Review rated by 8 Ciao members on average: very helpful
I have purchased 2 Private Bins so far, one I used this previous season (2008) and the other is on its` way as we speak (Jan. 2009)
In the season of 2007 we participated in a private 20/20 Tournament in Scandinavia where many of the matches were played in pouring rain. Therefore the bat I had at that time was of no use after being damaged.
Being a batsman who goes in to bat in the final overs, I have to have a bat which can send the ball flying.
I went through quite a few bats and was very annoyed with myself.
I concluded that I was better off buying one good bat instead of buying several bats and not be pleased with any of them.
One day I sat down on the internet (and I can assure you I was very crossed with myself due to having spent quite a bit of money on bats which turned out to be anywhere
from `not so good` to `pretty decent`).
Finally, after extensive research on the internet, I decided to buy a Private Bin. When I say extensive research I mean extensive!! Not just reading that some mumbo jumbo bought a `such and such` bat and was very pleased etc etc. I read forums, reviews, credibility of bat makers, their experience, who uses their bats and so on.
The specs I gave Mr. Laver were as such :
Weight : 3 lbs Standard Blade Short Handle Double Grip Normal and High Sweet Spot
I asked Mr. Laver to have the bat fully knocked in and oiled. I did ask Mr. Laver whether the `fully knocked` in option really meant that it would be knocked in and ready to use immediately since you get stickers saying `ready to play` on many of the bats today.
He said it would be ready to play straight away.
I received the bat shortly after (I opted for the express shipping). I took the bat out, the weight seemed like it was 3 lbs, the wood looked gorgeous....but since I don`t believe in love at first sight, I had to try it out with and old ball. First I tried a bat I had been using, very nice. Then the Private Bin, and My God I was amazed!!! The difference between the ping of this bat and bats I had previously owned astounded me!!!!
I have had a few bats made from Grade 1 English willow, but this bat was just awesome!
It was used in matches straight away and everybody who saw the ball go flying off the bat wanted to see the bat, ask where I got it from etc etc.
Unfortunately one of my teammates insisted on buying it from me, since my batting skills aren`t as good as some of the other guys on the team, I thought fine.
The ping is amazing!! Mr. Laver makes the bats and presses them in such a way as to customize the shape and performance of the bat in accordance to the individual`s needs.
If one has a favourite bat and would only want the same specs as that bat, just send it in to Laver and Wood. You will get an EXACT copy (as far as the weight and physical dimensions are concerned). Only difference would be that your Private Bin would have a ping like the bats of international players, and the wood of the private bin would be (most probably) more superior.
One thing is certain, regardless of specs given to James Laver, the bat will perform like the bats of elite cricket players in the world arena.
There is one thing which I think is very important to point out. Some people, including myself, like to be treated as human beings. I am pointing towards customer service.
James Laver is prolific in customer service. That does not mean that he is a persuasive seller, not one bit. He is a very soft spoken, professional and humble man. The fact that a person who is very popular amongst international players (due to the quality of his bats and his expertise) who hand crafts close to 1000 bats a year, is willing to deliver customer service to everyone on a personal level says alot about the person himself. Everyone? Yes, everyone. Even people like me who play cricket at club level in Norway. Listening to confused souls, like myself, who don`t know what kind of a bat they need, what specs, what weight, what blade profile etc etc etc.
29.01.2009 17:03
Great review, welcome to Ciao! John