Ok - I'm going to get told off I'm sure, and this is in no way directed specifically at H4L because I am a bit of a fan-boy (and they are only following the market trends).
But I'm kind of glad I play at a crap standard with not-very-fast bowlers, and can get away with moderate softs protection.
I'm astonished and saddened by the fact that you can now pay £200 for a pair of pads and gloves combined.
I'm fine with people wishing to spend that, but if you treated yourself pre-season to pads, gloves, a good bat, a net bat, a bag and some shoes that could come to a grand. That's my budget for my daughters first car!
It just seems a lot of money, but maybe I'm out of step.