Print

[Bats_Galore]

With all the talk of counterbalancing and the recent increase in bats that use counterbalancing, I am contemplating trying it on some existing bats that I own. The questions I have, are whether anyone has tinkered with this and whether they have any advice. I wonder what weight is required to act as an effective counterbalance, what is the best way of applying this weight, and what effect it actually has in the use of the bat. Thanks

[Chad]

2 rounds of lead tape will add some weight to the top of the handle. Then wrap it with insulating tape to prevent any contact with it. Results? People I've done it for say the bat feels much better. I've never personally used it on any of my bats tbh, or if I have, I've just taken off the counterbalance in the end.

[sanredrose]

Counterbalancing might work if the handle itself is shaped with a bit of weight at the top. If you are adding tape or anything else, you won't see a significant difference unless the weight is substantial - 50 grams or so in my experiments. But adding 50 grams also adds dead weight. I tried this twice and backed out. It simply didn't work for me ...

[InternalTraining]

With all the talk of counterbalancing and the recent increase in bats that use counterbalancing, I am contemplating trying it on some existing bats that I own. The questions I have, are whether anyone has tinkered with this and whether they have any advice. I wonder what weight is required to act as an effective counterbalance, what is the best way of applying this weight, and what effect it actually has in the use of the bat. Thanks

I counter-balance bottom heavy bats. I don't use lead weights. I used bats grips which I leave rolled up near the top of the handle where I want to hold the handle. Another benefit is that rolled up grip prevents hand slippage and gives my shots power. I use different size grips depending on the weight needed.

This does not work for high middle bats and completely changes the timing of shots.

[brokenbat]

Usually one round of lead tape will be 0.1 oz. You can feel the difference with even this much. Keep adding more layers till you get it right.

Another trick - remove the toe guard (0.2 oz roughly)

[sarg]

I have tried it and still do it. Doesn't need too much weight. Note on my FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/notes/marcs-information-on-cricket-bats-repairs-and-preparation/want-a-lighter-pickup/1472693596368109

[Nmcgee]

I've never tried it Marc but I'm surprised it makes any difference. The weight of the off cut must be just a fraction of an ounce.

I wonder why tungsten isn't more commonly used. It's heavier, denser and, unlike lead, non-toxic.

[Seniorplayer]

spend a lot of time trying to get the pickup that I want tried most things generally you need quite a bit of lead tape to makes significant difference the same with cut grips also drilled the top of handles and added ball bearings then filled with wood filler
Tried  lead flashing  and  also 1inch wide strip of lead taped around the top of the handle that worked also an heavy handle with the weight at the top also helps.
As for knowing whats required just keep trying till you get  the pick up you want  would be my advice.

[ballinger]

Zinc oxide tape works well



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[sarg]

If you really want to go the whole hog. Use a circle hole cutter drill bit in the tip of the handle. Clean it out with a small chisel. Melt the lead flashing in a old pot and pour it in. Let it set. See if it taps out. If it does, glue it in with contact cement.

I'm tempted, but rubber grips work fine and a 1/2 oz heavier grip also. Really if pickup is that bad. Get a weight reduction done at the toe.

[tom line]

I think the drill bits are known as forstner drill bits if you do want to try this

[dt-second-hand-cricket]

i've had a go at sort of 'duck billing' the bottom of a few bats, this seems to have made the pick up massively better on them - however not used them in a game yet so not sure if their will be any reduction of the strength of the toe, used a sander and took me about 10 minutes per bat, doesn't seem to have any effect when tapping up the bat with a ball, will see if i can add some photos

[dt-second-hand-cricket]

Bat 1

[dt-second-hand-cricket]

bat 1

[dt-second-hand-cricket]

Bat 2