Topic: Net bat (Read 1689 times)

cobweb1510 · « **on:** August 30, 2023, 11:00:49 PM »

It's been suggested to me that I should buy a spare bat for my son to use in the nets, to protect his match bat and make it last longer.

This led me to 2 questions.

1)
Is this worth it?
He's now using an adult SH bat, so no issues with him growing out of it. The match bat was �300, so it makes sense to try look after it. The bat maker who made the original (excellent) bat has offered to make a new one (at a lower grade) for �180. I know the wood difference is purely cosmetic, so it makes sense to economise here (to me). Or should he just keep using his "main" bat over the winter nets, with maybe a refurb?

2a)
Assuming we decide to buy a spare bat. It would make sense to me that I buy a bat as similar to his "main" bat as possible. By going back to the same maker with the same specifications as the original, then any net practise will replicate an in-match stroke as closely as possible. Is this a good idea? I can't see any reason why it is a bad idea- but maybe there is a reason.

2b)
If duplicating the main bat is a good idea, why do so many of you have so many different bats?

OK- slightly tongue in cheek, but given some of the huge attention to detail people seem to demand from bats, surely having 6 different bats from different manufacturers or models will work against using any of the bats consistently? If it doesn't, does that mean that the initial requirements are unnecessarily restrictive?

jonny77 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 30, 2023, 11:34:28 PM »

Good idea and I'd get as close to his match bat as possible. Lower grade will be fine.

However, I wouldn't get hung up on this too much. For me, people way overthink their bats and this ends up being an issue, rather than helping them actually score runs. I'm pretty sure people could use any bat you gave them to good effect, within reason obviously, if they didn't think about it too much. Bit like anything, we tend to think having a very specific tool for the job will in the end cover up technical issues or a lack of ability! 😆

Not that I'm saying your lad has these. From your posts he sounds quite the player! More reason imo not to let him get hung up on bat shapes, weights, grades etc etc. Just give him a bat he likes and let him play.

The4thStump · « **Reply #2 on:** August 31, 2023, 12:10:02 AM »

There is no right or wrong answer here as theres various pros and cons to consider in all 3 of your points.

Its like football boots. Wear em to training a few times to break them in and you can either carry on using them in training and games because you love them or prolong them for games by buying a cheaper pair for training as you may use heavier footballers or cheaper/ harder balls.

But where a cheaper bat will benefit you is in wet weather. You do not want a �300 bat out in the rain.

sgcricket · « **Reply #3 on:** August 31, 2023, 01:37:25 AM »

Depends on the purpose. I try to use a heavier bat in the nets as i would like to increase my bat speed and strength. If the purpose is to replicate the match conditions, then it makes sense to use a similar bat.

Buzz · « **Reply #4 on:** August 31, 2023, 06:40:15 AM »

Yes to the spare net bat. But get an off cut or something you don't need to spend 180...

mo_town · « **Reply #5 on:** August 31, 2023, 09:08:43 AM »

Quote from: jonny77 on August 30, 2023, 11:34:28 PM

Good idea and I'd get as close to his match bat as possible. Lower grade will be fine.

However, I wouldn't get hung up on this too much. For me, people way overthink their bats and this ends up being an issue, rather than helping them actually score runs. I'm pretty sure people could use any bat you gave them to good effect, within reason obviously, if they didn't think about it too much. Bit like anything, we tend to think having a very specific tool for the job will in the end cover up technical issues or a lack of ability! 😆

Not that I'm saying your lad has these. From your posts he sounds quite the player! More reason imo not to let him get hung up on bat shapes, weights, grades etc etc. Just give him a bat he likes and let him play.

Isnt this contradictory to bespoke batmakers' USP? Dont buy a generic mass produced model but get something that suits you?

jonny77 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 31, 2023, 09:39:38 AM »

Quote from: mo_town on August 31, 2023, 09:08:43 AM

Isnt this contradictory to bespoke batmakers' USP? Dont buy a generic mass produced model but get something that suits you?

Not really, as all batmakers sell a few particular shapes and styles they make in certain shapes, handle size/shape etc, with the option there for bespoke. That's the USP. Don't like a std semi oval handle, go bespoke. Don't like my stock shapes, go bespoke. You can't do that both a mass produced brand ots.

My point was that imo people overthink the minor details often and I see it a lot with parents obsessing over minor details for their kids bats, which the kid then picks up on. Imo, the less they're thinking about whether 1mm thickness in the handle is making them play a bad shot, or in their opinion the middle position being 10mm too high is causing them to miss time certain shots, the better. There's a lot of information available online and it's not always altogether useful. That said, you should obviously have a bat you're comfortable with. I just don't think it has to be that hard to find that and I don't think too much emphasis should be placed on the minute details. Just my opinion.

elliss · « **Reply #7 on:** August 31, 2023, 10:07:29 AM »

I would say PICK-UP wants to be similar. Handle at a push

I dont think shapes, sizes, look are overly important to technique. Sure you want to like the look of your bat. When you are facing a fast bowler, in your helmet etc you are not looking at your bat. You feel it. Pick-up is no1 IMO.

My 13yo (tall/big) lad was using a 2-8 bat and he said it was horrible to hold. I added another grip, no help. I tried it and it did seem heavy/awkward. He started using a bat, from my collection, that was obv bigger. Loved it and now all good. I tried it and pick up was much lighter. Clearly. I weighed it. 2-11.

Jimbo · « **Reply #8 on:** August 31, 2023, 10:28:15 AM »

I'd want all my bats to feel roughly similar in the hands, for me that means similar pickup and a similar handle feel. Doesn't need to be exact, just close enough.

Chad · « **Reply #9 on:** August 31, 2023, 11:38:10 AM »

I think for the amount he plays, definitely worthwhile going back to the batmaker to get a lower grade. I know �180 might seem steep to some for a net bat, but the more we collectively support local batmakers etc, the more bats will be made here and more demand for skills to be developed here to make cricket bats. (Always a good thing IMO) Little quirks like the handle shaping, the batmaker's perception of a good balance, the overall look and feel of the bat - the closer you can get to your net/wet weather bat matching your match bat, the better. Familiarity is our friend here, it doesn't have to be identical in every way, but somewhat close enough that you don't really notice much difference at all.

cobweb1510 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 01, 2023, 09:21:18 PM »

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

I'm going to go with a bat for the nets.

I know I could do it more cheaply than the price I have been quoted, but I like the idea of an effective duplicate of the main bat. I also like to keep supporting the batmaker who has seen my son through from a size 4 through to his adult bat (although I wish Johnny77 would stop posting so many tempting bats

).

Oh, and @elliss , I'm in the exact same situation- his bat is 2-11 and my 13 year old loves it because of the pick up. This is one of the reasons I think it's worth keeping to the same bat maker. Another 2-11 bat could be hugely difficult for him to use.

Author Topic: Net bat (Read 1689 times)

cobweb1510

Net bat

jonny77

Re: Net bat

The4thStump

Re: Net bat

sgcricket

Re: Net bat

Buzz

Re: Net bat

mo_town

Re: Net bat

jonny77

Re: Net bat

elliss

Re: Net bat

Jimbo

Re: Net bat

Chad

Re: Net bat

cobweb1510

Re: Net bat