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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

[The Doctor]

Hello chaps and chapesses (not sure if that is a word,or if i is spelt correctly).

We have made a few pro bats recently whom shall remain nameless, but will call them player X, player Y and player Z.

This seems o be latest trend on the pro circuit, and wanted to get your view on the shorter blade / longer handle bat. I have been thinking about blade length vs handle length for a while and the mathematical "golden rule" - and have been persuading myself that actually the standard blade length is wrong, and that actually the blade should be shorter. I won't go into my theories at risk of altering people's vote in the above poll, although maybe the mention of Pro's and golden rules might already have done so.

Look forward to seeing the results and discussing my thoughts further with you all.

Streaky

[Buzz]

Hi Streaky, Joe Root is using a shorter blade and it works for him.
Personally as someone who is relatively tall and who holds the bat lower down the bat handle I really struggle with a shorter blade as I fall over a bit and it feels wrong.

I have always used a short handle in matches, but like the idea of a longer blade.

[SteffanLangholz]

Only tried regular. I do want to try a shorter blade version. Never seem to utilize the top 2inches og the bat, why not move the meat if the balance stays the same!

[Jaffa]

Good to see the norm being challenged.

From what I've seen with a shorter blade route only really suits a better batsman. The more average amongst us will and do get caught out trying to block a ball that stays low. Timing needs to be adjusted which should be easier for the younger and embedded in the older player (generally).

I do think though they might suit either a younger or older player. They appreciate the better pick-up compared to the weight. Both then get more 'purchase' for their shots in these big hitter times.

Myself, I'm in the middle ground who's getting older so my next bat is a long blade.

That's my theory anyway.

[tim2000s]

AS long as the overall length of the bat is the same as a Long blade, I'd go with the shorter blade as it puts more wood in the hitting area (and I got my first 50 with  a shorter blade bat), but I need the extra length on yorkers.

[Batbuddy99]

AS long as the overall length of the bat is the same as a Long blade, I'd go with the shorter blade as it puts more wood in the hitting area (and I got my first 50 with  a shorter blade bat), but I need the extra length on yorkers.

You guys technically have that as an option anyway in a long handle don't you?

[dannyhall04]

LB seems to work well for a lad my height - I feel like I'm falling over using anything else now. So I'd need a short blade and an XX-long handle to keep the same ratio, @thedoctor; I'll leave it with you mate!

[edge]

I've tried all 3 if you include limited use of my mongoose, have scored runs with all varieties. Never liked long handle though so haven't tried that.. As I'm tall a standard length bat is only just long enough, am seriously considering trying a short blade bat with extra long handle next to make it up to a total slightly longer than normal, recently bought a bat that's about half an inch longer than standard and it feels noticeably more comfortable in the stance. So not sure what I should vote for!

[Bats_Galore]

Anything but long blade. Whilst tall, I don't ground the bat in my stance, hence not an issue, and the pick up on long blades is much worse than standard, as such in theory shorter blade should be better, but in truth I don't find a massive difference.

[thedevil]

I originally started with a longer handle shorter blade bat was a custom UZI style and absolutely loved it. I then got another and needed the handle replacing due to a split....a standard handle was put in and it picks up like a dream and have had this combo (short blade, standard handle) ever since. Not really bothered about it not being as long in length as it feels so great and I don't believe that the extra on the toe would ever have helped me that much

[tim2000s]

You guys technically have that as an option anyway in a long handle don't you?

Technically you do, but usually LH bats have bad weight distribution. If I was going XLH, SB, then I'd want something with more mass around the shoulders than you tend to see on LH.

[Seniorplayer]

Short  blade as  it's easier for me to bat with also no problem digging out Yorkers

[WalkingWicket37]

I've used Standard blade SH's, Short Blade Long Handle SHs and a Standard Blade LH.

To be honest unless you're using something like a paddle or a mongoose the shorter blade doesn't make a huge difference (and in some cases, if you weren't told about it you wouldn't even notice).

I'd happily use pretty much anything, but when buying bats I tend to go for a standard size short handle. That's the most readily available, and is what most people therefore see as a "normal dimension bat".

[jwebber86]

i have used a standard length bat for the majority of my play and have always liked it. ive been tempted to get a long blade bat but never actually bought one. i think at 6ft2 it could be useful.

ive netted a couple of times with my dads long handle and can tell the difference but it just didnt quite feel right.

for most of my t20 cricket for the last few years i have used my mongoose mmi3. i dont think it makes me play any differently and too be honest i feel really comfortable using it and have thought about using it on saturdays in the league just havent had the courage yet

[uknsaunders]

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