Topic: Lavers Signature (Read 8974 times)

SillyShilly · « **on:** February 16, 2010, 04:04:03 PM »

Just thought i would ask a quick question about Lavers signature bat - you know, the �900 bat deal
On his site it says

"The Signature bat is the flagship of our range, we only produce five or six of these bats every year as the quality of willow has to be unsurpassed. The Signature Series is the type of bat that a bat maker can scarcely bear to part with - an incredibly good piece of willow turned into the finest bat imaginable"

I was wondering this - what if 20 people on this forum said they all wanted the signature bat package today - do you think that those supposed 5 or 6 clefts he may get a year may turn into twenty clefts rather quickly - i have a hunch that the answer would be yes.

Be interested to hear your thoughts on the exclusivity of this Signature bat, whether it is just a good advertising ploy or that he only genuinely only has 5 or 6 clefts a year???

Colesy · « **Reply #1 on:** February 16, 2010, 04:06:30 PM »

He says he has a 'waiting list' but I agree that he may be able to get a few more clefts in.

Buzz · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2010, 04:10:38 PM »

I am sure he would muddle through - especially if all 20 people put the cash up front.

Given his reputation as a batmaker, I doubt there will be many who are going to use it, decide it's rubbish and send it back demanding a refund!!!

ianbuchanan · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2010, 04:11:59 PM »

james seems like a pretty decent guy, im sure he would be able to produce maybe 8-9, but i doubt he would rip you off. all the signatures i have seen look immense

Howzat · « **Reply #4 on:** February 16, 2010, 04:13:54 PM »

Yeah also heard there is a waiting list

Watsontotty · « **Reply #5 on:** February 16, 2010, 04:19:58 PM »

A waiting list says what you need to know, but i will pass your thoughts across to James and see what he says ? i personally don't know anyone who has bought one at that price i don't suppose you would sell more than say 4-5 per year at best although with the reputation and the quality of his bats then he may sell more than that hence the waiting list or it could be as when he gets the right cleft.

Howzat · « **Reply #6 on:** February 16, 2010, 04:23:17 PM »

How much was yours? Im sure I remember you having one?

SillyShilly · « **Reply #7 on:** February 16, 2010, 04:28:11 PM »

I'm not questioning his integrity - i have never spoken to him and likely never will - i just question how exclusive this 'exclusive' willow really is - it's not a test any of us could try out but i think he would be a silly batmaker to turn away close to �20,000 for 40 bats.
But by all means Rich, get hold of him and ask him this question i'm sure you know what the answer your going to get is.

SillyShilly · « **Reply #8 on:** February 16, 2010, 04:31:01 PM »

I suppose that does question his integrity if he would do this or not - anyway, it's not the point i was trying to make - i wonder how rare this 'signature' willow is and whether it would be possible to produce more than it says on the site.

RoCo Da Pixie · « **Reply #9 on:** February 16, 2010, 04:34:43 PM »

I personally would love to see the signature willow, but for �900 would be scared to use it in any form of practice or match situation.

procricket · « **Reply #10 on:** February 16, 2010, 04:40:35 PM »

There is a current waiting list or at least there was i have enquired about the bat as stated before as a Laver user i would like to think this bat would be the ultimate bat once in a lifetime thing but remember you get a Pb quality bat as well

Watsontotty · « **Reply #11 on:** February 16, 2010, 05:16:49 PM »

Quote from: SillyShilly on February 16, 2010, 04:28:11 PM

I'm not questioning his integrity - i have never spoken to him and likely never will - i just question how exclusive this 'exclusive' willow really is - it's not a test any of us could try out but i think he would be a silly batmaker to turn away close to �20,000 for 40 bats.
But by all means Rich, get hold of him and ask him this question i'm sure you know what the answer your going to get is.

I think its pretty clear you are questioning his integrity or why else start a topic about it, i notice you haven't done this for other makers who do LE bats and make say 200 only etc etc. Pretty obvious that you have a hidden agenda but I've passed your comments across to James and should get a reply soon.

Ive spoken to James personally on a number of occasions and ordered many bats from him and always found him to be very honest and a straightforward guy and a top top bat maker, I've never had any problems or reason to doubt his honesty just like i haven't with the other bat makers here in the UK.

But rather than start an argument about this i will endeavor to get you an answer.

procricket · « **Reply #12 on:** February 16, 2010, 05:25:08 PM »

Richard as i have said there is a reason why James Laver is a big cat in the bat making world bigger than anybody who makes bats on here by far not a argument or attempt just a fact.

This is not a argument this is fact James is a big hitter and a bloody nice bloke even though i kept changing my mind he was top drawer and there a small thing about reputation i suspect he has earned his so can charge what he wants

procricket · « **Reply #13 on:** February 16, 2010, 05:36:47 PM »

it would be interesting getting a master bat maker on here giving his views lots of speculation not enough fact

Talisman · « **Reply #14 on:** February 16, 2010, 05:45:52 PM »

Having had bats made by James in Taunton and New Zealand I know that he can make a bloody good bat, but from a business side the Signature is pure marketing and good marketing too. It is a talking point as proved here that encourages thought that if he makes the most expensive bat he must make the best too. The idea of a waiting list will prove to those questioning if anyone else would pay the money that not only will they but they will wait too. The whole package is a step up from the old one at M&H in the 90's and just natural progression of an idea.

If you want to work out the numbers based on the claims then ask how many Men's English clefts are bought each year and then work out the ratio these are available to general buyers of clefts. Then factor in all the claims of Pro's having their bats made by him and the ratio of stunners gets larger.

James seems to be a very nice chap, spoken to him at length about bats etc and he comes across better than he did in Taunton but the addition of the Kiwi accent seems odd!

What he judges to be �900 willow may be my version of firewood and vice versa. Popular opinion by those who have bought bats from him tends to rate him highly and I would add my personal opinion as the same, some flaws but stunning performance nevertheless.

Maybe we should club together to buy one and share it round or raffle it off, maybe Uncle Rich can get us a good price?

Author Topic: Lavers Signature (Read 8974 times)

SillyShilly

Lavers Signature

Colesy

Re: Lavers Signature

Buzz

Re: Lavers Signature

ianbuchanan

Re: Lavers Signature

Howzat

Re: Lavers Signature

Watsontotty

Re: Lavers Signature

Howzat

Re: Lavers Signature

SillyShilly

Re: Lavers Signature

SillyShilly

Re: Lavers Signature

RoCo Da Pixie

Re: Lavers Signature

procricket

Re: Lavers Signature

Watsontotty

Re: Lavers Signature

procricket

Re: Lavers Signature

procricket

Re: Lavers Signature

Talisman

Re: Lavers Signature