Knocking In
Give your new cricket bat the best start to life with a Fantail knocking in service. We offer a comprehensive knocking-in service, combining hand knocking with our state-of-the-art Smart Knocking-in Machine.
This process prepares your bat for hardball use. You won't notice a significant difference in performance after the service is completed. However, the service will compress the fibres to maximise the performance within the bat. Bat performance comes from the quality of willow, shape, weight and pressing done by the bat manufacturer.
PLEASE NOTE: We offer a crack repair service, not a crack prevention service. We don't provide any warranty on our crack repairs as we can't control what the willow will do, but we do our best to ensure they hold for as long as possible. Crack repairs are a temporary solution. We'd recommend purchasing a new bat if you want a permanent solution. If you need further details, please get in touch with us before placing an order.
PROCESS:
- We apply a coat of linseed oil. Linseed oil helps the cricket bat retain its own moisture and reduces the cracking rate due to allowing the fibres to stretch rather than crack.
- The knocking process starts with the edges and toe of the bat we do this by hand using a wooden mallet as these are the weakest and most vulnerable areas of the bat.
- It then moves on to our Smart Knock knocking in machine. Which does all that a human can do but better as it has complete control of each strike with placement and power. It works its way slowly up and down the blade while moving across the blade simultaneously. Your bat will receive approximately 15,000 knocks during our service.
- Once the knocking is complete, we then move on to applying any optional extras you've ordered.
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Before using your new bat for match play, we recommend using the bat for light net sessions with an old cricket ball to assess if it is ready. Start with a slow pace and slowly build up. Should small seam indentations appear, slow the pace down and only increase the pace when you can see no new seam indentations. Continue this process until you are using a new ball at full pace.
PLEASE NOTE:
- There is no warranty on non Fantail branded bats that we have knocked in.
- All facings/edge tape and glue residue will need to be removed before our knocking in period starts.
- You will need to purchase a new facing if you'd like one to be applied once the knocking in the process is complete, as we can't reuse facings.
- Our knocking in machine covers 36cm up from the toe. If your stickers finish lower than that, you may notice knocking marks.
- It's not uncommon for bats to develop small surface cracks during our knocking in process. We will seal and fix the cracks for no additional charge if they do occur.
- It's common for toe guards to come off during our knocking in service. As the willow compresses, toe guards don't compress with the willow, making them pop off.
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE STEPS:
- Place your order online or pop in-store for the services and repairs you require (please get in touch if you need any assistance). If you are based outside of NZ, please get a shipping quote before placing your order. Please don't send your bat/s in unless you've placed an order.
- Send your bat into our workshop from anywhere around the world (Fantail doesn't organise or pay for this) with your order number and name attached. This is vital to connect your bat/s with your order. Please don't send your bat cover; it may not be returned.
- Your bat will join the queue as soon as it arrives. You won't be notified when your bat arrives.
- Once complete, your bat/s will be couriered to the address given in your order details (the return shipping is calculated and paid for in the checkout of our website). You will be sent an email with the tracking details upon dispatch, or we will let you know that it is ready for pick up.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are an international customer, please get a quote to send your bat/s to NZ before placing an order. If you place an order and change your mind. You'll only receive a refund of the order value minus the transaction fee (between 3 & 7% of the order value).
Send or drop your bat/s off to the following address:
Fantail Cricket
244 Dominion Rd
Mt Eden, Auckland 1024
New Zealand
CURRENT TIMEFRAMES
To get a shipping quote, add the items you would like to purchase to your cart and proceed to checkout. Our system will calculate the best shipping rates available based on your delivery address.
We offer free worldwide shipping on English willow bat orders. Please note, this free shipping applies only to the bat; you'll need to cover shipping costs for any additional items in your order.
Please be aware that all international orders are shipped delivery duty unpaid (DDU), and you, the customer, are responsible for any local customs fees, taxes, and/or duties. Any import duties and taxes are charged once the package has reached the destination country, and these charges must be paid by the recipient of the package. Unfortunately, we have no control over these charges as customs policies vary from country to country. If you have questions related to customs charges, you are advised to contact your local customs office.
- New Zealand - orders are sent through Post Haste. Allow 1 to 5 business days for delivery.
- Australia - Orders are sent through two carriers. For DHL Express, allow 1 to 4 business days for delivery, and NZ Courier Post allow 5 to 14 business days.
- Rest of World - Orders are sent through DHL Express. Allow 3 to 8 business days for delivery.
