Very interesting topic
I've just bought two Affinity bats, based on reviews posted online, and after visiting its just cricket.
I waited a year though, to make sure the initial positive reviews posted,,were not negated by any poor reviews posted later.
To be honest,,it was Marcus's passion for his products as much as anything,that convinced me...he just won't sell anything other than the best he can
I've also got the impression Peter Aldred turns out a similar high quality product, and that again, is based solely on online reviews/you tube etc,,,I will buy a couple from him very soon
I had a laver and wood made, purely on reviews,(best bat I've ever had, before the affinity)
To some extent, looks are important,,grains/shape/stickers etc but, the bats got to feel right in the hands, pick up how you want, and if it's possible to bounce a ball on it, have a half decent soft feeling middle.
But I suppose because a bats a natural product, your never guaranteed that the bats gonna suit your game, until you've had a decent knock with it, out in the middle
One thing I have noticed over the last ten years or so, is the decline in quality of ,off the shelf mainstream bats,
I suppose it's opened the door for the boutique bat makers to jog the big guys memories, with what today's customers expect