As it is now coming up to the new cricket season, I was in desperate need of a new bat, a good new bat unlike my previous few.
I opoted for the Slazenger V600 Select (same model as Mark Butcher, England and surrey uses, but obviously a better bat), it was £94 from www.cricket-hockey.com, (RRP £120) with free P&P within 5 working days.
The bat is made from grade three English willow, and with cricket-hockey, it came pre-knocked in (saves sitting there with a mallet for nine hours), and also with a toe gaurd, so you don't much up the bottom of the bat while using it. Although it came pre-knocked in, I would advise more knocking in to get the best perormance, and save it getting cracked in it's early stages of life.
The new design for 2004, has made this bat designed with a maroon grip (handle), and a maroon patter on back and front, which is very pleasing to the eye. This bat is intended for players who like superior hitting, but as they have removed wood from last year at the toe end of the bat, it is still a light-weight pick-up, which was important in my decision as I personally hate big, heafty bats. Also this year they have exaggerated the edges, allowing you to always get bat onto ball and save it flying off the edge into the slip cordon in a match situation.
I have taken it down to my local nets, and when it comes off the middle of the bat, my god it flies. All select bats from cricket-hockey are the same price, and the rest upwards go like this:
Pro - £149(RRP £200) V200, V800, V600 and V1200.
Supreme - £119 (RRP £150) V800, V1200 and V600.
And beneath the select range are:
V1200 Super Pro Face - £89 (RRP £100) V600 Panther (Juniors) - £25.
I'm sorry to people who have read this review because I know how many people don't like cricket and think it's boring, but hey. I hope if you are after a new bat this has been informative and helpfull to you.
