This close season has been a strange one - my first child has been born and due to all the pre- and post-birth stuff, I haven't really been thinking about cricket. I even missed most of my indoor nets which NEVER happens. Anyway, in the middle of the night during bottle time, I noticed a club email about a new brand that had been set up by the father of one of my middle order compatriots. I sent him an email saying I would like to have a look and swing a few bats around next time I was in his neck of the woods.
So, that I did. First I went round to his place and he showed me a few RNS Larsons bats he got as samples. They were nice bats - particularly the UNIKs - and I must say I was tempted at this point to take a couple off his hands... Well, that was before we drove to his lock-up where he used to run a haulage company to find a large room filled with boxes of kit and about 60-odd non-Larsons bats. Now, this was forumite ambrosia. I started to look through the willow, all Indian made, but seemingly of very good quality and began to tap them up. A few were absolutely great and put aside, and then I moved to the softs, which are really great and bought a set at the club rate there and then. For what they are, they're a steal and really good build quality. After struggling with over large GM pads for two years, it was nice to wear something that fit me well. I actually needed a pair of gloves, as I usually neglect soft buying and the shiny pair of gloves I got from Shitmart fell apart after one game and one net. I have another set lined up, but require the baby to stop needing nappies first.
I also took one of the bats, it's 2.10, lovely balance, high spine and concaving, which I like as it helps pickup and good edges. After really being disappointed by a custom experience recently, I felt justified as I'd selected it myself. The stickers are basic, but clear, and will be refined for next year. All in all, a great time to spend an evening and I'm sorted even more so on the kit front. Knocking in the bat is a joy, it didn't need much oil, and boy does it respond...
So, finally, the photos:
Pittards gloves
Leather insteps on pads, with padded straps too
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A couple of RNS
Overall. good solid stuff, and not a bad first step into a crowded place!
Cheers