Just want to share few details about my new Silver Sovereign bat i got from Paul Aldred at Aldred Cricket bats. I have been following Paul on his Youtube channel and want to try one of his bats. After discussing the details with Paul about my batting style, low bounce pitches in US & my budget i decided to go with a Silver Sovereign shape in Butterfly 1 grade.
The pickup feel i asked for was 2-9 and the bat is bang on 2-9 in pickup with double bound handle and a single grip. Paul was very helpful when answering all my questions and providing pics during the whole process of the bat being made.I left the cleft choice on him and he sent me a pic of beautiful butterfly one cleft with 8 straight grains with the stain in the middle.
The ping is fantastic and after 2 net sessions it is opening up nicely but still needs few more sessions to become match ready. The pictures attached are sent by Paul accept the one i took after the nets. Overall is really impressed with quality of this bat & the awesome customer service Paul provides.In my opinion the finishing on this is on par with my Salix Praestantia and the stickers are not embossed but still looks very nice.
Here are the specs:
Weight on scale: 2lb 11oz
Pickup feel: 2lb 9oz
Grade: Butterfly 1
Grains: 8
Size: Standard short handle
Handle: Round with double binding with single grip(took Paul's suggestion to go with double bound instead of double grips)
Face sheet: 2
Sweet spot: Mid - Low
Price: $253 US + delivery
http://s392.photobucket.com/user/jd1631/library/Mobile%20Uploads/Aldred%20Silver%20Sovereign%20B1