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[Bat and Ball Cricket]

Hi all,

I got questioned on a comment i made earlier in the day so have decided to put through a bit more detail on my B3 Mullinator.

I got it just before the start of the summer from a mate of mine (who got it direct from B3).
He was parting with it as he had just got a GN Legend (custom order) which was his pick of the two.
I must admit, it did take a little while to open up properly, but now responds better than any other bat i've owned.

I didn't really need a new bat for this season (wife's definition of 'need', not mine), but it was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Here are some pics to give you an idea.
Sorry, its just come out of the kit bag after some good use (long innings, not a lot of runs lol) and needs a bit of a clean up. Always store in the B3 Sleeve it came in.




Profile
Very full profile. I have to go back to the bat i bought in the mid 2000's to get a profile this full.


Middle position, edge size, spine height
I've found that the sweetest part of the hitting zone is in the mid to mid-high area.
Other than the last inch or so at the toe, the whole thing performs!

Edge size is 40mm, spine about 60mm (parallax error in the picture).


Weight
2'12 on the noise. This is with an after market toe guard, a single diamond grip and 1/3 of a scuff sheet (i'm a bit backwards... I leave the face natural, but sheet over the stickers).



Usually go for light bats. In the past i've gone as light as i can get (usually 2'7/2'8 ) and by the time i toe guard and put on a second grip, they finish at 2'9 or 2'10). So, this one is a good 2 ounces heavier than usual. With the high middle, which suits my play perfectly (most of the time the bottom 1/4 of the hitting zone is bare), it picks up really well.

Handle
Very thick, oval handle.
I didn't like oval handles until i used an Aldred Sovereign Gold two seasons ago. Now, i won't go back to semi oval or round handles.
This one is extra thick. Picture shows with a single diamond grip. The handle is that thick that i can't use GN Matrix Plus grips on it. Can't get them onto the bat as the grip just won't stretch enough.




Toe Guard
After market toe guard, which i fitted and cut myself. Made from Topy shoe soles.




This year, I've started using mens dress shoe resoles instead of genuine cricket bat toe guards. Couple of reasons:
a. Price - one pair of resoles were about $16 on eBay, delivered. This will allow me to make six toe guards if you pre-cut, more if you apply directly. A two pack of genuine retails for about $12, so they are about half price for the same number of toe guards.
b. Quality/durability - I'd been going through three or four toe guards a season. When they start to wear, i replace the whole thing instead of 'repairing' with shoe goo. The one on my bat is the same one since i first applied. At this rate, my six guards are going to last well over two seasons.
This works out at $5.33 per season compared to $36 per season...

Couple of Cracks
You may of notices two cracks (one near the toe, the other in the face). Both were in the bat when i got it. Have not impacted performance.

Final thoughts
Best bat I've ever owned.
I've found the crown willow softer than other bats i've had. I thought this would have meant it would play better right from the word go, but it's taken about 8-10 net sessions with some good time in the middle as well to open up properly. I'd been in two minds at the beginning of the season if i should use it, or go with my older bat.
I've very glad i've persisted.
Though used when i bought it, i did get to see it brand new. Hats off to B3, as it was very, very well finished and look almost too good to use for cricket... Almost.

All in all, can't wait for the second half of the summer to get underway!

[Calzehbhoy]

Cracking looking blade and a great thorough review! Like the idea about the shoe soles for the toe guard as well!

[christianpurchase99]

That looks lovely!