Middle everything! (Upfront Cricket Middling Thin Bat)

Member Name: olveston11

Product:	Upfront Cricket Middling Thin Bat
Date:	11/09/09 (7 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Helps play straight, surprisingly good wood

Disadvantages: Not perfect match bat weight but near enough.

<>First impression (price etc)<>

On receiving this bat i was surprised as the quality of wood. Although the wood is only kashmir it had some nice grains and looked sturdy. It picks up nicely and the stickers are very good. I payed around £20 for this bat which is fairly good considering the benefits you will get out of it.

<>Performance<>

The weight of the bat helps the ball go further when you hit it. It pings quite nicely off the middle and picks up very nicely. It helps if you put 2 grips on the handle, this betters the pick up and makes the bat feel nearer your match bat. The bat is around 70mm thick so much smaller than your match bat.

<>Durability<>

The bat seems to be holding up very well. There are no signs of surface cracks or worse. I think putting an antiscuff on is advisable as it will prolong the life of the bat in the nets. I have used against throw downs and spin bowling with a proper cricket ball and it seems fine at the moment (around 23 net sessions with it)

<>Benefit<>

The middling bat really helps your technique. It makes you watch the ball and play straight which will help you in a match. After you get used to bat and start hitting it all the time you will feel much more confident with your wider proper bat. The weight being fairly heavy doesn't affect your timing when going back to the heavier bat.

<>overall<>

A very good investment and you will feel and see the benefits after months of use. Especially good for the winter when no cricket is played.

Summary: Fun, fairly cheap and will improve your cricket