The "Advantage Blade"
Premiership players strange bat - by Dave Murphy
Gary Webb of Greenleys Monarchs, who plays in the Milton Keynes Super Summer League has possibly the most unorthodox bat I have ever seen. Gary who is on 66.67% in the league insists the blade helps his injured wrist. I needed to find out more about it and asked him the advantages the blade had for him.
- The blade shape was designed to give a true line through the ball at the point of contact.
- The offset head gives a better balance and although it feels similar to a normal blade on the forehand, it feels much better on the backhand for most people.
- The reduced blade size means the blade is light and quite stiff. Less rubber is used reducing weight even further. Light blades make recovery between shots easier and quicker which is particularly beneficial to attacking players.
- Balsa handle gives a soft feel, makes the centre of gravity closer to the sweet spot, helping control and enhancing power.
- The version of the blade with the pistol grip and guard is an attempt by myself to use a different serving action to help my injured wrist. It allows me to let the bat move in my hand without letting go completely.
- The guard over the handle has several benefits, firstly you can grip the handle very losely without fear of letting go. Secondly it gives added stiffness to the blade at a point where it is traditionally weak and thirdly it gives some protection from hitting your knuckles on the table.
Gary has asked if anyone wishes to try a blade you can contact me through my email address and I will pass his phone number on. Blades are available in flared, ergonomic or straight.
Despite Gary's advantage I still beat him in the Summer League, and I didn't even glue up.
Cheers Gaz,
Dave Murphy