Value for Money Budget Bats for the Casual Cricketer
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Author Topic: Value for Money Budget Bats for the Casual Cricketer  (Read 740 times)

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FattusCattus

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Value for Money Budget Bats for the Casual Cricketer
« on: April 25, 2024, 12:45:45 PM »
I know there's been much debate about the cost of sticks rising and overseas manufacture, value for money etc.

Having just started playing again at the very casual end of club cricket, full of Thursday night wonders, lads and dads and part-timers, there's lots of discussion about budgets and getting the best bat for the part-timers money.

What are the collective thoughts on the best value bats for the money, bearing in mind this is at the lower end of the market - but taking into consideration that these guys still want value for money for their shots:)?

For instance, a budget of approx £165 is not unusual for these guys, what would the best bet be?

An established brand such as GM with their 404 or Signature, or maybe NB Burn. Perhaps a Mid range SS/SG from Online Stockist (or similar)

I've got my first nets tonight, and I know dozens of clubmates are going to ask me about value bats.

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elliss

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Re: Value for Money Budget Bats for the Casual Cricketer
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2024, 01:38:35 PM »
really good question.

GM 606 range probably the safest bet as always think the visuals on their lower grades are good. GM very very good value at the lower end ..... but personally not a huge fan of their press

GN 4 star (grade 3) bats at £180. Never had a GN bat that didnt perform really well

Ideal bet would be to grab a clearance bargain from a smaller brand as I suspect all of these bats will have had someone make sure it performs. Problem here is sourcing one/timing etc and often these bats will have more imperfections than a GM and GN. I managed to get a H4L Devil (grade 3/4) in an end of season clear out at £150ish???. Looks ok but clearly lower grade. Ball explodes off the bat. Its astonishing. Not good marketing for H4L (sorry) but if I went back for another H4L don't think Id need a higher grade.
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Jimbo

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Re: Value for Money Budget Bats for the Casual Cricketer
« Reply #2 on: April 25, 2024, 02:03:13 PM »
R1 grade Chase bats if you can get a look at it before delivery are unbelievable value.
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SOULMAN1012

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Re: Value for Money Budget Bats for the Casual Cricketer
« Reply #3 on: April 25, 2024, 02:14:05 PM »
Something lower end from adidas or NB will be decent as fC Sondi mate whom to my mind make the best overall bats out of India

Some of the Uk bat makers such as chase with the R1 and R4, H4L devil, myself with a G4 and I’m sure others can produce quality at sub £200 with the aftermarket support
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FattusCattus

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Re: Value for Money Budget Bats for the Casual Cricketer
« Reply #4 on: April 25, 2024, 02:33:12 PM »
Is an NB Burn their version of a Devil grade bat?
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Jimbo

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Re: Value for Money Budget Bats for the Casual Cricketer
« Reply #5 on: April 25, 2024, 03:00:01 PM »
Nah, the Burn is a low grade SBLH.
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dantsw13

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Re: Value for Money Budget Bats for the Casual Cricketer
« Reply #6 on: September 16, 2024, 07:01:35 PM »
I would also recommend the Gray Nicolls offcuts from their eBay clearance store for £90. I’ve picked up some absolute crackers from there for mates. Today I got one described as “unsellable but pings like mad”. It had a mixture of blued wood and some crazy circular grain on one size. But it plays very well!!
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Ayrtek Cricket

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Re: Value for Money Budget Bats for the Casual Cricketer
« Reply #7 on: September 16, 2024, 07:10:59 PM »
The one I gave to my brother after his 9 year break fro the game was an absolute plank tho! He borrowed one of mine and kindly gave the Off it back, I used it in one net and it was dead as anything.

The others have been decent that club mates had off me, but as Farris mentioned the 606 range at £155 from GM is great value for a uk made bat.
« Last Edit: September 16, 2024, 07:17:55 PM by Ayrtek Cricket »
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Purist90

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Re: Value for Money Budget Bats for the Casual Cricketer
« Reply #8 on: September 17, 2024, 05:22:08 PM »
Ironically Ive just been testing out my little bat collection as refurb season approaches.
I still cant tell any difference in pingage between the cheeky Chase Volante R4 I picked up for £137, and bats over double that price. I highly recommend looking at Chase on a budget. Obs GM too. Dont forget both will copy an old favourite in every grade of willow they offer too.
If you can wait until Black Friday I find thats the best genuine bargain time as all stock really must go by then.
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Kulli

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Re: Value for Money Budget Bats for the Casual Cricketer
« Reply #9 on: September 17, 2024, 05:50:20 PM »
Not sure GM will copy an old favourite for you..
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