Great timing from B3 to get my new bat delivered on the day Root makes a fantastic hundred in SA!
I requested a 2 stripe, bespoke bat which is a twist on shape 14 from the professional range. I asked for it to have more of a duckbill but also a slightly thicker toe and come in at 2lb 9oz with just a little concaving. Essentially I was trying to replicate Root's profile and I sent Dave a picture from an earlier thread to give him a a better idea. He returned to me with a drawing of the shape and I confirmed that I wanted to go ahead. I gave no preference on grains or look of the bat as I was happy to leave this to Dave.
A few days ago I contacted Dave and asked for a bit of a tweak (following what I had read on here and in order to more closely match Root's bat) in order to make the blade slightly shorter and the handle slightly longer. Despite Dave saying that the bat had already been machined he said it would be no problem. Sure enough it was sent yesterday and arrived today. Top service.
So, for under £170 (including knocking in, scuff sheet and delivery) I received the bat pictured below. Actual specs as follows:
Weight: 2lb 8 5/8oz (I guess it would have been bang on 2lb 9oz before the slight reduction in length)
Grains: 9 pretty straight ones with just a slight wobble in them. Very few blemishes, except one up by the sticker. A faint strip of heartwood on the left-hander's outside edge (perfect for me)
Max edge size: 37mm
Max spine height: approx 62mm
Edge at toe: 23mm
Handle: Slightly longer and slightly oval (as requested)
Minimal concaving
I am delighted with the result. It picks up fantastically well and really does look like a a down-sized version of Joe Root's bat, based on the profile pictures I have found (I guess he uses very low density ones to get the size and given that he gets through 20-odd in a year). The whole experience was great and really makes it feel like you are getting exactly what you want - which you are! The quality of the willow is actually better than I had hoped for a 2 stripe and I can't wait to use it! Fantastic value for money too. Enjoy the pics!
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Topic: Your 50% off B3 Bargains (Read 192552 times)