Topic: Hi, I'm new (Read 8400 times)

amoboko · « **on:** December 20, 2009, 07:34:29 PM »

Hi guys,

I'm Thomas aka Amoboko, got the link to the forum by a friend.
For the moment I'm having a look to buy a new bat. My current Kookabura Ice has some cracks close to the handle and if it survives until May ( I'm going to the UK then) I will use it for beach cricket :-).

I only started playing cricket this season and I love, I played like two games a week and practice sessions so you could say I'm very eager to learn more about this fascination game. I'm also Belgian so there are still some unsolved questions.

What are the pro's of buying a custom bat? I know it's quite personal and build for you but after doing some research they look a bit more pricey than others. As I'm still in a learning curve I do want to spend money on a fine piece of wood but the masterclass pro material is not really what I'm searching for.

When it comes to brand bats I was thinking of buying a Kookabura Kahuna or a GM Catalyst or FLare DMX from the 808 series.
My budget is around �160 but can go up if my current bat survives :-)

Is there a possibility to have a custom bat for � 160, what is the feedback from player using a customized bat ?
And last but not least: The less commercial bat brands like Bradbury, Salix and Newbery, how would you describe them.

I know I still have heaps to learn, but in 3 weeks our indoor practice starts and I would like to be well prepared for the upcoming season. So I hope most of my questions will be answered.

Thank you for your time and hopefully I will learn a lot.

Greets T. Aka amoboko

Cover Drive · « **Reply #1 on:** December 20, 2009, 07:38:54 PM »

welcome to the forum mate , im sure alot of people here will be able to help you out

AlRidd · « **Reply #2 on:** December 20, 2009, 07:40:55 PM »

Ok, Custom Bats are 9/10 better because they are handcrafted as opposed to mackine made or mass produced in India, you can literally have the bat customised for you so that it suits your requirements, it is made in England so helps the economy.

Of the three bats you mentioned go for the GM option as they are made in England as opposed to India, Salix and Newbery are absolutely top notch and you can't go wrong, Bradbury however are predominantly Indian made now.

And yes you can get a Grade 1 custom made bat for under �160, I would reccomend Solitaire cricket for �100, Hell4Leather for �??? or Redback for �180ish but its above your budget slightly, worth it though!

Hope this helps mate and if you have any more questions please ask.

cd0070 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 20, 2009, 07:41:43 PM »

Welcome,

Do you know what weight and profile you are looking for? What kind of wicket do you play on?

niceonechoppy · « **Reply #4 on:** December 20, 2009, 07:43:57 PM »

Hi welcome to the forum, solitaire are the best value for money IMO. H4l are also very good, (160 pounds). Plenty of other good English made bats out there though!

tommo256 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 20, 2009, 07:51:10 PM »

Redback

petehosk · « **Reply #6 on:** December 20, 2009, 08:09:37 PM »

Hi Thomas! And welcome to the forum.

There are lots of decent brands represented here.
And most of the decent custom batmakers even come on here from Redback, Hell4Leather, Vantage, SAF, and a few more!
So you could get some absolutely brilliant advice to anything you want to know!

Maybe you should start by looking in the Bat Reviews section? That wil at least give you some feedback about the different makes?

tommy2tink · « **Reply #7 on:** December 20, 2009, 09:38:45 PM »

Are you playing your cricket in Belgium? If yes, at what club?

amoboko · « **Reply #8 on:** December 21, 2009, 06:36:33 AM »

Hi guys,

Thanks for the kind words.
For the moment I'm batting at 6-7 and bowling is something I will work on this winter :-)

I play for Mechelen cricket club, who play in First division in Belgium. As most players have sub continental rots and really enthusiast about me showing a true love for cricket they allowed me to play as much games as possible.

I'm quite tall, almost 2 meters so I'm searching for a FH with alight pick up so I can keep on playing fast shots.

I will definitely check out the bat section, but as soon as you show interest in a specific field people start sending me rates etc... so this time I first wanted to have a look around.

I started playing cricket in New Zealand earlier this year while visiting my family and friends, m first friendly game ever was in Akaroa. lovely memory :-)

Apple · « **Reply #9 on:** December 21, 2009, 11:28:38 PM »

I dont think SAF ever really get mentioned as much as they should, norb seems like quite a mechanic when it comes to bats, Im thinking of looking into a SAF as my next stik . . .

amoboko · « **Reply #10 on:** December 22, 2009, 10:00:06 AM »

I'm not that familiar with those bat makers, sorry

petehosk · « **Reply #11 on:** December 22, 2009, 10:06:21 AM »

A knowledgable and skilled matbaker - see link below:

http://safbats.co.uk/

SAF Bats · « **Reply #12 on:** December 22, 2009, 10:35:58 AM »

hahaha matbaker

At the moment I'm going through a logo redesign, a small workshop move and press update!

So probably nothing coming out from me until Feb-ish next year!

petehosk · « **Reply #13 on:** December 22, 2009, 11:01:41 AM »

Oooops! Did i make you sound like a Turkish rug weaver?
Sorry - was meant to be bat maker! Maybe should have said 'podshaver'!!!

My typing skills!!

christianpurchase99 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 22, 2009, 12:00:16 PM »

bit like picky ponting the other day peter!1 hahahahah

Author Topic: Hi, I'm new (Read 8400 times)

amoboko

Hi, I'm new

Cover Drive

Re: Hi, I'm new

AlRidd

Re: Hi, I'm new

cd0070

Re: Hi, I'm new

niceonechoppy

Re: Hi, I'm new

tommo256

Re: Hi, I'm new

petehosk

Re: Hi, I'm new

tommy2tink

Re: Hi, I'm new

amoboko

Re: Hi, I'm new

Apple

Re: Hi, I'm new

amoboko

Re: Hi, I'm new

petehosk

Re: Hi, I'm new

SAF Bats

Re: Hi, I'm new

petehosk

Re: Hi, I'm new

christianpurchase99

Re: Hi, I'm new