Leeston
01-25-2008, 08:41 PM
Hi All,
I have to confess that I like tweaking with my bats ! Now, you need a little courage when wishing to tweak the blade but its really easy !
Rebalancing / adjusting the weight & speed
If your bat is too top heavy, try putting a large metal bolt in the end of your blade - this helps to adjust the natural centre of the blade.
Also, consider using a thick grip ( like a tennis grip ) You will either hate it or love it, but it makes the blade feel a great deal more comfortable and takes the weight out of the head. This also helps for anyone who has problems with their hands / grip.
Have you ever considered that you don't use up to 25% of your bat surface area ? i like to turn my blades into a compact size by using a template and sanding down the edges to reduce the surface area & weight. You are advised to understand the concept of the sweet spot on the blade and not impact it too heavily. ( this is the natural centre of the blade where the wood is at its peek in terms of control and consistency )
If the blade is too fast, consider sanding each side to take off 1/2 a layer of wood at a time but be sure to seal it with a thin coat of varnish when you finished.
I’ve taken a 5ply wood down to just over 3 and the blade provided me with a great deal more feel of the ball.
To speed it up, add multiple thin coats of varnish to make the surface area hard.
If the grip feels uncomfortable, take a little wood off with sandpaper and shape as desired - you can change an anatomical / flared into a straight if you really want.
Please remember, when looking to buy a new blade, consider the following:
1. Control is the most important factor when choosing a blade
2. It must feel as though its an extension of the hand ( don’t get caught out assessing a blade without rubbers on and say " Oooo, that’s a light blade ! ......of course it is dummy, it doesn't have rubbers on it - Te He )
3. Nice colours don't make the blade better than others
4. Try other peoples blades & discuss likes / dislikes. Learn from other people's experience / mistakes.
5. Understand the nature of the better blades . i.e. the equivalent to BMW M series down to the cheap little Fiat Uno's.
6. Look at the ply and type of wood. i.e balsa, carbon, glass fiber, etc.
7. The text in the mail order catalogue is "marketing speak" and subject to interpretation. So are the scores given.
8. Ask about the bargain basement / end of lines blades, I've come across some real gems this way.
Also, treat yourself to some edging tape - its saves having to rebuild the edge of the blade when you bang it on the table. If you do need to fill it, try plastic wood filler as its has great strength in it when dry ( and seal with varnish )
I have to confess that I like tweaking with my bats ! Now, you need a little courage when wishing to tweak the blade but its really easy !
Rebalancing / adjusting the weight & speed
If your bat is too top heavy, try putting a large metal bolt in the end of your blade - this helps to adjust the natural centre of the blade.
Also, consider using a thick grip ( like a tennis grip ) You will either hate it or love it, but it makes the blade feel a great deal more comfortable and takes the weight out of the head. This also helps for anyone who has problems with their hands / grip.
Have you ever considered that you don't use up to 25% of your bat surface area ? i like to turn my blades into a compact size by using a template and sanding down the edges to reduce the surface area & weight. You are advised to understand the concept of the sweet spot on the blade and not impact it too heavily. ( this is the natural centre of the blade where the wood is at its peek in terms of control and consistency )
If the blade is too fast, consider sanding each side to take off 1/2 a layer of wood at a time but be sure to seal it with a thin coat of varnish when you finished.
I’ve taken a 5ply wood down to just over 3 and the blade provided me with a great deal more feel of the ball.
To speed it up, add multiple thin coats of varnish to make the surface area hard.
If the grip feels uncomfortable, take a little wood off with sandpaper and shape as desired - you can change an anatomical / flared into a straight if you really want.
Please remember, when looking to buy a new blade, consider the following:
1. Control is the most important factor when choosing a blade
2. It must feel as though its an extension of the hand ( don’t get caught out assessing a blade without rubbers on and say " Oooo, that’s a light blade ! ......of course it is dummy, it doesn't have rubbers on it - Te He )
3. Nice colours don't make the blade better than others
4. Try other peoples blades & discuss likes / dislikes. Learn from other people's experience / mistakes.
5. Understand the nature of the better blades . i.e. the equivalent to BMW M series down to the cheap little Fiat Uno's.
6. Look at the ply and type of wood. i.e balsa, carbon, glass fiber, etc.
7. The text in the mail order catalogue is "marketing speak" and subject to interpretation. So are the scores given.
8. Ask about the bargain basement / end of lines blades, I've come across some real gems this way.
Also, treat yourself to some edging tape - its saves having to rebuild the edge of the blade when you bang it on the table. If you do need to fill it, try plastic wood filler as its has great strength in it when dry ( and seal with varnish )