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[Lefthook]

yeah maybe a higher middle for your play and this will improve pick up and going back, a lighter bat may be better for the wrists and cross bat hsots and they are about the dead weight more than pick up imo. Mid-mid high middle maybe with the offset so its longer

I feel like I'm talking to a batmaker! I agree with what you say - thanks for forcing me to think what sort of bat I really need!

[peplow]

i may be absolutely wrong mate and could be smacked into place my a more knowledgable figure on here, but thats my feelings!! hope its helpful!

[tim2000s]

In terms of playing in London, it really does depend on level and location. I've played on pitches in Greenwich Park, Wansford Common, Raynes Park, Croydon, North Middlesex Club Ground, Ham and Reigate. The pitches all vary. The commonest way to look at it is as follows:

In the early season, they are nearly all slow and low.
This summer, they became much bouncier and came on to the bat better after the dry spell.
After the wetness towards the end of the season, we had much slower pitches again, but this time slightly bouncier.

Very varied, and the location makes all the diference.

You'll probably find that they take significantly more seam than you are used to (I can make a ball pitch leg stump and miss a fish outside off stump, and I'm only playing lower league level), but combined with terribly low bounce.

[RoCo Da Pixie]

I have a Redback and it is quality, However SAF is my next purchase, Once i can warrant purchasing another bat, Maybe sell some stock to afford it,

Andy @ SAF will make you a quality Blade,
Gary @ Redback will also do so,

Warsop heard good things but i would go with Andy or Gary for true custom experience.

And if your lucky you could get a bat made infront of your eyes.

[Lefthook]

In terms of playing in London, it really does depend on level and location. I've played on pitches in Greenwich Park, Wansford Common, Raynes Park, Croydon, North Middlesex Club Ground, Ham and Reigate. The pitches all vary. The commonest way to look at it is as follows:

In the early season, they are nearly all slow and low.
This summer, they became much bouncier and came on to the bat better after the dry spell.
After the wetness towards the end of the season, we had much slower pitches again, but this time slightly bouncier.

Very varied, and the location makes all the diference.

You'll probably find that they take significantly more seam than you are used to (I can make a ball pitch leg stump and miss a fish outside off stump, and I'm only playing lower league level), but combined with terribly low bounce.

Great post, and thanks for the overview. Takes more seam! It was more than enough as it was up there! Hehe. I played a fairly lower league level, but don't know where I was headed to as I basically broke down at 19yo.

I actually began as an off-spin bowler, and have begun bowling again after a 4 year lay-off - I think the missed time has killed my chances of taking it any further, but hopefully the pitches grip a bit.

[petehosk]

The way I see it, all three are decent quality and most people would be more than happy with either of the bats! I have had 3 new Warsops which have been purchased from me by teamates, all of which are more than happy!
I still have my Redback which is a stonking bat - goes well and plays beatifully.
And have also used a couple of SAF bats in the nets, as well as seeing Andy's genius with hand making them. The SAF bats I used played soooooo well! :-))
TOUGH choice!! So what do you want from a bat?

If you want a standard shape and quality bat, then go Warsop.
If you want a standard shape which you can request slight variations then go Redback.
And if you want an award winning batmaker who would be able to customise your bat to your liking, then go SAF!
I like Warsop, but actually prefer Redback, as mine is pure quality!
But if it were me, I would go SAF as he offers that bit extra and the quality is unquestionable!! :-)

[Lefthook]

The way I see it, all three are decent quality and most people would be more than happy with either of the bats! I have had 3 new Warsops which have been purchased from me by teamates, all of which are more than happy!
I still have my Redback which is a stonking bat - goes well and plays beatifully.
And have also used a couple of SAF bats in the nets, as well as seeing Andy's genius with hand making them. The SAF bats I used played soooooo well! :-))
TOUGH choice!! So what do you want from a bat?

If you want a standard shape and quality bat, then go Warsop.
If you want a standard shape which you can request slight variations then go Redback.
And if you want an award winning batmaker who would be able to customise your bat to your liking, then go SAF!
I like Warsop, but actually prefer Redback, as mine is pure quality!
But if it were me, I would go SAF as he offers that bit extra and the quality is unquestionable!! :-)

Ah, great to hear from someone who has experienced all of the makers in question. Thanks for the tips - I've just tracked back and found some of your reviews. Really helpful.

And just for kicks, just many bats do you own?!

[revboy]

I recently had a custom bat made by Andy from SAF. The bat is superb, you can't go wrong with a SAF 

[Lefthook]

I recently had a custom bat made by Andy from SAF. The bat is superb, you can't go wrong with a SAF 

Ah, did you do it over the phone or did you get to see Andy's workshop? Also, what sort of specs did you go for? And which willow, if you don't mind my asking?

[petehosk]

Ah, great to hear from someone who has experienced all of the makers in question. Thanks for the tips - I've just tracked back and found some of your reviews. Really helpful.
And just for kicks, just many bats do you own?!

I need to do some more detailed reviews, which will take place over the cold Winter months! 
Just for kicks, I think around 90 or so with several more on their way soon! 

I believe that a few people go and watch their bats being finished for them by Andy at SAF, which is a great experience!
And as you probably already know, I was lucky enough to have Andy help me make my own bat at his workshop which was an awesome experience! And not only can he make beautiful quality bats, he also showed how good he is by correcting the mistakes I made whilst trying to make mine! 

[revboy]

Ah, did you do it over the phone or did you get to see Andy's workshop? Also, what sort of specs did you go for? And which willow, if you don't mind my asking?

I went to see Andy in his workshop. He made the bat whilst I was there. I went for grade 1 willow, medium weight, light pick up, big edges, lowish middle with good spread and oval handle. Having a bat made is a good experience. Check my thread in the SAF section.
Hope that helps

[Redback Cricket]

The way I see it, all three are decent quality and most people would be more than happy with either of the bats! I have had 3 new Warsops which have been purchased from me by teamates, all of which are more than happy!
I still have my Redback which is a stonking bat - goes well and plays beatifully.
And have also used a couple of SAF bats in the nets, as well as seeing Andy's genius with hand making them. The SAF bats I used played soooooo well! :-))
TOUGH choice!! So what do you want from a bat?

If you want a standard shape and quality bat, then go Warsop.
If you want a standard shape which you can request slight variations then go Redback.
And if you want an award winning batmaker who would be able to customise your bat to your liking, then go SAF!
I like Warsop, but actually prefer Redback, as mine is pure quality!
But if it were me, I would go SAF as he offers that bit extra and the quality is unquestionable!! :-)

Just a quick addition to this for any future readers.  I make custom bats - not just 'tweak' stock  shapes 

[procricket]

Gary not having used your bats seen many and seems as your the biggest emerging company around here can you make any shape desired ie
laver special profile???

[Redback Cricket]

Sure, do you have one you want copying?

[procricket]

i sure do bud got my laver pb here sat here and broke nearly in two