In terms of favourites, my dynadrive wins, as you identify fattus. It's just lovely and I'd jump at another, maybe in the new year.
The instinct is very, very good and I would certainly put that second as these stand. And yes, it was THE middle man that caused the issue.
The Aldred sits comfortably by a long way in third. Why? Because for some reason, I struggle to find its middle. Bouncing a ball and Mallet, it seems as good as the other two, but for some reason, in the nets and matches I've used it, it just hasn't clicked in the same way.
The other three are in different stages of knocking in so haven't yet been netted with. As such I can't comment on performance.
Garrett , for me long blade is an extra inch though some go up to two.