Keeley cricket and the industry generally
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LEACHY48

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Keeley cricket and the industry generally
« on: May 25, 2020, 08:49:28 PM »

 Right, this may be an unpopular opinion but I'm beginning to lose all. Respect for Keeley as a brand.

Not only are the handles skinny and the bats don't pick up like I'd want them to, but they also are made on a CNC machine and finished by hand (but not advertised as such).

They also have begun to hike their prices to ridiculous levels, and have just sold a 'pro bat' at 650 during a 'Covid sale' - nothing like profiteering from a global pandemic - great morals.

It just strikes me that they are in this for nothing but the money.

Also the number of brands that are claiming keeley made but clearly aren't is beyond a joke now.

The industry as a whole is beginning to become devoid of morals from so many brands it is crazy.

I'd usually say we are lucky to have this forum to provide trustworthy brands etc, but there are now incidents that are beginning to make me question even certain sponsors (not going to mention names).
« Last Edit: May 25, 2020, 08:56:54 PM by LEACHY48 »
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edge

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Re: Keeley cricket and the industry generally
« Reply #1 on: May 25, 2020, 09:01:00 PM »

What's the problem with using CNC during the process? A whole lot of batmakers process clefts with some form of machine, from the snaps I've seen of Keeley's setup they're no different. Having a quick scan at their website they don't seem to advertise anything contradictory, so what's the issue? It's just a processing tool.
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Neon Cricket

Re: Keeley cricket and the industry generally
« Reply #2 on: May 25, 2020, 09:01:24 PM »

I find that's why so many companies come and go in this industry, you always get found out eventually if you're trying to rip people off. So many brands give it the "test grade this/test grade that" when it reality they're peddling cheap (No Swearing Please) that wouldn't even stand up to 40mph dobblers.

I'd always rather stick to my morals and provide a genuinely top product with the service to match which I know people will return for, rather than try and make a quick buck at every opportunity.
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LEACHY48

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Re: Keeley cricket and the industry generally
« Reply #3 on: May 25, 2020, 09:02:16 PM »

What's the problem with using CNC during the process? A whole lot of batmakers process clefts with some form of machine, from the snaps I've seen of Keeley's setup they're no different. Having a quick scan at their website they don't seem to advertise anything contradictory, so what's the issue? It's just a processing tool.

I have no issue with CNC bats at all, I love my two B3s and the GM I had.

I do have an issue with keeley saying things like we are still handmade using traditional tools etc etc. When in actual fact, what they should be saying is - we make all our bats by CNC and then give them a sand and polish.
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LEACHY48

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Re: Keeley cricket and the industry generally
« Reply #4 on: May 25, 2020, 09:06:05 PM »

What's the problem with using CNC during the process? A whole lot of batmakers process clefts with some form of machine, from the snaps I've seen of Keeley's setup they're no different. Having a quick scan at their website they don't seem to advertise anything contradictory, so what's the issue? It's just a processing tool.

Their strap line is 'the finest hand crafted cricket bats' but they make on CNC then give them a sand. Thats the issue.
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WalkingWicket37

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Re: Keeley cricket and the industry generally
« Reply #5 on: May 25, 2020, 09:07:51 PM »

What does TK actually use the CNC for?
Keeley bats really don't interest me, so I haven't looked into this.

Does the CNC rough shape clefts and he finishes each bat by hand?
Or does he put a load of Superiors through the machine on Monday, a load of Worx 017 on Tuesday, a load of Worx 074 on Wednesday etc. then sand and sticker the finished bats straight from the machine?
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LEACHY48

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Re: Keeley cricket and the industry generally
« Reply #6 on: May 25, 2020, 09:09:15 PM »

What does TK actually use the CNC for?
Keeley bats really don't interest me, so I haven't looked into this.

Does the CNC rough shape clefts and he finishes each bat by hand?
Or does he put a load of Superiors through the machine on Monday, a load of Worx 017 on Tuesday, a load of Worx 074 on Wednesday etc. then sand and sticker the finished bats straight from the machine?

From what I have seen, the bats look a little more than rough shaped, even if they are just rough shaped and finished by hand the 'handcrafting' part is minimal at best.
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LEACHY48

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Re: Keeley cricket and the industry generally
« Reply #7 on: May 25, 2020, 09:12:00 PM »

Oh and to cap it all off they are charging 500 quid for a non legal cricket bat (laminate).
 I'll have two thanks, bargain compared to their pro bat 'sale'
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SOULMAN1012

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Re: Keeley cricket and the industry generally
« Reply #8 on: May 25, 2020, 09:15:54 PM »

What does TK actually use the CNC for?
Keeley bats really don't interest me, so I haven't looked into this.

Does the CNC rough shape clefts and he finishes each bat by hand?
Or does he put a load of Superiors through the machine on Monday, a load of Worx 017 on Tuesday, a load of Worx 074 on Wednesday etc. then sand and sticker the finished bats straight from the machine?

That’s probably how it works yes mate. Batches are normally made to order for stock replenishment in most cases, well from a brief convo from GM who CNC bats when I made an enquiry about a Noir sig as everywhere was out of stock. I was told a “new batch” would be available to retailers on X date.

The issue is in my simple opinion the name “Keeley” sells itself and always had been known as quality. Now Iv had 3 “Keeley” branded bats in the last 18 months and all three were ok but nothing that wowed me enough to keep them. The shapes are decent and modern and the branding is good with the colours etc. Some love them and swear by them and others never seen what all the fuss is about.

The £650 “Pro” offer was a load of marketing nonsense as they from the social media pics and also a couple sent to me by a mate who enquired where looks wise no better than G2 but they were big and light and performance can only ever be justified after getting the bat fully match ready and opinions will always differ.

As to people using his name that’s been the case for ages but for me they are not a brand I’m interested in really for a multiple of reasons but mainly I just don’t think there that good.
« Last Edit: May 25, 2020, 09:17:35 PM by SOULMAN1012 »
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LEACHY48

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Re: Keeley cricket and the industry generally
« Reply #9 on: May 25, 2020, 09:25:19 PM »

I find that's why so many companies come and go in this industry, you always get found out eventually if you're trying to rip people off. So many brands give it the "test grade this/test grade that" when it reality they're peddling cheap (No Swearing Please) that wouldn't even stand up to 40mph dobblers.

I'd always rather stick to my morals and provide a genuinely top product with the service to match which I know people will return for, rather than try and make a quick buck at every opportunity.

This is the attitude so many brands are missing. To be honest, I think the fact that you are in the minority is really sad and killing the industry.
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Mfarank

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Re: Keeley cricket and the industry generally
« Reply #10 on: May 25, 2020, 09:41:47 PM »

I agree with the prices and laminates part. Having said that, if i could afford to spend 500+ on a bat i would much rather spend it on one that has a better chance of actually being a pro bat than those indian made gray nicolls legends, Pakistan made Ca morgs or SS made M&Hs
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Mfarank

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Re: Keeley cricket and the industry generally
« Reply #11 on: May 25, 2020, 09:53:03 PM »

Also this is printed on every Gunn & Moore in the market.

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Kez

Re: Keeley cricket and the industry generally
« Reply #12 on: May 25, 2020, 09:54:36 PM »

I don’t think there is a difference between a fully made CNC bat and a bat that started on a copy lathe. Or even a fully handshaped bat.

I reckon most bat makers have a copy lathe if they have room for it/ want to make bats quicker and easier. Removes a large amount of the wood then they can spend more time making sure the balance and pickup are just right.
I wouldn’t say it makes a bat any better or worse product. If anything using a copy lathe should mean reduced man hours on the bat so it will be cheaper.

As for the pricing, Keeley are a joke. I certainly won’t be buying one, can get 2, maybe 3 quality bats for £650. But they can afford to do it, they have the reputation and people are stupid enough to pay it. 
The brothers have also trained and helped various other brands along the way.

I think we all just need to play some cricket really! So we have something else to moan about.

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Re: Keeley cricket and the industry generally
« Reply #13 on: May 25, 2020, 10:01:35 PM »

I have no issue with CNC bats at all, I love my two B3s and the GM I had.

I do have an issue with keeley saying things like we are still handmade using traditional tools etc etc. When in actual fact, what they should be saying is - we make all our bats by CNC and then give them a sand and polish.
Is this true though? The limited snaps I've seen look like the bats need a lot more than a sand post-cnc.

Are Keeley trying to rip people off? Their prices are very high, but then I've heard it from the mouth of certain other brands that they keep the prices high just to look good, so it's hardly unique...
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Jimbo

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Re: Keeley cricket and the industry generally
« Reply #14 on: May 25, 2020, 10:25:02 PM »

My Keeley made BB is still the best bat I've ever used so I would say that they don't have a reputation for nothing. That being said, unless you're playing at an extremely high level I don't see the value in paying over £350 for a bat, possibly even lower than that.
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