We’ve picked out a trio of lesser-known manufacturers producing cricket bats worthy of greater recognition. Priced between £199 and £225, the three sticks we’ve selected offer plenty of quality at a seriously sensible price. Having looked at the Hell4Leather Hattori, and the Shark Great White 5Fin, it’s now time to run the rule over the Safbats Mechten.
Safbats Mechten
RRP: £199
www.batscricket.com
The Tech Spec
Origin: England
Wood: Grade 1 English willow (Grade 2 available from January 2012)
Sizes Available: SH, LH, Long blade, Harrow
Weight Guide: 2lb 8oz+
Sample Weight: 2lb 10 3/4oz
Handle: Round/oval
Edge (at widest): 34mm
Finish: Hand polished
Toe Protection: No
The Skinny
More classical than the other bats tested, the MechTen is a superbly engineered piece of willow that harks back to more traditional craftsmanship. It’s subtler than either the Shark or Hell4Leather – less chunky and without quite such a prominent middle – but the pick-up is superb and when you find the sweet spot it goes like a rocket. AOC Gear Test winners in 2010, the Oxfordshire-based brand have produced another high-achiever that’s ideal for the stylish strokemaker.
We Like
- The classical craftsmanship
- The two-tier handle. Unusual but comfortable
- The finish. Beautifully done
We Dislike
- The balance. A very minor criticism, but it took us a while to get used to the weight distribution of this bat
Star Rating
Appearance: 4.5/5
Build Quality: 4.5/5
Performance: 4/5
Value For Money: 4/5
AOC Rating: 4.5/5
Words: Jo Harman & Sam Stow
Photography: Joe Provis
Click here for part one of Gear On Test: Backstreet Boys.
