Topic: Who needs big edges?! (Read 7989 times)

deanoknight · « **on:** October 10, 2023, 08:09:53 PM »

Hi all, thought this deserved a decent review.
I reached out to Rob a few weeks ago and asked him to make me something similar to one of his previous bats I saw on Instagram. I've been wanting to try a traditional profile bat for a while but as last season was seriously hampered by my wife being in hospital I never got around to it. I'll bullet point the specs etc and leave you to enjoy the pictures.

Rob pack/ blueroom as a company.
Personally I have nothing but nice words to say about Rob, he took the time over video call to show me a few clefts, he video called to show me once the bat was shaped to make sure I was happy. 10/10 customer service.

Looks.
9 grains straight and evenly spaced, one blemish at the toe area but not something I'm worried about. I asked for performance over looks, I think I got both.

Handle.
A very nice thick semi oval, as requested. I would say similar to a GM.

Pick up.
Now I know Rob worked really hard getting the balance and pick up right so it wasn't bottom heavy. He's done a fantastic job of that. Aided by more weight up the blade. Weight is just over 2'10 I wouldn't say it feels more than 2'9.5.

Shape/profile.
Very happy with this, exactly what I wanted. The middle runs low to just about the limited edition sticker. I was curious to see how this tapped up off centre compared to a 40mm edge bat and I honestly think there's nothing in it. It will be interesting to see if top edging a ball is any different in a game.

Performance
Outstanding! I know Rob does a lot of prep work but the response is lovely. I would say it feels soft enough without being undercooked. As previously mentioned the hitting area is huge and forgiving.

Overall.
Very happy! Anyone thinking of trying a smaller edge higher spine shape I would say go for it. It does feel slightly different in your stance and tapping it on the ground but I think that's more to do with the lack of bow than shape,On this it looking down the spine it looks big so should give a lot of confidence before facing.
I haven't got the tape measure out yet but let me know if you're interested and I'll take some measurements. Hope you enjoy.
Cheers.

Buzz · « **Reply #1 on:** October 11, 2023, 06:16:36 AM »

I saw this bat on Rob's Facebook page, absolutely lovely.
I hope there is a load of runs in it for you.

jonny77 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 11, 2023, 08:05:32 AM »

Lovely stick that. Think you'll find some love for it on here, but many wouldn't use it. Shame, as it will no doubt perform as well as anything with bigger edges. I just think bats have been how they are for so long now, that people just believe bigger is better.

Hope it scores you plenty mate. Enjoy it.

golders · « **Reply #3 on:** October 11, 2023, 09:19:22 AM »

To be honest I found Rob Pack quite rude and arrogant. I�ve heard others say the same.
He is an MCC member after all

But that�s just my experience.

Yorkershire · « **Reply #4 on:** October 11, 2023, 09:37:15 AM »

Quote from: golders on October 11, 2023, 09:19:22 AM

To be honest I found Rob Pack quite rude and arrogant. I�ve heard others say the same.
He is an MCC member after all

But that�s just my experience.

That's just asking for a topic/poll on politest to rudest batmaker

golders · « **Reply #5 on:** October 11, 2023, 11:42:25 AM »

Do it aha

Yorkershire · « **Reply #6 on:** October 11, 2023, 11:50:03 AM »

Quote from: golders on October 11, 2023, 11:42:25 AM

Do it aha

Could end up libellous

TBH most batmakers I've dealt with have been great to deal with. Except for @jonny77 who should really offer me tea and biscuits!

(Just joking thought I'd get that in before I go see him for a re-handle today! Don't worry I'll bring the biscuits

They might taste like cardboard as I'm trying to be good and keep calories low over winter, low sugar biscuits!)

Sorry for hijacking the thread, that bat looks awesome! Rob Pack is on the bucket list but I'm still trying to convince myself to get a Salix, but the prices are just getting silly everywhere..

golders · « **Reply #7 on:** October 11, 2023, 12:07:53 PM »

Quote from: Yorkershire on October 11, 2023, 11:50:03 AM

Could end up libellous

TBH most batmakers I've dealt with have been great to deal with. Except for @jonny77 who should really offer me tea and biscuits!

(Just joking thought I'd get that in before I go see him for a re-handle today! Don't worry I'll bring the biscuits They might taste like cardboard as I'm trying to be good and keep calories low over winter, low sugar biscuits!)

Sorry for hijacking the thread, that bat looks awesome! Rob Pack is on the bucket list but I'm still trying to convince myself to get a Salix, but the prices are just getting silly everywhere..

Let�s stir things up and get libellous in here! Shake it up a bit hahah

Chad · « **Reply #8 on:** October 11, 2023, 12:29:55 PM »

Quote from: golders on October 11, 2023, 09:19:22 AM

To be honest I found Rob Pack quite rude and arrogant. I�ve heard others say the same.
He is an MCC member after all

But that�s just my experience.

He was a little bit frosty/distant during my very first visit with @wilkie113 - but warmed up pretty quickly. I think it's cause he's had loads of folks waste his time. When you're offering a service like the above - sometimes you have to set boundaries on interactions and what you'll entertain - it might come across as rude/arrogant, but will help filter out the clientele and save your time for the actual customers. And before anyone tells me I'm being biased - try having a guy pop round to look through the collection for 2 and a half hours while talking to you - say they'll think about buying something only to not buy anything. Twice.

Back to the bat - absolutely stunning, you got a lovely bit of willow. The Screaming Cat style profiles have a deceptively large volume in them, and as Rob says, carrying that willow up into the join does help with the strength of the bat as well as the pickup - I had a fairly similar bat made up by him, which is about 2lb 13oz, but picks up a dream. Big fan of this style of profile

golders · « **Reply #9 on:** October 11, 2023, 12:43:14 PM »

Quote from: Chad on October 11, 2023, 12:29:55 PM

He was a little bit frosty/distant during my very first visit with @wilkie113 - but warmed up pretty quickly. I think it's cause he's had loads of folks waste his time. When you're offering a service like the above - sometimes you have to set boundaries on interactions and what you'll entertain - it might come across as rude/arrogant, but will help filter out the clientele and save your time for the actual customers. And before anyone tells me I'm being biased - try having a guy pop round to look through the collection for 2 and a half hours while talking to you - say they'll think about buying something only to not buy anything. Twice.

Back to the bat - absolutely stunning, you got a lovely bit of willow. The Screaming Cat style profiles have a deceptively large volume in them, and as Rob says, carrying that willow up into the join does help with the strength of the bat as well as the pickup - I had a fairly similar bat made up by him, which is about 2lb 13oz, but picks up a dream. Big fan of this style of profile

I bought a bat from him and he called me emotionally fragile!

But yeah, looks a great stick.

mo_town · « **Reply #10 on:** October 11, 2023, 12:46:21 PM »

If these bats could be effective in hitting big sixes, we would definitely have seen atleast one international/county pro using this shape. There is a reason why the pros are not choosing to.

Kulli · « **Reply #11 on:** October 11, 2023, 01:52:32 PM »

Quote from: Chad on October 11, 2023, 12:29:55 PM

And before anyone tells me I'm being biased - try having a guy pop round to look through the collection for 2 and a half hours while talking to you - say they'll think about buying something only to not buy anything. Twice.

Prices must have been too high

golders · « **Reply #12 on:** October 11, 2023, 01:52:45 PM »

this bat be giving me M and H Solution vibes. Looks decent and hope it scores you lots of runs!

deanoknight · « **Reply #13 on:** October 11, 2023, 02:04:15 PM »

Quote from: mo_town on October 11, 2023, 12:46:21 PM

If these bats could be effective in hitting big sixes, we would definitely have seen atleast one international/county pro using this shape. There is a reason why the pros are not choosing to.

Potentially, although it could also be because pros have no need to worry about longevity of a bat? I mean Gilchrist hit a long ball, with arguably bigger boundaries using a similar shape.

The Cricket Boutique · « **Reply #14 on:** October 11, 2023, 02:07:11 PM »

Having spoken to Rob a fair few times over the last few years about industry woes he seems like a genuine bloke whos had his fair rub of the industry over the years with things, he's been around long enough!

He makes some great shapes and goes the extra mile into ensuring they are prepped properly before they head out the door.

Like Buzz, spotted this one on Instagram and given the fact I've recently got my screaming cat back it peaked interest in terms of the shape etc.

Author Topic: Who needs big edges?! (Read 7989 times)

deanoknight

Who needs big edges?!

Buzz

Re: Who needs big edges?!

jonny77

Re: Who needs big edges?!

golders

Re: Who needs big edges?!

Yorkershire

Re: Who needs big edges?!

golders

Re: Who needs big edges?!

Yorkershire

Re: Who needs big edges?!

golders

Re: Who needs big edges?!

Chad

Re: Who needs big edges?!

golders

Re: Who needs big edges?!

mo_town

Re: Who needs big edges?!

Kulli

Re: Who needs big edges?!

golders

Re: Who needs big edges?!

deanoknight

Re: Who needs big edges?!

The Cricket Boutique

Re: Who needs big edges?!