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[Blaise]

Okay - last month I ordered a replica of my match bat - a SS Gladiator from Laver and Wood.

The SS has been a top bat, despite cracking a corner of the toe during the knocking in process (to say I was upset at the time would be an understatement). But I got the bat fixed and used it without issue for a season on turf - and again for two LMS comps (thanks Vinesh at Southern Cross Cricket!)

The SS has held up well and shown no signs of any further issues. It goes like a train and I couldn't be happier.

I did start to worry that if anything happened to the bat, I'd be devastated. I have used many, many bats and none have come close to the SS. So I started looking around for a custom company to make me an exact replica.

After a few emails with Laver - I decided they would get the job and I sent the SS away - and was immediately plagued by concern the bat would go missing in transit. It didn't and it and my new bat arrived safe and sound around three weeks later.

On receiving the new bat - I whacked on another two grips (geez the handle is small!) so that it matched the SS. I then weighed it. Yep - spot on with the extra grips - 2.14. I did notice a difference between the balance between it and the SS - the SS seemed better balanced, but I have no issues with the Laver - it has a slight bottom heavy feel...very slight, but I like it. When you hold it horizontally - it is like the SS - a wand.

I ordered the Laver fully knocked - and when it came I went straight down the nets for a light session with an old ball, just to see how it would hold up.

The first session finished I was happy - the bat was okay, but still nothing like the SS.

A couple more net sessions though and it really started to sing. I felt either it was getting better, or I was using it better. It compares favorably with the SS, although the SS is still my favorite bat.

It'll be interesting to see how it goes in its first game - probably this weekend. I feel the true test of a bat is in the middle, not with a mallet or in the nets.

Interestingly the Laver is a bit different to the SS it was modeled on. It has a much thicker toe (seemingly a typical Laver trait), a higher spine and a slightly larger edge (only a mm in it). Interesting given it was supposed to be an exact copy. I feel there was more wood in the Laver blade and less weight in the handle which meant the bat was not balanced the same. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I am very happy with it - but it is interesting to note these differences in an 'exact' copy.

I can't wait to use it more though - and see if it can surpass the SS. It has big shoes to fill....











Cheers!

[Alvaro]

Lovely bat - silly question, but is it the same width as the SS?

[tugga]

Really like the shape of that, there is wood all over.

That Laver handle must be tiny for you to have to add another 2 grips on top. Which is pretty surprising because I've never found Indian handles to be particularly large

[awp]

Why didnt you simply buy another gladiator?

[ioand1988]

Really like the shape of that, there is wood all over.

That Laver handle must be tiny for you to have to add another 2 grips on top. Which is pretty surprising because I've never found Indian handles to be particularly large

If his handle thickness is anything like the handle on my L&W, then I can fully understand having to put an extra 2 grips on as the handle is really small on mine also...

[ca_gold]

Ss would have done a custom for you if required too. I'm a big fan of the gladiator though, great bats. 

[Blaise]

Lovely bat - silly question, but is it the same width as the SS?

Not a silly question - but yes, they are the same width across the face. I probably could have done a better job with the photos. :-)

Why didnt you simply buy another gladiator?

I did order another Gladiator several months ago, but found the shape had changed slightly (more bow towards the toe) and I didn't get on with it (I also ordered it slightly lighter - which I don't think helped). It is a fantastic bat though - and I still have it - it may get more use, but the Laver is performing very well and I am getting along with it. It is interesting - as I got along with the current match SS from day 1. I loved it and have loved it ever since.

I also thought I'd like a bat made by a quality bat maker - I also very nearly went with B3 or one of the other manufacturers on the forum.

Really like the shape of that, there is wood all over.

That Laver handle must be tiny for you to have to add another 2 grips on top. Which is pretty surprising because I've never found Indian handles to be particularly large

Yep - the handle on the Laver is teeny - although it is okay with two extra grips on it. The SS isn't a thick handle either - but it is fine with one extra grip. Interestingly the Laver with two extra grips is still slightly smaller than the SS with one extra. I should measure them...

Ss would have done a custom for you if required too. I'm a big fan of the gladiator though, great bats.

If I had known where to get a custom SS - or where to get a version of my old Gladiator - I would have. Believe me I am a convert to the Gladiator - I love mine, it has been great and like I said - I have not used a bat that goes better for me - this includes GN Legends, GM LE's, CA TRD, Kook Players and the like. I am interested in seeing how some of the other SS models go....but there are so many bats and so little time to use them all!

[tugga]

What makes the difference between your Gladiator and all your previous bats? (Legends, LEs etc)

[The Palmist]

why did you go to laver, why not just another gladiator?

[Alvaro]

See two posts up From yours Mr Palmist

[The Palmist]

See two posts up From yours Mr Palmist

cheers.

[Blaise]

What makes the difference between your Gladiator and all your previous bats? (Legends, LEs etc)

Who knows why anyone gets along with one bat and over another? This one just suits me. I definitely hit the ball higher up on the bat and there is plenty of meat there for where I hit the ball. I found my two LEs didn't seem to have enough power, not that they weren't fantastic (they were also 2.9) but they just didn't have that raw power of the SS (which is a fair bit heavier). I used my Flare for a year before trying something different - I definitely get more value for my shots with the SS. With the GN Aussie Legend, I found the ball to come off the bat really well, but I just couldn't seem to time the ball regularly with it. That's probably the main issue I've had with all other bats - although I'm sure if I used them a bit longer, I'd get used to them.

Interestingly a couple of mates have tried the Gladiator and aside from saying it has a good middle, that is pretty much it, they didn't get a long with it.

I'm sure if I was a much better player - I probably wouldn't notice the difference as much and possibly my favorite would change - but I'm not and this suits me well :-)