Hi guys, yes, it's another one!
So this time, it's a bit different since it's a custom made one. I had previously purchased an RK off
@19reading87, which I was extremely impressed with, which made me decide to finally go and take the plunge. I also needed a bat rehandled, so Ryan sorted that out for me. I'm actually not too sure what grade this one is, I think I asked for the low density grade, but I'm not too sure if this is one or a G1 or LE. (It seems a good size for the weight, but not quite in the particularly low density side of the spectrum) Anyways, as always, here are the pics first before I delve any deeper!
Specs:
Weight – 2lb 10.67oz
Edge – 31mm
Spine – 60mm
Shoulder – 17mm
Toe edge – 18mm
Toe – 26mm
Handle – Oval
Concaving - Minimal
Right, so what I asked for was something which was just pretty big all over, decent edges, shoulder, toe and spine. I didn't want much concaving, and wanted the spine running from the handle down to the toe, the idea was just a blade with a very even hitting area. As you can see from the specs and pics, it pretty much covers all bases, although the spine has been blended into the toe as Ryan advised against this during the shaping - he felt it made the bat a touch bottom heavy. The shape I had in mind was either the Trott shape or the Graeme Smith Epic shape, and this one seems like it resembles a toned down Trott, with concaving and a slightly earlier spine decline leading into the toe. It actually also reminds me of the old Woodworm Flare shape, except much larger! (Good thing, as I think I hit my first or second six with that bat!) I have to say that Ryan has done a top job with this one, the shaping is of a high standard. The oval shape in the bottom hand is spot on, and the handle tapers into a thin round hand at the top. There is practically no bow at all, not that it matters to me at all as I can barely ever tell the difference, but it should help to keep the ball along the ground. The pick up and balance are superb, Ryan does really know how to get those 2 things right!
Looks wise, the bat ticks all the boxes, The finishing is of an excellent standard, the general shaping and fine touches around the bat are pleasing to the eye and the stickers are nice, simple and clean. I think that they're going to get a small update sometime this year, but I might have just imagined that! In terms of grains, you have 9 very straight grains, which could have been 8 very evenly spaced grains if you removed one.
There's a small slither of heartwood and a couple of specs throughout the blade, but nothing big.
Onto the response, this bat boasts a REALLY large playing area, thanks to the even distribution of weight throughout the blade. I've always felt that by having more mass around the splice area, it really helps the response and the 'stability' in the area above the sweetspot. I also feel that the edge size is actually important to a certain extent in terms of helping the response off centre, but once you get past 30mm, it doesn't seem to make as much of a difference. (From experience) I also think I read the Doc saying that around the 30-32mm mark is the optimum size. The sweetspot isn't quite as explosive as the one that I got off Reds, but that will be because that one had around a 70mm spine instead!
Anyways, HUGE thanks to Ryan for making this one up for me. Extremely pleased with it, and look forward to testing it out in the nets!
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Topic: RK Custom Review (Read 2721 times)