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[Cover_Drive]

I have few bats which are oval handle and few which are round handle so a question I wanted to ask was that what difference does it make? Which one is better to have? Is one better than the other?

Or its just personal preference?

Cheers

[tim2000s]

The theory is that an oval handle will keep you aligned better, rather than you slogging the ball across the line you are playing. Again in theory, wristy players prefer a round handle so that they are able to flick the ball around.

All in theory, and at a level of skill above mine!

[alexrickyponting]

i think also oval handle is meant to stop the handle twisting in your hands

[tbarnfield99]

yeah agree with both of those. really does help you play straighter in my opinion. although at the end of the day it really does come down to personal preference.

[FattusCattus]

It does, but an oval handle does help us 'happy slappers' play a little straighter.

Millichamp have made the best ovals I have grabbed.

[Colesy]

Agree with Brucie. M&H handles are very nice, up there with Hunts County.

I like oval handles but can use a round handle if it's fairly thick.

I heard somewhere Tresco tried a triangle shaped handle once....

[Liam-SCCC]

I think it is completely down to personal preference, it may have technical benefits but a person must choose a handle that feel right.

I find round handles the best, I have to have a GM shock absorber grip though! I have tried round handles with half grip on the bottom hand and that does feel right, nor does as oval with 1 grip.

It has to be a round handle with GM grip! Don't feel comfortable with anything else!

[100 not out]

Thick oval handle is the best in my opinion. With round handles I can't be sure of the face of the bat. Not sure if that makes sense

[GJ]

The benefit of an oval handle is it stops the bat spinning in the hands when you play a shot, eg. maximising your use of the face of the bat.

Handle shape is one the key issues in having the right bat for you in my eyes. Most of the larger brands these days have round handles as most parts on the bat are machined and the handle is often done on a lathe. Whereas the smaller brands will often have an oval handle as they are hand made, and the batmaker would recommend this.

On the subject of bat handles, why is a triple sprung handle the preferred choice for brands these days? I interested in trying a double sprung bat in the future so might enquire about this on my next bat. I know they are different through one allowing more flex etc, but just wondered why its only a majority that do it now...

[Tumo]

My personal preference is the one on my Hunts, bottom half is oval and top half is round. Best of both worlds if you ask me!

[Colesy]

Similar to Slazengers of a few years ago

[Sitonit]

Similar to Slazengers of a few years ago

Are Slazengers still in the business of bat making? They must be pretty close to putting an end to bat manufacturing. Haven't anyone lately using a new Slaz bat.

[Psi]

Yes still going strong. Indian made by Sondhi I think. Some of the high end bats are occasionally amazing value in Sports Direct sales. I have a V1000 g1+ which is knocking up really well in the nets. Considering using it as my match bat next year.

[Psi]

... But the handle is quite thin. Small oval at the bottom.

[WalkingWicket37]