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[Cricketer123]

Hi Guys,

My first post on the forum after a long time following. I am looking for a new bat for the 2015/16 season and was hoping that you guys could give me some advice on where to enquire. I basically want what many may call an "impossible bat".

* 2'7
* No concaving
* Mid to high extended middle (so I still have some driving power)
* Oval handle

I really don't care what the face looks like as long as it performs like a train! Could you guys please give me some suggestions, I am located in Australia and am trying not to buy from England because of the hassle of returning a bat if something isn't right.

Many thanks

[Bruce]

Get hold of Laver and wood, based in NZ

[King pair]

Gray nics F18 sound exactly like what you just described

[eukaryote76]

Off the shelf:-
M&H Harlequin/ MH87
Hawk XB 900
Might struggle to get 2.7 with no concaving whatsoever though

If you did go with a sponsor which I understand you're not so keen on because of postage and possible return issues* then I can recommend
John of Red Ink who can make to order, and
Paul of Aldred Cricket, who can do the same or you could get a spectre that would meet your requirements also.

*On that note, bat prices are pretty high in Oz, I'm sure you could get a Spectre with postage for less than the equivalent off the shelf in Australia (I know I have twice, with the aforementioned bat makers)

[joymarvin]

I would go with Laver & Wood.

[Gurujames]

The Aldred Spectre has a high middle. also, a high middle bat feels lighter than a low middle one so could you go a little heavier?

[tugga]

Go to your local shop, and tap up every F18 there until you find the best one.

[Cricketer123]

Thanks guys, I probably should have said that I am looking at getting a it custom made, the bats this year in Aus don't really interest me, I think the experience of having a screaming cat has proven to me that a good looking bat doesn't always ensure a good performing bat. So it's better for me to ask the batmaker to pick out what they have. I really like the look of the Laver and Wood Chad profile at the moment too!

[skip1973]

Thanks guys, I probably should have said that I am looking at getting a it custom made, the bats this year in Aus don't really interest me, I think the experience of having a screaming cat has proven to me that a good looking bat doesn't always ensure a good performing bat. So it's better for me to ask the batmaker to pick out what they have. I really like the look of the Laver and Wood Chad profile at the moment too!

Not really any bat makers of note in Australia now, few garage guy's but if JM couldn't to make a living out of it, it shows you how tough it is.

[Cricketer123]

Not really any bat makers of note in Australia now, few garage guy's but if JM couldn't to make a living out of it, it shows you how tough it is.

Yes, it's really sad to see Julian go. He was always a top class person to work with and his bats were exceptional! In saying that, would you recommend Aldred bats? I personally think that they look outstanding,how well do they play?

[skip1973]

Yes, it's really sad to see Julian go. He was always a top class person to work with and his bats were exceptional! In saying that, would you recommend Aldred bats? I personally think that they look outstanding,how well do they play?

Couldn't tell you, they will be closer to Julians handle shape though.

[tugga]

Where in Australia are you?

[Bat and Ball Cricket]

Yes, it's really sad to see Julian go. He was always a top class person to work with and his bats were exceptional! In saying that, would you recommend Aldred bats? I personally think that they look outstanding,how well do they play?

Really quite a tough prospect mate. Custom bat + Aussie based + great performance will be close to impossible to find.

However, you have touched on Aldred. I've got one that I'm very happy with.
I've got a Sovereign Gold edition bat, 2'9 / 2'10 with 2 diamond grips and a toe guard.
I didn't buy directly from Paul. A mate of mine got the bat off Paul, but it didn't meet his needs. There wasn't an issue with the bat not meeting specs, Paul is just too good of a craftsman and the pick up was that good, it ended up too light for my mate. I've also got a GM Six6 at 2'7 and the Aldred picks up close to the same, even though is 2-3 ounces heavier.

I used the GM for the first half of last season here in Brisbane before injuring my knee, putting me out for the season. Since getting back into the nets in February, i've pretty much used nothing but the Aldred. With the extra usage, it's opening up very nicely. Great response on the front foot drives, good punch back foot drives, and sensational on the cross bat shots!

Completely understand about wanting to avoid issues with shipping and returns. Had an issue like this myself.

Good luck.

[Cricketer123]

Where in Australia are you?

I'm on the Gold Coast and play in the Brisbane competition.

[Number4]

Not really any bat makers of note in Australia now, few garage guy's but if JM couldn't to make a living out of it, it shows you how tough it is.

Not even a Kranzbuhler custom job?