Topic: World Class Willow (Read 9837 times)

SD · « **Reply #15 on:** January 24, 2019, 12:00:01 AM »

Quote from: jonny77 on January 23, 2019, 07:04:58 PM

Not sure why anyone would put something like this on FB if it wasn't true. Obviously something happened. I just wondered if anyone knew the company that was all. Out of curiosity more than anything, I wasn't intending to buy any of their gear.

You could give someone the benefit of the doubt if it was s one off, but rants about someone or something are s near weekly occurrence as is hiding behind secrecy and refusing to name names

LukeFramBurton · « **Reply #16 on:** January 24, 2019, 01:34:52 PM »

As I�m Nottingham based, Aldred is probably the closest manufacturer of bats by hand to me (I�m not sure if Charlie French is still going), so I often think about messaging him to see if I can visit, just to observe him at work. My philosophy is very different to his, but he�s obviously a skilled craftsman. I think his latest tirade has completely put me off though - particularly when you compare his persona with the generosity of other makers on here.

Cholrudee · « **Reply #17 on:** January 24, 2019, 01:50:39 PM »

Best form your own opinion Luke after you have payed the man a visit.

JK Lewis · « **Reply #18 on:** January 24, 2019, 02:07:18 PM »

Quote from: LukeFramBurton on January 24, 2019, 01:34:52 PM

As I�m Nottingham based, Aldred is probably the closest manufacturer of bats by hand to me (I�m not sure if Charlie French is still going), so I often think about messaging him to see if I can visit, just to observe him at work. My philosophy is very different to his, but he�s obviously a skilled craftsman. I think his latest tirade has completely put me off though - particularly when you compare his persona with the generosity of other makers on here.

I was talking to Charlie just before Xmas, by the way, so he's definitely still around and is always welcoming in my experience. Just call first to check he's actually in.

SD · « **Reply #19 on:** January 24, 2019, 03:17:03 PM »

Quote from: LukeFramBurton on January 24, 2019, 01:34:52 PM

As I�m Nottingham based, Aldred is probably the closest manufacturer of bats by hand to me (I�m not sure if Charlie French is still going), so I often think about messaging him to see if I can visit, just to observe him at work. My philosophy is very different to his, but he�s obviously a skilled craftsman. I think his latest tirade has completely put me off though - particularly when you compare his persona with the generosity of other makers on here.

Same with me. His bats are rated by a number of people but I wouldn't give him my business because of the way he conducts himself. Small brands are inextricably tied to the person running the business.

LukeFramBurton · « **Reply #20 on:** January 24, 2019, 07:10:16 PM »

Quote from: Cholrudee on January 24, 2019, 01:50:39 PM

Best form your own opinion Luke after you have payed the man a visit.

I would, but now I�d have to pay him for the privilege.

Yorkershire · « **Reply #21 on:** January 24, 2019, 07:59:18 PM »

Quote from: LukeFramBurton on January 24, 2019, 01:34:52 PM

As I�m Nottingham based, Aldred is probably the closest manufacturer of bats by hand to me (I�m not sure if Charlie French is still going), so I often think about messaging him to see if I can visit, just to observe him at work. My philosophy is very different to his, but he�s obviously a skilled craftsman. I think his latest tirade has completely put me off though - particularly when you compare his persona with the generosity of other makers on here.

Pretty much sums it up.. reason I haven't purchased an Aldred even though I was pretty keen at one point looking to buy a butterfly bat... If I was you I'd just go to Charlie French! Or buy GM or B3! The chaps at B3 seem pretty friendly!

Jeatkinson90 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 29, 2019, 09:34:16 AM »

I have a bat from Paul, probably the best bat ive ever brought, I went to see him to have it made in front of me so i got exactly what i wanted (in May 2018). Top bloke and honest in my opinion. So if hes tried to help people and then had it thrown back at him i can see why hes a bit annoyed. Anyone whose able to give big discounts/offers etc clearly is selling at to high a cost to begin with. (i do work in the industry)

jonny77 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 29, 2019, 09:43:23 AM »

Have to say I agree with you here. For whatever reason prime I hate tend to bag him quite a bit and I'm sure they've got their reasons, but sounded like he offered someone help and advice, then that person let him down and potentially lied. Not sure how he's to blame for that. I've never tried his bats but they look good and he puts some decent info online imo.

Kulli · « **Reply #24 on:** January 29, 2019, 10:47:18 AM »

I think Paul probably a fairly honest bloke who makes a very good cricket bat, but his rants about various things don't really do him any favours, and neither do his double standards about companies that just label up bats, or soft pressing.

For me he'd do a lot better just getting his head down and making bats. You might be mad about something but a long rant followed by telling other people they'll have to pay for advice from now on doesn't really benifit anyone IMO.

edge · « **Reply #25 on:** January 29, 2019, 01:41:08 PM »

I think the Facebook group echo chamber of diehard fans has really not helped with the rants, I'm sure dissenting opinions used to be dealt with in more friendly style a few years ago before Paul lost his temper with the forum. All a bit of a shame really.

Ayrtek Cricket · « **Reply #26 on:** January 29, 2019, 01:47:26 PM »

Back on topic I noticed WCW had a bat in the Cricketer good gear test yday.

LukeFramBurton · « **Reply #27 on:** January 29, 2019, 06:58:14 PM »

Quote from: Ayrtek Cricket on January 29, 2019, 01:47:26 PM

Back on topic I noticed WCW had a bat in the Cricketer good gear test yday.

Will be interesting to see how it fairs - I can�t help feeling that you set yourself up for a fall with a name like that! It�s a shame that all the others seem to be from some of the big brands. The exposure would be great for some of the independent companies (I get that it�s their choice to pay and send products in, but still).

To return to the off-topic portion, I don�t think anyone is doubting Paul�s skill and ability to produce a good bat but, as previously hinted at, his forthright attitude could/does/will put lots of folk off.

jonny77 · « **Reply #28 on:** January 29, 2019, 09:16:09 PM »

Quote from: LukeFramBurton on January 29, 2019, 06:58:14 PM

Will be interesting to see how it fairs - I can�t help feeling that you set yourself up for a fall with a name like that! It�s a shame that all the others seem to be from some of the big brands. The exposure would be great for some of the independent companies (I get that it�s their choice to pay and send products in, but still).

To return to the off-topic portion, I don�t think anyone is doubting Paul�s skill and ability to produce a good bat but, as previously hinted at, his forthright attitude could/does/will put lots of folk off.

Most will be made in same places probably

So do we actually know who makes these bats? Or are the made by World Class Willow?

SD · « **Reply #29 on:** January 29, 2019, 09:59:26 PM »

Quote from: Kulli on January 29, 2019, 10:47:18 AM

I think Paul probably a fairly honest bloke who makes a very good cricket bat, but his rants about various things don't really do him any favours, and neither do his double standards about companies that just label up bats, or soft pressing.

This is the crux of it for me, he makes a big play about his business being about honesty, integrity and putting principles before profit, whilst taking Newbery's cash to make bats for them to sticker up and bang on about heritage and legacy.

Author Topic: World Class Willow (Read 9837 times)

SD

Re: World Class Willow

LukeFramBurton

Re: World Class Willow

Cholrudee

Re: World Class Willow

JK Lewis

Re: World Class Willow

SD

Re: World Class Willow

LukeFramBurton

Re: World Class Willow

Yorkershire

Re: World Class Willow

Jeatkinson90

Re: World Class Willow

jonny77

Re: World Class Willow

Kulli

Re: World Class Willow

edge

Re: World Class Willow

Ayrtek Cricket

Re: World Class Willow

LukeFramBurton

Re: World Class Willow

jonny77

Re: World Class Willow

SD

Re: World Class Willow