untitled
bat care
GENERAL
INFORMATION
1. CRICKET BAT WILLOW
- English Willow (Salix Caerulea or Alba Var) is, by nature, a soft fibrous
reed. Performance and durability are enhanced by drying and pressing. In normal
usage, Willow will become bruised, scarred or dented simply due to the nature of
the game (the impact of the ball). The performance of the bat will not be
affected. Such marking can occur at any time during the lifespan of the bat.
2. KASHMIR WILLOW
-
Willow grown outside of England is, by nature, much harder than English
Willow. Therefore, bats made of this type of Willow will not have a comparable
level of performance with English Willow bats.
3. RETURNS -
All repairs or discounts given on replacement bats are at the discretion of the
MANUFACTURER. Bats returned under complaint MUST be accompanied by proof of
purchase (including date of purchase). Failure to comply may affect the
customer's statutory rights.
4. LIFESPAN OF A CRICKET BAT
-
There can be no definitive length of time that a cricket bat will last. The
condition of a bat deteriorates with use. The length of time before the player
needs to replace their bat will depend upon:
a) The amount of use.
b) The weight of the bat (heavier bats tend to be more durable than lighter
ones).
c) The care with which the bat is treated.
5. AGE OF THE CRICKET BAT
-
Bats over TWELVE months old (from the date of purchase) will be considered
entirely at the manufacturer's discretion, taking into account the age and
condition of the bat. It is possible for the condition of the bat to deteriorate
without use (simply due to the natural drying out process).
6. IN CASE OF DAMAGE
-
Immediate action should be taken. This normally necessitates withdrawal from
play whilst repairs are carried out. It is vital that the repairs are carried
out by professional batmakers. The manufacturers are unable to guarantee repair
work carried out by non-approved repairers.
7. SURFACE CRACKS
-
Surface cracks do not harm the bat's performance and all bats will eventually
have some surface cracking. To maintain these:
a) Glue any parts of the blade where Willow is 'lifting' and clamp with string
or woodworking clamp. Use any PVA water-based glue and ensure the area is free
from oil.
b) Sand back the glued area once it is dry using medium grade woodworking
sandpaper.
c) Apply Extratec/ Fibreglass tape/ Shrinktube/ Vellum.
8. STORAGE -
To
ensure that a bat remains in good condition, it is essential that the bat not be
stored in excessively warm conditions (e.g. near to central heating). This will
cause the bat to dry out and precipitate future problems. The bat should,
ideally, be stored in a position that will allow a little moisture from the
atmosphere to be absorbed.
Your cricket bat is a quality product. It is to be
expected that the condition of the bat will deteriorate during its usage. The
manufacturers have put together the following notes to assist the explanation of
situations which may occur within the lifespan of any cricket bat. Each bat
purchased is hand selected and weighed to suit our customers' requirements. The
playing life of your bat relates directly to the preparation, maintenance and
care of the bat throughout its life.
PREPARATION
FOR PLAY
The CRICKET BAT MANUFACTURERS recommend
the following principles for the preparation and maintenance of cricket bats.
Following these procedures will significantly reduce the possibility
of damage occurring.
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OILING
All natural faced bats MUST be treated using raw
linseed or a specialist cricket bat oil. The main purpose of oiling is
to maintain moisture levels within the blade, and hence reduce the
chances of cracking and splitting.
The best way of applying oil to the bat is using a paint brush and
lightly coat the face of the bat, edge and toe of the blade taking care
to avoid the logos and splice area. Generally, three or four coats
should be sufficient initially and one every 3-4 weeks thereafter. Each
coat should be allowed to dry into a blade in a horizontal position
before the next is applied.
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WARNING - DO NOT OVER
OIL.
DO NOT STAND THE BAT IN OIL.
DO NOT LEAVE THE BAT IN A VERTICAL POSITION AFTER OILING.
ALTERNATIVELY -
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EXTRATEC
is
a clear, self-adhesive film which can be adhered to the face of the bat.
Extratec is, without doubt, the best protector of the face and edges of
cricket bats in the Millennium. It transforms the face of the bat into a
sealed unit, negating the need for oiling except for the toe of the bat.
It provides the best possible protection from surface cracking for all
bats.
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POLYARMOUR
is a
poly coating applied by manufacturers which should only be regarded as an
initial protection. The varnish type will crack or crease on the edges.
Generally this is a crack in the poly coating and not the wood.
KNOCKING IN
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All bats are pressed by the manufacturer.
However "knocking in" is VITAL for the survival of your bat.
This is the process by which the fibres of the Willow in the face and
edges are compressed together to form a barrier which protects the bat
against the impact of the ball. Effective "knocking in" will
significantly improve the performance and increase the lifespan of the
bat. A significant portion of this preparation can be best performed by
our Pressing Machine or by using a ball mallet or bat mallet.
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STAGE ONE
The "knocking in" process should be
undertaken carefully, using a special bat mallet or an old, quality cricket
ball. The bat should be repeatedly struck across and down the front of the blade
gradually increasing force over a period of time. This conditioning must be
performed with patience. Particular attention should be given to hardening the
edge, by deflecting the mallet or ball across them - at right angles to minimize
damage from an edge shot. The toe area of the bat should be faced carefully as
there is risk of causing cracks or splits across the base of the bat if struck
too hard. This stage is important and should take approximately 6 - 8 full hours
and if machined pressed 3 - 5 full hours.
STAGE TWO
The next step is to graduate to the use of the bat
to prepare it for match conditions. Throw-downs in the nets or short catches
with an old quality cricket ball are advisable. However, if the seam marks the
blade or small surface cracks and indentations are visible, it is necessary to
return to "Stage One" for further conditioning. This stage should be
performed for a further duration of time (1-2 hours).
*Please note this is not a sign of a faulty bat but a good indication the bat
requires further attention to the "knocking in" stages. Once these
steps have been taken the bat should be ready for use in matches. It is
advisable to initially avoid use against the "new ball"
WARNING:
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD A BAT BE USED IN MATCH
CONDITIONS LESS THAN TWO WEEKS FOLLOWING THE DATE OF PURCHASE.
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PRESSING MACHINE
We are delighted with the benefits
gained from the use of our professional bat pressing machine in the
initial facing process. Our bat press is recommended by all bat
manufacturers to eliminate hours of manual preparation.
IMPORTANT: Even after a bat has been through this process, care should
be exercised prior to subjecting the bat face and edges to hard use.
This should not be treated as a full preparation.
TIME INVOLVED: To have a bat oiled with 4 coats and pressed: 3-4 days.
To have a bat pressed only: 1 day. (Polycoated, pre-oiled or Extratec
coated bats.)
We can apply an Extratec coating to a natural finished bat to give an
effective protection as an alternative to oiling your bat.
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NOTE: The Bat Pressing Machine starts the facing
process. Having been through the Pressing machine, the bat is NOT READY FOR
MATCH USE.
You must still carry out Stages 1-2.
BAT
WARRANTIES
What does a bat warranty cover?
The warranty offered by manufacturers is only the
"goodwill" between all bat manufacturers that results in a replacement
or a cost-free repair on a bat which has suffered damage believed not to be the
customer's fault. There is definitely no warranty on bats with surface damaged
edges or toes. A bat is designed for the ball to be hit within the sweet spot of
the blade. A shot resulting in damage to the toe or edge of the bat is the
user's fault. The manufacturer requires a receipt or proof of purchase to
qualify for a warranty claim.
BLADE
DAMAGE
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1. SURFACE CRACKING TO THE FACE
OF THE BLADE
CAUSE -
General wear and tear.
SOLUTION -
NOT REPLACEABLE, crack will not affect the
performance of the BAT. Repairable - see General Information on surface
cracking.
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2. SURFACE CRACKING TO THE EDGE
OF THE BLADE
CAUSE -
General wear and tear.
SOLUTION -
NOT REPLACEABLE, crack will not affect the performance of the BAT.
Repairable - see General Information on surface cracking.
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3. SURFACE CRACKING TO THE TOE OF
THE BLADE
CAUSE
-
General wear and tear. This type of damage is often caused by the
striking of a "yorker", or excessive tapping of the crease.
SOLUTION
-
NOT REPLACEABLE, crack will not affect the performance of the BAT.
Repairable with PVA glue - protected with SHOE GOO or Protec-toe.
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4. SPLIT THROUGH THE TOE AREA OF
BLADE
CAUSE -
This type of damage is caused by the striking of a ball at, or near the
base of the blade, e.g. the driving of a "yorker".
SOLUTION
-
Repairable and/or replaceable at the MANUFACTURER'S discretion.
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5.
PREVENTION OF ANY TOE DAMAGE
CAUSE
-
Cracking at the toe area is caused bin 2 ways.
1. By hitting balls at the base of your bat and 2. by using your bat in
wet/damp conditions which generally leads to swelling of the toe area of
the blade, which is after drying may well split.
SOLUTION
-
NOT REPLACABLE, there is no fault in the manufacturing or materials
used. G.N. Protec–Toe or Shoe Goo should prevent any possible toe
problems.
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BREAKAGE
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1. HANDLE BREAKS
CAUSE
-
General wear and tear.
SOLUTION
-
The bat itself is not replaceable, but the handle may be repaired at the
MANUFACTURER'S discretion.
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2. BREAKAGE TO THE BLADE
CAUSE
-
Weak or excessively dry Willow.
SOLUTION
-
Potentially replaceable by full or partial credit, at the MANUFACTURER'S
discretion. |
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