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[skip1973]

Anyone have an opinion on which UK brand do the best light bats?

I only use around 2.6 2.7

I have been spoilt by bats I have access to here in Australia but am always on the lookout for something different, budget not an issue.

[dkmaritz]

I have just purchased a heavy bat from blankbats which is very nice, but they can make their bats to any weight you require, its the nicest piece of willow I have had in a longtime and would highly recommend them to anyone based on the bat they made me.

[Chad]

From experience, the best light bats I've used were Asian made. I think a 2.8 AM bat I used as a match bat before is possibly the best bat I've used below 2.9. It had a crack on the toe, which I repaired and moved on, and the guy using it absolutely loves it. He had previously used an Instinct bat, which wasn't massive, but pinged like heck too.

In terms of bats made in the UK, the best I've seen are the ridiculous ones from Robertsbridge, (A monster 2lb 8.5oz Dyna) and the modest sized ones from Newbery. I'm sure Salix also do good light bats, but most are around the 2.10 mark from what I've seen...

I use a slightly heavier bat though, so someone else here will give a more accurate insight. I wish I had enough balls to go for a Stuart Kranzbuler special! Just fear the custom charges and damaging the bat... Should probably condense the collection by selling a few then taking a chance with one...

[RF]

Go for a B3, pick a light density cleft so that you can get something in quite a big profile.
You can take the guess work out of buying that way.
The pressing is good, quite stiff and I think that's where the performance comes from so I wouldn't be too bothered about grain structure, how it looks etc.
I've just got a 2lb 8oz, it's quality

[Seniorplayer]

I think for a weight of 2lb 6 or 7 ounces you would be better of getting one made as premade ones in the weight can be hard to find and they can be a bit hit and miss there are sponsors on here who will make you exactly what you want.
I also use a bat 2lb 6 or 7 ounces which was made to my specs by a company called Hawk Cricket.

[j.f.101]

I've had a 2lb 7.5oz (including toe guard, scuff sheet, edge tape and a thick grip) Black Cat for the last 3 seasons - absolutely wonderful bat with a good sized and very full profile.. It's lasted pretty well too and has only just been sent back for a refurb today! I reckon any good batmaker could produce something good at that weight though, especially with an unlimited budget..

[RF]

Just read original post again, budget no issue!

Buy 2, get an Aldred too, I used one a month or so ago and was staggered how good it was,

[Sitonit]

Anyone have an opinion on which UK brand do the best light bats?

I only use around 2.6 2.7

I have been spoilt by bats I have access to here in Australia but am always on the lookout for something different, budget not an issue.

Same here.
Always on the look for something special and something different in light weight.

The best light bat I EVER used was a Redback Allegiance.
This was Gary's personal match bat at 2 lbs 7.5 Oz. Gary was generous enough to sell it to me.
Quite thick, supremely balanced and heavenly pick up.

The bat was snatched off of me by a friend.

I also thought Ebay Item # 111582910863 looked pretty tempting; however, I missed out on bidding due to being at work.

[Sitonit]

I think for a weight of 2lb 6 or 7 ounces you would be better of getting one made as premade ones in the weight can be hard to find and they can be a bit hit and miss there are sponsors on here who will make you exactly what you want.
I also use a bat 2lb 6 or 7 ounces which was made to my specs by a company called Hawk Cricket.

Yep, I took a gamble and bought eBay item number: 111611056356.
And I am not actually disappointed with the purchase. It's a 2 lbs 6 Oz stick with 38 mm edges, 17 tight and straight grains and quite a full profile.

[The Palmist]

Pot luck finding  such light bats. Ricochet  and F18 are typically lighter models off the shelf. I got a 2lb6.5oz from here. Big bat for the weight and performs  well. Gone up to 2lb8.5 with extra  grip scuff and toe guard but still great pick up. Will prpbably remain my match bat.

[Sitonit]

There is also a Chris Gayles personally used match bat (allegedly) on sale on Ebay Australia site, if you want to make an exception and go for a heavy bat?

I am assuming it's over 4 lbs. 

For a AU$1000.00 though.

[skip1973]

From experience, the best light bats I've used were Asian made. I think a 2.8 AM bat I used as a match bat before is possibly the best bat I've used below 2.9. It had a crack on the toe, which I repaired and moved on, and the guy using it absolutely loves it. He had previously used an Instinct bat, which wasn't massive, but pinged like heck too.

In terms of bats made in the UK, the best I've seen are the ridiculous ones from Robertsbridge, (A monster 2lb 8.5oz Dyna) and the modest sized ones from Newbery. I'm sure Salix also do good light bats, but most are around the 2.10 mark from what I've seen...

I use a slightly heavier bat though, so someone else here will give a more accurate insight. I wish I had enough balls to go for a Stuart Kranzbuler special! Just fear the custom charges and damaging the bat... Should probably condense the collection by selling a few then taking a chance with one...

I am going to see him in July, seen some of warners he had there last year, obscene. He's never made me a bad bat, some better than others and a couple of real special ones.

[skip1973]

Thanks for the responses and messages, I am leaning towards a Salix or Newbery to be honest, anyone have a trusty contact at either?

[Tailendfielder]

Thanks for the responses and messages, I am leaning towards a Salix or Newbery to be honest, anyone have a trusty contact at either?

Just email vicky at salix. No need to go through third party. Very friendly and helpful.

[skip1973]

I know English brands tend to be a bit smaller profile than Asian made, I had a very light salix about 10 years ago, it was very good but very small by todays standards, are they still very traditional or have they moved with the times ?