Screaming Cat - Newbery - Laver Wood

[cricket intel]

After using brands like GM, Gray Nicolls, Adidas I was introduced to Newbery SPS Tour bat last year at end of the season. A gentleman in my club was kind enough to let me use his bat and I’ve got to tell you, the experience was out of this world, was immaculate and terrific, so I started my homework on brands like BB, Hammer, Laver wood, SC etc and now, when the season is about to start, I’m more than convinced I want a custom made bat, I’ve shortlisted following 3 bats and would love to have your opinions, suggestions and experiences:

1. Screaming Cat ( Series-1, Professional Grade)
2. Laver wood Ultra Reserve
3. Newbery SPS Tour

Few basics about my game are:

1. Batting position: Opener, 1 down (anywhere between 1-3)

2. Batting Style: Stroke player, Strengths: Straight or cover drive, leg glances. Weakness: Pull and hook

3. Batting pitches: Combination of matting and artificial (based in Canada)

4. Level of game: Club level, Elite or premier division

Things I love in a cricket bat:

1. Pick up (the max weight of bat I’m comfortable with is 2.11, love playing with 2.8-2.9)

2. Wood – Since I’m not a believer of slogging at start of the innings, I love playing strokes, in my experience good willow can help the cause big time as I wait to middle the kookaburra instead of going after it and hitting the edges

3. Balance: I’ve found it hard to middle the ball with bottom heavy bats – if I add grips it become too heavy for my liking so the balance is of paramount importance

I would love to have your inputs, opinions and suggestions about the above mentioned bats, I’ll highly appreciate if people who have used these bats can share their experience and give some insight, Cheers

 

[FarhanZZZ]

Awesome post. I was about to post something very similar. Although I was going to throw GN - Legend into the mix. Is Newbery really comparable to a screaming cat? I would think cats would win this category easily. But maybe someone who has used these bats could give us more of an insight.

Atleast in terms of price, legend is on par with screaming cats.

 

[Supporter of Pak legends]

The problem with all of these bats is the price issue. But from what I've heard they are the best bats you could possibly get. But just makes me think, if they are the best bats in the world why do international cricketers not use them.

 

[FarhanZZZ]

I'm pretty sure Gilchrist used screaming cats.

In fact, from what I've heard, most Int'l cricketers use some variant of these bats, but put their sponsor's stickers on them. Most Indian circketers seem to use SS Ton bats with different stickers. I've also seen TON logos on Afridi's Boom Boom bats.

 

[cricket intel]

Awesome post. I was about to post something very similar. Although I was going to throw GN - Legend into the mix. Is Newbery really comparable to a screaming cat? I would think cats would win this category easily. But maybe someone who has used these bats could give us more of an insight.

Atleast in terms of price, legend is on par with screaming cats.

In my raw opinion, Legend is nowhere closer to the bats in question (NB, SC & LW) , I’ve used all of them including Legend (excluding Scat) and Legend performance is average, if anything.

It’s actually an interesting question – Newbery VS Scat? I haven’t used Scat so really hard to comment but Newbery’s SPS Tour is the best in their line, their profile is very intriguing which is ideal for someone who loves to come on front foot and enjoys playing strokes all over, but again, lets wait for someone who has used Scat share their experience.

 

[cricket intel]

The problem with all of these bats is the price issue. But from what I've heard they are the best bats you could possibly get. But just makes me think, if they are the best bats in the world why do international cricketers not use them.

Of course, they are expensive but even other popular brands like GM, GN, and Slazenger have their top of the line bats in same price range. Regarding your question why international players don’t use them, they actually do, it’s just that they will use the logo of companies like Nike, Adidas, Reebok etc. for commercial purposes. I understand subcontinent brands like CA, MALIK, SS, SG etc. don’t have as expensive bats (even their top of the line) for obvious reasons, they mass-produce and employ cheap labor. I actually heard that some international players will put the sticker of SS, SG etc but will use the Scat or Laver wood bats – and don’t get me wrong, Senath Jayasuriya (Srilankan opener) was sponsored by Kookaburra but his bats were made by James Laver of Lawer & Wood – what I came to know is that these sponsor companies don’t care who’s the bat-maker as long as you’re using their (sponsor companies) logo – all of it can be attributed to commercialization of the game, which I reckon is good for the players

 

[Blank Bats]

Is BB Boom Boom or someone else

 

[cricket intel]

Is BB Boom Boom or someone else

BB = Bradbury

 

[FarhanZZZ]

In my raw opinion, Legend is nowhere closer to the bats in question (NB, SC & LW) , I’ve used all of them including Legend (excluding Scat) and Legend performance is average, if anything.

It’s actually an interesting question – Newbery VS Scat? I haven’t used Scat so really hard to comment but Newbery’s SPS Tour is the best in their line, their profile is very intriguing which is ideal for someone who loves to come on front foot and enjoys playing strokes all over, but again, lets wait for someone who has used Scat share their experience.

Interesting that you put SC in the same category as scat. It is about $250 cheaper, which would atleast indicate much lower quality.

The other point is that GN bats usually tend to be love em or hate em. But since I havent personally used any of these bats its very hard for me to make a serious comment.

One thing I will say, atleast form talking to people online, those that use brands like scat and L&W (I think black cat is another?) simply can't stop praising how much better they are compared to GN, GM etc.

Hmmm...maybe its time to man up and give Mr. Julian Millichamp a ring!

 

[cricket intel]

Interesting that you put SC in the same category as scat. It is about $250 cheaper, which would atleast indicate much lower quality.

The other point is that GN bats usually tend to be love em or hate em. But since I havent personally used any of these bats its very hard for me to make a serious comment.

One thing I will say, atleast form talking to people online, those that use brands like scat and L&W (I think black cat is another?) simply can't stop praising how much better they are compared to GN, GM etc.

Hmmm...maybe its time to man up and give Mr. Julian Millichamp a ring!

I pretty much agree that Newbery aren't probably as good as Scat, honestly speaking it's just me, i'm kinda fascinated by newbery tour sps profile, it has everything i love in any given bat

i have used GN bats for quite some time now, infact my 1st ever bat was a GN, don't take my wrong i mean GN is a big name, i have hit some massive shots with GN but if you start comparing a GN with ones like Laver wood or Scat, GN is pretty much an average grade

and finally, can't agree enough with the fact that people who actually play with L & W, Scat etc. will never go back to brands like GM, GN etc. Scat, Laver wood, Newbery stands out like anything !!

 

[FarhanZZZ]

I pretty much agree that Newbery aren't probably as good as Scat, honestly speaking it's just me, i'm kinda fascinated by newbery tour sps profile, it has everything i love in any given bat

i have used GN bats for quite some time now, infact my 1st ever bat was a GN, don't take my wrong i mean GN is a big name, i have hit some massive shots with GN but if you start comparing a GN with ones like Laver wood or Scat, GN is pretty much an average grade

and finally, can't agree enough with the fact that people who actually play with L & W, Scat etc. will never go back to brands like GM, GN etc. Scat, Laver wood, Newbery stands out like anything !!

These are my thoughts exactly. I also feel like Newbery will be a better bat for me. i.e. not one I'd treat as a collector's item. With a screaming cat I might be a little weary of chipping it. I know it sounds weird.

If only there was a store where we could go and compare each of these bats before buying!

Let us know when you decide on one for the season. I'm still weighing NB/Screaming Cat. Will decide in a few weeks.

 

[shoab68]

After playing with L&W Signature, Scat series 1 professional and Newbery Thruxton players bats, my personal experience is that my CA TRD 12K ltd Edition is better than these bats, balance, pickup and ping amazing on my CA TRD. Sometimes you get a better bat out of relatively smaller brands.

 

[cricket intel]

After playing with L&W Signature, Scat series 1 professional and Newbery Thruxton players bats, my personal experience is that my CA TRD 12K ltd Edition is better than these bats, balance, pickup and ping amazing on my CA TRD. Sometimes you get a better bat out of relatively smaller brands.

I have heard that CA TRD (and even CA 15000) perform better than most of the expensive bats (like Laver wood, Newbery etc.) - the only problem is they are extremely unreliable, overdried willow can give you a good profile, huge edges, excellent ping but it's vulnerable of breaking even in the 1st match you're playing with a new CA bat, there are lots of threads on pakpassion elaborating how durable CA bats are, yes they are lot cheaper but extremly unreliable for my taste,

being said that, nothing is perfect, even a Scat or L & W bat can break, but i'm talking statistically, if 20 out of 100 CA bats will break and u compare it with 1 bat out of 100 breaks for newbery or Scat etc. than there's no rocket science involved here, i mean there's a general consensus about CA performance and it's poor quality at the same time !! 1 of the major reason i'm against pak bats, poor quality

 

[FarhanZZZ]

Yup, agreed. I had a CA 10000 (admittedly not as good as the TRD) and a GN something-or-other. Both sat in my basement through the off season. By the end, the CA was dry and cracked, GN was good as new. Oiling helps but cricket intel has a point.

 

[shoab68]

I have heard that CA TRD (and even CA 15000) perform better than most of the expensive bats (like Laver wood, Newbery etc.) - the only problem is they are extremely unreliable, overdried willow can give you a good profile, huge edges, excellent ping but it's vulnerable of breaking even in the 1st match you're playing with a new CA bat, there are lots of threads on pakpassion elaborating how durable CA bats are, yes they are lot cheaper but extremly unreliable for my taste,

being said that, nothing is perfect, even a Scat or L & W bat can break, but i'm talking statistically, if 20 out of 100 CA bats will break and u compare it with 1 bat out of 100 breaks for newbery or Scat etc. than there's no rocket science involved here, i mean there's a general consensus about CA performance and it's poor quality at the same time !! 1 of the major reason i'm against pak bats, poor quality

You have a point bro but to me when i look back the enormous price i paid for Scat or L&W i would definitely go for TRD in future. I have many CA top end bats and luckily no damage so far, they are performing extremely well for me.

 

[Guenon123]

You have a point bro but to me when i look back the enormous price i paid for Scat or L&W i would definitely go for TRD in future. I have many CA top end bats and luckily no damage so far, they are performing extremely well for me.

On the quality and durability of Pakistani bats, I read a comment by Jason Mellet on cricketgearreviews.com that he is very fond of MB Bubber Sher and he loves how the ball flies out of the park but why buy it when it will break within 1 year (Jason from www.cricketstoreonline.com, and he sells a lot of Bubber shers and receives the feedback and complains).

Speaking of price, has anybody heard of http://www.solitairecricket.com ?
The name of the bat maker is Roger Weston and you can hand pick your own willow (Grade 1) etc. and the price is just 150£. I have seen 2-3 of his bats and they are very good. I myself has ordered one and will post pics once I get it.

 

[d7bow]

Why as a retailer would you continue to sell a bat that wont last a year and gets loads of negative feedback

As for Roger and Solitaire they are meant to be very good bats and excellent value for money. They were£115 a couple of years ago. Only issues I've heard are his bats are/were delivered heavier than requested.

 

[shoab68]

Why as a retailer would you continue to sell a bat that wont last a year and gets loads of negative feedback

As for Roger and Solitaire they are meant to be very good bats and excellent value for money. They were£115 a couple of years ago. Only issues I've heard are his bats are/were delivered heavier than requested.

Improper use/cheap balls can cause damage to even finest bat. I have used more than 10 pakisani bats (CA, MALIK, AS, IHSAN etc), except for a handle breakage on AS V10 bat (due to blocking a yorker) not even a single bat got any damage. If these bats were so weak then they wouldn't have been in such high demand.

 

[Cricketismylife]

Improper use/cheap balls can cause damage to even finest bat. I have used more than 10 pakisani bats (CA, MALIK, AS, IHSAN etc), except for a handle breakage on AS V10 bat (due to blocking a yorker) not even a single bat got any damage. If these bats were so weak then they wouldn't have been in such high demand.

You have been real lucky I guess. Also, someone like you shouldnt have that much problem since you own like 75 bats! hahahah. So not as much usage for each bat as a Normal person!


Common trend is that CA and some MB have excellent ping but life is short. If they dont break even then the bat starts becoming weaker and deaden up.

It didn't used to be this way before but has become like this since last few years. Guess life is being sacrificed for performance and big massive size.

Also, the target market for CA is changing to batsmen who either dont know about the life or else dont care. too much $$$

Used to have an IHsan but havnt used any recently so cant comment.

AS always have poor handles. If they could just change their handles they could have been so much better.

 

[Cricketismylife]

also, i think MB are still ok.

They are not overly expensive like CA so if they last 2 seasons you got a good value.

One good CA is like 2 MBs put together in price!

Will never be buying CA for that reason alone.

 

[Cricketismylife]

LaSTLY, this guy at my club loves handywork. buys new AS bats then changes handles right away- straight from the new bat!! for the cheap price they are - its good value for money! but not all of us know how to do it.

 

[Guenon123]

My last CA bat was incredible for the first season, with precautionary measures like sanding, oiling, anti-scuff, proper usage by me or in v.few cases another player. Then came the heart break in the second season. Apparently, the bat did not liked rest in the off season and the willow on the face and toe really became vulnerable to minor things and by the middle of the season it was useless. FYI, I always take care of my bats regardless of their price and it was never misused. Then the handle also broke.

Now compare that to my friend's bat made in England and it is still in good shape and every thing is working fine for the last 4-5 years. And it's not just him but all of the players who have these made in England or Australia bats never complain about handle or willow or toe breakage.

The point is, if you are spending so much time and effort to buy and then protect a bat for it to be broken in 1-2 seasons then is it really worth it?

The price difference is normally 50-70 euros.

 

[shoab68]

also, i think MB are still ok.

They are not overly expensive like CA so if they last 2 seasons you got a good value.

One good CA is like 2 MBs put together in price!

Will never be buying CA for that reason alone.

Totally agree with you mate. Although i have plenty of bats but i used my CA bats quite frequently, some times i give them to my team mates also. I agree with you on the poor handle quality and also agree that MB bats are good value for money.

 

[shoab68]

My last CA bat was incredible for the first season, with precautionary measures like sanding, oiling, anti-scuff, proper usage by me or in v.few cases another player. Then came the heart break in the second season. Apparently, the bat did not liked rest in the off season and the willow on the face and toe really became vulnerable to minor things and by the middle of the season it was useless. FYI, I always take care of my bats regardless of their price and it was never misused. Then the handle also broke.

Now compare that to my friend's bat made in England and it is still in good shape and every thing is working fine for the last 4-5 years. And it's not just him but all of the players who have these made in England or Australia bats never complain about handle or willow or toe breakage.

The point is, if you are spending so much time and effort to buy and then protect a bat for it to be broken in 1-2 seasons then is it really worth it?

The price difference is normally 50-70 euros.

Bro i agree with you but some of my English made bats like GN Quantum ltd edition was broken in the second match only.

 

[Mlapse]

Hi cricket intel,


Which bat did you finally go for? I trying to decide between the scat and the L&W and am quite confused.

Thanks in advance

 

[cricket intel]

Hi cricket intel,


Which bat did you finally go for? I trying to decide between the scat and the L&W and am quite confused.

Thanks in advance

it was a tough ask, L&W or Scat. I've finally decided to go with Scat for few technical reasons, but the biggest conviction was i had something in my head telling me i need a Scat, i was biased about it from the day 1, have my fingers crossed now that it'll fulfill my expectations. Being said that, regardless of how good Scat turns out to be, my next bat is going to be a L&W for sure, in my raw opinion L&W bats are the best after Scat, their profile speaks for them, and the willow (in my experience) is an absolutely cracker.

For now, i'm going to order a Scat in a week or two, will def let you know about the performance/experience/profile etc.