the labelling - "Made in India under license" means that the bat is er, made in India under license!

Bats made by our licensee in India are for the Indian market only.

Bats made in Nottingham using our DXM processes, which are unique to GM and lead the industry, are marked DXM. Only bats made in Nottingham are marked DXM.

GM DXM bats made in Nottingham are shipped around the World, including Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. These bats may or may not be equipped with GM Now and / or Toe Tek finishes. These are specified by our local distributor in each market.

The bat as shown has had its grade label removed. This would not be as it left the factory of the GM licensee in India. I have no doubt that it will perform ok, it carries our brand name. Different people will have their own views on the merits of the closeness of the grain and the amount of redwood. It would not, in my view, be classified as a very high grade as the grain is not as straight as I would like, however cosmetic appeal is not necessarily a guarantee of performance.

Kind regards

Edward

Hi Ed why did Steve say that the bats made in India are for the Indian and aus and sa market I still have the message on my phone just seems a bit funny for him to say that and do all Indian gm bats come out in a nice gm padded bat case the bat itself preforms pretty well