Well, life doesn't get any better than this, just placed my order with John for my next new bat, and tomorrow I have a RDO and will be enjoying watching the Aussies put the Kiwis back in their place at the Gabba.
I put it out there in the forum for some suggestions on where to purchase a bat, which suited my requirements and had a few members recommend John @ Red Ink.
John has been very helpful thus far and has always responded to my questions with hast. John has some special prices at the moment which I have take advantage of and I think even with the freight to Australia represents good value.
So this is what I have ask John to create
X3 Grade
Weight 2.7& half
Semi Oval handle
Low(ish)Middle
Full(ish) profile
Flat(ish) face
Edges size between 32-36mm???
John suggested a duckbill to help with the pickup and I'm happy to go along with his guidance, as I said to John I don't want to place restrictions on him that are not feasible, just give him the licence to produce me a great bat.
Really looking forward to getting the new willow pictures to follow.
You guys in the UK don't know how lucky you are to have these quality bat makers, here in Australia our bats sales are dominated by the large corporates and sold in cricket stores with such huge mark ups.
I used to be able to walk to our last bat maker Julian Screaming Cats, who made exceptional bats and was a top bloke but sadly has close up shop.
So now if us boys down under want some quality boutique/custom bats it's has to purchase from the mother land.