As English cricket continues to build a coherent plan to cement its position as the number one ranked Test team in the world, every other cricketing nation schemes to usurp Andrew Strauss’ men. With the battle for dominance in world cricket as competitive as it has ever been, the margin for error has never been smaller, and the value of top quality equipment never more important.
Cooped up in the office, the Sportsvibe team eagerly awaited the arrival of Slazenger’s latest addition to the V series of bats to the office – notably the V500 – and visions of stepping out into the middle armed with a devastating weapon of choice crept into our collective minds eye.
The resident office braggart soon took a grip of the V500’s ‘power handle’ and stepped confidently to the nets. With Slazenger the brand of choice for top international players including Paul Collingwood, Jacques Kallis, Tim Bresnan and Matt Prior, our guinea pig risked public execution if he failed to reverse-sweep or Dilscoop successfully.
The V500 bat marks the introduction of the innovative IDS (Inertia Drive System), a step forwards in technological development that considerably improves swing efficiency. The Inertia Drive System reportedly consists of specifically engineered power channels around the sweet spot that enhances the swing weight and consequent striking power. This was our opportunity to emulate the greats.
Sliding comfortably into the grasp of our tester, a trademark Prior cover drive tested the limits of the innovative IDS technology, with the ball briskly whistling off the bat into the distance with minimal effort. The development in technology means there is no need for added weight; the increased power does not compromise maneuverability or pick-up.
Subtly bowed, the V500 utilises an extreme linear profile to help the holder generate effortless power and control. Hand-selected English willow is combined with a power handle to deliver enhanced grip and power, allowing you to cut and pull with confidence.
Matt Prior – arguably the best wicketkeeper-batsman in the five-day game, given his world-class Test average of 44.72 – is an advocate of the V500’s quality, adding to the integrity of the Slazenger V series.
The fact remains that Slazenger have long manufactured bats for England’s best – Allan Lamb famously took on the fearsome West Indies bowling attack of the 80s armed with his preferred V12. Now you have the chance to select the V500 as your weapon of choice, ready to take on anything thrown your way.
Weight Range: 2lb 9oz – 2lb 12oz
