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[leatherseat]

Hi,

Brain picking exercise, if I may - I'm considering a long blade bat.
I'm 6'3'' and hope this will enable me to stand slightly more upright in my stance - reducing the chance of overbalancing towards the offside.
I haven't used or even seen a longer bladed bat.

Has anyone any experiences - what can I expect?
Will it have a noticeable impact on my stance?
I'm concerned it will weigh and pick up, a little heavier than a normal length blade (or can this be offset by a skilled batmaker)?

Views/ comments/ experiences welcome ....

Thanks in advance,

David

[richthekeeper]

i'm 6'2 and use a SH.

my cousin is 6'4 and went back to a SH from a LB this season.

in all honesty it's about finding what works for you, but changing your bat won't magically make you play better. one thing to note is the bat is likely to be heavier due to the extra wood.

[Neon Cricket]

I'm 6'3 and tried to use a LB earlier in the season, honestly couldn't get on with it - even though its only a small difference in length I really did notice it

Obviously it's different for everyone but I still feel more comfortable with a SH

[FattusCattus]

What about a long handle instead?

[ajmw89]

Being 6'2 I've never really got on with a long handle or a long blade.  My current match batch has a long blade, but only 1/2 inch longer so not a true long blade.  Taken a while to get used to and still not fully getting on with it.  May chop the extra off and have a short handle.

Having a long blade would also increase the dead weight if you wanted the same size (ie a SH with 40mm edges might way 2lb8oz but a LB with the same edge and spine height might weigh a couple of ounces more depending on cleft densities etc.)

[tim2000s]

i'm 6'2 and use a SH.

my cousin is 6'4 and went back to a SH from a LB this season.

in all honesty it's about finding what works for you, but changing your bat won't magically make you play better. one thing to note is the bat is likely to be heavier due to the extra wood.

As a long blade afficionado, I'd say go for it. It does help with your stance, but you will, initially at least, find the balance slightly different. Weightwise, if you use a 2lb 8oz bat, then you are going to struggle to find an LB at the same weight, but mine range from 2lb 10 to 2lb 12 and are absolutely fine with plenty of meat. For the record though, I'm 6'5".

[roco]

Ally bats are now long blade

After years of sh I found lb helps to stand upright more us dig out Yorkers easier as less bending and outs middle in right place

I would never go back

But I'd suggest trying to borrow one or get a really cheap one to try 1st to see if you like it

[Manormanic]

I'm 6'3 and a bit and I've used them for about twenty years.  Could not go back to a short handle - the inch makes so much difference in terms of getting things in the right place (said the actress to the vicar!)

[Jogetnz]

Re pickup, having just sorted two team mates out with LB bats and myself with a SH I can attest that a skilled bat maker can achieve wonderful pickups on LB bats, out of the 3 bats all with similar weights my SH had the pickup that I liked the least.

[fasteddie]

I tried one this year for the first time. It was a revelation.

I suffer from bad back problems so standing more upright and keeping that way is great.

Mine is 2lb 11 and it's not the best pick-up, but I'm sure you can find what you want.

Good luck.

[leatherseat]

Thats really useful feedback.

I admit to a concern over pick-up/ weight, but your comments make sense that a skilled batmaker can overcome this (the pick-up being more important than dead-weight).

It seems to work for some, but not others (rather marmite-like)- worth a try if I can borrow one/ find a cheap one. The potential upside of better balance at the crease could be significant.

Keep your experiences/ views coming -they are much appreciated.

Thanks,

David