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[Bats_Entertainment]

Linseed oil is. Adam Gilchrist said so on Sky's Big Bash coverage yesterday.

Discuss.

[thecord]

I raised an eyebrow at that comment too. I guess maybe when you are a pro and getting your bats for free you can afford not to bother with it

[joeljonno]

I haven't heard the comment, however, I guess the above is correct.  Also, a lot use face sheets, which minimise the requirement for oil.

[mo_town]

To be fair, Murali's bat looked like it had Linseed Oil for the big Christmas Dinner!! Rarely see any bats these days which have that dark oiled look.

[Number 11]

Pro's now don't know how or even need to look after their kit. Something looks tatty just phone up the sponsor.

[mk_chappo]

When you've got another dozen in the bag to try out. No need to be to precious with each bat ! Just like the Tennis players just take a new one out of the wrapping and start swinging!

[03jaworf]

it's a different world isn't it! Then again I think taking the time to prepare a bat is half the fun of it and I actually enjoy it

[Bats_Entertainment]

There is an argument that oiling detracts from performance.

[Alvaro]

There is an argument that oiling detracts from performance.

Julian Millichamp maintains not.
In Aus I'd argue it was essential given the heat drying out untreated wood?

[Number 11]

Then again I think taking the time to prepare a bat is half the fun of it and I actually enjoy it

Me too. You get a feel for the bat by knocking it in, oiling and re-furbishing it yourself

Julian Millichamp maintains not.
In Aus I'd argue it was essential given the heat drying out untreated wood?

Yes oiling is even more essential in a hot climate, I was astounded at how much oil JM uses.

[Manormanic]

There is an argument that oiling detracts from performance.

I do find that a bat that has ben treated with Salix's bat wax will perform slightly better (in my perception at least) than one treated with Linseed.

[Vic Nicholas]

Julian Millichamp maintains not.
In Aus I'd argue it was essential given the heat drying out untreated wood?

Julian Millichamp WANTS you to oil his bats, because, he does not want sny returns of broken or cracked bats.

Oiling bats makes them rock solid. Crap to use (ping no good), but last many, many years and zero returns = happy bat maker.

[Buzz]

Oiling bats makes them rock solid. Crap to use (ping no good)

Linseed oil acts as a sealant to the wood to prevent moisture. If you oil the bat correctly it will have absolutely no impact on the performance of the bat. It certainly will not make the bat "rock solid". Since when does applying a liquid to something make it solid?

To over oil a bat is pretty hard to do. My experience is that oiling bats that I have had in the past has helped their performance.

Bats need to be sealed. A scuff sheet will reduce performance, but is great for preserving the life of a bat. Whether or not a pro oils their bat is up to them, they aren't paying for them. Most of the bat makers on here will give the bat at least one coat of oil.

[yogi206]

To over oil a bat is pretty hard to do.

I would disagree Buzz, I have been at Salix when people come in with over oiled bats that are dripping literally with oil, Ben and Andrew Kember have both said it is better to have less oil that more as it is so hard to remove the oil after it has been over oiled. Batmakers do put a coat of oil on the bat for definite some multiple but I would think they may stroe the bats in shops etc before being sold and used outside ... maybe it is different to doing a refurb at home?

I certainly feel that "oiling" a new bat rather than bat waxing helps with the knocking in process as it softens the fibres to allow the top to open up and firm up with knocking in. bat wax is more of a sealant to be used once a year id say.... just my thoughts as ever, not wanting to cause a stir !

[uknsaunders]

I over oiled a bat and it went rock solid. Still went ok but no real ping. I under oil all my bats now. I use salix bat wax and give a bat 1, maybe 2 coats a year. Normally after a refurb. I will stick a sheet on as well which helps prevent moisture loss.