Review rated by 6 Ciao members on average: very helpful
**Introduction**
I need to start off by categorically stating that I am not a fan whatsoever of gray nicolls bats. I believe they are very average and are made to look so good because matt hayden and andy symonds use these bats, hence the publicity, as these two players are some of the worlds greatest! However, I heard that the bat had a good middle, so I purchased one at a reduced cost and starting using the bat for a few nets!
**Preparation**
I prepared the bat very well, knocking in throughly and oiling well. This process took me a long time, but I hoped that by the end, I would have a good bat! Whilst knocking in, a process which I did for about eight hours altogether, I was pleasantly surprised with the result. The bat seemed to have a very good middle and a decent toe, which was essential for the type of pitches that I would be playing on in the forthcoming season
**Throwdowns**
The more throwdowns I had with this bat, the better it felt to be honest. From thinking that Gray Nicolls was my least favourite make, it quickly became my favourite - I was thrilled with the rewards that I was reaping. The bat was well balanced, and despite the fact that it weighed 2'7", the bat picked up somewhere near 2'5". I was delighted. I could tell that after the disappointment of my Newbury, this was going to be a great piece of willow and was going to get me a lot of runs!
**Disaster**
I was having a net with my brother and a few friends, about a month after I had purchased it. A fast ball was dug in around my feet and I had to dig it out. Consequently the bat shattered as the impact was too strong and there was no give for the bat to go. It snapped in half and I was absolutely devastated
**My advice**
This is a great bat would it does break easily so it is a big risk to take!