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[Chalkie]

Sublime and ridiculous

Initially when the XP80 came out I wasn't really interested as big edges were my thing, also they were way beyond what I would consider paying for a bat. But reading glowing review after glowing review I became convinced I needed one. I did explore having a replica made by one of our sponsors, and thanks to those that tried to help me with this, especially John who managed to come up with a viable option.

However, the end of season sales in Aus brought the price down, and after selling a couple of decent but surplus bats, I took the plunge and ordered this amazing piece of willow.









I asked for 2'10, and they delivered 2'10.6

6 fairly straight grains, couple of brown specks, but no graping or other marks.
Spine is around 81m
Edge max is 25mm
Toe min 18mm, max 22mm
Shoulder min 14mm
Minimal concaving, but as with other examples the handle is pretty skinny and bound with tape.

As others have said the pick up is outstanding and the willow responds across a wide area.

Haven't decided yet whether to use it or frame it.

[WalkingWicket37]

I noticed you only took photos of the decent edge stamp!
The one on the other edge was doing my nut in when I saw it...

[LateBloomer]

Cracker!

You sound quite disappointed with it so if you want to move it on in the future ... 

[Woodyspin]

Haven't decided yet whether to use it or frame it.

This.

[norman1979]

That looks like an absolute monster. Haven't seen one of these in the flesh yet but boy does it look fantastic

[petehosk]

Serious piece of willow Chalkie! I bet it will have a rather superb and generous middle!! 

[Calzehbhoy]

Looks a cracker again mate!

Glad you bit the bullet and went for it in the end?? You won't be disappointed!!

[peristocle]

Glad you pulled the trigger on it in the end. Now wait till you use it. It gets even better

[Biggie Smalls]

Serious piece of willow Chalkie! I bet it will have a rather superb and generous middle!!

You must be convinced by now @petehosk ? 

[Chad]

Looking at pictures like these makes me sad that they're restricting bat sizes. Absolute works of art, looks incredible. Please put it to good use!

[petehosk]

You must be convinced by now @petehosk ? 

You never know! 

[Biggie Smalls]

This.

@Woodyspin can you do a tutorial on how to make a bat shelf ? I could do with a few of those ( god knows I've got the spare bats to do it too ) .

[sanredrose]

@Chalkie - XP80 is an amazing bat. I tried the one from @jd163 and it was super light to pick up. Didn't really feel the weight at all ...

[jd163]

Mine was 2.9 and it had one of the lightest pickup i have seen. Absolute monster in the sweetspot.

[InternalTraining]

@Chalkie - XP80 is an amazing bat. I tried the one from @jd163 and it was super light to pick up. Didn't really feel the weight at all ...

Mine is 2-11 (or 2-12, have to weight it again), double gripped and it does feel its weight. The bottom part of the handle is also thick (oval) for my hands. I know people love XP-80s, but I can't say the same about it. Toe is prone to cracking too.

I think they are good conversation pieces because of the high spine but out of all GN big bats, I don't like it much.