Hi essexarsenal,
I've read the forum for a while now but have never posted, just had no reason too. However I saw your post and thought I may be able to add something here. I've sort of bought and traded my way through a few bats over the past few years and have ended up with a L&W Reserve (25+ grains 50/50 heartwood), L&W Signature (unused), and now imported a GN Legend from the UK.
Like you I bought the Signature without the extra stuff for a very good price for one reason or another. Having bought a lot of top bats over the years, finding a looker + performer + the shape you want is tough. I'd admit its almost impossible!! Willow is a natural product and even the very best does have imperfections, even the Signature.
My Signature has 15 grains with 11 evenly spaced grains, with 4 very tight grains in the middle. James advised this was one of the best Signatures pieces he had ever had as the extra tight grains would play well with the edges being stronger. I'm not sure as I haven't had the guts to use it, however I'd always imagined evenly spaced, but this was not the case and I went with his advice. The shape is a mix of a custom AM (Pakistan) and L&W Special with no scalloping, and is actually very very similar to a GN Legend (AUS) with an oval handle, it really is a beautiful specimen. If you want an amazingly well made bat, like you can't imagine, this is it. The finishing is amazing, handle feels strong and will last, and I have confidence it will last season after season when I use it. Trust me though, you still won't be 100% satisfied, thats just the way it seems to work :-). For me, mines a little heavier than I wanted at 2.11oz even though I wanted 2.85.
I received the UK GN Legend just before Xmas from Talent Cricket. Initially I was soooooo annoyed, I asked for it not to be knocked in and they oiled and knocked it in taking an extra two weeks. It sweated so bad in the packaging and during delivery that it has pooled oil on the bat. After drying, cleaning it up, getting used to it, and having throw downs with it, it feels super soft and is going to perform really really well, but I really don't think it will last for ever. I guess if I wanted that, I would buy a grade 3 bat. It has 14 grains evenly spaced but a bit wonky if I'm honest and has a few imperfections on the back. BIG 37mm edges for 2.9oz. Pretty well made for an off the shelf, but certainly does not have the attention to detail in the finishing of a L&W and I'm not convinced about the handle strength.
Anyway in conclusion, if you're want the best available, are happy to buy over the internet without feeling the bat in your hands, and are prepared to pay for the Signature, its a great choice and you'll love it. If you're not convinced that you will be 100% happy, go to your local store or from store to store if you have to, and find the best example of the shape/model of bat that you like and then replace it when you need a new one. Thats what I'll probably do next time, even if it ends up with 8 grains. Having tested multiple multiple bats from 7 grains to 25 grains, from small amount of heartwood to 75% heartwood, I realised that a soft low density piece of willow in the correctly suited shape, is the most important thing, although it won't last. Also allows you to then buy a new one :-).
On a side note about L&W, both of my bats are very well made and I'm sure they'll last far far longer than anything in any brand off the shelf. The handles are far better quality and the finishing is not comparable to anything but GM. One recommendation I would make though is, make sure you're firm about the max weight you will accept, as James in my experiences tends to make them heavier than you ask for.
Added a photo photos below for you.
Siganture Willow
Signature Bat
Legend Grain
Reserve when new
Author
Topic: Signature (Read 33494 times)