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[fortylicks]

Evening everyone, a mate of mine is looking for a new bat (the handle has gone on his Salix) and he's undecided about what to go for. He loves the balance/pick up of the Salix he's got, and wants something similar. I've made him aware of SAF, which is just down the road from us (Oxford) and he wants to know what SAF could offer him in service that Salix can't (He was interested in going to Maidstone for their 'fitting' service).

Any ideas which way he should go? Anyone used any of these services?

Thanks in advance.
Dave

[jonpinson]

A rehandle would be cheaper.

[iand123]

If you go down to Salix they will defo look after you. Price would be a factor though, I'm sure andy would do just as good a saf bat for a lot less

[GJ]

Ive done the bespoke service thing with Salix. It was quite good although it took a while to get served as there was quite a few people when we went. So be prepared for a lengthy wait in the barn!! There is another bad point in that you dont really get a great choice of clefts and its all over quite quickly, took about 20 mins for Andrew to shape and sand mine. Its good fun watching though. If he does go for that then get Andrew to make his bat as he'll get the best out of it! You also dont get to take your bat away on the day as they keep it for finishing and labelling. Mine was a very good bat, had a season and a half of good use and now its completely dead and is (No Swearing Please) at the toe!! Went with one of their older profiles. If he goes, I'd recommend he looks for a downgraded bat with something like a butterfly mark on the face. I found one there and got it a lot cheaper too.
 
Cant comment on the SAF one as havent experienced that. May be more useful though as its more local and wont cost you an arm and leg on petrol to get there! I think it costs less too.

Let me know if you need any more info on the salix one though...

[johan95]

My SAF is a gun, you can do the same thing with Andy down the road I believe, then? It would be worth dropping either Andy (SAF Bats) or Pete (petehosk) a PM or an e-mail, and I am sure they will sort you out.
Thing with Salix is price, as you know you are assured of quality: though the SAF's are lovely.
Hope that's of some help..

[100 not out]

I think it's a no brainer when you have an award winning podshaver in your locality. I can pretty much guarantee that the saf will be a gun. After sales service should also be considered it's easier to stay local in my opinion. The choice is yours though.

[johan95]

Yeah, #1 in the AOC Blind Bat test...I'm sure there were a couple of Salixes in there too...

[SillyShilly]

Go SAF, at least you know the bat is made entirely in the UK and any issues/queries will be sorted out straight away!

[hell4leather cricket]

i am 30 mins from salix! ;-)

[FattusCattus]

Do you have biscuits in the workshop? That could tip the balance.

[hell4leather cricket]

i can buy a box of broken biscuits ,if that sways it!

[steelcouch]

Arent Salix bought in from India now.
if so it makes them an expensive import

[petehosk]

Have sent PM to outline what we can do by way of visit - especially if you are local!!
Let us know either way 

[Johng]

Salix are definitely made in the UK except the Rascal which is made in India from Kashmir willow

[Cover_Drive]

It is just murmurs saying that Salix's are made in India. They are definitely made in Kent.

I got a Salix couple of days ago from Asad (at uzisports). Although it is has been graded as Rogue, I am still having difficulties in finding a reason why it has been label as Rogue as there is no defect which I found. The finishing and craftsmanship is seriously the best I have seen n my life so far. It goes quite well of the mallet and feels great in my hand. I paid around 170 quids and shapewise it is Pod 1 so I would say I got a Pod 1 for 170 notes.

Here is uzisports Salix Factory Seconds section;

http://uzisports.com/index.php?cPath=30_195