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[Tom]

http://wisdencricketer.com/blogs/blog/2010/01/21/edward-craig-twc-kit-review-day/

So these go out in February, just wondering who from here will be in it manufacturer wise? Is it usually done with amateur cricketers too?

[hit4six]

I reckon that the Millichamp and Hall Distinction bat will be very near the top of the pile for bats. I wouldnt be surprised to see companies like Vantage, Mongoose and solitaire around as well. I think the GN Dual will be there as well.

Regarding the helmets, well I hope that Ayrtek are up there. Is there anything that can beat the masuri ti though?

[Black Cat Cricket]

We have a bat going in. 

A bit nervous as to just how independent they are, but we'll see.

I might send the actual bat they reviewed to someone on here to see if they agree with them...

[petehosk]

I think you should send the same bat they review to someone on here whatever they say! And I know just the man! 

So have you sent them a 2010 model bat or an existing 2009?

[Black Cat Cricket]

We sent them a 2010 Shadow.

It was a belter...

Strangely you aren't the first person to ask to do the review..!

[petehosk]

I hope the review goes well for you!

And I'd wager that I won't be the last to offer to do a review either! 

[niceonechoppy]

I hope they like it as much as the people who've tested it on this forum do! Good publicity wouldnt harm you.

[Black Cat Cricket]

I hope they like it as much as the people who've tested it on this forum do! Good publicity wouldnt harm you.

But a 3 stars might have us wishing we'd not bothered...

Let's just hope its not a 'buy advertising- get good review' set up!

[Ayrtek Cricket]

Dont think so we had the back page of the Feb issue last year as advertising and still got 3*........new concepts take time for people to come around too and we didnt have the results to use as proof of the technology back then due to it being fresh off the press when we sent them the helmet.

Got the traditional shape being reviewed for this years, which is the same principlal (new and at concept/prototype stage) to see what they think of it not expecting too high a score again but good to see what they think of it at least in a independant review.

[SAF Bats]

I'm not doing it was a bit worried about the various stories you here about advertising = a good review.  Going to have to do one sooner or later I imagine

[Watsontotty]

Well I'm sure a few people will know my thoughts and opinions of the reviews of previous seasons so I'm expecting it to be another pile of crap which wont be worth the paper its written on. I do feel a bit sorry for companies sending the products to them hoping for a good review to raise awareness of there brand etc, unfortunately i would imagine s number of people read the reviews and actually believe what they write.

Fortunately I'm certainly not one of them and id say what ever the reviews you all get don't stop doing what your doing as id hope enough people perhaps have the intelligence to realise that the reviews are mostly completely and utterly wrong, and to say I'm watering down my opinion is an understatement.

[SAF Bats]

I know what you are saying but Gary did well last year which he deserved

There is that niggle though advertising = stars but you need to push them out there somehow!  That said AOC are doing a bat catalogue and a then review [former pros, all blank bats apparantley] but there is still a niggly feeling about that one.

Take it all with a pinch of salt unless the guys we know, do well... Then do the "I told you so" stuff!!!!

[Washington]

I think its a case of any exposure is good exposure in my opinion guys. From my point of view i would never be put off from buying a certain bit of kit just because some blokes ive never met have given it 2/3 stars whatever. However, if i saw a new piece of kit/company in the review section I would do my own research on it and make my own decision from that.

Thats how i found this forum doing a bit of research on H4L and even though they only gave Matt a 3 star ive since bought a kit bundle off him and im delighted!

[Black Cat Cricket]

Turns out we missed the review date by one day for TWC- damned DHL wouldn't come out for days in the snow..!

We will be in their online version, and AOC as well.

[steelcouch]

I have found the reviews in Wisden very helpful in the past and was what put me on the direction of Gary at Redback after last year.

I dont buy into the view that the opinions of non professional reviewers are not valid, and results of these type of reviews are averaged results from a number of people. Meaning the good things "tend" to end up near the top of results and the lesser makes "tend" to the bottom.
I always read reviews before i make major purchases and find them useful in identifying brands or products that warrant further investigation.

p.s. Piri piri the is most ridiculous brand. Any self respecting adult who purchases one of these needs a firm talking to! They look like a Nando's sauce label!