Hi Andy/James
First of all BIG BIG BIG Thank you for James and You too Andy, If you guys are in-front of me now i would have brought you beers ... believe me i just received my bats and i so much impressed i cant say in words. I have Gray Nicolls Legend , GM Luna original and Newbery but out of all these Laver and Wood are the by far the BEST bats i think i have now. The sound of the ping, feel and balance is AWESOME and not by far any other brands i have are near to laver and Wood. Please please post this on your website as my comments.
Really a big thank you for sending me a real gem of Beauties. i will write more once i start playing with these beauties.
Praveen
Message: James, Andy
I received the meat axe the other day. HOLY S**T!!! has that got some meat behind it!!!! I used it on Tuesday and Thursday at training and it was fantastic!! It has got one of the best middles on a bat I've ever owned. A couple of the boys used it and they couldn't believe the balance and pickup for such a huge bat.
It's an absolute cracker of a bat mate. Once again thanks very much for excellent service, communication and a top grade bat.
Jason, Australia
James and Andy,
Its been a couple months since I received my bat I knocked it a little and played in nets with old ball and I took the bat to play in a game and I hit 4 sixes with it and I didnt even feel like I hit it hard, ball just flew off of the bat and went all the way and the ping is just absolutely amazing sound when ball hits the bat is so great all my team mates talk about it, I am very satisfied with the bat that I have and all my team mates want to use my bat but too bad I cant let them use it, I have six different bat and I dont even care for all the other bats, this is it just a perfect bat and I just wanted you thank you for making me a happy customer and a wonderful bat.
Thank you and you are the best.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks
Nayan, USA
Hi James/Andy
Just a message to say thanks for the beautiful bats both are performing very very well and the reserve is really coming into it's own all my specs were met perfect which was the worry ordering over the Internet but could not be happier only problem is the over performance as the ball goes further than you think it will but I'm sure I can live with that
Many thanks
Aaron, UK
Hi James
Just to give you some feedback....
I bought a Private Bin Harrow for my son John about this time last year. He
has just finished his season of playing for his school, club under 15 and
representative cricket. I just thought I would write and tell you that the
bat is wonderful. He scored over 300 runs as an opener for his school team
and also managed to score for club as well. He scored two 50's and an 88,
which is by far his best score. I noticed that as he got used to the bat it
really pinged off the centre, much better than his old bat.
The bat is really well balanced and he has been working on his front foot
shots to try to improve them and he has managed to hit some nice drives,
which previously, he was struggling to get off the square, as he is
predominatley a back foot player at present. Also the bat has a really nice
sound to it. One game he played was where the ground was surrounded by high
rock cliffs and when he middled a shot, the sound of the bat resonated like
a rifle shot! It was fanastic.
Peter, UK.
James
Just thought I'd give an update on how the bat is going. Used it with older balls in throw downs earlier and I would firstly like to commend you on how it picks up, simply like a feather, especially with gloves on. The middle seemed very nice, probably a little bit lower than I was expecting, similar to my other in fact but very nice considering the stage it is at. I can't give a very detailed view at the mo but going off how it seems at the moment I like it a lot. I'm also very impressed with the carbo stickers too.
Thanks
George, UK
Charlie Mackenzie here, I received my heritage carbo from you guys about a month ago now.
I would have got back to you sooner but i figured I should knock it in and use it first. The bat is honestly the best I have ever seen or used. the amount of meat is just insane, the ball really flies. The bat has a nice balanced feel in the hands as well and with the extra grip I applied it picks up like I couldn't imagine. There's nothing like the shape of the bat, its just extraordinary...genuinely perfect. I would really recommend the carbo handle, everything feels nailed. Once its properly knocked and played in it'll literally fly.. I just cant wait til summer!
Cheers for everything
Charlie Macca
PS could you put this on the customer comments section?
Charlie Mackenzie, UK.
Dear James,
Matty M here. Thankyou for all the gear you sent late last year, bloody excellent. Well after a few net sessions to get used to it all I decided it was time to introduce my private bin to real live action. First off I have to say that the feel of this bat is brilliant, great pick up and well weighted considering she comes in at nearly 3 pound. But even with all that meat I feel like I have half the weight in my hands. The making of this bat is superb. As I said to you James It has taken some time to find a bat of this measure, (for me anyway). Mate I love it. It has a physical presence about it that has opposition players asking me as to how and where I got it. The shape is no. 1. Theres nothing like a traditional shape, the edges are thicker than a butchers prime cut of rump. Even some of the lads in my team were amazed by the feel and pick up cosidering the weight. Although this bat is not for everyone to me it's perfect. I have total confidence now when batting knowing I finally have something behind the ball. My stroke making has improved greatly. When using a lighter bat I foun my strokes far to quick but now I can confidently just push through the ball. The PB has already notched up three 50's and a bruising 88 where I put the leather so far over the fence we lost the ball. James thanks a heap, I can tell you I'll always be using L&W private bins mate as long as you are making them.
Thanks again
Matt. Australia
Ever since playing first class championship cricket in England, James has made all of my bats. Being notably choosy about bats, I would not claim to be easy to please. However, keeping an old favourite of mine as a template, James has managed to make each successive bat even better that the last. His knowledge of wood and ability to handcraft, shape and balance both handle and blade are in my opinion simply unsurpassed. He is the best batmaker around at the moment.This is not just a personal opinion. Without being obliged to by contract, during Leicestershire's championship season of 1996, seven of us chose to use bats made by James. International cricketers feel the same about his capabilities.As to his personal qualities, James is the most straightforward, honest and genuinely helpful man you could wish to meet. As well as caring deeply about his work, he is good company and, from observation, seems always to get on well with everyone around him. On all counts, I recommend James highly.
Gregor Macmillan
B.A.[Hons],Dip.Soc. Formerly: GLOUCS C.C.C & LEICS C.C.C
In the past fifteen years I have used bats from most of the major cricket manufacturers. As a gear junky I have had a lot of bats and spent a fair bit of time looking at different bats. I selected a Laver & Wood Private Bin bat based on my desire to finally have a bat that was shaped to match my style. The results have been incredible. I am middling the ball with almost all of my shots - many fewer miss hits than with other bats where the weight distribution and middle have not been made for my style. The way the ball comes off my Laver & Wood Private Bin is so impressive compared to all the other bats I have used makes me seriously consider the rumor that the major bat manufacturers keep the best willow for their top players and the English market. I strongly recommend having a bat made for your needs, and that you are very careful with your selection of willow - the ball is certainly leaving my Laver & Wood bat a lot faster and going a lot further than with previous bats.
Craig Thomas
Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
James
Picked the bat up this evening, it is superb!! I really cannot wait to use
it. Thankyou so so much for producing such a work of art!!
I have to say that it is very rare to receive customer service of this
quality, from beginning to end I have felt really involved and am delighted
with the finished artical. I feel confident that I shall be the envy of my
team mates come winter nets!!
I will let you know how I get on, whilst I am aware that you cannot make a
silk purse from a sow's ear, I'm sure that the bat will help!!
Kindest regards and thanks again.
Andrew (UK)
Hi James
My girlfriend surprised me with a Laver and Wood bat for Christmas. I can unreservedly say that it is the best bat I have ever used let alone owned!
The balance and pick up is surreal for a bat with such a massive profile. It should be much heavier than what it is...! I have now played two games with it since Xmas and have not been dismissed yet! The highlight so far has been a massive six that I hit last weekend...it went way over the boundary and through a second storey window in a nearby university building! Considering a bat usually gets better with play...I'm really looking forward to the coming months!
Thanks so much for all your help – My girlfriend said that you were a pleasure to deal with. In fact my father who is an OSH inspector in Napier has been thoroughly impressed with your operation also - I think you have met him before.
I hope this email will make your feedback page.
Kind Regards
James Robinson, NZ
James:
I wanted to drop you guys a quick note now that I have gotten a couple of months of play on my bat.
All I can say is spectacular!!!! This bat is head and shoulders above any of the others I have played with. I borrowed a GN yesterday at practice for a few balls and immediately put it back down. It’s a fine bat to be sure, but it cannot be compared to the L&W. I am moving up the order rapidly (in part because I am figuring out how to bat) and second as this bat just packs such a punch. I think I mentioned previously that in my first proper game (remember I just started playing and though I had been practicing for a couple of months, I hadn’t yet made the side) I whacked by first ball for 4, just inches short of 6, much to the surprise of my teammates. All of a sudden everyone wants to try my bat. I am certain we’ll get you some orders in the next few months.
We are now getting ready for Super 25’s season. After a brief layoff, I think I need to get back in the gym so that this wicketkeeping doesn’t kill me. At least the innings are shorter!!! Thank god we don’t play test cricket here…OMG!!!
In any case, I just wanted to send a follow on review and say thanks again. I continue to be pleased and surprised with this bat. I may have to order another lighter one before too long!!!
All the best…
Ethan Veneklasen, US
Good Morning,
Thought you might like an update.
The bat arrived safe and sound on Saturday morning and went into action later that afternoon. My son maintains it felt as good as ever and was delighted with the appearance and performance.
To the spectators on the boundary, the huge six over the 65 metre midwicket boundary, together with the 10 boundaries, is probably as good a testament as you need.
Must be an omen as they were part of his first ever century in Poverty Bay cricket.
Thanks once again for your prompt and efficient service.
Regards.
Kim, NZ.
G'day James, how's it all going over there?
Just a quick email to let you know how the bat that you made me last July is going.
It is bloody beautiful. Every ball that comes out of the middle I don't even feel in the handle. When the ball gets hit, it stays hit. I am so happy with it. That century is still waiting to be made though. I've come close on three occasions so it's not far off.
I hope all is going well for you and the rest of the boys at the shop.
Take care and all the best.
Jason
Proud Heritage Owner
Alice Springs N.T.
Australia
Hello James its Hugo here. i just thought i would email you to
inform you that the bat has arrived, and to thank you for the great service
you gave me. The bat arrived last thursday and it is amazing! i used it on
friday, for the first time, and saturday. i can honestly say that it is the
best bat i have ever used and i got my first 50 of the seaon with it on
saturday. i also scored 24 not out on friday. ive got another match tomorrow
so i shall keep you informed of the bats performance and how i do. Again
thankyou for making me a new bat it is very much appreciated and i will
certainly be coming back to you for my next bat., cheers.
yours sincerley
Hugo, UK
Just received my bat, wow! it looks unbelievable and has an amazing pickup for a heavy bat, I can't wait to give it a try on Saturday. Please send my thanks to the lads in the workshop they have done a brilliant job, I'll be recommending you to my team-mates and hopefully get you some more business. I'll let you know what happens on Saturday (knowing my luck I'll get a ripper of a delivery and be out first ball!!).
Thanks again
Kind Regards
Iain, UK
P.S. Hopefully this will last a few years, but I'll definitely be getting my next bat from you.
Dear James.
The bat has just arrived and I am absolutely wrapped with it! THANKYOU ALL SO MUCH IT IS TREMENDOUS! The bat looks FANTASTIC and the pick up is just PERFECT! The timber looks awesome with 10 straight grains and even has a fairly descent bow and just can't wait now to hit a few balls with it now.
Thanks for your wonderful service it has been very pleasant to deal with you. I certainly will recommend you guys!
Take care.
Kind regards,
Ross, Australia
The Signature Bat- I understand now why you wouldn't want to ever use this bat. I am afraid to even get a scratch on it. An incomparable piece of willow and a tremendous piece of craftsmanship. My mate is a carpenter and doesn't give two bits for cricket but was astonished with this piece of wood and the quality of the work especially on the hardwood insert. He said it was a work of art and was surprised at the age & quality of the willow. I wouldn't know how to tell the age.. But from a cricketers perspective the pick up and balance is literally like a dream.. Haven't tried it out fully yet but feel that it will need quite a few months of throw in the nets with old balls.. It seems very soft and delicate wood and I am afraid to use it against newer balls until it passes the "fingernail" test. But I did middle one (just in the backyard) that rebounded off an old sand pit and straight over the fence- I never even followed through. I think I will feel sorry for the bowlers (and the ball) when this one is knocked in.. Quite clearly the very best cricket bat in the world. Maybe I will just use the other one and put it behind glass to admire. It is that good.
So I would like to thank you for your help and spectacular service and putting up with my impatience as well..
Geoff, Australia
James,
we had the first game of the season today, started a month late... and guess what...i got 84 of 79 balls :)
the bat rocks! got 8/9 boundaries and a 6. its shaped up fantastic, the boys are amazed at how well it connects for a thin blade. as you mentioned, the real test is in the middle when the ball travels...and travel it did :) so, the season looks really promising with the bat going great guns. a couple of games and it should come to its prime performance i suppose. i am getting well accustomed to the new balance and pickup of PB as compared to the Heritage.. Many thanks James. really is wonderful to play with the Private Bin.
will keep you updated :)
best regards
anand, US
I received my Carbo yesterday through the post and was instantly impressed with this design. Please pass on compliments to James as the bat feels to be the ideal weight and style for me and my game, he obviously knows his business. Being an older player and set in my ways I was surprised at how much difference a longer handle and bowed blade can make to the feel and balance of a bat. It feels and looks huge with its big profile and thick edges but picks up perfectly. Also the slightly longer handle feels huge and seems to have a surprisingly big effect on batting stance and grip etc. I feel certain that once my teammates and competitors have seen and felt the Carbo you will receive more orders for your bats. I`ve subscribed to your newsletters as I found them an interesting read on your website. Maybe when it is possible you could write one about the unique tools used in your profession. I am a saw doctor by trade hence an interest in anything used for cutting/shaping timber. Regards, Stewart, Australia
Dear Mr. James,
Many thanks for the wonderful bat you sent me last summer in Montreal. It was absolutely the best piece of willow I have ever laid my hands on. The promotional material was 100% accurate. The bat took some getting used to but afterwards even unworthy shots traveled to the boundary, to my great delight and bowler’s dismay.
I would like to wish you and your coworkers a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Regards,
Momen. (Canada)
Dear James
My father ordered a bat from you, which was for me. It took only four days to reach England. When it came I quickly opened it and from the first look I new it was a good bat. The wood was beautiful and had quite a lot of grains compared to most children's bats in England. I also noticed the large middle it had, it was almost twice the size of my Slazenger and Newberry bats. So i followed your helpful instructions and knocked in the bat and oiled it with three coats. I then went to a net practice normally the bats for a 13 year old have a lot of vibration and not much power, this bat was different. Also many pads split when facing 70 miles an hour on the bowling machine, in fact I split a pair that day. The bat though was brilliant, the middle was just where I liked it on my favourite spot for the drive. The following Saturday I had an indoor game. You have to retire at 30 and if you hit the walls you get 2 3 and 6 for a! strait drive down the middle. The bat was so nice almost all my runs were made from 6s and 3s with cover drives and leg glances. The power and weight was just right for me, not too heavy to stop movement but not too light and powerless. That game I retired twice and took three wickets two of which were in maiden overs.
I am now looking forward to the rest of the indoor season and the outdoor season. I would like to know if you sell any pads for children.
Thank you for the brilliant bat and keep up the good work.
from
Luke (UK)
Dear James:
I live in Boston Massachusetts, I do not know if you remember me or not but two years ago I ordered a bat from you. I just wanted to commend you on the bat. I have never played with anything this good before. I have been playing first class cricket since I was 12 years old, which is now 24 years, and have never been so impressed. Not only me but there are 40 players in my club and every single one of them has asked me for your email address. Everyone is so impressed by the bat that they all want to order one. I am not sure when they will act on it but it will be fairly soon. I got the Private Bin. Once again thank you for introducing me to your bat, you have one a customer for life. Do you make anything other than bats or do you stick to just bats.
Mansoor (USA)
Dear James, I received the bat on Saturday morning and was really pleased with the bat you produced for me. It is perfect in every way and it is the nicest piece of willow I have ever owned. I used the bat on Saturday after about half an hour extra knocking in and the first shot i played with the bat was an on drive for four runs. I couldn’t believe it. Great! I ended up on 38 and on Sunday i used it again and scored 69 so all up it is a great bat. Thank you very much once again and I have recommended the bat to every one I know.
Regards Jeremy (NZ)
Hi James
Just letting you know that I bought one of your bats last week through a
friend at Stirling Sports in Wellington. Not sure if you
remember it, but it was a harrow 2 pound 4 with a middle sweet spot
and "NK" branded on the back.
Anyway, it's exactly what I was after - I've just finished breaking it in,
and am totally looking forward to having a crack with it on Saturday. It's
beautifully weighted and the willow looks superb. Greg's busy putting a
protective face on it, and covering the toe up, then it's all go...
Thanks again,
Narly.(NZ)
James -
WOW !!!! what a piece of work. This is the BAT of the millennium. It feels great, it can Slug and powerful. Thank you for a great job and professional services. Let me know of any other products you have available.
Best regards,
Imti (USA)
Hello James,
Just to let you know that I scored 132 not out last Saturday !
The bat is a real beauty. I hit 21 fours and 3 sixes! As far as I can
remember I have only hit one six in my entire career. So the light bat is
doing wonders to my batting.
Hope things are going well with you.
Thanks for the bat.
Regards
Zak(Australia)
Dear Mr Laver,
I am writing to tell you I used my new bat today for the first time and
........it works !! I scored 89 runs and I got 14 fours and 2 sixes and it felt so sweet. The only problem is though......... can you make a bat that doesn't get me caught out on the boundary because that's what happened ?? !! If it wasn't caught I would have got another 6....... I am very impressed with the bat and will look forward to using it all season.. You have a customer for life.
I thought you would want to know how my bat is going.
Thanks very much..........
Paul Lyttle form Masterton(NZ).
Dear James,
The cricket bat was delivered yesterday.
You have done a fantastic job ~ what a beautiful bat. I spent a couple of hours waving it around. Do you remember when you were young and got a new bat ~ how it almost seems to be a shame to allow cricket balls to strike the face ? Well, that is how I felt too.
When my son has had the chance to work with the bat and is happy for me to also have a hit with it, I will give you some feedback on how the shape and light weight work together. Thank you also for the mallet. I did not expect to receive one.
Wishing you all the best.
Peter. (Australia.)
Hi James
Just wanted to drop you a line to say I picked up the bats late last week
from Airborne Express. What an awesome job, thank very much for the fine
work !! I know the guys will be very impressed, as I am.
Thanks again so much for the great work and easy experience of dealing with
you from afar.
Cheers !
Hi to everyone at L&W,
Please feel free to use this letter in your testimonials.
I have used my new Private Bin (super short handle with 'special' profile) a couple of times in the centre now, and would like to show you and any future L&W customers my appreciation and complete endorsment of the finest cricket bat i have ever used, yet alone owned.
I purchsed the bat online at the start of the current Australian summer, and couldn't wait for it's arrival, much like a kid waiting for Christmas. The bat arrived on my front door about 3 weeks after i submitted the order - not bad for something that is completely handcrafted for my batting specifications! I have to tell you that it was complete love at first sight.
The bat was knocked in at L&W, so it was first used to hit slips catched and other feiding drills before i used it in the nets or a match. My team mates who used it in this time and since, are mesmerised by not only its superb look, but also the centre of the bat which is completely unbelievable.
But the most important judge of a cricket bat is how it performs in match conditions, and it has not let me down. When you hit the ball it stays hit, even if you are just carressing through backward point or just turning the ball to turn the strike over. Drives are either peircing the gaps, or forcing fielders to misfield due the speed the ball flies toward them, which equals more runs. The percentage of boundaries hit with this bat are far higher than with the same shots when i used a big name machine made bat. No kidding.
I can't express to you the amount of confidence you get from using a great bat - it is unmeasurable.
So thank you to James, Andy and the team at L&W. I can tell you right now that my kids will be using L&W bats (and other eqiuipment), and possibly more referrals with many people asking where they can get there hands on one of these great bats.
Regards,
Josh.
