http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/soulman1012/library/LaverEvening guys just wanted to share some pics of my brand new custom Laver & Wood Reserve, special reserve profile.
Specs 2.6 finished weight
SSH
Mid high middle
Players grade willow
So I was a little worried about weight gain so ordered 2.6 but still asked for a big bat. Anthony told me James had recently received some players grade willow and could make me a 30mm bat finished at 2.6. Once that was said I was sold. I didn't really ask for anything other than the specs above and was delighted when this arrived.
So here is my review
Service - now this really was top from the guys at Laver. I made my initial enquiry and had a quick response. Like most I was asking about weight gain and I was interested to hear what they said about it, after all every person in the main states there laver increased between 2-4oz. Anthony was very much yes there does seem to be a bit of weight gain from NZ to UK and to factor that into my weight request. We spoke about clefts and I was offered pics of various players clefts but in the end I was so happy with how the email chats had gone I left to the guys to pick the best cleft. I did state I don't want an ugly bat though and that I was partial to a little heartwood if possible
The bat - so I ordered 2.6 finished weight, bat has single grip, scuff, tow guard and edge tape so I guess 2.2/3 naked weight, bat specs are 31mm edge and 67mm spine, its a fairly large bat for the weight. Grains wise there are 13 even and straight grains on a blemish free blade with the requested heartwood stripe on RH outside edge so perfect.
Its a SSH and it just feels perfect in my hands, tapping up an old ball gave superb response and a lovely deep sound. I have another Reserve with a Carbo handle and this sounds so much better. Its a super light bat and feels like a wand in the hands. This is the top piece of willow except the signature and I can say I'm really really happy this looks and seems to tap up like a top range G1 players bat, love to think what it could have made in a 2.9/10 bat but if allowed for a 3oz gain as I normally use 2.8/9