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Long blade length

Have only used a standard blade but would try a different length in my next bat

Standard blade length

Not bothered

Short blade length

[WalkingWicket37]

Using shorter blades and works for me. Only danger is if they get too short and you start playing over Yorkers.

Don't ask for a size 4 then, Nick 

[InternalTraining]

I am short. 5-6''. Shorter blade bats work for me. I have used size 6 bats well (with size 3 blades). I have also used CA SSH bats (with a shorter blade). Bat speed of a size 6 bat is amazing! For SSH and SH bats, I had to get stronger. No problem with yorkers.

Proportionally, if you compare tall batsmen and their use of an SH bat, it makes sense for a short batsman to use a shorter bat. Tall guys like Cook, KP, Hales, use bats that look like size 5 bats compared to their long (6 foot + ) frames. Why are shorter batsman using same length bats as these tall guys? Makes no sense to me. There is too much unnecessary tradition in cricket and people dare not stand out of the crowd. Hence, same length bats even if they drag on the pitch and impede a flow of a proper drive; oversize and heavy pads instead of something lighter and more comfortable like an Aero leg guard.

CA has been making shorter blade bats for years and they are very popular. The reason is simple: they work!

[The Doctor]

Proportionally, if you compare tall batsmen and their use of an SH bat, it makes sense for a short batsman to use a shorter bat. Tall guys like Cook, KP, Hales, use bats that look like size 5 bats compared to their long (6 foot + ) frames. Why are shorter batsman using same length bats as these tall guys? Makes no sense to me.

Exactly my thoughts - there should be an optimum length dependant on your size........

[Seniorplayer]

Yes that's my reasoning at 5ft 6inches sometimes use a 2lb 4 ounce Harrow against the quicker opening bowlers.

[ElPerro]

I'm a shade over 6ft 2 and started using a WarBird this season and after the first net didn't really notice the difference between that and my old match bat which was a standard short handle.

It's a shame i got one too heavy for me, thought I'd try a 3lb bat, but with a bit of weight reduction itll be fine.

[Seniorplayer]

Just Watched A video of the GN legend which showed the weight as 2lb 8 but picked up much lighter

[sanredrose]

I am 5ft8inches and i am open to trying out a bat with a slightly shorter blade. I would still prefer handle length to be same as short handle.

[northernboy1987]

I've always been tempted to try a shorter blade/longer handle combo, might do it on my next bat.

[Jlscarroll17]

I'm open to trying a a shorter blade, but just don't like the thought of having a longer handle I would much prefer a standard length handle instead of feeling less confident with my hands being all over the place with the varying lengths

[Contrails]

I am 5 foot 8 inches tall and I pulled the trigger on a 1/2 inch shorter blade and Super Short handle bat this time (Laver n Wood).  The bat is almost an inch shorter than standard SH bat.  But in return I get an amazing amazing pick up with a mid-low sweet spot and faster bat speed. The spine peaks at 70mm with 35mm edges so it has the power when I middle it.  The other thing I noticed, it's improved my balance because I am using such a light weight bat. A couple of yorkers have got me but if I make a conscious decision to keep the bat down, I can defend against the yorkers. I have also started holding the bat a little higher with my bottom hand positioning.

[avkrish]

I am 5 foot 8 inches tall and I pulled the trigger on a 1/2 inch shorter blade and Super Short handle bat this time (Laver n Wood).  The bat is almost an inch shorter than standard SH bat.  But in return I get an amazing amazing pick up with a mid-low sweet spot and faster bat speed. The spine peaks at 70mm with 35mm edges so it has the power when I middle it.  The other thing I noticed, it's improved my balance because I am using such a light weight bat. A couple of yorkers have got me but if I make a conscious decision to keep the bat down, I can defend against the yorkers. I have also started holding the bat a little higher with my bottom hand positioning.

Would love to see a few photos of the bat

[Seniorplayer]

I am 5 foot 8 inches tall and I pulled the trigger on a 1/2 inch shorter blade and Super Short handle bat this time (Laver n Wood).  The bat is almost an inch shorter than standard SH bat.  But in return I get an amazing amazing pick up with a mid-low sweet spot and faster bat speed. The spine peaks at 70mm with 35mm edges so it has the power when I middle it.  The other thing I noticed, it's improved my balance because I am using such a light weight bat. A couple of yorkers have got me but if I make a conscious decision to keep the bat down, I can defend against the yorkers. I have also started holding the bat a little higher with my bottom hand positioning.

All my bats are those spec and have been for a while  for the reasons you have stated the one difference is though being shorter  than 5-8   Yorkers are easier to play with an high back lift

[joeyfivebags]

I am 5 foot 8 inches tall and I pulled the trigger on a 1/2 inch shorter blade and Super Short handle bat this time (Laver n Wood).  The bat is almost an inch shorter than standard SH bat.  But in return I get an amazing amazing pick up with a mid-low sweet spot and faster bat speed. The spine peaks at 70mm with 35mm edges so it has the power when I middle it.  The other thing I noticed, it's improved my balance because I am using such a light weight bat. A couple of yorkers have got me but if I make a conscious decision to keep the bat down, I can defend against the yorkers. I have also started holding the bat a little higher with my bottom hand positioning.

This sounds interesting, might have to get something made up like this, never use the top inch of the handle so might as well get rid.

[Biggie Smalls]

Either a s.h with an inch cut off the top of the handle or a c.a s.h with 0.5 inch cut off the top of the handle . I'm 6ft2. Each to their own , huh ? When I was 16yo I was given a cracking bat , but it was an academy size (was fully grown/same height) . I used it for 2 seasons and it was fine . My next bat was a s.h and it felt weird for a few months....like trying to bat with a long broom. Goes to show what you can get used to and that 'normal' means little , comfortable and effective mean a great deal though.

[Stratts]

I've just started the discussions with David at B3 as I want to try a shorter blade, but I have little idea what this means in reality and what handle to go for.

I'm 170cm (5'7") tall and grip the bat halfway up a SH normally, and need to rely on bat speed more, plus I sometimes catch the bat on the ground when driving. I think a normal SH is still required plus it will help with pick up, so I'm plumping most likely for Harrow length blade.

Long answer to a short question - shorter blade but normal SH I think.

Do we always need to take the length off of the toe though? Appreciate pick up may be different, but has anyone taken it off of the shoulders?