I recently received a SM-18, the new Shoaib Malik branded CA and thought I would do a short review.
As you can see and whilst it's not to everyone's taste, I have a bit of an infatuation with the CA Bright Green branding at the moment. But also a good opportunity to compare this bat with a couple of 'off the shelf' offerings from CA that I have.
This particular model is a little toned down with simpler more classic branding (so should be to the liking of more people here).
I'm lead to believe that this particular bat is from a pre-official release batch and could have been intended for a particular player. Whilst ordinarily I don't buy (or care much for) these stories there are some subtle differences in this particular bat compared with the regular production models I have seen since receiving this. Namely;
The profile: Perhaps it does come across in the pictures so well but it doesn't have the 'standard' CA side profile with a mid/ mid-high swell. This one is lower than the standard production models as shown below. Whilst the picture comparison is against the T.R.D Big Bang, I can assure you the production SM-18 is identical in shape. I would say it's more of an SS LE profile.
The Handle: Again as shown in the pictures, the composition of the springs are different.
The Finishing: No official bar code (as per production bats) and no toe guard or anti-scuff fitted. Appreciate this does'’t prove or disprove its intended purpose but it's not usual for CA.
Oh and finally it is actually a full sized SH blade and not the Harrow size you normally get with CA.
Specifics of the Bat:The Weight: Labelled as a 2.8lb but fully dressed is about 2.9lb and feels very well balanced with a light pick up. (I normally used 2.8lb)
The Dimensions: Edge Size is 41-42mm and Spine Height is 63-65mm... so generous for the weight but not out of this world for CA.
The Willow: 12 straight grains with a small blemish and heartwood to the right handers outer edge
Both soft and hard balls tap up very nicely indeed and the bat responds well to the mallet as well- just as you'd expect from CA. Yet to do a bit more knocking in and play with it in nets etc.
Unfortunately there are some tiny indents in the face caused by UK Border Control/ Customs - not significant but hopefully these will be less apparent after a bit of knocking in. (Although I'm not happy about what they've done to my other bat - see other post on HS Core 5).
Enjoy.
Author
Topic: My CA SM-18 Bat - Short Review (Read 15915 times)