I'm so sorry for starting a new topic on this matter, and I'm sure there are many posts like this but I just wanted an idea from the current new brands that are being stocked. I'm looking for a new bat and play a very high level of cricket, premier league standard. Issue is I've always bought my bats from India and always used TONs, or an Indian made bat. They've been fantastic and always cost be around £200 max from India. However I can't go to India this year due to scheduling issues and so have to resolve to buying a bat from UK. Also, I want to move away from Asian brands as I used one of my friends Newbery kudos and was totally amazed! I'm looking for a SH bat that weight max 2lb 9, and one with a very light pick up, sweet spot in the middle for all round play and minimal comcaving like a traditional shape. Something along the lines of the Newbery Merlin. However I really find it unjustified to dish out £350 on a bat. Personally I think it's outrageous. I really don't care about looks, just all about performance. Can some advise me on a good bat for £200? I've been researching on a lot of brands and I've seen some sponsor here who custom made bats for £200, or there is hell 4 leather grade 2's... There's a new brand as well called Phantom Cricket who do very good G1 bats for £200.
Anyone have a good suggestions? I live in London so travelling somewhere far is not an option. Also if I'm going to spend £200 is am I right in not spending that extra £100 on a G1+ bat? I'm not really a "bat collector" and so have always picked my bat on performance only as an opening batsman.
Any help would be greatly appreciated and once again sorry for another thread which will bore the hell out of some of you.