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[jblowe]

After scratching a labored 25 on Saturday our best batsman suggested I might need a heavier bat, as despite middling a few not many went all the way to the boundary.

Being old and feeble I have been using a 2.7 for the past few years.  However after Saturday I have been toying with investing in a short blade bat, say 20mm shorter.  My question regards the weight of the bat vs length of blade. Should I get a 2.7 that is 20mm shorter, or, as the length of the blade is shorter would a heavier blade be ok, and if so what weight?

I was considering purchasing a XP80 or similar then chopping the bottom 20mm off with my chop-saw. If I do what size bat should I get? Other option is to get a similar bat made to the shorter length.
 

[Gurujames]

I have a few shorter blade bats. Personally I would go for a heavier shorter blade bat as the additional weight you feel from a longer handle is fairly negligible.
I would get one made rather than take a perfectly good bat and chop an inch off.

[Percy_Grainger]

Great question and post.  I am a shorter player (5ft 5 inches!) and have had bats custom made with shorter blades but at adult weights.  Using a harrow bat could help but you will be hard pressed to find those that weigh above 2.7 (maybe except some H4L models).  But in my mind a GN Pro Performance maybe a great choice as the blade is about an inch shorter but the weights start at 2.10 and go up to 2.13 odd.  The bat overall is the same length as a Harrow but the blades have a regular SH profile and weight

[InternalTraining]

My question regards the weight of the bat vs length of blade. Should I get a 2.7 that is 20mm shorter, or, as the length of the blade is shorter would a heavier blade be ok, and if so what weight?

Here is my thread about size 6-3 bats that I have used. The bats were custom made bats.

http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=39837.msg631979#msg631979

Basically, you are thinking correctly about the bat size. I am 5'6'' and SH bats are too big for me. I hold SH bats low and put a second grip to prevent my top hand from sliding above a certain point on the handle. For several seasons, I used custom made size 6-3 bats and they worked like a dream! Problem? it was very hard to get them made in heavier weights and get the balance right.

PS: the lightest bat weighs 2-8.

#size6-3

[Percy_Grainger]

The pro Performance bats are labelled as SH but in fact they 'should' be an inch shorter than a regular SH.  Basically its an inch shorter in the blade compared to a SH but has a regular SH length handle.  It works well for a shorter person like me but I agree someone taller may have a different experience with the balance.  Personally I don't think they use dried out clefts at all.  Instead because the blade is shorter and they have a relatively thin handle they can add Warner-esque edges and spine to the bat and it still comes out to be 2.10-2.13

[Northern monkey]

Who said that Jason?
Bloomin big boundaries/slow wet outfield etc
I wouldn't worry

If you want to try my Affinity toro, I'll fetch it along
It's long handle shorter blade type, not sure of weight as it's probably the best bat I've ever used for both pick up and performance

[elmoog]

i got a 2.9 gm mana short blade (540) picks up heavy not as nice as your xp70.
but my h4l 2.11 shorter blade counter weight handle is well balanced.
i'll drop them round but meaty handles though.
 

[WalkingWicket37]

I can vouch for the performance of @Northern monkey's Toro, it's an absolute gun!

[Seniorplayer]

I use a 2lb 7 ounce S/H  bat with a one inch shorter  blade
Also use a GN omega at 2lb 8 ounces the design of the bat means  it feels lighter when you picks  it up.
the main advantage of a short blade is when the batsman is short you can get a full swing of the bat without the problem of the toe hitting the ground.

[jblowe]

Thanks for the posts, does anyone know about the ratio between length and weight?  Am I right to believe that a full length 2.7 bat with a mid-middle will feel heavier than a 2.7 bat with a mid-middle which is an inch shorter? If I am right, what weight bat (which is an inch shorter) will feel the same as a 2.7 full length bat if they have the same shape?

[Gurujames]

You are right theoretically. I think if you are that picky you need to go to a shop and feel quite a few to make an informed choice.

[adb club cricketer]

Regarding shorter blade bats, people seem to either like it or hate it...better you feel it in the shop and decide ...

[Seniorplayer]

Thanks for the posts, does anyone know about the ratio between length and weight?  Am I right to believe that a full length 2.7 bat with a mid-middle will feel heavier than a 2.7 bat with a mid-middle which is an inch shorter? If I am right, what weight bat (which is an inch shorter) will feel the same as a 2.7 full length bat if they have the same shape?

Yes  Jason  also have you thought about a mid high middle    you try CA most of there s/h have shorter blades

[jblowe]

You are right theoretically. I think if you are that picky you need to go to a shop and feel quite a few to make an informed choice.

I don't mean to be picky, I just interested in the theory. I know its very random, as all bats are different, but I would like to try and understand the basis of how the idea of weight vs length works. 

[Gurujames]

One inch of blade weighs more than 1 inch of handle. So if a bat has a longer handle/shorter blade it will weigh slightly (ever so) less than a standard handle/blade set up.
If the bats are the same dead weight. The shorter blade will have more weight further from the hands, therefore feeling heavier.