Well, should have received this on Saturday, but Parcelforce seem to like not leaving calling cards and dropping your packages off at the post office on Mondays and confusing you, but I managed to get it sorted. Big thanks to Jake for sorting this out, the Halestorm is the one from the samples which he kindly messaged me about.
So to start off, I had actually preordered a Halestorm, but I changed my mind and pounced on the H4L preorder offer instead, with last season's prices being locked in and a free bat cover at stake. I think a mixture of me really liking the look of the Fifty50 and also the lack of pictures of an actual Halestorm (Which according to the laws of the forum didn't exist until last week) made me sway towards something else. Later on, Jake messaged me saying that my Fifty50 was ready, and he had rounded off the edges and knocked in the toe as per request, but threw a curveball and sent me pictures of a Halestorm sample. I think the conversation about it went along the lines of:
Jake: 'I don't wanna sound like a specific someone who says '2.13 but picks up like 2.6', but the pick up is honestly superb as is the ping. It's a sample, so high probability it's made in Ro-'
Me: 'I'll take it!'
And that is how I've ended up with these two.
Here are the pics, specs and some thoughts!
Halestorm
Specs:
Weight - 2lb 13.5oz unscuffed
Edge - 47-48mm
Spine - 71-73mm approx
Shoulder - 13-14mm
Toe Edge - 21-22mm
Toe - 25mm
Handle - Oval
Concaving - Medium throughout the profile, tapering off around 4 inches from the toe
Well, this is quite the beast. It's not quite as imposing as the Aussie counterpart DW Kaboom, but the AH Halestorm is definitely one of the larger bats available in the market at these weights. What makes it even better is that it is standard SH blade and handle length, 108mm in blade width and actually has a really nice handle size/shape. (For me at least) The pick up is excellent, especially for the weight - it is really incredible how they've managed to balance it this well. (Probably aided by my affinity with the handle) In terms of performance, it has a HUGE playing area and the ball seems to fly off it effortlessly, so very good initial signs.
Looks wise, although it is no stunner, it has 8 clean grains that are pretty straight and relatively evenly spaced, so G1 in my books. I can't comment too much on the finishing as it's travelled around a fair few miles, but it seems to have been of a high standard. In terms of pressing, the bat has a flatter face press with a camber of around 2mm, and there aren't many seam marks, suggesting it's almost good to go. The stickers are of a high quality and textured - I really like the colour scheme, and although I'm not a huge fan of the newer GN branding, this looks nicer in the flesh than in the catalogue.
Fifty50 Pro - 2lb 10.8oz
Specs:
Weight - 2lb 10.8oz dressed
Edge - 28mm rounded (Approx 30-31mm unrounded)
Spine - 62mm approx
Shoulder - 17mm
Toe Edge - 20mm
Toe - 27mm
Handle - Oval
Concaving - Very minimal throughout the entire profile
The first thing I thought when I saw the grains on this was 'wow, this is more than I requested'. Then again, I'm never the type to complain if I get 17 grains instead of 12.
Definitely one worthy of the best grains thread, this bat boasts 16-17 grains, with some discolouration to the RH outside edge. I'll be honest and say I'm not too sure if this is heartwood, I would guess it is as it's quite uniform down the grain, but it's also quite pale, and similar to the colour of the 'sapwood'. The stickers on this bat are of exceptional quality, with a lovely colourway and texturing. This is equally matched by the beautiful finish that Matt has become known for in the forum circle. Thee toe guard is quite a nice touch, with the #H4LRUNS tag present on it.
In terms of profile, it is modest in comparison to the Halestorm, however lies within the proposed new limit of 35mm and 65mm for edge and spine height respectively. (Personally feel that it's a whole load of nonsense, but it's not me that makes the law) The wood is spread evenly across the profile, and the toe and shoulders are actually quite thick in relation to the whole profile. This even spread of wood alongside the minimal concaving gives the bat a large sweetspot, boy does it ping well! The bat is also fairly bowed, it's not the biggest bow I've seen, but fairly significant nonetheless. (For me, it makes no difference how bowed a bat is, if anything, the worst bats I've used have been extremely bowed)
However, alongside the even spread of wood is a pick up which isn't quite as nice as I had anticipated, probably because the pick up and balance of my other H4L bats (Warbird in particular) had been exquisite. This could be down to a number of factors, most probably the pretty thick toe coupled with the lack of wood taken out of the profile by concaving. Goes to show how much of a difference a duckbill toe, counterbalance handle and some concaving can make! This being said, the pick up is actually alright, and my view is definitely not helped by the Warbird! The abundance of wood throughout the Fifty50 actually makes the sweetspot extend lower than a lot of other bats, so don't let the mid middle throw you front foot planters off!
Anyways, final thoughts are that both bats are excellent additions to the GN and H4L 2017 bats, and both have a lot to offer. For someone who isn't a fan of GN in particular when it comes to the big brands, I have to say I've been pretty impressed with the quality of willow and ranges they're churning out this year, especially after being so skeptical after the brochure release. The mind still boggles over the sheer size of the Halestorm. H4L have had a place in my heart since they released the Tempo MkI, and have continued to impress more season after season. The quality of their softs and bats as a whole have probably won me over for them being my favourite 'small' brand, and probably my favourite brand full stop.
On a separate note, I might need a bigger bed...
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Topic: Halestorm and Fifty50 Pro from Vitas (Read 5757 times)