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[AndrewS]

After being away from cricket for a while, I'm finally able to get back in to it next year. I've been picking up some kit during the sales for winter nets after a short bout of umming and arring, picked this up from Paul at IJC. Since I last played, the profiles have changed quite a bit and I was a bit unsure of what I wanted - I had spotted the Tempo but liking a lighter bat, assumed it would be a bit meaty for me but after a few emails with Paul, decided to go for it.

So, before the pics - a few observations until I can get some proper use in November. The bat has 7 grains with a touch of heartwood on the inside. The bat came in at mid 2'9 on delivery but after adding the scuff sheet, shoe goo, a couple of coats of oil to the rear and a new grip (supplied snake grip was fine but prefer chevron) it's just over 2'10. I've spotted other reviews saying that the handle was a bit thin. I did originally swap to a white chevron grip that I had but the quality of the grip was relatively poor and it was pretty thin and just didn't feel right - the orange on the bat at the moment is a bit thicker and just feels much better.

Pickup surprised me, I wouldn't say it feels much less than a 2'10 bat but it's very well balanced. Edges are around 28mm with the spine being around 66mm (roughly measured).

I agree with what others say in that it does feel quite soft and a few of the grains have already opened vertically during knocking in so I look forward to seeing what it can do.

[tugga]

Look at the spine on that thing, that's a nice looking shape

[thecord]

Seeing this wants to make me actually use mine next season, fingers crossed injuries don't get in the way again.
Nice light weight that for a Tempo too

[GarrettJ]

That's a proper bat

[tejasapatel]

Each review I see of Tempo or any H4L bat they become more tempting. Now I am debating between Tempo and Hittori. I wonder which of the H4L bats have low and largest hitting area.

[ItsJustCricket]

Each review I see of Tempo or any H4L bat they become more tempting. Now I am debating between Tempo and Hittori. I wonder which of the H4L bats have low and largest hitting area.

The Hattori is definitely the lowest.  Largest is less obvious as they are all very large really! It's probably between the Tempo and Hattori...

[jamesisapayne]

Very nice indeed. That's a serious spine height!

[19reading87]

Great post, lovely photos of the bat. Hope it serves you well fella

[wilkie113]

Each review I see of Tempo or any H4L bat they become more tempting. Now I am debating between Tempo and Hittori. I wonder which of the H4L bats have low and largest hitting area.

The hattori I had was the best bat I ever owned, the thing was all middle!

[TBONTB]

Another option to throw into the mix is getting an oversized cleft and getting it made custom to what you want!? You can score a bargain if you don't mind not having the h4l stickers!

[AndrewS]

Thought I'd just update this as I had my first dabble with it in the nets.

Pickup is excellent and works well with my back lift (cock of the wrist  type), the handle is very comfortable even with a single grip and the hitting area is huge with a great response - especially as it was the first run out. The feel through the handle was like I was middling everything. Good for the confidence.

When I picked it up I had expected it to predominantly excel in cross bat shots but it's very good on the drive too due to the vast hitting area.

Overall I'm happy. Does make me want to try some more from H4L though!

[ItsJustCricket]

Another option to throw into the mix is getting an oversized cleft and getting it made custom to what you want!? You can score a bargain if you don't mind not having the h4l stickers!

This made me chuckle.  Suddenly we are paying for H4L stickers, as if they one of the big brands now and massively overpriced?!  #onlyonthisforum

[King pair]

This made me chuckle.  Suddenly we are paying for H4L stickers, as if they one of the big brands now and massively overpriced?!  #onlyonthisforum

That may we'll be the case but now we have a forum sponsor effectively slagging off the forum :/ #renemberwhereyoucamefrom

[SOULMAN1012]

That may we'll be the case but now we have a forum sponsor effectively slagging off the forum :/ #renemberwhereyoucamefrom

Couldn't agree more mate

[farnham_quins_2]

That may we'll be the case but now we have a forum sponsor effectively slagging off the forum :/ #renemberwhereyoucamefrom

He was hardly slagging off the forum...bit of an overreaction?

Very much doubt you can get a "bargain" by getting someone else to make a Tempo shape using an oversized cleft. Either you will get a slightly inferior product for a bit cheaper, or a similar product for basically the same price. Not sure anyone offers oversized clefts on the cheap..?

If you like the shape, then just get it from Matt...he's hardly trying to rip people off is he