I fancied another refiurb project before the summer started and wanted to protect my main match bat during winter nets so picked up a GM Epic 505 off ebay that was only just down the road. The 505 model has an artificial grain sheet and I thought it would be a fun project to see what was lurking underneath.
I decided I wanted to keep the stickers intact so cut round them and peeled off the scuff sheet with ease. Now the difficult bit, removing the grain sheet (made from some kind of plasticy film style material). As a newbee to refurb projects, this bat gave me an opportunity to experience a few methods to bring her to glory. The sheet came away easily with a blunt pair of scissors scaping down the grain but glue used was a (No Swearing Please) to remove. After a few hours spent cleaning her up with the scissors and old credit card, we made some progress!
After a coat of oil (The blade was very dry and think it has been bleached as it was very white) and sanding down the face and edges using sandpaper grades 60, 100, 150, 180, 240 and then 600, the new girl has scrubbed up rather well. And the end result you ask? (grain lovers look away now)
Yes, it really does have only 5 uneven grains and a knot!
After the initial disappointment of not finding 20+ straight grains, the bat has grown on me in looks, with the knot and random spaced grains giving this bit of willow a bit of character. After all, it is only a net bat! The whole point for acquiring this bat was because it was pretty much the same weight as my other Epic (which weighs around 2.12) but I discovered it weighed a whopping 2.14 when i brought it home. Decided to go through with the project anyway and have managed to lose a couple of ounces (and then put them back on with the weight of my spiral grips) However, it doesn't feel
that heavy, with a much lighter pick up than my 2.12 GN Maverick. Size wise, my 707 Epic is probably a touch bigger despite the lighter weight (noticeable at the toe) which proves my point that my 707 Epic is a bit special.
Wayward_Hayward's GM Epic top trumps stands at the following (measurements in mm):
707 505
Weight 2.12 2.14
Grains 7 5
Toe highest 30 29
Toe lowest 20 18
Spine 60 55
Edge 34 34
Shoulder 23 22
So was the whole process worth it? While the glue residue was a bitch to remove and took forever (a good couple of hours), it was a good learning process and the thrill of the chase to uncover a beautiful piece of willow (or not in this case!). I can see why the artificial sheets are used to lull people into thinking they have a beautiful bat but I personally think these detract from the individual nature of willow.
I managed to use the new bat in nets this morning and it certainly pings in the middle. In reality, it probably is a touch too heavy for me (2.12 is probably pushing it, let alone 2.14) but it didn't feel much different to my match bat, result!. Also, Shock horror!, this GM is rather soft and requires quite a bit more knocking it before my next net session. Who would of thought it hey?
I will keep this up to date as my net sessions continue and keep a little diary, maybe I will inspire you lot to show us your ugly blades of glory or play Behind the GM Artificial Grain Sheet (potential TV show I think not....).
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Topic: Latest Refurb Project - GM Epic 505 (Read 1993 times)