There would be (at best) 2-3 companies who would put the same (or very close to that quality) quality bats in the market as they give to their sponsored pros. Simple reason, not enough willow.
The only big name I can think of is Newbery. There SPS range is considered to be almost the same quality (in terms of performance) as the bats they give to their sponsored pros.
Coming back to Gladiator bats, demand for gladiator bats is created by putting those labels on sponsored players bats. Sangakara has used bats with Ranger and Elite stickers as well. These two are probably half the price of a Gladiator.
I feel there will be not much diff between the Gold Edition, Platinum Reserve and Gladiator bats either in quality, profile or finish.
To the extent I have seen, most companies from the subcontinent would grade willow (off the shelf bats) based on looks (grains, clean blade etc.) followed by performance. Cleaner blade, narrow grains = more pricey bats. Making money on peoples ignorance and/or limited availability of such willow? Maybe.
Player bats are grade the other way round - performance followed by cosmetics. Pros need a bat that will perform and get them suns and not one which is just for a photo shoot.
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Topic: SS Gladiator (Read 5772 times)