Topic: New bat (Read 3564 times)

Dario74 · « **on:** May 12, 2016, 09:16:45 AM »

Morning Everyone

First post so be gentle... After about 17 years of not playing cricket I've returned to play in a local team. I feel like Rip Van Winkle given that a lot has changed in the intervening years. Anyway I decided to take the plunge and buy a new bat, having prodded around with a few second hand bats for the last few weeks. My question is twofold - since when were bats so angular/have such sharp edges and how much do you look to sand/round the edges as part of the knocking in process? I remember my old Slazenger V12 as being a rounded club of a thing. Also how quickly would you use new bats in a match? (I think that means my question is now threefold)

Thanks in advance

WalkingWicket37 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 12, 2016, 09:56:14 AM »

Welcome to the forum Dario

Angular edges are a modern thing, as everyone seems obsessed with big looking bats (see the trend for heavily concaved bats with 45-50mm at the moment to get my point).

When you get your new bat, round the edges with your bat mallet.
If you look on Youtube, Paul from @ItsJustCricket has done an excellent video on the knocking in process that shows how to do it properly.

As for using it in a match, I'd personally get it fully knocked in then net against old balls for a few sessions. Once you're confident it's played in and no seam marks are appearing from use against the old ball it's ready to be taken into the middle. If you open or face a new ball regularly I'd play it in for a bit longer than if you come in down the order when the ball isn't quite so hard.

Dario74 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 12, 2016, 10:31:39 AM »

Thanks for the reply and yes the size of new bats is also a surprise, I've seen guys this season who don't look the most accomplished batsmen pinging the ball to all parts - there speaks an embittered nudger and nurdler

. Will have a look at the YT video and spend some time getting it ready. I'm opening so facing my fair share of yorkers.

Thanks for the advice.

Andythomo21 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 12, 2016, 10:40:34 AM »

@Dario74 Which new bat did you opt for then? Or are you still deciding?

Dario74 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 12, 2016, 10:56:44 AM »

Hi,

Here goes... I didn't reference the bat as I noticed the brand was a bit of a 'Marmite' make. As I'm only just back to playing I thought I'd take a gamble on an MSR. I bought a 2lb 11oz 9 grain Premier. Has a lovely pick up and seems very well balanced. Time will tell but if I get a good season out of it I'll be happy. If the season goes well and I play on next year I'll put some more money into a new bat. With all the new gear I've bought I'm already having to convince the wife I'm not having a mid life crisis!

Andythomo21 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 12, 2016, 11:05:16 AM »

I've never used an MSR but have seen some pretty good reviews of them. If you don't mind me asking, how much did the Premier model set you back?

Dario74 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 12, 2016, 11:12:55 AM »

It was advertised at �69 - 50% off apparently - I rang MSR and they took a further 10% off for direct. At the price I'm not expecting miracles but it passed the finance office approval (wife)
I checked with the guy and it has the new handles on so shouldn't have the problems of old. Intrigued to see how it goes as I've been batting with an old Newbery and it's felt a tad leaden, though I'm conscious I'm not yet timing the ball as I used to.

Andythomo21 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 12, 2016, 11:59:29 AM »

Wow, that seems cheap for a Premier?! Did you get the deal off EBay? Hope it goes well for you mate.

Dario74 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 12, 2016, 12:23:49 PM »

Thanks and fingers crossed. Yes saw it on Ebay, it has a miniscule cosmetic blemish so marked down.

jrb1984 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 12, 2016, 01:23:42 PM »

I used a low middle MSR for 2-3 seasons and it was the best bet I have ever had, cost me �45 in one of their specials on this very site. I only bought it for net use but it was really good. I've now got a Custom H4L made in the same shape and weight. Highly recommend MSR bats still though

Dario74 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 12, 2016, 02:34:15 PM »

That's good to know, right now I'd take anything that helps me hit the ball off the square.

Seniorplayer · « **Reply #11 on:** May 12, 2016, 05:49:03 PM »

Hi Dario and welcome to the forum with regards to preparing your bat ( Cam WW) is spot on.
Also I've known players roll ther edges on there bath to round them while the edges are still soft.

WalkingWicket37 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 12, 2016, 05:54:51 PM »

Quote from: Seniorplayer on May 12, 2016, 05:49:03 PM

Also I've known players roll ther edges on there bath to round them while the edges are still soft.

I've tried this a few times and never found the results satisfactory/worthwhile

I will however say that a rolling pin is a surprisingly useful tool. Hold the bat firm so the edge is on about a 45 degree angle, then press as hard as you and roll the edges like you would pizza dough

Dario74 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 13, 2016, 08:46:09 AM »

Thanks for the welcome and the advice......a rolling pin is a new one on me but will give it a go.

Wickets-then-runs · « **Reply #14 on:** May 13, 2016, 09:09:54 AM »

I have a MH16 i might be persuaded to let go of for the right money....

Author Topic: New bat (Read 3564 times)

Dario74

New bat

WalkingWicket37

Re: New bat

Dario74

Re: New bat

Andythomo21

Re: New bat

Dario74

Re: New bat

Andythomo21

Re: New bat

Dario74

Re: New bat

Andythomo21

Re: New bat

Dario74

Re: New bat

jrb1984

Re: New bat

Dario74

Re: New bat

Seniorplayer

Re: New bat

WalkingWicket37

Re: New bat

Dario74

Re: New bat

Wickets-then-runs

Re: New bat