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[BatGoonMcClintock]

I'm hoping to make custom bat design.  Basically it's a combination of the Phantom T20 Spirit bat and the Blank Bats B20.

Blank Bats B20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHcPRxJrFS4&t=41s

Phantom T20 Spirit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gayRXduUL30&t=190s

Basically I'm looking for a shorter blade bat with lots of wood in the hitting area.  The trick is how to pack wood without increasing the weight or making the bat feel too bottom heavy.

I like the T20 spirit shape more than the B20 which has more concaving than I'd like.  However, I don't like the 2 inch shorter blade because I take the cue on where to hold the bat from the top of the blade.

So what if I marry both i.e. I could make a 2cm or a 1 inch shorter blade which can then be made shoulderless for a further 2 cm or 1 inch.  Then the rest of the bat can be made like the T20 spirit.  Thicker than normal shoulders, thicker than normal toe, very thick hitting area with big edges - with little or no concaving.

Desired weight - 2lb 9.5oz to 2lb 11oz

Will use a Grade 3 or butterfly willow - all performance, no looks.

Any thing else I'm missing or or any factors I'm not considering?  Also, when custom bat maker will be the best to help try this experiment out?

Last but not least, what are the disadvantages of shorter blade bats?  Will an inch or 1.5 inches make a dig difference?  Is it difficult to play defensive shots?  Is it a feeling of nakedness from lack of willow when you lift the bat to defend a short ball?  I can't think of how the top of the blade would be used to defend but perhaps I'm not thinking of something?

[edge]

If you like to hold the bat low down on the handle, you're unlikely to enjoy shorter blade bats.

[BatGoonMcClintock]

I can probably deal with an inch shorter - ergo the combination of shorter blade and shoulderless bat.  It's a concept bat that I'm willing to test for sure. 

[Neon Cricket]

Sounds pretty similar to a bat I had made up a few years ago - was effectively a full length bat, but instead of shortening the blade/lengthening the handle I simply had the shoulders shaved away. Gave the same effect without actually messing around with the handle length etc.

Pick up is sublime and it goes like the clappers still even now - I'll have to get a picture up for you later mate.

[Kulli]

If you like to hold the bat low down on the handle, you're unlikely to enjoy shorter blade bats.

I wondered before about the possibility of some sort of false shoulder to solve this issue for people who take their grip in relation to the shoulders rather then the tip of the handle but that want to use a shortened bat. Not got any further with the idea than that though.

[BatGoonMcClintock]

Sounds pretty similar to a bat I had made up a few years ago - was effectively a full length bat, but instead of shortening the blade/lengthening the handle I simply had the shoulders shaved away. Gave the same effect without actually messing around with the handle length etc.

Pick up is sublime and it goes like the clappers still even now - I'll have to get a picture up for you later mate.

@neoncricket That would be absolutely fantastic.  Also, if you can give some specs of the bat.  Thanks!

[avkrish]

I can probably deal with an inch shorter - ergo the combination of shorter blade and shoulderless bat.  It's a concept bat that I'm willing to test for sure.

This what I got done, a bit heavier than expected but nice (weighs just under 2lb 12oz.).

[WalkingWicket37]

If it's the one I'm thinking of, I can confirm @neoncricket's dropped shoulder (No Swearing Please) stick does indeed go like the clappers!!

[WalkingWicket37]

@avkrish pictures aren't working mate

[avkrish]

@avkrish pictures aren't working mate

Can't figure out why, I pasted the images as I always do. I can see them without any issues!

[Vitas Cricket]

Can't figure out why, I pasted the images as I always do. I can see them without any issues!

Photobucket no longer allows 3rd party sharing unless you pay them many dollars.

[avkrish]

Photobucket no longer allows 3rd party sharing unless you pay them many dollars.

Can you suggest any other websites please? I am surprised, I can see them in my post and there are no links to the PhotoBucket!

[Vitas Cricket]

Can you suggest any other websites please? I am surprised, I can see them in my post and there are no links to the PhotoBucket!

I use imgur.com

[BatGoonMcClintock]

Can you suggest any other websites please? I am surprised, I can see them in my post and there are no links to the PhotoBucket!

http://tinypic.com/

If this doesn't work, experiment with a few others on Google - search term: free image hosting without sign up

[Rob580]

Warsop basically already make this, my dad has 2 shoulderless shorter blade ones from them.

It's not on their website, but they usually have 1 or 2 knocking around in the workshop, or can make one up to spec if needed.