Also worth noting these things are pretty non-scientific. Companies send in a G1+ with a G2 sticker etc, so the bats look much better value for money then they are. Also sending in bats which aren't available to the paying customer (pro-level clefts etc). Making comments like "it needs knocking in more" isn't that helpful either. The testing isn't done by people with CBF levels of knowledge, and different weights are compared to each other etc. Not the best certainly! I'd argue a CBF good gear review would be far more thorough and detailed
This, couldn't agree with your more Chris. Personally I don't really see the benefit in these gear tests. The Cricketer one especially as they usually ask for upwards of £250 just to enter a bat into the test (hence why so few smaller brands actually take part). If I pumped £250 of my advertising budget into Facebook/Twitter/Instagram the exposure I'd receive in return wouldn't even be comparable. A few one-off tweets or an additional 1000 followers for life? Easy decision. At least the AOC/Wisden test is free so I can understand the appeal.
A CBF gear test would be an intriguing one though! We're the ultimate collection of kit badgers after all ha. That said even a blank test wouldn't work, we'd all know the batmakers from the shoulders!