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[Master Blaster]

Guys my BDM is 2.13lb I've got strong arms and wrists I have no problem using it; but it did feel lop sided. I slowly added more grips I've got 6 on there now. I have no problem playing but I've noticed that the last 3 matches I've got out caught whilst cover driving albeit a couple of inchs off the ground very very close to grassing it.

Is my driving being affected? Anyone experienced this? Is it due to the extra weight?

I'm going to get rid of some grips today in the nets and see how I go.

[Talisman]

I would think that the quantity of grips will cause too much rotation and also will change your grip a lot.

When you say "lop sided" what do you mean?

[Str8bat]

6 grips? wow! i had gotten into this habit of adding grips to "balance" the bat. And had a couple of matches where I started getting out caught by short cover, gully etc. I was told it was not about the weight but greater thickness which didn't seem to bother me as I have big hands but in reality it meant that the top hand had less gripping power. This in turn made the bottom hand lead more and the rest is obvious. Not sure if this is true in your case but that's how my coach diagnosed it.

You might want to consider other methods to rebalance the bat - sending it to a batmaker or putting some counterweight (there are a couple of topics on this)

[Master Blaster]

I would think that the quantity of grips will cause too much rotation and also will change your grip a lot.

When you say "lop sided" what do you mean?

it's just that the blade is massive and even with two grips it feels like the handle is a toothpick

[Master Blaster]

I just got back from the nets 3 grips feel alright.... I'm used to 6 but I'll see how I go.

Ohh and I top edged a ball onto my jaw. It left the seam marks on my chin. It kills like hell hopefully it isn't serious. I tried sweeping a medium pacer.

[Buzz]

If you want a thicker grip, you could try using half a grip, just for your bottom hand. I have found that pretty helpfull.

Hope your chin is ok, it will be nice and green in a couple of days!

[SAF Bats]

If you hitting the ball off the ground for a cover drive you are putting your front forward and the bat is coming through early on to the ball and therefore lifting the ball into the air.

The six grips I'd imagine have eased the pickup of the bat and your whole swing is slightly early.

Not sure if the BDM has a low middle but if it has it would be ideal for a front player [mostly drive shots played]  I would remove the grips make the bat feel a bit heavier through the swing but that should stop you from playing the ball early and lifting it.

A top edge from a sweep shot is just on of those things unfortuately I dont think it was the bats / grips fault ;-)  If you rolled the wrists to keep the ball down and edged it that way it would suggest you missed judged the ball speed. If you feel you didn't misjudge the ball speed you finished the shot early suggesting the bat is still light for your swing speed.  As the sweep shot has a high back lift....  Make a judgement though, offset your most played shots and tailor the bat to suit.. Think about the bow as well if your playing shots along the ground alot....

I hope that helps...

[Str8bat]

If you want a thicker grip, you could try using half a grip, just for your bottom hand. I have found that pretty helpfull.

Second that. I find that useful as well, not only for balancing issues but also generally if the handle is thin.