As this section has been a little quiet, recently, I have finally got around to reporting on my recent buy.
I ordered a new long blade bat from Salix (over the phone - 'salix@saource'), giving my specs. I tried to keep the spec as broad as possible (including the grade/ price - stretching over three price points), to give the bat maker as much freedom as possible.
I was looking for a long balde, around 2lb 10-2lb 11oz (ish), as light a pick-up as possible, with a thick extra oval handle, and an agreed sticker set. Traditional shape (some rounding to face, trad shoulders), mid middle.
After a 5 week wait, I had a phone call (from Katherine, who was very personable and happy - very easy to deal with). They had a possible bat - weighing in around 2lb 7oz, without grip, stickers or scuff sheet. I worried it may be too light. They sent it to me, on the understanding I could return it if not delighted. I was delighted. I knocked the bat in before adding the scuff sheet. with the sciuff it weighed 2lb 10.6 oz. The handle was thinner than I wanted, but I have packed it out a little ( I may do more, but feels OK so far). The shoulders are also quite slim.
I have now had several innings with it - fabulous ping (9 fours and 4 sixes on Saturday). My previous bat (GM) didn't give me the confidence I could clear long off, but this does the job very nicely.
It is a Marque grade, essentially a Pod shape, the cost was around £380. Specs- around 13 reasonably straight grains, very full - slightly convex profile, edges around 36mm (with a rounded face) and a spine height of about 60mm.
Excellent service, lovely bat.
Now to try to upload some photos...
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Topic: Salix custom long blade (Read 7795 times)