Brace yourselves for like 15-20 photos, and a usual wordy review from me.
Just a small note too, please don't quote this whole post, it annoys folk to have to scroll through pictures twice and eat up their mobile data!
And here are 2 pics showing the specks I was talking about:
Specs:
Weight - 2lb 11.10oz (Without Scuff)
Edge - 35mm
Spine - Approx 63mm
Shoulder - 15mm
Toe Edge - 23mm
Toe - 30mm
Handle - Oval
Concaving - Minimal
So I ran a touch over the deadline for putting in my order, I had been busy with coursework and finally remembered about this voucher, so I got in contact with Dave (procricket) on here. He said just to call Streaky and see what could be sorted out, so I did in the end, and the Doc was kind enough to let me go for it.
So I had set my mind on a 3 stripe, and my reasoning was that I didn't want to end up with a good looking 2 or 1 stripe, which had been downgraded because the performance wasn't seen as quite up there. Having seen some of the 3 stripes which had been given out, I was aware that some of them weren't quite as nice as others, but decided to trust the Doctor to pick one out for me that was a REAL performer. (Looks are secondary and a bonus) I was stuck between a few shapes - The Simon May designed shape, one of the 2 Screaming Cat profile shapes or Smiley's personal profile shape. (Bought his Butterfly off him, and my days, does it ping) I decided in the end to go for the Simon May designed shape, in 2.10-2.11 and with the stunning white stickers and white grip.
Fast forward about a week and a half, the bat arrived! I unpacked it to find that it was adequately protected, with a serrated cardboard bat sleeve and bubble wrap covering the spine, but despite this, the couriers still managed to leave their mark on it! (Not B3's fault, and I should have ordered a B3 cover after hearing how good they are) Upon initial inspection, I was actually a bit surprised at how many specks there were. (The first thing I look for is blemishes) That was all that stuck on my mind, as I had to run off as I had somewhere else to be. I think I counted over 20 individual specks, all around the face of the bat. To quote
@smokem again - "It's as blemished as a pubescent teenage boy!" (I believe he said this when he bought a G1+ bat, and received a very speckled one)
However when I came back, looking beyond the specks, I had 9 straight and very evenly spaced grains and all sapwood, which gave the bat a stunning look. I took a few pictures, and although the pictures made the wood look more aesthetically pleasing than it is in flesh, there was something about the specks which just gave it that bit of character, especially that blemish just under the swell of the bat. Just looking at the bat made me feel it was perhaps a far better purchase than I had initially thought. The quality of finishing is exquisite, it really makes the finished product look that extra bit more special.
And then I gave it a wave around and a tap up. Well done to B3 for getting both pick up and performance spot on - the response on this is beautiful, I haven't compared it to the Mullanator I bought from B3 last year, but this one really is something gorgeous! No seam marks upon bouncing a ball on it, and the hitting area is pretty extensive. The blemish just below the swell seems to add that extra punch to the sweetspot too, perfectly situated. I know some people find the B3 pressing 'hard', but I feel this is spot on! Nice solid thwack to it - very responsive. The pick up is excellent, not one of those miracle "I swear this is 2.7" pick ups, but a lovely balanced feel to it. Of course, this could also be due to the shape as well, well done to Simon and Streaky for designing this one! Maybe the only tiny nitpick I have is that the handle could have been more oval, but it still sits very nicely in the hands, and probably won't need any adjustment.
All in all, very pleased with my purchase. Customer service was great, Streaky called back basically as soon as I left a message with their Customer Service department asking if he could call back when he was free, so thanks to him for taking time out to call back ASAP. Big thanks to Procricket Dave too, as he always answered my questions promptly. A very convincing first impression of this bat, and the first 3 Stripe I've had! Very happy I picked this shape and grade, the only other shape which may have taken me completely would have been a mapped replica of a Millichamp special a certain
@WalkingWicket37 recently acquired.
Author
Topic: New 50% off B3 3 Stripe (Profile designed by Simon May) (Read 3468 times)