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[MrCricket321]

Does a bat handle make any difference to the performance of the cricket bat?

[Buzz]

Yes

[Number4]

Most definitely

[MrCricket321]

Which type of handle gives best performance? Carbon handles?

[alee]

Carbon handles definitely has an effect. But the pickup and feel is not great in my opinion.

In terms of round or oval handles, I definitely prefer a thick oval handle. I get more power onto the shot with an oval handle because the bat doesn't twist in your hand as much.

[Boondougal]

did you say Four candles?

[Seniorplayer]

Carbon Handles
because an 100 Percent carbon fibre handle weighs less than one third of the weight of a cane handle the weight can be retain within the blade giving the bat a bigger profile.

Cane  Handle

fitted with carbon fibre springs or titanium instead  of cork  or rubber
Gives a stiffer handle therefore  less energy is lost when the bat makes contact is made with the ball
Similar effect to the 1970s steel spring handle.

[sarg]

I had a GN Fusion with the hollow carbon handle. Thought it was a great idea until i started using it in games. Near impossible to soft hand shots with the ball pinging off like a table tennis ball. Last straw was batting on a wet deck and popping it straight down silly mid on's throat because the bat was so damn stiff. Sound the handle made was embarrassing too.

Luckily it cracked down both shoulders a week before the warranty ran out and i got a full refund.

[Seniorplayer]

I had a GN Fusion with the hollow carbon handle. Thought it was a great idea until i started using it in games. Near impossible to soft hand shots with the ball pinging off like a table tennis ball. Last straw was batting on a wet deck and popping it straight down silly mid on's throat because the bat was so damn stiff. Sound the handle made was embarrassing too.

Luckily it cracked down both shoulders a week before the warranty ran out and i got a full refund.

Yes I had the same experience the one I had was fitted with a transparent handle cap to  reduce the acoustic sound.

[MrCricket321]

Octagonal Handles?
http://liveandbreathecricket.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/octagonal-bat-handle.html

[ProCricketer1982]

can bat makers buy carbon handles?

[Ryan]

can bat makers buy carbon handles?

I don't think so mate, they're banned so aren't used anymore.

[Chalkie]

 Does the number of cane pieces make much difference? For example I notice that SFs seem to have 12 pieces whilst SS only 9.

[procricket]

Carbon Handles
because an 100 Percent carbon fibre handle weighs less than one third of the weight of a cane handle the weight can be retain within the blade giving the bat a bigger profile.

Cane  Handle

fitted with carbon fibre springs or titanium instead  of cork  or rubber
Gives a stiffer handle therefore  less energy is lost when the bat makes contact is made with the ball
Similar effect to the 1970s steel spring handle.

I have a different theory and so do many pro players to your top thought on less weight in the handle I say more weight in the handle.

Many of the players we have supplied and do supply want heavier handles as it helps pick up with weight towards the hands a natural pivot or counter balance. It why quite a number of players use heavier bats than many think yet still pick up like a toothpick.
It not just low density that makes a bat massive yet light with added heavier handle it adds weight yet still picks up a treat.

As for carbon handles I used to swear by them but prefer cork ones today not sure why either

You can get natural variants in handle weight up to extra or minus 2.5oz

[sarg]

I have a different theory and so do many pro players to your top thought on less weight in the handle I say more weight in the handle.

Many of the players we have supplied and do supply want heavier handles as it helps pick up with weight towards the hands a natural pivot or counter balance. It why quite a number of players use heavier bats than many think yet still pick up like a toothpick.
It not just low density that makes a bat massive yet light with added heavier handle it adds weight yet still picks up a treat.

As for carbon handles I used to swear by them but prefer cork ones today not sure why either

You can get natural variants in handle weight up to extra or minus 2.5oz

Makes sense. I like the balance point around the base of the splice or 5 inches from the top of the blade. I tend to use inch long grip off cuts at the tip of the handle to achieve this, rather than extra grips. It just makes the bat feel easier to play the cut or pull shot later.