GEAR TEST

THREE BLADES FROM OWZAT CRICKET

These super blades have sold well in 2016, so much so that they are being primed for 2017 retail action as well.  We put them through their paces...

Newbery Merlin 

RRP £280 Owzat-Cricket price £179.99

We like The Merlin feels superb in the hand offering a virtually weightless pick-up.

We dislike The weightlessness to an extent translated to a lack of power, despite the good middle. While dressed in Newbery’s classical design, for some the stickers obscured too much of the blade. They won’t stay pretty for very long.

The Cricketer says In The Merlin Newbery have created a well-balanced wand with an excellent pick-up.

Performance: 4/5

Pick-up and feel: 5/5

Value:  4/5

Star rating 4/5

GM Neon

RRP £240 Owzat-Cricket price £184.99

We like GM’s bold livery is certainly appealing to the eye. It has a touch of Batman about it. Christian Bale more than Adam West.

We dislike It’s on hard side but with a bit of extra knocking in it should come to life.

The Cricketer says The most expensive but a solid middle-order option.

Performance: 3/5

Pick-up and feel: 3.5/5

Value:  3/5

Star rating: 3/5

Chase Finback R7

RRP £220 Owzat-Cricket price £172.99

We like A lovely pick-up, not as light as the Newbery but the blade feels nice through the shot.

We dislike A minor gripe that there are a few knots in an otherwise very nice finish. Don’t be put off though, they do add strength.

The Cricketer says As the cheapest of the trio the Finback offers excellent bang for your buck.

Performance: 4/5

Pick-up and feel: 4.5/5

Value: 4.5/5

Star rating: 4.5/5