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[Bats_Galore]

I understand from previous threads that GM are excellent and consistent at grading their bats. So the first question I had is whether this is a looks based grading, in terms of grains, or rebound based or a mixture of both.
The second part of this question is which shapes people have used and enjoyed.
I have never been a big fan to be honest, but feel the collection would be short without some representation, and with the sales upon us, have started to think about it a little.

[bk]

I was fortunate enough to have a tour of the GM factory this summer. It's very impressive and everything is designed for consistent quality output. Clefts are graded when they come in and then left to dry naturally outside (under cover). They are then treated in a purpose built kiln to get consistent moisture levels. This means that the moisture level is raised first before being lowered so that all clefts are the same. They then go through another grading process before being brought into the factory for manufacture. Towards the end of the manufacturing process they are graded again before finishing and stickering. Grading is the responsibility of a couple of people only and is based on appearance and grain quality. Some of the sponsor issue bats will have face blemishes but they usually all have very straight grains through the toe. The bat makers do the pick-up index grading. I think this is a nice touch and more useful than asking for a specific weight. Most of the staff have been there for years and you can see them on the old YouTube videos. They really are a highly-skilled lot.


GM have been using the same grading index for years and are very proud of their consistency. In my opinion this means that there are a lot of mid-range GM bats which would be graded higher by other brands. 

[bk]

Should have mentioned that as well as looks and grains they also mallet test the clefts and part-made bats during the grading process.