Bat fitting session?
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ad2606

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Re: Bat fitting session?
« Reply #15 on: October 22, 2023, 09:16:03 PM »

Bat fittings aren't really needed and aren't really available in the same way as golf clubs. Unless you're at one of the extremes size wise, or have any reason why you'll need something out of the norm (injuries, disability etc), then its more a discussion over shape, your personal preferences on handle and weight etc. Golf fittings are largely data driven, with technology playing a big part. Cricket doesn't really have that as such, but I have seen things creeping in and being tried. Not sure how relevant they are, or useful.

That said, I'll happily do all I can with customers to ensure they're getting exactly want the want. If they're not sure what that is, I'll discuss options at length and let them feel a number of different bats etc until we get to what they feel is right.

Yeah I wouldn't expect anything as in depth as golf club fitting but I have no id a whether I'd want oval or round handle (or what difference each makes) if I'm better off with a lighter bat or staying heavy, profile choices.....not a clue on which is best for me or the reasons for picking a particular one.
I'm happy to spend £500 on a custom bat but would love to have a slight bit of knowledge on what I'm actually customising if that makes sense
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billyb

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Re: Bat fitting session?
« Reply #16 on: October 22, 2023, 09:18:32 PM »

Bat fittings aren't really needed and aren't really available in the same way as golf clubs. Unless you're at one of the extremes size wise, or have any reason why you'll need something out of the norm (injuries, disability etc), then its more a discussion over shape, your personal preferences on handle and weight etc. Golf fittings are largely data driven, with technology playing a big part. Cricket doesn't really have that as such, but I have seen things creeping in and being tried. Not sure how relevant they are, or useful.

That said, I'll happily do all I can with customers to ensure they're getting exactly want the want. If they're not sure what that is, I'll discuss options at length and let them feel a number of different bats etc until we get to what they feel is right.

It is also just a nice/fun experience for the customer though. Getting to see your bat being made and actually engaging with the batmaker him/herself is cool and rare. I think it is selling an experience more than it is a product/technical fitting of equipment.
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jonny77

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Re: Bat fitting session?
« Reply #17 on: October 22, 2023, 09:34:04 PM »

I agree. I was just saying that golf fittings are very different, having had that experience many times and golf fittings were mentioned in the original post. I'm all for supporting your local or smaller batmaker to obviously! 😆

As I said, when anyone comes to me for a custom bat, I'll always discuss every aspect and run through the options. As I want the customer to be happy, but I'm also conscious of closing their thinking. I personally think too much is made of certain shapes for certain players/conditions etc tho. I feel there's some merit in it, but no point playing with a shape you don't like the look or feel of, just because someone says you should have that based on your style of play, or pitch you play on, or just because they prefer it. You don't necessarily have to spend £500 either, plenty of makers will make you a custom bat up for much less mate.

Matt's a good bloke and makes a bloody good bat, so sure you'll be more than looked after.
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ad2606

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Re: Bat fitting session?
« Reply #18 on: October 22, 2023, 09:53:16 PM »

I agree. I was just saying that golf fittings are very different, having had that experience many times and golf fittings were mentioned in the original post. I'm all for supporting your local or smaller batmaker to obviously! 😆

As I said, when anyone comes to me for a custom bat, I'll always discuss every aspect and run through the options. As I want the customer to be happy, but I'm also conscious of closing their thinking. I personally think too much is made of certain shapes for certain players/conditions etc tho. I feel there's some merit in it, but no point playing with a shape you don't like the look or feel of, just because someone says you should have that based on your style of play, or pitch you play on, or just because they prefer it. You don't necessarily have to spend £500 either, plenty of makers will make you a custom bat up for much less mate.

Matt's a good bloke and makes a bloody good bat, so sure you'll be more than looked after.

Cheers matey, I will as just going off the G1 price on the H4L website to be fair I've never treat myself to a brand new expensive bat so it's all abit new to me, I usually just get second hand ones off here (some absolutely awesome ones over the years!)
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cobweb1510

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Re: Bat fitting session?
« Reply #19 on: October 22, 2023, 10:20:45 PM »

Tough one with you being so far away from H4L.

I can't comment on matching pads/bat- done exactly the same for my son (and he's a 'keeper- so that's 2 of everything!).  :D

That said, I completely agree with you on the idea of a "bat fitting". If you're spending that much (or even if not), you want something that feels right. The problem I had was neither myself nor my son had the language  to express what we wanted in the bat. We travelled from near Burnley to Wakefield to do exactly what you suggested (and Johnny described). Swing some bats around, talk about how they feel with the batmaker, and generally agree on a spec that we wanted. We go to Warrior (We love Warrior bats, but his reputation seems to be local/regional!), Scott's seem to have an exceptional reputation on the forum- and Leeds isn't so far.

I think the process is worth the time (in fairness we went for the first senior sized bat- I recently bought a spare over the phone because I could just ask for the same again)- obviously others here seem to disagree. So that pushes it back into your court.

1) Can you justify the time/cost/pain in the (No Swearing Please) to visit H4L? If so, that would lead to you getting exactly what you want.
2) Visit someone closer. Plenty nearby (both I suggested are easy to get to for you). You get a bat that feels exactly as you want, but the stickers don't match. Only you can quantify that.
3) Go to a shop. Swing some bats, and pick one you like. Easiest option.

As a final (sneaky) option- don't some bat companies sell stickers? No idea if H4L do or not. Or maybe get some made up? Buy a bat without stickers locally, then add the stickers on to match the kit. Obviously unethical if you were reselling etc, but if it's just to satisfy your aesthetic needs, then why not?
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jonny77

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Re: Bat fitting session?
« Reply #20 on: October 23, 2023, 07:18:28 AM »

I'd contact Matt and go for the full experience. If your heart and mind is set on a H4L, you'd be best going for one as otherwise I'm not sure you'd ever be fully invested in another bat. You'll get a great weekend away and a stunning bat mate to what you want at thr end of the process. Win all round!
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hell4leather cricket

Re: Bat fitting session?
« Reply #21 on: November 04, 2023, 08:38:35 PM »

Apologies I have just seen this . Unfortunately being on my own , I am guilty of being crap answering calls and emails !   Adam please email - h4lcricket@h4l.co.uk

Regards
Matt
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