Print

[Hoover]

This forum is rife with myths about 'soft' pressing. How do you press your bats and could it ever be described as soft?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Tim,
we often vary pressing due to the requirements of who we are making for.  When a customer has unrealistic expectations over how long a bat should last.... they get a hard pressed bat.  When (usually a pro) knows exactly how they want their bat to feel, and they want that softer feel, we oblige, as these guys are happy to have a bat that may not last as long as a club players bat. However, we also have a knocking in machine (that is our second most favourite machine at the moment) that can work with the pressing requirements, to get the best result.

[Hoover]

Any jobs going?
What's the specs of the best bat you've made
How long should a bat realistically last
Are you fans of the big edge and heavy concaving

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=nqusqv&s=8
Our best ever bat. Sally's bat made 12 years ago in England. Round face , slight concaving, subtle bow, 25mm edge, 62mm spine. The best playing bat we have made in 21 years by a long margin.

[Hoover]

What has been the biggest change to batmaking in the last 10-15 years?
CAD/CAM probably, this has allowed UK and other makers to compete with the cheap labour out of India and Pakistan.

What are your tips for people looking to learn or start making their own bats?
Good luck, and I really mean that.  It is a very hard gig, and you would be entering an industry that includes multinational corporations that have a marketing budget that muscles out quality and honest hard work.
Can i have a free bat please?
Sure, with every pair of special gloves that we would sell to you for no less that GBP200.

[procricket]

Hi Paul and Sally not the case about that last bit about cheap labour and all a CAD/CAM does is pre shape a bat whilst we still employ batmakers to finish and handle it allows us to make more and specialise but you have to remember and factor in the cost of the equipment in the first place.

It allows more volume quicker i do agree it allowed us to compete in the Unbranded market.

It is good to have you on board whats your thoughts on butterfly bats i saw a monster Bradbury Butterfly yesterday it went very well.

Love the bats BTW classy branding and a great heritage

[Hoover]

Do you think there is any room in the market for a more traditional shaped bat with no bow?
Sure, we have bought back a retro model for those that have woken up to reality with the modern shapes.  But if we based our entire range on that, we would be a laughing stock, as they are not fashionable.
It appears that there are several small tweaks that can be made to make a bat pick up lighter - could you list them in rank of importance please?
First, stick another grip on, this shifts the Centre of Mass towards the handle.
Sneak a bit out of the bat from the lower spine to the toe, this too raises the centre of mass.
A bit of concaving can help too.
Do you think there could be a revival in super short handles? (I remember when they were the latest fad) and following on from this, it's either short handle or long handle - is there any such thing as a standard handle? 
We have been making supershort handles for a couple of players, that hold the bat down low naturally.  There is a lot to be said for analysing batting styles and matching a bat model to most benefit.
The standard handle usually applies to what one of the big four brands are doing at the time.  In Oz this has got longer by about half an inch.

[Hoover]

What are your thoughts about the recent negative press about large bats being the reason for lots of runs being scored avid calls for them to be restricted?

I think I addressed this in an earlier answer.  Bats get blamed sometimes before boundary ropes, two new balls being used, fitness of players and permission to swing in adventurous shot selections contribute before the bat even makes the list.

[Chalkie]

Really appreciate you taking the time to answer our questions.

What bat care regime would you recommend to get the best performance and a long life out of a bat, and does it include applying a scuff sheet (which is the subject of some debate on here)?

Thanks

[Hoover]

What was the biggest bat you ever made?

Made one for Lance Klusner that was not much less than a cleft with a handle in.  He did request 5" wide, but got the standard width.

[procricket]

The bat looks a belter

[Hoover]

Really appreciate you taking the time to answer our questions.

What bat care regime would you recommend to get the best performance and a long life out of a bat, and does it include applying a scuff sheet (which is the subject of some debate on here)?

Thanks

We totally support the use of scuff sheet.
We just ask that the bat be respected, that it be remembered that it is a piece of naturally grown wood. Give it a chance in the early days and it will last well.

[Hoover]

What's better for feel and performance, long and flexible or nice and girthy? Bat handles, that is 

Well, like so many things, it is personal choice.  How you are built and the style of player you are etc. will come into choosing what is comfortable.

[Hoover]

Hi Paul and Sally not the case about that last bit about cheap labour and all a CAD/CAM does is pre shape a bat whilst we still employ batmakers to finish and handle it allows us to make more and specialise but you have to remember and factor in the cost of the equipment in the first place.

It allows more volume quicker i do agree it allowed us to compete in the Unbranded market.

It is good to have you on board whats your thoughts on butterfly bats i saw a monster Bradbury Butterfly yesterday it went very well.


Love the bats BTW classy branding and a great heritage

Hi mate,
Thanks for the nice words.
Re CNC, we can only speak for ourselves on this one. We have had a CNC for twelve years and it has been great for processing and we refer to it as our labour force and completely get the cost component. We also get the amount or finishing needed after it has done it's bit. It allows more time and energy to custom handcraft for those customers that want it. 

[Hoover]

About handles, does a stiff ( ex. double spring handle, 2 rubber) or a flex ( ex. triple spring handle, 3 rubber) effect performance in a substantial way? or is the difference between both very minimal?
thanks,

Again, this is a very personal choice, and some players are more receptive to the handle than others.  At the moment, it is fair to say the pro's are liking thin and flexible, though this has resulted in a few more handles breaking than a standard handle.  Wristy players tend to go with the thinner, more flexible handles too.

[Hoover]

Does the volume of wood in a bat make any difference to the way it plays/pings?

For example, 2 bats both 2lb 8oz have essentially the same profile. However one bat is bigger as it's made from a lower density cleft. Will there be any difference in performance between these 2 bats given all other conditions are equal (ie same pressing, no natural differences in the willow, etc)?

I would prefer to have a hit with them in this situation to have a go at answering this accurately.

[Hoover]

Hi Paul. Hope you are well. Do you remember the 2004 Baker Cup Final ?

Hope all is good. I played for Chard last season, where you are a local legend along with the other famous bat maker.

Cheers

Kieron

Hi Kieron,
I remember that well, County Ground. Somerset thought our amateur spikes would impact poorly on the  hallowed centre wicket and I tripped and fell over the covers as I was about to catch you  .
You kept launching the ball into the scoreboard whilst our blokes kept bowling length. I couldn't get a hold of the ball to bowl some much needed yorkers !!
The legend is obviously my Sally who also played for Chard taking 4 fa on debut against Westlands.... were you one of her victims ?