Been home for a little while after the trip down to B3 today.
All I can say is, what a great place and a great set of guys. If you can get yourself down to the factory then make sure you do! its great just to sit and chat cricket with a bunch of guys who are open about everything and have some great experience in the industry, for example I never knew Mark Boucher had a little groove to put his finger in on his bats. Its the little things you can learn that are the best. Its good to see people who are so passionate about their work and positive as well especially with everything after the fire.
Now in terms of the bats, I had one mapped which you can see in the 50% bargain thread. Two others I had refurbed with weight reductions as well. They have come out great, I asked B3 to take 3oz out of one and 4 oz out of the other. I wasn't too bothered about the size of them at the end and tbh taking that much weight out of a bat I expected them to come out like toothpicks but somehow B3 have managed to keep most of the size and get them down to the weight i wanted and making them almost exactly the same (only 0.01oz) out. The finishing is great and the stickers are class, I really want a white and blue set though, that would be perfect.
In terms of shapes, I kind of regret just getting my old bat remapped. The warner is fantastic, it really does pick up as well as people are saying so I wouldnt be scared of going for one. I have been using a 2.10 GM Mogul for the past couple of the weeks and the warner shape at 3lb only picked up slightly heavier. It's a shame that one was taken after I had finished my tour otherwise the wallet might have taken another hit. It's definitely going to be my next shape.
The TKC and Gareth cross shapes are also up there and dont rule out the DB2, of course this is my opinion.
Like I have said before if you can get down to B3 then definitely do it! It really is a great experience. I've enjoyed my day that much im going to pop the doctor an e-mail with some specific requirements and wait to see his reply or wait to see if they can pop up.
Thanks B3 for the hospitality! I hope the success continues in 2016