Print

[potzy248]

Just wondering how you have found your shots when going up in weight. I've moved from about 2.7 - 2.10. I can definitely feel the difference but wondering if it slows you down much (Cross bat shots mainly)?
I'm just giving the heavier weight a go to see if it helps in anyway. I have heard as you get older a lot of batsman go up in weight.

[InternalTraining]

My bat weight increase was gradual but worth the change. I never played square cut before and that hasn't changed with my current bats. Other shots are there and drives are a lot more satisfying.

There is a misconception out there that you can somehow increase bat speed. In my experience, I increased bat speed and moved up in weight (to heavier bats) by getting physically stronger and training muscles to react fast. Another needed adjustment was learning to get in position early and quick foot work. 

 

[Jogetnz]

After going up 3 ounces I had a pretty consistent end of the season but never really got fully into stride with the new bat but I'd always take the runs over how comfortable I feel because that's what I'm there achieve. As far a changing the way I bat it didn't really effect me, I don't cut or pull and generally just play straight, I think those that do would feel the change in weight more.

[raza147]

i too went up from 2.7/2.8 to 2.10/211 and have been alot more consistent with my performances, i feel like im timing my shots alot better, i was playing early alot with the lighter bats, i initially used lighter bats for faster bat speed against the quickies but going up a few ounces didnt make a huge differance to my bat speed and i feel alot mote comfortable

[brokenbat]

Timing improved, short balls needed more practice (for me to get the same "pounce on the short ball" thing going again)...BUT one word of caution. For most of us, the heavier weight is compensating for bad technique - i.e. most of us are throwing our hands at the ball, instead of playing the ball under our eyes, WITH OUR HEAD OVER OUR BENT FRONT KNEE, GOING "IN TO" THE BALL.

I also realized that initially, I lost my shape a lot more, with the bottom hand taking over the heavier bat, but a few one handed drills sorted this out.

[potzy248]

Cheers fellas, good to know your experiences. I haven't had any issues with the lower weight but just want to try a heavier weight to see if there is a difference or more value for shots. I do cut and pull a lot so that was my main concern moving up. If it doesn't work then I'll just go back down.

[SOULMAN1012]

Iv this season got a 2.11 bat and normally use 2.8/9 and the best bit of advice is don't try and go harder because you over think the weight go the bat if that makes sense, just bat normally and reaction will take over, the more you use it the more natural the new bat will feel, that's how Iv got use at indoor nets to the heavier bat.

[uknsaunders]

I have gone from 2'8 to 2'10-11 for this season. I did have a H4L Tempo at 2'12 for a couple of years and even though it was too heavy, I scored runs with it last season. I was convinced with a better pickup and another oz off I would be happy to use a heavier bat. Main thing I felt was I didn't over hit the ball as the heavier stick had more response than the lighter one. Bat speed didn't make much difference as I mainly punch the ball with my wrists as opposed to a free long swing of the bat with my arms. I cut alot and having a bit more weight into the shot helped but as others have said you run the risk of being late on a ball doesn't bounce as expected.

[Contrails]

I use two bats, one weighs 2.07 and the other almost 2.12.  The 2.07 is my practice bat which is more bottom heavy and the 2.12 has a very light pickup.  So yes, the weight has gone up but the lighter pickup makes the weight difference almost negligible. With the heavier bat, I put in more effort to time the ball and placement.  A little harder to play horizontal shots though but I tend to play more on the off side.     

Secondly, I have been putting some time in the gym.  That is helping too. 

[trypewriter]

Just wondering how you have found your shots when going up in weight. I've moved from about 2.7 - 2.10. I can definitely feel the difference but wondering if it slows you down much (Cross bat shots mainly)?
I'm just giving the heavier weight a go to see if it helps in anyway. I have heard as you get older a lot of batsman go up in weight.

Very true - now, lets get back on the subject of bats... 

[uknsaunders]

Completely missed that point about age and going up in weight (on a serious note). It's an odd one as when you get older you lose muscle mass (from 25-50) so in theory you would think a lighter bat is in order. I suppose many older guys have to compensate for the lack of power with a heavier bat and rely on a lower backlift or more right hand.

[FattusCattus]

I am very old, and have just started using a lighter version of my old match bat - so I have effectively come down 2oz.

I find it helps greatly with furious bat speed and cross-batted swats shots.

[XBastaki]

I've moved from 2'8 to 2'10 while I lost a bit of bat speed, and I can't just swing blindly as with the 2'8 bat. moving up taught me to play with more control.

Timing and power were an issue at first but overcame them quickly enough. It was well worth it