Topic: How do you decide which batmaker to go with? (Read 11618 times)

TheFlipper · « **on:** March 12, 2021, 06:41:48 AM »

Hello guys, so I am in need of a new bat and I just wanted to gather your thoughts if you don�t mind. So basically after selling all my bats I have a really high budget for my new bat. I will be batting in the lower middle order this season it seems (7/8), but with good performances I want to bat much higher up. I genuinely can�t decide on a batmaker; B3, H4L, Kippax, Keeley, Woodstock, Salix, Hawk and also been looking at the top end ss/sg bats.

Any advice guys on how you chose your bat?

six and out · « **Reply #1 on:** March 12, 2021, 06:54:37 AM »

If you have that high a budget, I would start with process of elimination.

1. I would definitely get a custom made bat, so that rules out some of the brands you mention.
2. Aesthetics - as much as I hate to rule out a brand on looks there are definitely some brands in that list that look better than others IMHO
3. Where do you live? Are you able to get to any of the workshops? Soon alot of them will re-open to the public.
4. Do you want to be a FKW? If so what softs have you got or are that's brands like etc...
5. After this I think its about research into customer service and a general gut feel.

Also I am sure you are aware but there are other Custom brands missing from that list, such as Red Ink and Scott etc.. who are on here.

TheFlipper · « **Reply #2 on:** March 12, 2021, 06:58:38 AM »

Quote from: six and out on March 12, 2021, 06:54:37 AM

If you have that high a budget, I would start with process of elimination.

1. I would definitely get a custom made bat, so that rules out some of the brands you mention.
2. Aesthetics - as much as I hate to rule out a brand on looks there are definitely some brands in that list that look better than others IMHO
3. Where do you live? Are you able to get to any of the workshops? Soon alot of them will re-open to the public.
4. Do you want to be a FKW? If so what softs have you got or are that's brands like etc...
5. After this I think its about research into customer service and a general gut feel.

Also I am sure you are aware but there are other Custom brands missing from that list, such as Red Ink and Scott etc.. who are on here.

I live in Wolverhampton so Hawk is closest and then probably B3 and Woodstock in Nottingham. What does FKW mean? I have hawk bag and gloves atm so need pads aswell. How important is it feeling a bat in your hands before buying?

brokenbat · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2021, 07:13:35 AM »

Quote from: TheFlipper on March 12, 2021, 06:58:38 AM

I live in Wolverhampton so Hawk is closest and then probably B3 and Woodstock in Nottingham. What does FKW mean? I have hawk bag and gloves atm so need pads aswell. How important is it feeling a bat in your hands before buying?

If you go to b3 (assuming no lockdown), they actually have nets to try different bats in.

TheFlipper · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2021, 07:29:46 AM »

Quote from: brokenbat on March 12, 2021, 07:13:35 AM

If you go to b3 (assuming no lockdown), they actually have nets to try different bats in.

What would you suggest for me for top 3 let�s say to visit bearing in mind im based in Wolverhampton

six and out · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2021, 07:46:15 AM »

Quote from: TheFlipper on March 12, 2021, 06:58:38 AM

I live in Wolverhampton so Hawk is closest and then probably B3 and Woodstock in Nottingham. What does FKW mean? I have hawk bag and gloves atm so need pads aswell. How important is it feeling a bat in your hands before buying?

FKW means full kit w..... and it is more concerning to some than others to have matching pads, gloves and bat.

Regards being able to feel a bat in flesh, if you have the opportunity to do it I would always take that up, there is absolutely no substitute for being able to feel a bat in yours hands. The flip side of that is that some of the batmakers are so skilled and the customer service you receive that if you know what you want then there isn't a need for it.

B3's facility is superb as said above and have a ridiculous range for you to try out. I don't know the area that well but I don't think you would go far wrong from just visiting B3 and Hawk.

Wozaboxa · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2021, 08:25:08 AM »

if you're in Wolves i'd pay Dave at STAC cricket a visit for a bat, Excellent bat maker.

Hawk if you want to be like everyone else in the midlands and return it half way through the season to be repaired. Solitaire are based in the Worcs too, been impressed with their stuff.

I've personally just used Scott cricket for a custom and found the customer service top notch, I'd certainly have a chat with @jonny77

FattusCattus · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2021, 09:10:19 AM »

You might want to consider John @Red Ink Cricket - geographically not a ridiculous distance away and makes superb bats.

Not sure he's fixed his thumb back on yet though.

TheFlipper · « **Reply #8 on:** March 12, 2021, 09:14:32 AM »

Quote from: Wozaboxa on March 12, 2021, 08:25:08 AM

if you're in Wolves i'd pay Dave at STAC cricket a visit for a bat, Excellent bat maker.

Hawk if you want to be like everyone else in the midlands and return it half way through the season to be repaired. Solitaire are based in the Worcs too, been impressed with their stuff.

I've personally just used Scott cricket for a custom and found the customer service top notch, I'd certainly have a chat with @jonny77

If a lot use hawk, surely they must be decent bats or no?

TheFlipper · « **Reply #9 on:** March 12, 2021, 09:57:22 AM »

Quote from: six and out on March 12, 2021, 07:46:15 AM

FKW means full kit w..... and it is more concerning to some than others to have matching pads, gloves and bat.

Regards being able to feel a bat in flesh, if you have the opportunity to do it I would always take that up, there is absolutely no substitute for being able to feel a bat in yours hands. The flip side of that is that some of the batmakers are so skilled and the customer service you receive that if you know what you want then there isn't a need for it.

B3's facility is superb as said above and have a ridiculous range for you to try out. I don't know the area that well but I don't think you would go far wrong from just visiting B3 and Hawk.

Yeah sound mate think I�m gonna visit b3 and hawk and see if b3 are worth the extra �100 over hawk.

beaver5 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 12, 2021, 10:07:55 AM »

Hawk are excellent and used by many local players and team mates. I was disappointed however when I asked them to copy a bat for me. They said they only do their own shapes. Dave Banks, STAC, are great and I've had several off him.

I have a B3 and it's very good and they have a massive range of shapes, so you'll be able to find one you like. Salix and H4L are also great and the bats I've had from them have been brilliant. I'm temped to get one from Robert James at the moment, his bats look really good. But I'm sure you can't go far wrong with any of the brands you've mentioned or any of the forum sponsors.

TheFlipper · « **Reply #11 on:** March 12, 2021, 10:14:15 AM »

Quote from: beaver5 on March 12, 2021, 10:07:55 AM

Hawk are excellent and used by many local players and team mates. I was disappointed however when I asked them to copy a bat for me. They said they only do their own shapes. Dave Banks, STAC, are great and I've had several off him.

I have a B3 and it's very good and they have a massive range of shapes, so you'll be able to find one you like. Salix and H4L are also great and the bats I've had from them have been brilliant. I'm temped to get one from Robert James at the moment, his bats look really good. But I'm sure you can't go far wrong with any of the brands you've mentioned or any of the forum sponsors.

So are you more of a hawk or b3 (I know this forum favours b3 ALOT) but however birmingham prem and Staffordshire prem (where I play favours hawk a lot), I see the odd b3 but now and again but not much. What are pros and cons of both in your opinion?

beaver5 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 12, 2021, 10:31:45 AM »

Hawk have a great reputation in the midlands and I don't know why they don't get more praise on here. I've never seen a bad one, and the best batsman on the opposition frequently seem to use they. Really can't go far wrong with them. They have done brilliant repairs to other brand bats I've taken to them. I sold one on to a team mate as it was too heavy and he loves it. I was surprised they wouldn't copy my old GN bat though.

B3 have an unbelievably wide range of shapes. The one I have is a lovely bat, very light pick up and goes well. They have become a bit expensive, especially lower grade ones. But you you after a high grade then they are as good as anyone. They don't seem to be able make a bowed blade however. If that's something you want, then they might not be for you. I've visited a few times and they very friendly and helpful. I think you'll get a great bat and great service which ever one of those you choose.

Buzz · « **Reply #13 on:** March 12, 2021, 11:55:19 AM »

Going to your nearest bat maker is fun and good for their business.
Alternatively if you have a band you like there is nothing wrong with that too.
Or if you have a really good retailer near by you might want to keep them in business.
The answer really, it is your cash, spend it wisely on something you really want. Especially given kit isn't getting any cheaper at the moment.

TheFlipper · « **Reply #14 on:** March 12, 2021, 12:04:40 PM »

Quote from: Buzz on March 12, 2021, 11:55:19 AM

Going to your nearest bat maker is fun and good for their business.
Alternatively if you have a band you like there is nothing wrong with that too.
Or if you have a really good retailer near by you might want to keep them in business.
The answer really, it is your cash, spend it wisely on something you really want. Especially given kit isn't getting any cheaper at the moment.

B3 or Hawk, still 50/50 might have get both😔

Author Topic: How do you decide which batmaker to go with? (Read 11618 times)

TheFlipper

How do you decide which batmaker to go with?

six and out

Re: How do you decide which batmaker to go with?

TheFlipper

Re: How do you decide which batmaker to go with?

brokenbat

Re: How do you decide which batmaker to go with?

TheFlipper

Re: How do you decide which batmaker to go with?

six and out

Re: How do you decide which batmaker to go with?

Wozaboxa

Re: How do you decide which batmaker to go with?

FattusCattus

Re: How do you decide which batmaker to go with?

TheFlipper

Re: How do you decide which batmaker to go with?

TheFlipper

Re: How do you decide which batmaker to go with?

beaver5

Re: How do you decide which batmaker to go with?

TheFlipper

Re: How do you decide which batmaker to go with?

beaver5

Re: How do you decide which batmaker to go with?

Buzz

Re: How do you decide which batmaker to go with?

TheFlipper

Re: How do you decide which batmaker to go with?