For me that stain is visually disappointing also the stained area could be harder but the bat should go well though.
The stain isn't in the middle of the hitting area though so even if it is harder it shouldn't affect performance. It's almost purely aesthetic in this case, don't you think?
Something else that I noticed, the bat has a effortless swing to it and with the oval handle feels very nice.
Looks beautiful. I wouldn't worry that much about the stain/blemish. Got a chance to use a grade 2 bat L&W last week. Performance is outstanding !
My Legend is a trampoline.
I won't doubt that for a second ... I tried both Legend and Special Reserve (i believe former is grade 2 and latter is grade 1) weighing at 2lb12oz. Friend mentioned that he asked Anthony for Brendon McCullum profile and they did it for him. Oval handle and distinct clunk sound on hitting the ball was quite new to me, but all in all it performed really well. I should think twice before buying a Kook Kahuna 900 grade 2 bat at 350 USD when i can get the Legend from Laver at 300 USD !