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[cesare_in]

However, with extensive use, a good bat's performance will get even better and ball will rebound faster off the bat face

The above is exactly what I was looking to understand. Perhaps it's psychological, perhaps it's a bat opening up. Wondering how long the above takes on an average..

[Bat and Ball Cricket]

However, with extensive use, a good bat's performance will get even better and ball will rebound faster off the bat face

The above is exactly what I was looking to understand. Perhaps it's psychological, perhaps it's a bat opening up. Wondering how long the above takes on an average..

I don't think you can look at an 'average' time mate.
Couple of things from my point of view. I've made a bit of an assumption that with only small use of your bats, you can't justify sending hundreds of pounds/dollars for top grade bats. Apologies if this is wrong.

1. Time
20 or so minutes, without hitting a lot of balls, isn't very much time.
I got a new stick this season, which was top grade willow, which still took a good 10 training sessions of about 20mins to get it to begin "opening up" properly (that's about 1000 deliveries + time in the middle as well).
Like ProCricket said, after about half a season, most bats are the same. But, my 'half a season' of 20+min net sessions for three months, plus time in the middle will be much more than your 3mths of up to 20mins in the middle. Times dependant on use.

2. Timber quality
This year is the first time i've had a 'Players Grade' bat and i have to say, the quality of timber makes a huge difference for me.
I have natural bats so don't use them on the bowling machine. Using one of my old grade 2 bats when on the bowling machine the other week, it's a plank in comparison.

3. Profile
There have been plenty of threads on here about profile. I've gone back to a proper 'full profile' with no concaving. While you don't get as big an edge, as a player that tries to time the ball, having as much timber in the middle or just off centre makes all the difference.

[skip1973]

What stick did you get B&B

[Bat and Ball Cricket]

What stick did you get B&B

Mate, became a return customer of @Wickets-then-runs !

He was wanting to move on a B3 Mullinator, Crown Willow, 2'11/12, thick oval handle...
Didn't 'need'(by the wife's definition) a new bat, but couldn't pass up the opportunity!

Not a very good picture, but the only one i've got on hand.
Apparently out LBW...

[well past my peak]

can't go too far wrong with a B3, nice to see a 'naked' bat for a change

[Buzz]

Mate, became a return customer of @Wickets-then-runs !


Apparently out LBW...

Clearly pad first!

[smilley792]

The lad in the background looks like he's thinking "is he still trying to claim he nicked it"

[Seniorplayer]

I have to say that you are playing the odds with every bat you purchase. The odds are more in your favor if bat is made by a reputable bat maker or from a good brand. In my experience,  good bats don't take very long to open because of good pressing and prep by the bat maker - 1 to 2 hours of aggregate knocking time is sufficient. Next step is to use the bat in nets.

I look for seam marks or mallet marks on the face of a new bat because with knocking and nets, the face hardens and seam marks cease to appear. This is a good indicator that bat is ready for use and will perform. However, with extensive use, a good bat's performance will get even better and ball will rebound faster off the bat face. In essence, I prefer a little soft bat face in a new bat. I don't like bats that are too hard pressed initially and don't show any seam marks; some people swear by them but those bats have never worked for me.

Good point re soft  bat face already seen bats advertised for 2017  from manufactures as softer pressed for optimum performance.

[Bat and Ball Cricket]

can't go too far wrong with a B3, nice to see a 'naked' bat for a change

I've tried a few times @well past my peak to get used to scuff sheets. They just don't feel right to me. I feel you don't get the feedback through.

[InternalTraining]

However, with extensive use, a good bat's performance will get even better and ball will rebound faster off the bat face

The above is exactly what I was looking to understand. Perhaps it's psychological, perhaps it's a bat opening up. Wondering how long the above takes on an average..

As I wrote earlier, it varies from bat maker to bat maker. My good bats didn't require much. My top match bat is about 4 seasons old and ball pings off the face of the bat with ridiculous speed. It opened up very well in the first season and has gotten better every season (and gained over half an ounce of weight ). Having said that, it is probably also reaching its end too.

Proof is in the pudding and your good bats will sing. If you have think and worry about it so much, it is probably not a great bat.

I have recently acquired Tim Keeley bats and I can tell you, out of the box they are singing!

[Bats_Entertainment]

I like the idea of someone on here using the same bat for four whole seasons. What is your 'top match bat', Internal Training?

[InternalTraining]

I like the idea of someone on here using the same bat for four whole seasons. What is your 'top match bat', Internal Training?

CA - SM 18.

[Sitonit]

CA - SM 18.

SM 18?
What's SM? Shoaib Malik? I wouldn't be surprised to if his batting average is 18

[InternalTraining]

SM 18?
What's SM? Shoaib Malik? I wouldn't be surprised to if his batting average is 18

He is a far better cricketer than you'll ever be. So, don't worry about it.

[Churchy1989]

Awkward turtle 🐢