Three top-end manufacturers each offering understated top-end lines of bats, pads and gloves. Andy Afford telling you how good they are as a set. It’s that simple. And that stylish. Here’s the second of three offerings that would do any kitbag proud…
In General
Everyone knows that top-end players wear matching kit from the same manufacturer, but that’s rarely the case lower down the cricket scale. But, just for argument’s sake, what if you were to go a bit more upmarket? What if you were to go for the bat, gloves and pads – as the pros do – all from the same source? Which company would you be best advised to go for?
We went for three high-quality makers – all boasting a beautifully understated top-end range – in order to see if there is a set that’s genuinely top-drawer all-round and therefore worthy of buying complete. Following on from the Salix Pod Players set, here’s the Millichamp & Hall Distinction set.
Millichamp & Hall Distinction
The Tech Spec
Price: SRP £350.00
Origin: England
Type: Pre-bowed blade, heavily rounded edges, craftsman-built bat, with massive rear ‘power’ swell and fluted toe
Sizes Available: Super Short, Short, Long Handle
Livery: Gold with silver pinstripe sticker to spin, edge and rear
Model Size: Short Handle
Handle Make-Up: 12-piece cane, single rubber, oval shape
Grip: Alternate bias-cut rubber
Wood: Type A English willow
Manufacturer’s Weight: 2lb 9oz plus
Actual Weight: 2lb 10 7/8oz
Edge: 29mm
Swell: 68mm
Toe Protection: No
Pre-Prepared: Yes
Finish: Natural
Web: millichampandhall.co.uk
Millichamp & Hall Distinction Pads
Price: SRP £90.00
Origin: India
Type: Flat-faced, ultra-wide vertical cut knee roll, heavily pre-bent pads with brown leather trim
Extras: Removable ‘short leg’ shin pad inner
Millichamp & Hall Distinction Gloves
Price: SRP £65.00
Origin: India
Type: Flat-faced square-cut gloves with brown leather wrist cuffs and pittard palms
Extras: Both pads and gloves come in neat netting storage bags
The Skinny
We like: The rear profile of the bat is hilarious! The netting bags are a nice bonus.
We dislike: So fierce is the pre-bend in the pads it feels like you are walking to the moon. Leather wristbands on gloves look nice, but are no-no if you plan on actually sweating.
AOC says: M&H kit is always more interesting. This range looks both retro (early 90s?) and somehow leading-edge at the same time.
Star Rating
Build quality: 4/5
Consistency of design application: 5/5
Performance: 4/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
AOC rating: 4.5/5
Photography: Sam Bowles of Portrait Collective
Click here to read part three of Sets On Fire.
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