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[Bench warmer]

Hi my teenage son has chosen 2 bats he likes the look of the first is a gm six6 Le sh,and the second is M&H 09,would have to be on the lighter side as he's going to be 14 at start of next season but is tall for his age, any thoughts on the 2 bats would be great also what would be the chance of the bats being posted to see which he prefers .

[WalkingWicket37]

If he's only 14 (and still growing) maybe a slightly cheaper bat than the LE. He may well outgrow it and need a LB/LH in the future.

As for which is best, M&H haven't had the best of times on here recently (that wont take much finding). They aren't the best finished bats in the world if that bothers you. As for the GM it's machine made, so you know exactly what shape you will get.

As for the bat's being posted to see which he prefers, the best thing would be to buy both, and send the least best one back for a refund. It's a pain but that's realistically the only way you'd be able to do that.

[Chad]

Hi mate, I hear you can get M&H cheaper directly from India...

Jokes aside, I would say that both options are great, but seeing as he's still growing, a great VFM buy would be a GM 808. I know @Vitas Cricket received their stock only a day or 2 ago, so will be worth dropping them a message or call! Have always found GM to be very consistent in terms of finishing, and have never really come across a dud, all the 808s I've seen are amazing!

[VKS]

I can't comment on the M&H bats as we have never stocked them, but GM produce some very good bats and the LE's are excellent. If you would like to PM me some exact specs as to what he would like, I can perhaps get some photos and options across to you.

Regards

Vinay

[Gurujames]

Try to encourage him to buy a bat based on feel rather than the look of the sticker, good excuse to spend time in a good cricket shop. Try a few bats blind then you get a sense of the feel.  Of the 2, the GM would give you better value for money in my opinion.

[Seniorplayer]

Rather than buy blind go into a cricket shop give a few  bats a swing with batting gloves how do feel what's the balance and pickup like then decide.

[Centurion]

Try handpicking some bats from a cricket shop. But if you are ordering online, I would go for the GM but you can't go wrong with the M&H either. Or you could consider a custom bat so he can pick the bat up and get it to his specs. If that is his first SH bat then you probably want to go for a custom as this way he would be able to get used to it quicker as it would be made how he wants, that what I done and I adjusted very quickly. Hope this helps 

[Bench warmer]

Hi thanks for the advice I've contacted a cricket shop who can send some bats for him to check out as he needs to feel the bats in his hands before we commit thanks .

[Red Ink Cricket]

I can custom make something to spec for him if you are interested. Drop me a pm to discuss if you want to

[Uzi Sports]

In my view, you are better off visiting a good cricket shop near you who have reasonable stock of bats in different weights.

[Bench warmer]

Unfortunately we live in Northumberland so not a great choice of cricket shops to chose from,personally would like him to go custom as I think looking at posts on this forum you can get a great bat for your money,but he's all about the labels but with him being a teenager what would his dad know but will keep on at him to hopefully direct him to custom bat option thanks.

[leatherseat]

Hi Bench warmer,

I have to echo the thoughts of several others on here- get him trying a few out - two bats of the same model and weight can 'pick up' differently - one will feel 'right'.

How about making an expedition to a specialist shop, or two, part of the present - a day out focussed on choosing the right bat - that sounds like bliss for boys of all ages. He may spot a bat he hadn't thought of before, too.

Enjoy the experience and keep us informed of progress.

Good luck,

David

[Bench warmer]

Will do think I might have to put my foot down,I don't mind travelling down the country to get him the right bat,but he's a teenager who lives in his bedroom so will go down the line if no travel no bat,plus when he gets there it will be a good experience to try all bats even if it's a visit to a custom bat maker will let you know what he chooses.

[Turn Of Pace]

Just to reiterate what others have already stated, don't buy blind off the internet. If your lad is half decent and his talent is worth spending that kind of money on then get him down to a specialist shop or a custom outfit and make a day of it. Seeing a bat made in front of you is a real pleasure and will be sure to get his interest. On top of that, he would have the advantage of testing the bat throughout the process until he is completely happy with it, and would learn that balance and feel is more important than weight. I appreciate you are in Northumberland, but Kippax wouldn't be too far to go for you and they make exceptionally good bats.

[JB]

As a fellow Northerner, Lorimers in Bishop Auckland is the best cricket shop in the area. Just sport in Newcastle is like a jumble sale!!