Topic: Best Bat (weighing 2'8) for an Opening Batsman - Suggestions Needed (Read 20674 times)

jonpinson · « **Reply #60 on:** January 11, 2011, 07:17:05 PM »

Quote from: Canners1983 on January 11, 2011, 03:29:58 PM

jus wondered thats all...... you seemed to dismiss them very quickly

at present with the exchange rate they are extremely expensive , but i have only heard marvelous reviews of them and the one or 2 i have seen looked very good bats with lots of wood in them for the weight......

what would you say the best bat you've used out of interest?

I don't think I have dismissed them. The OP asked if they were worth it, and I honestly don't believe they are at the moment. We are taught to believe cost = performance, so people hold them with an esteem that somehow they must be better. Frankly anyone who orders one with the price in mind, expecting it to be some kind of wonder bat that ranks above all other makes is deluding themselves. I guarantee you if they cost �200 people wouldn't speak so highly of them. I have no issue with Screaming Cat, Mr Millichamp has a long held reputation for making fantastic bats. If the OP can afford it and wants one, he should go for it. He will get a good bat which will serve him well. However he asked for opinions and I gave mine.

Edit: How do you define 'best'? I have used bats that benefit my technique more, and some less. The simple truth is a bat will only be good for you if you can get on with it. They can only be so good. We are all guilty of thinking too much about it. Truth is any established batmaker has the ability to make as good a bat as the next one.

SillyShilly · « **Reply #61 on:** January 11, 2011, 07:35:49 PM »

I think a bit of male pride also takes account for the glowing reviews - if someone forks out �400 for bat, likelihood is that they will themselves it's a brilliant bat even if it is no different to any other they have had. Whether people like to admit it or not, psychology has a massive effect on the bats perceived performance. Almost more important than this, is the fact that psychology has more of an impact on your game than any bat will ever have. I expect people to strongly disagree with this fact, but pro's will score runs with any bat - therefore, we can assume that the bat is just an insrument used to demonstrate both their physical and mental ability........we probably make a bigger deal about bats as we are either unable to understand our own flaws/weaknesses and an easy way to locate these is simply through the tools we use........blimey, off on a tangent here!

jonpinson · « **Reply #62 on:** January 11, 2011, 07:40:33 PM »

Quote from: SillyShilly on January 11, 2011, 07:35:49 PM

I think a bit of male pride also takes account for the glowing reviews - if someone forks out �400 for bat, likelihood is that they will themselves it's a brilliant bat even if it is no different to any other they have had. Whether people like to admit it or not, psychology has a massive effect on the bats perceived performance. Almost more important than this, is the fact that psychology has more of an impact on your game than any bat will ever have. I expect people to strongly disagree with this fact, but pro's will score runs with any bat - therefore, we can assume that the bat is just an insrument used to demonstrate both their physical and mental ability........we probably make a bigger deal about bats as we are either unable to understand our own flaws/weaknesses and an easy way to locate these is simply through the tools we use........blimey, off on a tangent here!

The difference between you and I is you had the balls to say that

It's the same reason why even the lowest level village green cricketers amongst us want a (for example) GM Original LE rather than a 606. In reality you're going to play the same shots and score the same runs with either.

SillyShilly · « **Reply #63 on:** January 11, 2011, 07:44:15 PM »

No testicular fortitude here, just a bitter person without �400+ to splash on a laver who's convinicing himself that any old bat will do

jonpinson · « **Reply #64 on:** January 11, 2011, 07:45:58 PM »

Quote from: SillyShilly on January 11, 2011, 07:44:15 PM

No testicular fortitude here, just a bitter person without �400+ to splash on a laver who's convinicing himself that any old bat will do

Same boat, despite what I've said in this thread.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could all be happy with an entry level �50 bat that remained fashionable and never broke.

Buzz · « **Reply #65 on:** January 11, 2011, 07:52:06 PM »

Quote from: jonpinson on January 11, 2011, 07:40:33 PM

The difference between you and I is you had the balls to say that

Failing that or the bat would appear in the for sale/swap with the commentary - "I've got too many bats so want to off load one" or " I just don't get on with it - it is the wrong weight for me, but it is a super light cleft with Pro ping" - I better stop my synical ranting...

Returning to the question... which is who makes the best 2lbs 8oz bat? - well we may be able to rule out Solitaire (not wanting to cast aspersions, obviously) the Laver and the Screaming are a bit too expensive thanks to the exchange rate (and the fact it is postage is expensive)

so what are we left with?
I think that Gunn and Moore make a pretty decent bats at that weight - the Asian bats tend to come in around the 2lbs9/10 mark at their best. The GN oblivion is very pretty and popular and the �150 5 star version I consider to be decent value. Different people will vouch for different forum "brands". SAF's are quite good I hear

I have seen a few nice Newbery's at that weight and given that Newbery won Talisman's bat world cup on here (what ever did happen to him - oh that is another topic) that would probably be a banker.
So we are left with returning to a comment made by "Our Graham" in the mid 1990's when asked by Cilla who do you want 1, 2 or 3... the choice is yours...

SillyShilly · « **Reply #66 on:** January 11, 2011, 08:01:38 PM »

Cynical ranting is the priviledge of the elderly Buzz, think of it as hard earned trait

(Just kidding!)
Never paid more than �150 for a bat and now knowing costs involved i'm begrudged to pay over �100. Just think, rather than spend �400 a year on bats, spend it on coaching and you'll be far better off!
Graham, i think i'll take choice number 3, the kashmiri suprise.........

jonpinson · « **Reply #67 on:** January 11, 2011, 08:20:10 PM »

Quote from: Buzz on January 11, 2011, 07:52:06 PM

Failing that or the bat would appear in the for sale/swap with the commentary - "I've got too many bats so want to off load one" or " I just don't get on with it - it is the wrong weight for me, but it is a super light cleft with Pro ping" - I better stop my synical ranting...

Returning to the question... which is who makes the best 2lbs 8oz bat? - well we may be able to rule out Solitaire (not wanting to cast aspersions, obviously) the Laver and the Screaming are a bit too expensive thanks to the exchange rate (and the fact it is postage is expensive)

so what are we left with?
I think that Gunn and Moore make a pretty decent bats at that weight - the Asian bats tend to come in around the 2lbs9/10 mark at their best. The GN oblivion is very pretty and popular and the �150 5 star version I consider to be decent value. Different people will vouch for different forum "brands". SAF's are quite good I hear
I have seen a few nice Newbery's at that weight and given that Newbery won Talisman's bat world cup on here (what ever did happen to him - oh that is another topic) that would probably be a banker.
So we are left with returning to a comment made by "Our Graham" in the mid 1990's when asked by Cilla who do you want 1, 2 or 3... the choice is yours...

Did the world cup actually finish or has it drifted away? I remember seeing the final still running long after it was supposed to have stopped...I digress.

I maintain the best thing the OP can do is email a few batmakers on here. Discuss what he needs and make a decision on which to go for based on that. You will end up with a bat made to suit you, rather than a bat you think will do the job.

Oh and thumbs up to Buzz for doing the cynial mod thing. Funny. The rest of us would be banned

will5210 · « **Reply #68 on:** January 11, 2011, 08:24:04 PM »

Quote from: CricketisLife on January 09, 2011, 10:09:49 PM

Guys,
I have been thinking hard on the bat to buy this year as I am now a regular opener. I have one of Mike's beauties, cricket bat that is before you all go off on a tangent, the Distinction from M&H. I used to have the Retro but the new Amplus looks like Mike's bat.
Given that I need to buy one soon, any suggestions from anyone who can help me chose a bat ?
Mr. Hosk, given that you are a bat collector and hard hitter, i am sure you would have a couple but looking for some options here...
thanks guys...

Go to your local shop & buy the one that:

A: Your favorite pro player uses
and/or
B: Has the nicest stickers (preferably shiny)

I wish I could go back to those days of innocent bliss, when I knew nothing of grades, ping, moisture level, density, concaving & the 50p on the edge

Buzz · « **Reply #69 on:** January 11, 2011, 08:32:36 PM »

Quote from: SillyShilly on January 11, 2011, 08:01:38 PM

spend it on coaching and you'll be far better off!
Graham, i think i'll take choice number 3, the kashmiri suprise.........

charging for coaching - I should do that!
I chose for number 2 - An oxforshire beauty

Canners · « **Reply #70 on:** January 12, 2011, 09:18:22 PM »

Quote from: jonpinson on January 11, 2011, 07:17:05 PM

I don't think I have dismissed them. The OP asked if they were worth it, and I honestly don't believe they are at the moment. We are taught to believe cost = performance, so people hold them with an esteem that somehow they must be better. Frankly anyone who orders one with the price in mind, expecting it to be some kind of wonder bat that ranks above all other makes is deluding themselves. I guarantee you if they cost �200 people wouldn't speak so highly of them. I have no issue with Screaming Cat, Mr Millichamp has a long held reputation for making fantastic bats. If the OP can afford it and wants one, he should go for it. He will get a good bat which will serve him well. However he asked for opinions and I gave mine.

I agree that you can probably get just as good a bat for �200 as it seems alot of bats are sourced from the same place/ made using J.S Wright clefts

however if you wholeheartedly believe this why on earth would you consider buying a Gray Nicolls Legend or even bother enquiring about a Laver and Wood.....

I guess its a case of ' We are taught to believe cost = performance, so people hold them with an esteem that somehow they must be better. Frankly anyone who orders one with the price in mind, expecting it to be some kind of wonder bat that ranks above all other makes is deluding themselves.'

CricketisLife · « **Reply #71 on:** January 12, 2011, 09:39:12 PM »

Guys, thanks a lot for all your feedback...
One thing from my side would be that the �430 includes shipping...
Anyway I need to read through all the posts and make a quick snapshot of all the comments that would help me decide....

Also I am off to India on holiday in February so I might have a look at a few there...any bats I need to look out for ?

jonpinson · « **Reply #72 on:** January 12, 2011, 09:40:20 PM »

Quote from: Canners1983 on January 12, 2011, 09:18:22 PM

I agree that you can probably get just as good a bat for �200 as it seems alot of bats are sourced from the same place/ made using J.S Wright clefts

however if you wholeheartedly believe this why on earth would you consider buying a Gray Nicolls Legend or even bother enquiring about a Laver and Wood.....

I guess its a case of ' We are taught to believe cost = performance, so people hold them with an esteem that somehow they must be better. Frankly anyone who orders one with the price in mind, expecting it to be some kind of wonder bat that ranks above all other makes is deluding themselves.'

Because the joy of living is I can spend my money on whatever I choose without being answerable to anyone

Whichever interests I have at any point in my life, I like to have the best gear. A few years ago I decided to learn guitar. Rather than go and buy a piece of (No Swearing Please) �50 starter kit, I comissioned a group of artisans in Moscow to build me a unique one. It cost as much as a new small car. Do I play guitar any better for it? I doubt it. Absolutely not the point of it though.

I have been known to spend �50 on a packet of a certain type of leaf tea, because it is considered exceptional. Looks the same as pg tips when I piss it out in the toilet.

I don't drink much whisky, but I have a small collection of 50 or so single malts, which will last many many years before they run out. Why? Because I find the subtle differences interesting. And because I can.

I will buy a Legend, or a L&W or maybe even a SC when the right one comes along. Will I expect them to be perform better than other bats? No. Will they make me a better player? Unlikely. Will I take an immense amount of pleasure from knowing I have the best, the pinnacle? Absolutely.

Logic and sense do not come into it. I know these follies are not worth their premium if you rate them so calculatingly on 'performance', but it is so very much more than that. You may not understand it, which is fine. I owe you no justification.

A Laver or a SC or a Legend are not worth their cost if you are buying because you think their premium will equate to an inflated level of performance. That is the point I was making to the OP, who with respect to him seemed to have found the most expensive bat he could and fallen for the myth that it must be the best...

Tumo · « **Reply #73 on:** January 12, 2011, 09:43:41 PM »

Quote from: jonpinson on January 12, 2011, 09:40:20 PM

Because the joy of living is I can spend my money on whatever I choose without being answerable to anyone

Whichever interests I have at any point in my life, I like to have the best gear. A few years ago I decided to learn guitar. Rather than go and buy a piece of (No Swearing Please) �50 starter kit, I comissioned a group of artisans in Moscow to build me a unique one. It cost as much as a new small car. Do I play guitar any better for it? I doubt it. Absolutely not the point of it though.

I have been known to spend �50 on a packet of a certain type of leaf tea, because it is considered exceptional. Looks the same as pg tips when I piss it out in the toilet.

I don't drink much whisky, but I have a small collection of 50 or so single malts, which will last many many years before they run out. Why? Because I find the subtle differences interesting. And because I can.

I will buy a Legend, or a L&W or maybe even a SC when the right one comes along. Will I expect them to be perform better than other bats? No. Will they make me a better player? Unlikely. Will I take an immense amount of pleasure from knowing I have the best, the pinnacle? Absolutely.

Logic and sense do not come into it. I know these follies are not worth their premium if you rate them so calculatingly on 'performance', but it is so very much more than that. You may not understand it, which is fine. I owe you no justification.

A Laver or a SC or a Legend are not worth their cost if you are buying because you think their premium will equate to an inflated level of performance. That is the point I was making to the OP, who with respect to him seemed to have found the most expensive bat he could and fallen for the myth that it must be the best...

Think this hits the nail on the head Jon! If you can afford to have the 'best'/priciest, you might as well!

procricket · « **Reply #74 on:** January 12, 2011, 09:48:11 PM »

agree Jon

thats why i only buy the best for myself in everything cricket

I buy load but only keep the best
I earn the money and spend it my way and same goes for my kids

So my advice is buy what you can afford and enjoy it no point in buying 2nd best because you spend more money in time correcting it

Author Topic: Best Bat (weighing 2'8) for an Opening Batsman - Suggestions Needed (Read 20674 times)

jonpinson

Re: Best Bat (weighing 2'8) for an Opening Batsman - Suggestions Needed

SillyShilly

Re: Best Bat (weighing 2'8) for an Opening Batsman - Suggestions Needed

jonpinson

Re: Best Bat (weighing 2'8) for an Opening Batsman - Suggestions Needed

SillyShilly

Re: Best Bat (weighing 2'8) for an Opening Batsman - Suggestions Needed

jonpinson

Re: Best Bat (weighing 2'8) for an Opening Batsman - Suggestions Needed

Buzz

Re: Best Bat (weighing 2'8) for an Opening Batsman - Suggestions Needed

SillyShilly

Re: Best Bat (weighing 2'8) for an Opening Batsman - Suggestions Needed

jonpinson

Re: Best Bat (weighing 2'8) for an Opening Batsman - Suggestions Needed

will5210

Re: Best Bat (weighing 2'8) for an Opening Batsman - Suggestions Needed

Buzz

Re: Best Bat (weighing 2'8) for an Opening Batsman - Suggestions Needed

Canners

Re: Best Bat (weighing 2'8) for an Opening Batsman - Suggestions Needed

CricketisLife

Re: Best Bat (weighing 2'8) for an Opening Batsman - Suggestions Needed

jonpinson

Re: Best Bat (weighing 2'8) for an Opening Batsman - Suggestions Needed

Tumo

Re: Best Bat (weighing 2'8) for an Opening Batsman - Suggestions Needed

procricket

Re: Best Bat (weighing 2'8) for an Opening Batsman - Suggestions Needed