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BATCARE
Oiling
All new bats require oiling. Using good quality linseed oil, apply a single "light" coat of oil to the face, edges and back of the bat and leave to dry for a minimum of 2 days. Do not over oil the bat. The oiling provides a barrier against moisture entering the willow and causing damage. Repeat the oiling process for a second and third time before starting the knocking-in process.
Knocking-in
The main aim of knocking in your bat is to harden the face, toe and edge areas to help protect your bat from damage due to miss-timed shots which every cricket player makes from time to time - the secondary aim is to help develop a great sweetspot. With "PODIUM" bats we aim to achieve a balance between pressing the wood sufficiently hard for protection whilst leaving it soft enough to provide the necessary springiness characteristics required by a cricket bat. The "knocking in" process should be done carefully and with great patience.
You can use either a ball mallet or a wooden mallet to simulate the impact from a cricket ball hitting the bat during play. Start by gently knocking and deflecting the mallet against the blade paying special attention to the edges and the toe area of the bat. Always knock in from the front face of the bat. Gradually increase the force of the blows over a period of time until you are using up to a maximum of force comparable to that of a cricket ball hitting the bat in a match. This process should last for at least 8 hours.
The next stage involves testing your bat in the nets with an old, soft cricket ball. If deep seam marks appear knock in your bat for a further one hour. Repeat the process until no further deep seam marks appear on the bat. Repeat the above process with new balls until no deep seam marks appear. Now your bat is now ready for match use.
It is advisable not to use a new bat during indoor net sessions or on concrete pitches. The ground is often very hard and will increase the risk of damage to the toe of your bat, especially if you try to "dig out Yorkers" or catch the bat on the floor when driving. Damage is caused under these conditions is not covered by any warranty.
BAT PROTECTION
During the playing life of your bat treat it with care and attention. Remember poor quality cricket balls and hard plastic composition balls will damage your bat. Avoid using your bats against those types of balls. To prolong the life of your bat apply anti-scuff sheet to the face & fibreglass edge tape to your bat. We strongly advise fitting a toe guard, if one is not already fitted, to your bat.
On-going bat care
At the end of each season lightly sand the blade and apply another light coat of oil. After the bat has dried store under cool, moist conditions to prevent excessive drying of the willow. Do not keep your bat in your car boot for any length of time as this will dry the willow and make it weak.
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