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[efcon24]

Hi guys,

I'm only new to the forum so forgive me if I am posting this is the wrong place. I have a few questions for you all.

1) Have any of you ordered bats through online stockists before? Is it reliable or would you steer clear in future.

2) When I was having a look at online stockists I was very intrigued by Mrf and Sf. Have any of you had experience of either of these brands?

3) I've currently been caught in two minds between either the Ton Legacy or Newbery sps Tomahawk, once again have any of you had experience of these bats?

Sorry about all the questions guys!

Regards,
Eoghan.

[WalkingWicket37]

Welcome to the forum Eoghan

1) I've used online stockist a few times and never had an issue. They'd get a recommendation from me without hesitation.

2) I have not personally owned either, or even seen an MRF in the flesh. Of the two I'd be more inclined to go for the SF as the ones I've seen have all been very nice bats.

3) I refurbished a Newbery Tomahawk for a teammate last season. I wasn't overly impressed by the bat, it picked up nicely and felt reasonably responsive, but just didn't feel right in my hands (but bats are a very personal thing so you may love them!)
As for the TON Legacy, I don't own that particular model, but I do have an SS (or 5) in my collection. They're very nice bats if you can look past the OTT stickers and rather heavy concaving on some models. They're a very typical indian shape so there's a lot of wood low down, but they pick up nicely in my opinion.

Hope this helps 

[Boondougal]

Welcome Eoghan,

Wish i could answer your questions but alas i have no experience of what you are looking at. plenty of people seem to be buying through OLS and have or have owned SS/SF so i am sure you will get plenty of info either here or searching the forum.

I have always fancied owning an SS jumbo from the early 90's but apart from that and maybe if a genuine one came up really cheap i would struggle to prefer them over some of the brands that you can find on the forum. i am sure they are great bats but if i was buying blind and spending a decent sum of money then i can't help thinking i would want to be able to talk to the person i was buying from to get across what it is i was looking for.

Of course if you have been somewhere where they have the models you are after and have had a good swing with them then getting from OLS good be a good way of getting a bargain. (assuming you don't get taxed on the import)

Good luck with the deciding..... you could just get both!

[Seniorplayer]

Welcome Eoghan
Cannot comment on the brands you have mentioned but I have brought bats on line but no longer do so having  been on each occasion disappointed and ended up selling them on.
For me the best way to buy a bat is prior to purchase pick it up how does the handle feel what's the pick up and balance like can I hold it with my top hand only in my normal stance how does the swing weight feel how does a ball tap up across and down the face etc.just a few things to consider as there's plenty of what to look for bat buying advice on here.

[Blaise]

Hi there,

I've ordered two bats, plus two sets of pads and gloves from onlinestockist. Never had a problem with them - and in fact my favorite match bat - an SS Gladiator came from onlinestockist.

I have an SF Triumph and think its a great bat - as good as any I've used. Mates have MRF's - and swear by them - so I think you'd be happy with either - just get the profile that suits.

I haven't used the Ton or Newbery bats you have listed - but I've come to the conclusion that if you find a profile that suits you - it can come from any bat manufacturer and you'll be happy.

[efcon24]

Thanks for all the advice guys! I am currently leaning between the mrf and Sf bats as I delved deeper into the too and was very impressed with some of the reviews I've seen and especially as they offer great value for money!
That's another what's the story with shipping cost or import tax off online stockists ?

[WalkingWicket37]

You may get a 20% import tax when the parcel arrives in this country, but I've been lucky enough to not have this happen to me (and I've had a fair few deliveries from India).

As Buzz (I think it was him anyway) said, budget for the extra charge and if you don't have to pay it then it's ab added bonus 

[TBONTB]

I had a few bats, gloves and pads delivered last week through OLS and no tax! They spot check boxes so you may be unlucky but hopefully not!

[praguetaz]

I'm still haunted by that SF VA900 that Matt from H4L was selling on here recently.. their profiles don't vary that much so I'd have a punt on one of those if given the choice between SF and a Newbery Tomahawk...

Don't have any experience of MRF but an SS TON is a popular choice on this forum too...

Online stockist seems to be completely reliable and great value for Indian bats...

[Buzz]

the thing about this forum is it gives you direct acess to a number of custom batmakers and high quality retailers.

I personally would take the option of going for one of their products as you will be well looked after and helped through the sale process. you will also not worry about import tax or customs drilling the handle.
I don't get the fascination with ols personally, you are trusting too much to luck for me.

if it is a question of price, remember cheap doesn't equal better.

[efcon24]

Hi Buzz,

well yes price definitely has something to do with it as from what ive heard you can get good quality for quite a cheap price.

As for bat makers on this forum who would you recommend?

From what ive seem B3 seem to make great bats, but then again I want to get the best quality I can while spendimg the least amount of money (hence the the attraction of ols)

Also has anyone heard of or had bats from ols drilled in customs?

[Andythomo21]

I've personally never used OLS but have been very tempted.  Most reports I've read on here have been positive.  You seem keen to give them a go due to the relatively low prices so maybe your best bet is to order a reasonably cheap bat in a style you like? This is the only way your going to be able to evaluate the service yourself as everyone else's experiences of OLS will be different.

[Buzz]

what is your budget and do you have the money ready to spend?

[efcon24]

Thanks Andy that's a great shout!

And Buzz it would  be around 250 pounds for the bat, I've been having a look at b3 and blankbats which seem good.

[Ams4287]

Thanks Andy that's a great shout!

And Buzz it would  be around 250 pounds for the bat, I've been having a look at b3 and blankbats which seem good.

Where are you based mate?

For your budget any of the sponsors Would make you a top notch bat - if your located within a drive go and see one if them to talk about what you want and get it made up for you. I've had to bb's and cannot speak highly enough, although I've never had a b3 bat I've been to the factory a few times and it's a impressive setup. I'm using a Aldred at the moment which again is very well made. But if you'd rather go and waft 10s of pre made different brands then the retailers are all really good and helpfull. As I said you'd struggle to get a bad bat off the forum!