cricket bat question

[steggz]

Taker, a +1 to going to Kingsgrove Sports if you're in Sydney. They'll help you out massively. They'll also have a good range of long blade bats, which you don't always get in places.

 

[hineyrulz]

It's getting late in the season so you won't quite have the same range with bat weights that you would around September. Most blokes get in early to get the best weighted bats.

 

[Timbo]

Actually at this point you should wait a few months and go in April/May. You may get a bargain.

 

[simmo1]

Yeah, there will be a big price just before next season when all the new models come out.

 

[undertaker]

Hi guys. Just a bit of an update....

I haven't forgotten this thread and since I last posted on it, I did go to Kingsgrove, as well as the Greg Chappell Cricket Centre (GCCC) in Alexandria, not far from where I live. I had a lengthy swing at a lot of bats and I've narrowed down my preferences to a few I have in mind (I should disclose that one of them is the Gray Nicolls Omega 800). Good that I didn't purchase any back in January, as GCCC has some big discounts on several bats.

Just a question I forgot to ask about bat weight. Most bats (in the senior sizes) weigh 2lb 7oz - 2lb 12oz. There's a few that weigh more than 2lb 12oz. It came to my surprise doing research on the internet that Tendulkar - although being only 5'5'' tall - used a 3lb+ bat. Lance Klusner also had a heavy bat, but he was naturally a big hitter of the ball back in the late '90s/early 2000s.

Question I must ask is: from your own experience, what bat weight do you use, and does 1-2oz make much of a difference in the long-term (e.g. 2lb 7oz vs 2lb 8oz)? Does the ball travel further with a heavier bat, or is it more advantageous to use a lighter bat? As I said in a previous, unfortunately I have had a history of back/neck/shoulder problems over the past decade so I think a lighter bat might be better for me in the long-term

I wouldnt buy a longblade (LB) being your size, im 5ft 9 and only feel comfortable using short handle (SH).
its all personal prefrence though. Imo you have to pick it up and hold it before buying. I set out to buy an MRF when i bought my last bat (5-6yrs ago) and the whole MRF range were way to bottom heavy for my liking. Ended up with a gray nic predator.

LH (long handle) was way too big for me (being 5'6'' tall). Small mens or SH size was the right length, Harrow was way too small

The English brands are usually more expensive too. Gunn and Moore tries to style itself a bit like the Rolls-Royce of cricket bats.

Absolutely love the feel and design of the GM range, although there's a hell of a price difference between the bats in the GM range.

 

[Bazal]

In terms of weight, it's a personal thing. I've always used a pretty light bat (2lb 8oz or thereabouts) and I honestly can't deal with a heavy bat at all. It also depends on the shots you play in some ways. I'm a big driver, mostly on the off side, so I've always favoured a lighter bat that I can snap through the line quite late.

For me, the weight makes little to no difference to how far or how well you can hit the ball. You'll hit it better with a lighter bat that you're comfortable with, than a heavy one you aren't.

 

[hineyrulz]

No point buying a bat too heavy for you, the amount of kids who think a big heavy bat is the way the go is maddening. It's all about timing and if it's too heavy it doesn't matter how good the bat is If you can't time the ball.

I use a 2'8 I find its perfect for me, I have a mate and he uses 3 pound and over but he is built like a brick shithouse which huge arms. But as I said earlier it's all about how you feel and what you feel comfortable using.

 

[JJ]

Davey Warner will have some for sale on Ebay soon - barely used

 

[Twizzle]

edges are hit in tho

 

[JJ]

But illegal

 

[undertaker]

Just had a look at some more bats only a couple of hours ago, and noticed a brand called Bradbury. Is anyone familiar with this brand? Picked up their bats that were 2lb 13oz and 2lb 15oz, and man, I felt like I was driving a Porsche or Ferrari, haha! Unfortunately, I wish I had a strength in my shoulders as I don't think I could see myself playing a lot of horizontal bat shots with it.

 

[Twizzle]

those thick bats will be banned soon so you may not get much chance to use it

 

[Bazal]

those thick bats will be banned soon so you may not get much chance to use it

Unless you're forking out 1k or more for a first grade quality bat, I don't think the average punter has much to worry about from the rule changes.

In fact I'd say social cricket won't even bother

 

[hineyrulz]

Just had a look at some more bats only a couple of hours ago, and noticed a brand called Bradbury. Is anyone familiar with this brand? Picked up their bats that were 2lb 13oz and 2lb 15oz, and man, I felt like I was driving a Porsche or Ferrari, haha! Unfortunately, I wish I had a strength in my shoulders as I don't think I could see myself playing a lot of horizontal bat shots with it.

He's from WA, and his bats are very good.

He's a pain to deal with, especially if someone goes wrong with the bat.

 

[undertaker]

He's a pain to deal with, especially if someone goes wrong with the bat.

Are you speaking from personal experience?

 

[hineyrulz]

Are you speaking from personal experience?

I used to work in the industry, he got a bit of a reputation over being a bit of a pain to deal with. Especially when it came to bat warranties.

 

[undertaker]

Well, after a lot of thought and several hours playing around with bats and visiting cricket stores, I purchased a Steeden Magnum II bat today (reduced from $425 to $259, 2lbs 7oz, 10 grains, grade 2 English willow), and also got a pair of Ton gloves (reduced from $110 to $66).

https://d347awuzx0kdse.cloudfront.n.../516a8dee532194a0198e97362d95779637644ed0.jpg

Just want to say a big thanks to all of you guys here for your help and suggestions. I thoroughly appreciate it. I must ask though: how often do I have to knock in the bat with the mallet, and also apply the linseed oil?

 

[Bazal]

I picked up a couple of Steeden bats when I was looking (before I bought the new V600) and they felt really good....

Have a look here in answer to your question

https://www.cricketcentre.com.au/page/13/cricket-bat-advice