Topic: The Best Batmaker in the UK (Read 26992 times)

LEACHY48 · « **Reply #30 on:** December 11, 2020, 10:01:14 PM »

Quote from: Bats_Entertainment on December 11, 2020, 08:12:19 PM

I'm guessing Phantom are made by B3 now. I won't add a question mark because I'm not expecting anyone to confirm.

Phantom aren�t U.K. made in recent times, but obviously are entitled to change this at any point.

LEACHY48 · « **Reply #31 on:** December 11, 2020, 10:04:54 PM »

Quote from: SOULMAN1012 on December 11, 2020, 08:15:23 PM

They certainly were at one point fairly recently so the point still stands in terms of how important branding is to the mainstream as someone else raised the point that 99% of the players don�t care about 99% of the things forum members look for in a bat.

Another point is GM certainly don�t press like a barn door it�s a firmer press but performance wise they are as good as any out there in my opinion. They do take a little longer but for me they have the best handle shapes on the market. I would guess like most of I could I would choose my bats from the best elements of all bats if it was possible. That�s what I try and do with the bats I make. Base my handles on a thick semi oval (GM) shape wise the on trend duckbill toe, large profile and then i finish as well as I am able with my skill set and tools at present.

Horses for courses Chris, I�ve had 3 and used 2 more and all of them have been over pressed - not just �firmer�. They were planks. Could they be exceptions? Absolutely. However I�ve heard lots of reviews that echo this.

Also, I don�t think Phantom have been U.K. made for at least 12-18 months, I know they use a variety of suppliers, but I�ve not seen a genuine TK from them for ages.

thegowerwaft · « **Reply #32 on:** December 11, 2020, 10:10:02 PM »

Always had a soft spot for Warsop. One of my favourite bats ever was a 2.9 Marlin. Gorgeous.

SOULMAN1012 · « **Reply #33 on:** December 11, 2020, 10:38:12 PM »

Quote from: LEACHY48 on December 11, 2020, 10:04:54 PM

Horses for courses Chris, I�ve had 3 and used 2 more and all of them have been over pressed - not just �firmer�. They were planks. Could they be exceptions? Absolutely. However I�ve heard lots of reviews that echo this.

Also, I don�t think Phantom have been U.K. made for at least 12-18 months, I know they use a variety of suppliers, but I�ve not seen a genuine TK from them for ages.

Exactly mate before last season is used GM for 3 seasons and scored as many runs as I had in previous seasons with other brands they do take a little while to really loosen up but for any GM owner it�s not just the pressing that handles are very stiff so if you can loosen that handle a little ie the Marnus technique on the handle at slight angle makes a world of difference.

Regardless of if Phantom are now U.K. made or TK made they certainly where at one point and the price difference between them and say BB was large for the same product. Now lots of cricket players in fact the vast majority won�t know who makes there bats and believe mostly likely that phantom do. However for most the branding Made them part with there money on top
Of the fact that they would have been decent bats. As I say though the vast vast majority of bats are good bats regardless of where they come from and regardless of whom or what made them.

Let�s hope the trend reverts back to smaller U.K. bat makers on here as that allows some to start making a following at clubs and league across the country and will help keep a tradition that a lot of us like alive. However that comes at times at a little extra cost to a imported bat or sticker brand.

billyb · « **Reply #34 on:** December 11, 2020, 10:47:36 PM »

Quote from: thegowerwaft on December 11, 2020, 10:10:02 PM

Always had a soft spot for Warsop. One of my favourite bats ever was a 2.9 Marlin. Gorgeous.

Oooh there's a blast from the past. I wanted a Warsop when I saw Napier tear it up with one on TV!

SurreySam · « **Reply #35 on:** December 11, 2020, 10:59:13 PM »

I don't believe there is such a thing, as 'best batmaker' for many reasons like people have commented previously. I also don't care if the bat was CNC'd or handcrafted with a travisher and spoke shaver; for me the most accomplished bat makers, must be able to press their own bats. I also doff my hat to those who innovate within industry.

Quote from: SOULMAN1012 on December 11, 2020, 06:57:16 PM

Branding plays a huge part. For example BB and Phantom are where TK made. One is �300 for G1 and the other �450 yet people are prepared to pay �150 more for the same bat but different stickers.

Don't disagree with your initial sentiment on branding.

However, lets try and be factual when throwing around figures. Having just checked the website for both vendors; a standard range G1 from BB can be purchased for �285 which is defined as LE grade and a similar G1 from Phantom, is �255 and defined as Players grade.

Bats_Entertainment · « **Reply #36 on:** December 11, 2020, 11:03:17 PM »

Quote from: LEACHY48 on December 11, 2020, 10:01:14 PM

Phantom aren�t U.K. made in recent times, but obviously are entitled to change this at any point.

Or disappear altogether? Like a real phantom bat brand might?

SOULMAN1012 · « **Reply #37 on:** December 11, 2020, 11:09:58 PM »

Quote from: SurreySam on December 11, 2020, 10:59:13 PM

I don't believe there is such a thing, as 'best batmaker' for many reasons like people have commented previously. I also don't care if the bat was CNC'd or handcrafted with a travisher and spoke shaver; for me the most accomplished bat makers, must be able to press their own bats. I also doff my hat to those who innovate within industry.

Don't disagree with your initial sentiment on branding.

However, lets try and be factual when throwing around figures. Having just checked the website for both vendors; a standard range G1 from BB can be purchased for �285 which is defined as LE grade and a similar G1 from Phantom, is �255 and defined as Players grade.

Sorry I only looked at the top end prices which was �325 and �450 for a dark edition or �550 for this anniversary model. Again the power of branding. Limited to X number etc. Only because again and it�s just my view there is no G1++ nonsense it�s just sum are nicer to look at that others or have more grains and that�s a way to charge more.
Again that�s just my view and personally I just Grade between G3 to G1 as that�s what I buy my willow as so that�s what I feel it should be sold to anyone as.

sarg · « **Reply #38 on:** December 11, 2020, 11:11:11 PM »

This is a tough question to narrow down. As @Buzz said it is subjective. I�m rocking a Rob Pack as my main bay as of this week that will be reviewed in tomorrow�s bat giveaway video. I like TK and Kember made bats. Matt at H4L makes some weapons. I have purchased many B3 as i wanted input into the shape. I have used Chase. Being so far away there are many i have missed.

I think if you have the ability to visit your local maker, see their bats and chat then your going to get the most out of them.

I guess on sheer volume and experience over the years the Keeley Brothers would be hard to beat.

That said the two Rob Packs i have seen this year have been really pleasing as he has put so much work into making and preparing them and one of them is mine now 🤟

Bats_Entertainment · « **Reply #39 on:** December 11, 2020, 11:18:07 PM »

If you use that many different bats, I wonder if you can really be using any of them enough to be getting the very best out of them.

billyb · « **Reply #40 on:** December 11, 2020, 11:50:17 PM »

Anybody I've missed? There is so much variety on that list, and so many great batmakers! The people I personally think we should be supporting.

Batoff · « **Reply #41 on:** December 12, 2020, 12:00:15 AM »

Robert James
Hunts County
@edge
@Churchy1989
Chris King (GN)
JEDi

LEACHY48 · « **Reply #42 on:** December 12, 2020, 01:06:30 AM »

Quote from: billyb on December 11, 2020, 11:50:17 PM

Anybody I've missed? There is so much variety on that list, and so many great batmakers! The people I personally think we should be supporting.

Very much appreciate being part of that list! Thanks!

Bats_Entertainment · « **Reply #43 on:** December 12, 2020, 01:30:33 AM »

Maybe the forum's going to return to what was supposed to be about?

Northern monkey · « **Reply #44 on:** December 12, 2020, 08:51:21 AM »

�Best batmaker in uk�
Hugely subjective,, and a question I think should be asked on a custom bat forum regularly.

Not sure how you�d define best, as I�m sure most people have different expectations.
Me personally, as a consumer, I look at EVERYTHING, by this, I mean, the bats no good if it looks amazing but doesn�t ping, either due to pressing or whatever,,,balance and pick up have to be fairly decent, handle shape/thickness,,,etc etc
The last bat I payed for and used was a H4l,,,in my eyes, the best .
Matt plays cricket, understands what a bat has to do, has access to in my eyes the best supply of willow,, and offers decent value for money.
Hence why I ONLY use him for my willow.

I�ve played cricket for over 40yrs now, and had bats pass through my hands from most makers/suppliers/brands including those on previous lists..
I�d say most if not all, can make a decent bat, at most price points,,,,it�s just that my batting needs all the help it can get, so I�ve always wanted the best that�s available at any one time.

Being honest here,,,,I have a B3 that�s amazing, I have a GM that�s amazing, I have several tk bats that are amazing, but,,there�s no way,I�d buy one now,,discounting the fact I can shape my own bats, the only bats I,ve consistently used/seen/tapped up are Matts at H4l, I�d be happy to buy his bats sight unseen,,,,unfortunately I couldn�t and wouldn�t do that with any other uk bat supplier.

Indian made,,,well that�s a different story, and I�m sure would be a very interesting thread.

And yes,,,would be nice if we all supported uk brands,,,especially at this time, and with the fantastic choice of suppliers out there

Author Topic: The Best Batmaker in the UK (Read 26992 times)

LEACHY48

Re: The Best Batmaker in the UK

LEACHY48

Re: The Best Batmaker in the UK

thegowerwaft

Re: The Best Batmaker in the UK

SOULMAN1012

Re: The Best Batmaker in the UK

billyb

Re: The Best Batmaker in the UK

SurreySam

Re: The Best Batmaker in the UK

Bats_Entertainment

Re: The Best Batmaker in the UK

SOULMAN1012

Re: The Best Batmaker in the UK

sarg

Re: The Best Batmaker in the UK

Bats_Entertainment

Re: The Best Batmaker in the UK

billyb

Re: The Best Batmaker in the UK

Batoff

Re: The Best Batmaker in the UK

LEACHY48

Re: The Best Batmaker in the UK

Bats_Entertainment

Re: The Best Batmaker in the UK

Northern monkey

Re: The Best Batmaker in the UK