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[thedon]

Tom, whereabouts in London do you net?

We also have to give consideration that pros will net nearly everyday, reducing the lifespan of their bats

[Buzz]

I have to say I think this is largely a load of tosh. The reason pro bats seem better is because the people using them play more, have better timing and more ability than the rest of us.

A lot of bats are all the same - it is the person using them that makes the difference.

[johan95]

Why would the pro's bats be pressed differently? We are always told that our bats are pressed to perfection etc so why are theirs done any differently... I'd hazard a guess at the only real difference between ours bats and the pro's would be grain structure and density.

Have had a hold of Graham Napier's 158* 20/20 bat, extremely heavy and would require serious guns to wield it!!

True, but ask PW88 and Simmy about it, asked they asked Rob Pack this question: the bats are pressed sifter to ensure maximum ping, as all pros care about is performance, not durability, hence they have 4-5 bats in their bag/locker.
Buzz, you're definitely right sbout the player part. Sachin could bat with a plank and still get runs no doubt!

[niceonechoppy]

Why would the pro's bats be pressed differently? We are always told that our bats are pressed to perfection etc so why are theirs done any differently... I'd hazard a guess at the only real difference between ours bats and the pro's would be grain structure and density.

Have had a hold of Graham Napier's 158* 20/20 bat, extremely heavy and would require serious guns to wield it!!

The way in which a bat is pressed determines, or at least is a factor of, responsiveness of the blade. By making the bat be pressed in such a way that no netting or practice with it is required allows best possible performance. By standardly pressing them, I believe you can reduce performance in exchange for longevity.

I am not doubting that you are correct, however that would be my guess on so called Pro bats.

[GJ]

I think we established a while ago as there being no such thing as 'pressing a bat softly'. The bat maker should have an idea when pressing a bat of what will be the best and this will stay the same for all. Density is the only real factor that would significantly increase the performance.

[johan95]

This could be a question for one of the batmakers on here to clear up! Please do oblige!

[tim2000s]

My pro bat is lovely!

[niceonechoppy]

I think we established a while ago as there being no such thing as 'pressing a bat softly'. The bat maker should have an idea when pressing a bat of what will be the best and this will stay the same for all. Density is the only real factor that would significantly increase the performance.

It which case, I am mistaken. Learn something new everyday...

[johan95]

My pro bat is lovely!

What bat Is it tim: i'm curious to know!

[Washington]

If a pro bat is pressed soft to increase performance then why not, not press a bat at all?? I think soft pressing is the biggest mis-information there is about bat making!

[jonpinson]

If a pro bat is pressed soft to increase performance then why not, not press a bat at all?? I think soft pressing is the biggest mis-information there is about bat making!

Surely with no pressing the damage caused by each ball strike would quickly render the bat useless. We all know how soft unpressed willow is, the tiniest touch against anything and our lovely new bat is dented.

[Washington]

Yes of course jon but what im saying is thats the difference? If a pro is after performance then why not choose a non pressed bat? My interpretation of pressing is that it actually increases the performance of a bat, if done correctly! So in essence there is no such thing as soft pressing, merely correct pressing . . . .

[jonpinson]

Yes of course jon but what im saying is thats the difference? If a pro is after performance then why not choose a non pressed bat? My interpretation of pressing is that it actually increases the performance of a bat, if done correctly! So in essence there is no such thing as soft pressing, merely correct pressing . . . .

Yeh I agree, totally unpressed will be dead I think.

[Tom]

Are pro bats pressed soft or are just some shop bats pressed hard to reduce returns?

Bats are now pressed softer than they were years ago to get more performance (bats used to be soaked in Linseed oil to soften them up), but there is a point where pressed too softly that performance can drop. There's an optimum pressure for each clefts performance.

[tim2000s]

Look for Norbs discussion on the Coefficient of Restitution and you'll understand that the ping off a non-pressed bat will be lower than a pressed bat, however the change of a momentum imbued by a softer bat is greater through a longer period of contact.

Where's Norbs when you need him ?