Topic: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions? (Read 6630 times)

zijuber · « **on:** May 13, 2015, 02:09:32 PM »

Hi All! I am new to this forum. I looked around, but couldn't find what I was looking for.

I am planning on buying a new cricket bat in the USA. I just got back into cricket after quite a few years and started playing a cricket league. I am looking for a cricket bat with a flatter (as flat as possible for control) blade face and large edges. I typically play almost all different shots (although I tend to play front foot shots more than anything else), depending on the bowling. I look for every opportunity to strike for boundary. I am looking for a light-to-medium weight bat (2.8-2.10). I play in both low and high bounce pitches. What would be your recommended bat for my kind of play? My budget is up to $400 USD.

I used GM bat selector tool and it recommended me a Mogul F4.5. I don't have any cricket store nearby, so I am not able to see the bat in person and will have to rely on online information. I am worried about the mid-low sweet-spot of the Mogul, thinking that I will have difficult time slow scoring through the gaps using this bat. Another thing I am concerned with is the flatness of the F4.5. I think F4.5 is kind of curved and provides less control.

I was also looking at a GM Icon bat. But, due to it's higher than mid sweet-spot I am concerned that I will have to play my shots later in the bowl travel.

I also looked at the GM Octane F2 (I think F2 has more flatter face than the F4.7). However, I think the sweet-spot on this bat is even more lower than Mogul and might not be suitable at all for back foot shots.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any quick description about each of the GM bats and what each of them are best for. Any advice is appreciated.

I am leaning toward a bat with oval-ish handle, as bats with round handle sometimes slips of my grip and changes the ball direction (if the bowling is very fast) than I intended.

I also looked at Kookaburra Kahuna. But, I am concerned with their quality/hardness for long lasting. I think GM bats are pressed and will last longer and provide more power.

As you can see, I am kind of all over the place. I appreciate any help on selecting a good cricket bat for me.

zijuber · « **Reply #1 on:** May 13, 2015, 04:52:19 PM »

I narrowed down bats from GM into the following two:

Octane F2 DXM: http://www.gm-cricket.com/range/adult_bats/octane-f2-dxm.aspx

Mogul F4.5 DXM: http://www.gm-cricket.com/range/adult_bats/mogul-f45-dxm.aspx

What do you think each of these bats are best for?

TBONTB · « **Reply #2 on:** May 13, 2015, 05:33:59 PM »

In all honesty GM does not get a great fan fare on here because many think they are pressed too hard. It is really budge dependant, but you could easily get something from a sponsor that is custom to your requirements, weight, handle etc, and you are not buying blind from the interwebs. Mid middle could well be your best bet as its probably most forgiving!

zijuber · « **Reply #3 on:** May 13, 2015, 05:36:55 PM »

Do you have recommendation for a different brand and bat? I am open to pretty much any brand that would be a good fit for me.

i12breakfree · « **Reply #4 on:** May 13, 2015, 05:46:27 PM »

Quote from: zijuber on May 13, 2015, 05:36:55 PM

Do you have recommendation for a different brand and bat? I am open to pretty much any brand that would be a good fit for me.

At that price you can get some very good options on this forum. I have owned 2 bats from Blank Bats and both are top quality. H4L and aldred are also highly recommended.

tushar sehgal · « **Reply #5 on:** May 13, 2015, 06:37:55 PM »

Gonna sound like a broken record H4L, RPC/Blueroom or BB all fantastic options. You can get a Custom RPC for 350 including shipping to the US, BB can meet your request for weight and middle and provide you with a beast for about the same amount. H4L G2 is in range but G1/pro might be more expensive although if you buy from Vitas Cricket or IJC you will get VAT off.

Where in the US are you based out of?

zijuber · « **Reply #6 on:** May 13, 2015, 06:40:12 PM »

I live in Michigan, USA. I am trying to avoid purchasing from outside of US in concern of paying import duties. But, If my best options are outside of US, then that's where I will go.

Chad · « **Reply #7 on:** May 13, 2015, 06:43:41 PM »

Hi mate, I'd recommend not going for a flat face if you haven't played in years. It will give a twisting feel if you hit off centre, and you probably won't like it. 4.5 is the best of both worlds in my view, and I think H4L, B3, BB and B&S use this. (Good control while maintaining good feel)

My personal recommendation would be a B&S Impi at 2.10 from Vitas Cricket. Excellent value for money, mid sweetspot which is good for all round strokeplay. (Costs �210, and you'd get VAT taken off that too!)

Also, from experience, you're better off with a slightly higher middle than a middle that is too low. Just find that higher middled bats tend to give a better coverage and balance!

tushar sehgal · « **Reply #8 on:** May 13, 2015, 06:45:24 PM »

Quote from: zijuber on May 13, 2015, 06:40:12 PM

I live in Michigan, USA. I am trying to avoid purchasing from outside of US in concern of paying import duties. But, If my best options are outside of US, then that's where I will go.

Basically in the US unless you have contacts you will be paying $200-300 for $100-150 bat plus shipping. From the UK depending on how it gets shipped you are looking at the same amount but a bit higher quality gradewise and finished product wise as these are smaller brands where as US is mostly big brands like GM, Kooka etc.

Also depends on how quickly you need a bat, if you don't need it super quick sale section on site like prodirectcricket it worth a look even though you are buying blind most of the time bats is worth the money you pay. I am in Canada (east coast) and most times you can expect duties from $50 to $80 for bat that cost around $300-350....highest duty i have ever paid was for a bat from US at about $200

tushar sehgal · « **Reply #9 on:** May 13, 2015, 06:47:03 PM »

Quote from: Chad on May 13, 2015, 06:43:41 PM

Hi mate, I'd recommend not going for a flat face if you haven't played in years. It will give a twisting feel if you hit off centre, and you probably won't like it. 4.5 is the best of both worlds in my view, and I think H4L, B3, BB and B&S use this. (Good control while maintaining good feel)

My personal recommendation would be a B&S Impi at 2.10 from Vitas Cricket. Excellent value for money, mid sweetspot which is good for all round strokeplay. (Costs �210, and you'd get VAT taken off that too!)

Also, from experience, you're better off with a slightly higher middle than a middle that is too low. Just find that higher middled bats tend to give a better coverage and balance!

Thats a good option too, very good bat and you'll get VAT off

Buzz · « **Reply #10 on:** May 13, 2015, 08:04:05 PM »

Not sure I agree with this at all, this year's GM's especially have been good, the octane would be a decent option, but as others have said the sponsors on here can help you out.

Quote from: TBONTB on May 13, 2015, 05:33:59 PM

In all honesty GM does not get a great fan fare on here because many think they are pressed too hard. It is really budge dependant, but you could easily get something from a sponsor that is custom to your requirements, weight, handle etc, and you are not buying blind from the interwebs. Mid middle could well be your best bet as its probably most forgiving!

InternalTraining · « **Reply #11 on:** May 13, 2015, 08:14:07 PM »

Get a CA. There are several dealers in the state who carry the brand.

Quote from: zijuber on May 13, 2015, 02:09:32 PM

Hi All! I am new to this forum. I looked around, but couldn't find what I was looking for.

I am planning on buying a new cricket bat in the USA. I just got back into cricket after quite a few years and started playing a cricket league. I am looking for a cricket bat with a flatter (as flat as possible for control) blade face and large edges. I typically play almost all different shots (although I tend to play front foot shots more than anything else), depending on the bowling. I look for every opportunity to strike for boundary. I am looking for a light-to-medium weight bat (2.8-2.10). I play in both low and high bounce pitches. What would be your recommended bat for my kind of play? My budget is up to $400 USD.

I used GM bat selector tool and it recommended me a Mogul F4.5. I don't have any cricket store nearby, so I am not able to see the bat in person and will have to rely on online information. I am worried about the mid-low sweet-spot of the Mogul, thinking that I will have difficult time slow scoring through the gaps using this bat. Another thing I am concerned with is the flatness of the F4.5. I think F4.5 is kind of curved and provides less control.

I was also looking at a GM Icon bat. But, due to it's higher than mid sweet-spot I am concerned that I will have to play my shots later in the bowl travel.

I also looked at the GM Octane F2 (I think F2 has more flatter face than the F4.7). However, I think the sweet-spot on this bat is even more lower than Mogul and might not be suitable at all for back foot shots.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any quick description about each of the GM bats and what each of them are best for. Any advice is appreciated.

I am leaning toward a bat with oval-ish handle, as bats with round handle sometimes slips of my grip and changes the ball direction (if the bowling is very fast) than I intended.

I also looked at Kookaburra Kahuna. But, I am concerned with their quality/hardness for long lasting. I think GM bats are pressed and will last longer and provide more power.

As you can see, I am kind of all over the place. I appreciate any help on selecting a good cricket bat for me.

edge · « **Reply #12 on:** May 13, 2015, 08:32:00 PM »

Don't worry about flatness of face, I'd personally say I think a rounder face gives you more control! Regardless of the stick they may or may not get on here, GM make some superb cricket bats. I've never owned one but I've borrowed and used some absolute guns, none of which were top grade bats. Moguls look lovely too, wouldn't say they're a low middle though.

zijuber · « **Reply #13 on:** May 13, 2015, 08:38:33 PM »

I have been playing with CA (12000, 10000, and 5000). 12000 is a great bat, but not well balanced. I want to try something different and with oval handle. I think oval handle will help me get a better grip of the bat and maneuver with more control.

I spoke with a distributor in the US (from whom we usually buy our bats). He stocks both the Mogul and Octane. He also recommends Mogul. I am yet to hear back from him as to why he recommends Mogul over Octane.

Edge, how would you describe the sweet spot location of Mogul?

zijuber · « **Reply #14 on:** May 13, 2015, 09:01:07 PM »

Is Cricket Direct a legit web site/store in UK?

http://www.cricketdirect.co.uk/catalogue/product.aspx?node_id=097a9494-f09d-4b6c-8036-a3c300fc7a76

I used Duty Calculator and it estimated that I have to pay less than $12 for duty.

http://www.dutycalculator.com/new-import-duty-and-tax-calculation/saved_calculations/view_details/192577383/

Author Topic: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions? (Read 6630 times)

zijuber

All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?

zijuber

Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?

TBONTB

Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?

zijuber

Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?

i12breakfree

Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?

tushar sehgal

Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?

zijuber

Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?

Chad

Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?

tushar sehgal

Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?

tushar sehgal

Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?

Buzz

Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?

InternalTraining

Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?

edge

Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?

zijuber

Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?

zijuber

Re: All rounder power-control cricket bat suggestions?