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[statsman]

Hi all, first post after lurking a while...

Being just 1.7m, I'm beginning to experiment with shorter length bats. I've got a couple of SH bats both 2.10 in weight and play great. But am tempted by the much cheaper prices of the SA sizes. I've just acquired a Kahuna small adults as an experiment. The blade is ~20mm shorter, but same width and handle length as my SH. The weight was 2.5 but dressed and double gripped is now sitting 2 lb 6.5 oz. I'm still playing it in so won't know how it really plays yet, but it taps up really well (I'm a little underwhelmed by the profile, but have learn't to withhold judgement until I get a few games under the belt).

The attraction of the Kahuna was the price for a pro players grade which I think is G1. The downside being that the SA sizes seem to max out at 2lb 6oz. I'm now thinking, what about a short blade. you can get them in higher weights and in the G3/4 willow they are around the same price as a G1 spec small adults.

I've seen a few posts about harrows vs SH, but anyone with good experience in switching down from SH to a small adults or SB length?
Cheers

[Jimbo]

I started using bats like you're describing last season and I've found it much more comfortable to use. I've got a mix, some are standard handle and an inch shorter blade, some are 3cm shorter blade/1cm longer handle.

Worth speaking to one of the forum batmakers about if you're interested as none of them will let you down.

[jonny77]

Definitely would go down the custom route. I've done bats for people at 'adult' weights but harrow length and full width too. You'll probably get more willow/volume than you would with an off the shelf. Loads who can help on here.

Also did @Jimbo a shorter blade/longer handle set up and use that set up myself (mainly due a drying crack in a cleft meaning i had to make the blade 15mm shorter). When life gives you lemons and all that!

[Jimbo]

Especially good if you want big specs at a lighter weight. The bat I have from Jonny is an absolute monster and weighs a smidge over 2-9 with one grip, scuff sheet and toe protection.

[statsman]

thanks guys,

I tend to grip down low on the handle so wouldn't the long handle in a SB/LH setup be counter productive, or do you need the LH for balancing pickup etc?

[jonny77]

You'll find differing opinions on SB/LH set ups, as some feel they pick up better, others not. I'm in the first camp, as game one are the minute which is 2lbs 12oz bit feels nothing like it.

However, if you choke down then a super short handle could work better maybe? All depends on what you prefer, but either way you'll get more bang for your buck going custom I'd say and you can tweak blade lengths, handle lengths etc to get exactly what you want at the right weight.

Where are you based? Best to visit somewhere and try some out really I'd say.

[Jimbo]

thanks guys,

I tend to grip down low on the handle so wouldn't the long handle in a SB/LH setup be counter productive, or do you need the LH for balancing pickup etc?

Not necessarily, the bats I've got that are standard handle and shorter blade take that into account in the balancing and they pick up absolutely fine.

[SOULMAN1012]

Happy to help you out if you want to have a chat made a few 1/2 inch shorter blade standard SH handle before and use a slightly shorter blade set up myself. Plenty of G3 clefts and options so by all means drop me a message if you want a chat.

[statsman]

I'm in NZ so wont have the pleasure of popping in for a visit to a local batmaker. I'll give SA sized kahuna a decent run of matches to see if a custom adult-weighted setup is on my next shopping list!