We are some of the first players to use the new Chase Cricket Bats for 2023! In this Video, Rich and Neil put each of the bats through its paces and give you their honest opinion on each!
Before we review the bats, it is worth noting that Chase has been making bats since 1996 from their workshop in the heart of the Hampshire countryside (In fact it’s on the same farm as our cricket centre!) Chase has designed some of the finest bats for all levels of players, they locally source their willow, which allows them to have meticulous detail in every cleft.
The Chase Volante cricket bat has received an updated look this year with fresh graphics throughout the bat. That seems to be the only change that meets the eye, the shape of the bat looks usual of past Volante models.
Technical Specs from Chase
The mid-low sweet spot suits both the aggressive and defensive batsman looking to time the ball to perfection. A traditional profile gives a balanced pick-up, perfect for big hitters.
Performance Review – In the Nets
The initial pickup of the 2lb 8oz bat was nice, the balance was very good meaning that the bat didn’t feel any heavier than 2lb 8oz in the hands but we wouldn’t suggest that it picks up light. On the front foot, there felt to be a lot behind the ball when you make contact due to the more traditional blade shape, giving that bit more forgiveness. However, playing on the back foot and horizontal bat shots you have to work a little bit harder to get the bat up.
What type of player will it suit?
A great all-around bat, that will suit most players and wouldn’t offend many if it were in their kit bag
Like the Volante, the Chase Finback cricket bat has also had a facelift but still keeps its signature looks with the fleck of red in the stickers and the high spine in the shape.
Technical Specs from Chase
Extra scooped flanks provide feather light pick-up, increasing control for quick reaction time. It’s the perfect bat to play both touch shots and attacking drives.
Performance Review – In the Nets
The bat picks up very lightly and has great balance throughout. Weight reduction is achieved in the Finback due to the scooped flanks and high spine; this means that to ensure the maximum performance you must strike the ball in the centre. Hinders describes it as a 30cm ruler running vertically up the blade.
The Trade to having a light bat is that on the back foot, the Finback really starts to come into its own as you have so much time on the ball to play your shots.
What type of player will it suit?
The Chase Finback cricket bat is a great option for a transition cricketer coming from a junior bat into an adult bat due to the balance and lightweight pickup. In addition, this would also suit stroke makers that are looking for a lightweight option.
The Chase Vortex cricket bat has taken a big and bold look for 2023. Striking colours and a powerful shape, big thick edges and a full spine from splice to toe, with a shorter blade to improve balance!
Technical Specs from Chase
Massive profile with explosive performance for the big hitter. Exquisitely balanced and high performing to play big entertaining shots. A modern-shaped bat with a giant middle and big edges which is ideal for the short game.
Performance Review – In the Nets
The bat we used in our samples was 2lb 10oz but this picked up light due to the combination of the shorter blade and longer handle. This combination gives you great balance for a bat which has massive amounts of wood in it. The ball seems to come off the willow quicker and goes like a rocket!
What type of player will it suit?
The Vortex will really suit those looking to play aggressively and wanting clear the ropes! The amount of wood behind the ball allows you to set your base and swing through, potentially giving you an additional 5-10 yards of distance.
Still as classy as ever, the Chase FLC cricket bat keeps a white and silver colourway heading into 2023 but follows the same graphic update as the rest of the bats. A familiar shape again from Chase with a big-hitting zone that would look to suit all-round play.
Technical Specs from Chase
Our top of the range bat is selected from the top 4% of our English willow. Premium willow with a massive drive zone is excellent for all-round play. Its low sweet spot and big profile provides maximum momentum from pick-up to shot.
Performance Review – In the Nets
The balance of the Chase FLC is nice which makes it feel slightly lighter to pick up than the dead weight on the bat suggests. On the back foot, it gives you more time to play your horizontal bat shots and punchy with the straight. On the front foot, it still has enough wood behind the ball even on those off-centre hits.
What type of player will it suit?
The Chase FLC cricket bat allows you to play both on the front foot and back foot with forgiveness and power suiting most players. However, the FLC sits at the top of the Chase range of cricket bats due to its willow quality and the price reflects this. If you are a batter playing at the top level of club cricket this is a great option if your budget supports it.
This bat is undoubtedly an eye-catcher! Sleek and stylish but it’s the grains on the Chase Platinum cricket bat that stand out. These bats are hand selected and graded by the master bat maker Dan, so you know they’re going to be the best of the best!
Technical Specs from Chase
The best wood available, ultimate in style and performance. Selected and graded by our Master Bat Maker.
Performance Review – In the Nets
A traditional profile bat that has excellent balance and outstanding quality of willow, if you time your shots well, you know you are going to receive maximum value. The Platinum is solid to strike with both on the front and back foot.
What type of player will it suit?
The Chase Platinum cricket bat is in a world of its own and you literally can’t go wrong with it. You have the top-end piece of willow hand selected by the master batmaker. It’s a great blend of all the bats in the range and offers maximum performance. However, the Chase Platinum does come at a premium and there is only a small percentage that is made due to the limitations on willow selection.
A few final thoughts, as standard all of the bats in the Chase 2023 range come with the following specs:
The obvious things we should mention when choosing a cricket bat are:
If you can go in-store to pick up the bat the better. Ordering online works well but it doesn’t beat the option of picking one up in-store to compare with other bats, such as shapes, weights and pick-ups, etc…
Finally, a huge thank you to Chase for giving us access to their 2023 range to test and review.
