Topic: How do you decide which batmaker to go with? (Read 10451 times)

ProCricketer1982 · « **Reply #30 on:** March 12, 2021, 07:37:50 PM »

Quote from: beaver5 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.

I've seen 5050 split with hawk. out of say 50 hawks I've seen 25 good ones and 25 planks (price having nothing to do with it it appears)... That's the reason I'd avoid them but each to their own. 3 Members of my own club uses them and swears by them even though all three have seen as many planks as good ones. just comes down to your own personal choice

t2ylo · « **Reply #31 on:** March 12, 2021, 07:58:11 PM »

Another few pages of discussion.

Then buy a Keeley

Simple.

TheFlipper · « **Reply #32 on:** March 12, 2021, 08:25:42 PM »

Quote from: ProCricketer1982 on March 12, 2021, 07:37:50 PM

I've seen 5050 split with hawk. out of say 50 hawks I've seen 25 good ones and 25 planks (price having nothing to do with it it appears)... That's the reason I'd avoid them but each to their own. 3 Members of my own club uses them and swears by them even though all three have seen as many planks as good ones. just comes down to your own personal choice

so what you are saying there pressing is not consistent?

brokenbat · « **Reply #33 on:** March 12, 2021, 08:56:47 PM »

I would suggest b3 for the sheer variety of pro shapes etc that you can try. Plus they have nets you can actually try the bats in. And... if you do find the perfect bat, they can easily recreate it for you in the future.

TheFlipper · « **Reply #34 on:** March 12, 2021, 09:06:43 PM »

Quote from: brokenbat on March 12, 2021, 08:56:47 PM

I would suggest b3 for the sheer variety of pro shapes etc that you can try. Plus they have nets you can actually try the bats in. And... if you do find the perfect bat, they can easily recreate it for you in the future.

475 for the 3 stripe le hmmmm are they worth that price

stamper · « **Reply #35 on:** March 12, 2021, 11:24:26 PM »

Quote from: InternalTraining on March 12, 2021, 02:57:14 PM

Try out different bats in nets and see which shape and weight helps you make clean contact. Then, try the same bat in a practice match and see how you fare. If you do alright, approach the bat maker for the same shape and weight bat.

Your body and physiology will tell you which bat (shape and weight) works for you. You cannot conform your body to a bat, it just doesn't work.

This is pretty solid advice if you don't know what type of bat you want rather than which brand.

If you don't know what type, and want a bat now (so can't net or play matches), you can think what sort of player you are. Mostly front foot, back foot, slogger, nurdler. What type of pitches you play on mostly - should be your home pitch. Is it low, bouncy, slow outfield etc. And your physical build (as above).

This will help you, and the manufacturer/retailer, to narrow down the choice available or custom requirements.

In terms of brands there are many good bat-makers out there. I don't think you should have to spend �400+ unless you really want to treat yourself.

The way I think about buying bats is, I'm pretty sure Roger Federer could play at my local tennis club with a frying pan and still win matches. My skill is always going to outweigh my quality of bat when it comes to making runs. So I buy bats under/around 200 and spend some money on coaching or nets with a ball machine. Don't underestimate G2 or G3 bats either. Some can provide excellent bang for your buck.

Lastly I would spend it on a UK made bat from a UK source

Jimbo · « **Reply #36 on:** March 12, 2021, 11:26:36 PM »

^ That's pretty bang on advice. A quality G2 bat from a reliable local source where you can get any issues fixed easily will score you just as many runs as a prettier G1.

SD · « **Reply #37 on:** March 13, 2021, 01:39:07 AM »

Quote from: TheFlipper on March 12, 2021, 09:06:43 PM

475 for the 3 stripe le hmmmm are they worth that price

I have two B3s in my current selection of four match bats and can say that they are exceptionally good bats. The degree of precision over what you are looking is a USP for the product (but I guess could be a bit daunting if you don't really know what it is that you want!) and the one occasion that I had a bat that I didn't feel was performing, they replaced it with a new copy that does perform.

Whether that represents VFM is subjective. I would say that their prices are at the top end of the market and you can get a bat that performs as well for less elsewhere. The customisation potential built in to the price probably isn't of value unless you know what you are looking for. And I do feel they stretch the grading boundaries more than some brands, particulrly on the G1/G2 borderline. However, if you do have a big budget, I don't think you would be dissapointed.

TheFlipper · « **Reply #38 on:** March 13, 2021, 06:12:27 AM »

Quote from: SD on March 13, 2021, 01:39:07 AM

I have two B3s in my current selection of four match bats and can say that they are exceptionally good bats. The degree of precision over what you are looking is a USP for the product (but I guess could be a bit daunting if you don't really know what it is that you want!) and the one occasion that I had a bat that I didn't feel was performing, they replaced it with a new copy that does perform.

Whether that represents VFM is subjective. I would say that their prices are at the top end of the market and you can get a bat that performs as well for less elsewhere. The customisation potential built in to the price probably isn't of value unless you know what you are looking for. And I do feel they stretch the grading boundaries more than some brands, particulrly on the G1/G2 borderline. However, if you do have a big budget, I don't think you would be dissapointed.

what specifically are your 4 match bats if you dont mind me asking?

SD · « **Reply #39 on:** March 13, 2021, 11:07:33 AM »

Quote from: TheFlipper on March 13, 2021, 06:12:27 AM

what specifically are your 4 match bats if you dont mind me asking?

I have 2 B3s and 2 JN Garrards.

The B3 Custom is the CDX 8.2 which I think was designed for Steve Mullaney and is a fairly standard low middle shape. The B3 Bespoke is a little more unusual with more weight in the toe, concaved at the top and convexed at the bottom.

The two Garrards and both low middle shapes.

All four perform as well as any bats I have used. The B3s are more expensive but allow you to tweak the design with a huge amount of precision. If you like dealing with the individual bat maker, giving then a broad idea what you want and then trust the bat maker's skills to produce a good bat, then Ed Garrard is great to deal with.

TheFlipper · « **Reply #40 on:** March 13, 2021, 11:11:12 AM »

Quote from: SD on March 13, 2021, 11:07:33 AM

I have 2 B3s and 2 JN Garrards.

The B3 Custom is the CDX 8.2 which I think was designed for Steve Mullaney and is a fairly standard low middle shape. The B3 Bespoke is a little more unusual with more weight in the toe, concaved at the top and convexed at the bottom.

The two Garrards and both low middle shapes.

All four perform as well as any bats I have used. The B3s are more expensive but allow you to tweak the design with a huge amount of precision. If you like dealing with the individual bat maker, giving then a broad idea what you want and then trust the bat maker's skills to produce a good bat, then Ed Garrard is great to deal with.

Which ones are ur favourite? Can you rank them from 1 to 4 (1 being ur first choice and 4th being ur last)

The Cricket Boutique · « **Reply #41 on:** March 13, 2021, 11:23:08 AM »

Lots of good advice on here.

As others have mentioned if you don't know what you want or what suits best you should really make a trip to a good retailer or maker, ideally one that has lots of options for you to pick up. Although getting a bespoke bat made up is a great thing to do its highly unlikely you will get what you want as the maker will be lead by you and if you don't really know then how can they get it right. I would also suggest as others have on here to explore lower grade options. Just because a bat looks clean etc doesn't mean its going to perform better than a G3 etc and doesn't mean it is the right bat for you.

Contact some retailers/makers and talk to them and then get yourself booked in (when you can) to look at what they have to offer.

SD · « **Reply #42 on:** March 13, 2021, 11:24:11 AM »

Going from left to right it would be 4, 1, 2, 3.

The ones I have picked as 3 and 4 are the newest and I am still playing these in. The B3 Bespoke is the oldest and the one I have used the most and therefore the one I have picked out as my first choice. The Garrard with the clear labels looks new but it has been used across two seasons and been refurbed by the batmaker

TheFlipper · « **Reply #43 on:** March 13, 2021, 12:31:14 PM »

Quote from: SD on March 13, 2021, 11:24:11 AM

Going from left to right it would be 4, 1, 2, 3.

The ones I have picked as 3 and 4 are the newest and I am still playing these in. The B3 Bespoke is the oldest and the one I have used the most and therefore the one I have picked out as my first choice. The Garrard with the clear labels looks new but it has been used across two seasons and been refurbed by the batmaker

I think it�s impossible to get a plank at 3lb....agree?

Jimbo · « **Reply #44 on:** March 13, 2021, 12:34:05 PM »

Quote from: TheFlipper on March 13, 2021, 12:31:14 PM

I think it�s impossible to get a plank at 3lb....agree?

If it's pressed horribly, no not at all. Performance of a bat is massively dependent on it being pressed well.

Author Topic: How do you decide which batmaker to go with? (Read 10451 times)

ProCricketer1982

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

t2ylo

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

TheFlipper

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

brokenbat

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TheFlipper

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

stamper

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Jimbo

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SD

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TheFlipper

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

SD

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

TheFlipper

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

The Cricket Boutique

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

SD

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

TheFlipper

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

Jimbo

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