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[bigboss]

I bought a Kookaburra Ghost bat in  2017 which was just perfect for me in terms of pickup and swing. Co
Uple of years later, I bought a Kippax Colossus which was brilliant in hitting big shots at the expense of manoeuvrability. But I got used to it and eventually sold my Kookaburra (stupidly). I then thought of getting something a bit lighter so got the Kippax Dragon. Lovely bat but the swing was all over the place and I wasn't hitting the ball well with it. So I went back to the Colossus.

I now need a new bat. I'm thinking of either going for the Ghost Pro or getting a custom bat made from Talent Cricket or somewhere else. I'm also planning to travel to Mumbai in a couple of months, so can look at bats there (SS, SG, MRF etc.). I'm not sure of custom bat makers in Mumbai.

Any advice on brands or options? How's custom bat from Talent Cricket? 

[Jimbo]

If you want a custom bat, there are plenty of great options on the forum. Might be useful to know your budget and roughly what you're looking for?

[cobweb1510]

My advice, for what it's worth, is to go to a local bat maker to you- where ever you are. See the workshop, chat, play around with a few bats (maybe take along a favourite old bat). That way you should get something that performs as you like it but also adds an amount of emotional attachment and value. In my experience of buying bats for my son, he really cares about the ones where he knows the guy that made just for him. (And the price is just as competitive).

[Maverick06]

If you are going to Bombay, I am pretty sure you will find something that will suit your preference. That too at a fraction of a price. You may end up buying more than one bat ;-)

[bigboss]

Thanks for responses so far! I'm a front foot player, so lower to middle sweet spot suits me. The Ghost was brilliant. Good idea about meeting a batmaker and try a few out. I'm still trying to find reputed batmakers in Mumbai.

[joymarvin]

Thanks for responses so far! I'm a front foot player, so lower to middle sweet spot suits me. The Ghost was brilliant. Good idea about meeting a batmaker and try a few out. I'm still trying to find reputed batmakers in Mumbai.

There aren't any reputed batmakers in Mumbai. Most of them are in Meerut, and Jalandhar.

[Chad]

Where abouts are you based? There is aftersale service you've gotta consider - if you're based here in the UK, and your purchase from India breaks, you've got the added headache of having to ship back yourself.


Budget, weight and shape are the 3 questions to ask. I'm not sure who Talent get to make their customs, if it is Hunts or what, but you're far better off going direct to the manufacturers if you're looking for a custom from a smaller maker.


My own experience, I have visited B3, Scott, H4L, RPC. (Keeley and Warsop too, but don't know if they do custom orders with good comms) I'd say any of those 4 would make you an incredible lower swell bat.

[KettonJake]

If you like the custom from talent then I can get you a custom made by the same bay maker they use, but Ill charge less

[Bats_Entertainment]

'Bat swing' is a new one?

[Chad]

'Bat swing' is a new one?

Might be referring to 'swing weight' in this instance

[bigboss]

Thanks, yes I was referring to swing weight. Very useful suggestions so far! Scott, Kippax and Nixon aren't far from me, and I could visit B3 when visiting friends in Nottingham. I think I should visit them and talk to each. Hopefully it will help me decide. It appears that a lot of bat makers are based down South. I might visit a couple when I go to London next.

Does everyone have to do the verification thing before posting?

[jonny77]

Thanks, yes I was referring to swing weight. Very useful suggestions so far! Scott, Kippax and Nixon aren't far from me, and I could visit B3 when visiting friends in Nottingham. I think I should visit them and talk to each. Hopefully it will help me decide. It appears that a lot of bat makers are based down South. I might visit a couple when I go to London next.

Does everyone have to do the verification thing before posting?

Happy to have you visit the workshop anytime, just let me know when you'd like to visit 

[Bats_Entertainment]

Might be referring to 'swing weight' in this instance

I have absolutely no idea what that is, either. 

[IQ]

I bought a Kookaburra Ghost bat in  2017

To get the exact same feel look for a SG if visiting in person - very similar profile (a bit chunkier than Kookas otherwise same thing). Depending on the model and year the SGs are made the hitting area can be minutely lower or higher. There are a lot of SG models and lot more range and stock available in India so you will be able to find exact copy. Handles by SG/Kooka feel different (good different)- thin but strong. SG are lot more cheaper than Kookas - not paying for the brand name.

Get another custom made bat made by one of the forum bat makers in the meantime. Maybe it will turn out to be even better. You can never have enough bats :-)

[bigboss]

Happy to have you visit the workshop anytime, just let me know when you'd like to visit 

Was good to see you today Jonny! 👍🏽