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[towson80]

Bought this past over a year ago however, due to health issues with myself and some family members, I have not even had the chance to knock it in yet nevermind go to the nets.

One Friday night last winter, myself and esteemed forum member Cover_Drive, went up to the BAS warehouse in Brampton, Canada. After looking through the vast collection of bats, I was unable to find anything amongst the countless Blasters, Shadows, Bow 20/20, and unstickered bats that filled the warehouse. As I was talking with the rep, Cover_Drive wandered off and came back with a dozen bats that he had found in an office outside of the main warehouse facility. They were Shadow LE and Bow 20/20 LE bats. Despite a minor protest saying that those bats were not for sale as they were "already sold", which I took as they were going to a BAS rep player here in Canada or in the West Indies, the person helping us let us have a go with them. They were some of the best pieces of willow I have seen in Canada and probably destined for someone with far more ability than myself. Most were 2.11+ however Cover_Drive, using my scale which I brought, found this bat weighing in at 2.9lbs. Huge centre and lovely ping on it. Once again, the BAS rep told us that those bats were not for sale however Cover_Drive was able to talk him into sparing this one for me. Paid in cash a very, very good price for the piece of willow. Edges are around 40mm (measured about an hour after I posted). I do not have a vernier to confirm.

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to Cover_Drive for coming with me, for locating this bat amongst all the willow in the warehouse, for convincing the BAS rep to sell it to me, and of course for his encyclopedic knowledge of willow. Without him, I would have left empty handed. I will be the first to admit that this bat is too good for my ability however I am looking forward to knocking it in and having a go in the nets this winter with Cover_Drive and his mates. Hopefully, I can get some video with him in the next few months and post it here.

[rahul_1987]

Lovely profile and grains on the bat. Hard to believe this is 2.9 with 45 mm edges 

[towson80]

Used a measuring tape which isn't reliable and its 42mm, so probably 41 or 40mm with a vernier. My apologies and I have made the correction up top. Still a massive bat compared to my old Blaster which I bought in 2006.

[InternalTraining]

As I was talking with the rep, Cover_Drive wandered off and came back with a dozen bats that he had found in an office outside of the main warehouse facility. They were Shadow LE and Bow 20/20 LE bats.

Nicely done gentlemen! Bat looks great.

Dear Mr. @Cover Drive , should you ever fancy another such stroll and find such gems (2-12), keep me in my mind as I am always in hunt for these "pro" bats.

[towson80]

InternalTraining: Are you in the Toronto area? Cover_Drive and myself are always looking for an excuse to stroll up to the BAS warehouse to snoop around..

[InternalTraining]

^ I am south of the border to you guys. 😊

[towson80]

Pity. If you are ever up here, let us know. Talk to Cover_Drive about a BAS bat... we are probably meeting up this weekend and would love to go messing about at the BAS warehouse.

[sgcricket]

looks a cracker and big for the weight

[humanoid]

That is a gem indeed. I live across the border in the US and do not mind making a trip for something as good as this....good on you @Cover_Drive

[towson80]

It is hit or miss with BAS... they have tons of stuff but finding a gem is just luck. Had Cover_Drive not wandered off, I would not have found this bat. Same with my Blaster which I bought ten years ago, I just happened to be at the BAS rep's house when I saw the bat in his office... again it was a matter of convincing him to sell it to me.   If you are up here, let me or Cover_Drive know and we'll go up to the BAS warehouse.

[Cover_Drive]

It was a great trip, @towson80. And oh, no need to say 'thank you' whatsoever. It's always good to catch up with you.

I look forward to our winter indoors!!

I wonder if he got any new shape BAS!

[towson80]

If anyone in the Toronto area wants to make the trip to BAS, please send myself or Cover_Drive a message. We'd love to bring you up and have a look around at the 2016 and probably 2017 range.

[towson80]

Just an update... I have removed all the stickers (very carefully) and the weight dropped a little bit. The cleft is beautiful however after a very, very, very light sanding, it is extremely dry. I do not have a lot of faith in it... how can I fix this wonderful yet dry BAS bat?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Churchy1989]

Good selection. Looks like a goer.

[gaurav23]

Just an update... I have removed all the stickers (very carefully) and the weight dropped a little bit. The cleft is beautiful however after a very, very, very light sanding, it is extremely dry. I do not have a lot of faith in it... how can I fix this wonderful yet dry BAS bat?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Nothing you can now do mate. Just make sure you oil it well to lock in whatever the moisture there is. Sanding can also do that to the looks of the bat but oil it irrespective. Good luck