Print

[brokenbat]

I happen to really enjoy the videos posted by @ItsJustCricket . Do I agree with every word? No, I do not. But then again, why does that matter? And why do people have to jump on every word? Its not rocket science people - they are showcasing their stock online...if you like what you see, buy it. If not, move on and wait for the next video.

In the latest video re custom bats - he is spot on. Most "custom" shapes are available off the shelf. I have bought quite a few custom bats over the last 2 years, and for me, its the handle specs (extra thick, oval) that drove me to that option. And paul was 100% correct about the disadvantages - if you're not there physically, you may not get your specs spot on. This has happened to me, but I knew that going in. I knew it was an indulgence and was happy to learn what suits me along the way.

But even if I disagree, I would just ignore the video and wait for the next one, because they really are entertaining and enjoyable for an equipment nerd like myself. Maybe one thing Paul and CBD can do, is ignore the "bait" next time a troll appears. Just let people vent guys. If you respond, you'll encourage more.

[Alvaro]

I do agree with the sentiment. I think John at Red Ink is the only person to make me a proper custom bat.

But, Paul - has your dog died? Cheer up

[tim2000s]

Most batmakers define custom as a version of a bat that they don't make normally. Therefore, my long blade Dynadrive, Hunts Turbo Revolution and B3 1271 all classify as custom. They aren't made as the norm, they require modifications to the original shape to balance them and you cannot buy them off the shelf. Are they totally custom shapes? No. Are they made specially for me? Yes.

Do I bat better with the long blades? Yes. So while they might not be IJCs cup of tea, my discovery of customised normal shapes has made me very happy. Off the shelf doesn't work for everyone!

[WalkingWicket37]

Most batmakers define custom as a version of a bat that they don't make normally. Therefore, my long blade Dynadrive, Hunts Turbo Revolution and B3 1271 all classify as custom. They aren't made as the norm, they require modifications to the original shape to balance them and you cannot buy them off the shelf. Are they totally custom shapes? No. Are they made specially for me? Yes.

Do I bat better with the long blades? Yes. So while they might not be IJCs cup of tea, my discovery of customised normal shapes has made me very happy. Off the shelf doesn't work for everyone!

By this definition you could argue outside their Series range all B3 bats are customs (which was my understanding of how they work anyway).

[brokenbat]

Doesn't matter what the definition is. Paul gave his view - that for MOST people, the wide array of off the shelf bats would provide the "perfect" bat, and that IF you do go the custom route, you should try and be there in person (this is on my bucket list for sure - as all my customs so far have been blind buys).

Nothing controversial in my view. The videos of his that I don't like, I just skip and move on to the next one. Even if you STRONGLY DISAGREE about custom bats vs off the shelf bats, why bother logging on to the forum and making it a point to start a war? That video was not even posted here!!! It was not forced down anyone's throat.

Think people should just relax - if this is the reaction to such minor differences of opinion, what will you guys do if there is a serious argument, about something really serious??

[smokem]

On many Internet forums, there is always a bit of school yard behaviour. While it doesn't happen very often here, it does happen. Unfortunately most of it has been directed at IJC while others have been immune from it... And I guess they've had enough.

All the best Chris and Paul.

[InternalTraining]

^ Agreed. They seem like very decent people who choose not to get into squabbles with posters here.

When I joined the forum, I saw some posts by proprietor of a cricket business in the US. He knew or had experienced this behavior before and was equally "feisty" to his detractors. I haven't seen him post here since but can see why.

[FattusCattus]

If you stick it out there and wave it about, someone will take a bite at it.

You need to accept this will happen and be prepared to deal with it.

All part of the sales and promotion game.

[windyroad]

I was thinking the other day, out the innumerable retailers I have bought kit from, why IJC was not one of them.  I know, for example, if I were to buy a bat from them that it would look and perform great and that the customer service I would receive- during that purchase-would no doubt be excellent.   I think it is that while I applaud their ethos in some instances-particularly their decision not to stock M&H-I dislike it in others.  I am uneasy with the notion of handpicking-skimming the best stock-before it has reaches other retailers. In this sense, I fully understand why IJC and GM went their separate ways and think GM made a good decision in doing that.  Perhaps, I am missing the point or misunderstood how they handpicking works but I cannot help feeling a little sorry for your average bat-buying bloke on the street.

[Seniorplayer]

Interesting but wouldn't have thought hand picking  from GN etc would have had much effect  due to the small numbers invovled on what's available of the shelf.

[Chalkie]

If you stick it out there and wave it about, someone will take a bite at it.

You need to accept this will happen and be prepared to deal with it.

All part of the sales and promotion game.

I agree with you Bruce. Posting opinions and thoughts online is always going to attract a response from people ranging from those that just have a slightly different opinion up to those who want to wind the poster up and start an argument. The tallest daisy is often cut down first!

That's why lots of actors don't read critics reviews of their performances or they develop a thick skin to shrug it off for what it is - someone else's point of view.

 I have watched a number of the IJC clips, I generally enjoy them but some I take with a pinch of salt, much like the postings of other cricket experts.

It would be a pity if IJC ducked out completely as this forum is better for a range of views and opinions.

[GoldenArm]

I was thinking the other day, out the innumerable retailers I have bought kit from, why IJC was not one of them.  I know, for example, if I were to buy a bat from them that it would look and perform great and that the customer service I would receive- during that purchase-would no doubt be excellent.   I think it is that while I applaud their ethos in some instances-particularly their decision not to stock M&H-I dislike it in others.  I am uneasy with the notion of handpicking-skimming the best stock-before it has reaches other retailers. In this sense, I fully understand why IJC and GM went their separate ways and think GM made a good decision in doing that.  Perhaps, I am missing the point or misunderstood how they handpicking works but I cannot help feeling a little sorry for your average bat-buying bloke on the street.

That really doesn't make any sense, the hand picking is FOR the average bat buyer so he has a much higher chance of getting a decent stick by just walking into a shop and pulling a few off the shelves. It's no different to what other sponsors on here do like Uzi or vitas. IJC have just made a song and dance of it more than the others. I'm totally puzzled by the controversy this video has caused, sounded pretty reasonable to me. Customs, good. Off the shelf from a shop that has quality stock, also good. Just make sure you're doing whatever you're doing for the right reasons. Hardly the most provocative statement!!

[i12breakfree]

agree with @brokenbat
If you don't like the video just move on....its a opinion of a person who has good experience ..who deals with lot of customers and basically trying to state that if you need a standard length/size bat..there are tons of off the shelf options (including the ones from boutique bat makers like BB/salix etc ) and its good to try those first than ordering or getting creative with bat shapes

regarding custom bats, even though we say custom but most of us are buying standard shapes from bat makers here....like warbird from H4L ..it is there standard shape and does seem to suit a lot of people

[ProCricketer1982]

I was thinking the other day, out the innumerable retailers I have bought kit from, why IJC was not one of them.  I know, for example, if I were to buy a bat from them that it would look and perform great and that the customer service I would receive- during that purchase-would no doubt be excellent.   I think it is that while I applaud their ethos in some instances-particularly their decision not to stock M&H-I dislike it in others.  I am uneasy with the notion of handpicking-skimming the best stock-before it has reaches other retailers. In this sense, I fully understand why IJC and GM went their separate ways and think GM made a good decision in doing that.  Perhaps, I am missing the point or misunderstood how they handpicking works but I cannot help feeling a little sorry for your average bat-buying bloke on the street.

Don't really get your point tbh

[ca_gold]

Isn't this like the 5th time they have left and come back? All these morals and Philiosphies and the IJC code of life has confused me. 
I like the videos IJC does,  no doubt.  However,  don't think I'd ever buy a bat from IJC.  When a customer is buying a handpicked bat,  the actual cricket knowledge of the person whose picking the bat is an equally important component. (I. E do they know how to pick up a bat)