SSH & LB obviously helps if you want a shorter handle for reasons mentioned such as handle hitting forearm but don't want to reduce length of the bat as a whole. The LB makes up for the length lost from having a SSH.
Alternatively you could always order a new bat from one of the sponsors 1/2 oz lighter with a SSH. Any excuse for a new bat right?I am short and I hate the handle hitting my wrist so I just go Harrow size and put up with losing the 3mm in width for the better balance and increased weight around the sweet spot (I only ever use the middle anyway hmmm)... save a few sheets too.But as pointed out earlier, each to their own!
I use SSH bats as I'm only 5'3. I think anything over 2.8ish they start to pick-up heavily, but stay around 2.8 and they seem perfectly well balanced.However, I'm not sure about chopping the handle, it's best to get a bat that is made as SSH.
John @redink has just made me a SSH at 2'8'5 in his Sirius shape and it picks up like an absolute dream. I could have gone at least an ounce heavier based on my perception of the pick up. it would have been a beast of a bat.I'm not convinced hoping the handle will make a massive difference, especially if you already hold the bat low down. If the next person to chop the knob end off a handle could weigh it then it might be informative relative to its impact on balance.
I chopped off the top yesterday. The removed piece was 0.5 oz. Balance was more or less the same, but I will add a bit of lead tape at the top.All this begs the question - why on earth does Sangakkara do it ? He's over 6 ft !
i'm actually very surprised it weighed that much but i'm guessing 0.5oz on some bats could have an impact on pick up so thats good to know.20 years later I can still hear the coach telling me i had too much bottom hand in the shot... as i get older and watch the various styles of batting its obvious to me that there is more bottom hand in play these days than ever before. If you hold the bat at the bottom i'm guessing it doesn't matter how tall you are you don't need the top bit of the handle.... I guess thats were the ssh and long blade combo come in.