It is off the middle where the DSC Blak really delivers in terms of power; if you can connect with good timing the ball can really fly.
RRP: £236, Edges: 37mm, Weight: 2lb 8oz
When you read that the DSC Blak 400 is "exquisitely handcrafted" and possesses a "pronounced bow for unparalleled stroke play" you'd probably be expecting a blade consumed by perfection.
The reality, in the minds of our testers at least, is something slightly more rudimentary.
Indeed, one student described it as "a bit thick" that "feels like hitting with a plank of wood".
It is off the middle where the DSC really delivers in terms of power; if you can connect with good timing the ball can really fly.
However, there were concerns among testers with the build quality. Huw Turbervill put it best when he said: "This one didn’t stand out in any great way for me, but the middle was pretty good. It is quite light. The handles are a little bit thin which seems to be a bit of a trend these days. It's got a very bulky middle but wasn't heavy and depending on the price point you can't really go wrong with this."
Other criticisms included the bat being slightly toe-heavy and feeling slightly thick to hold. Alex Tudor observed that it would perhaps suit a low-bouncing surface.
Initial impression: 7.3
Build quality: 7.7
Pick-up/feel: 7.4
Performance: 7.9
OVERALL SCORE: 7.6
Watch cricket masterclasses from the pros and find out about all the best equipment for your 2024 season on The Cricketer's YouTube channel:
Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.