OILING YOUR SOMMERS BAT
All Sommers bats should be oiled using either raw linseed oil or bat oil before use in a game. Using a soft cloth, apply a small amount of oil to the face of the bat. Work the oil into the rest of the blade as well as the toe, edges and back of the bat. Repeat over a period of two to three days making sure that the bat is always horizontal on its back to allow the oil to soak in (the back of the bat should only need one application). After each coat of oil, any oil that has not soaked in should be removed using fine sandpaper. Do not oil the splice area of the bat as this may soften the glue and weaken the handle. Do not oil the toe of bats that have toe guard protection. In times of extreme temperature, check to see if you bat needs oiling. You can do this by running your fingernail down the face of the bat. A small oil trail should appear. If no oil trail appears, give your bat a light oil to face, edges and toe and then let it dry overnight.

OVER OILING
It is important that you don’t over oil your Sommers Bat. More bats are spoilt by over oiling than by under oiling.

KNOCKING IN YOUR SOMMERS BAT
All Sommers bats are prepared for immediate play however that doesn’t mean they are ready to go against a new ball. It means that the majority of preparation work has been done, but that you’ll need to complete the final part of the process. We recommend that you spend as much time as you can knocking in your bat. This is best done with a purpose-made bat mallet, either a smooth wooden mallet or a “ball on handle” mallet. Hit the bat firmly with the bat mallet for a short period, don’t just tap it. It is important that you make sure that the toe and the edges of the bat are well knocked-in.

PLAYING IN YOUR SOMMERS BAT
After you have finished knocking in your bat; we recommend that you play the bat in gently in a net session. Bat in a defensive manner and attempt to hit the ball with the middle of your bat. A well used old cricket ball should be used in this initial net session.

ADDITIONAL CARE OF YOUR SOMMERS BAT
We recommend that you take further precautions to make sure that your bat is well protected from being damaged. For uncovered bats, we suggest that you place a clear protective covering over the face of your bat. Most retailers will stock good quality Sommers Bat Facing that is easily applied or in a few minutes, they can apply it for you. It is also advisable that you place a strip of edge tape along the inside and outside edge of your bat to provide additional protection and minimize the chances of cracking the bat on either of these edges. Sommers bat facing comes in three options; 1.Clear. 2. Mesh. 3. Clear with edge tape.

WAYS TO AVOID DAMAGING YOUR SOMMERS BAT
Avoid exposing your bat to extreme temperatures. Never stand your bat in oil. Try to prevent the bat from becoming damp and always keep moisture from entering the toe area. Do not use cheap hard balls as these will damage your bat. Do not misuse or treat your bat carelessly off the pitch. If you damage your bat, do not continue to use it as this may aggravate the area where the damage has been caused and force it in to a state where it is beyond repair. You should always store your bat in a cool, dry atmosphere in the off season making sure it is well away from any heat or dampness. Your bat should be re-oiled after any extended period where the bat has not been used. It is especially important to do this just prior to using your bat again during your pre-season. Some minor repairs can be carried out by you. We recommend you carry bat tape in your bag so that you are immediately able to make minor repairs where they are needed.

DAMAGE TO BATS
The bat is made of wood and as such is a natural product, so of course, it’s possible that despite taking all these precautions, the bat could still break with the first ball that it receives in a match. However, if you carry out all of the instructions above, you will greatly reduce the chances of any damage being caused to the bat. While we would like to guarantee that the bat will not break, that guarantee is not possible. You should expect that superficial surface cracks and indentations may occur. These are normal and should not detract from the performance of the bat. Surface cracks can be repaired by light sanding while dents to the face of the bat should disappear in time.

BAT REPAIRS/REPLACEMENTS
All Sommers cricket bats are made to the highest standards. We take great pride in ensuring that only the best willow in each grade is selected for our range. Nonetheless, we accept that sometimes bats can be damaged through normal play. In circumstances where damage is caused to your bat that you feel is not normal or if you are unhappy with the performance of your Sommers bat, we recommend that you return it to your retailer as soon as possible. They will then inspect the bat and in most cases will provide you with an immediate assessment of what needs to be done.

WARRANTY CLAIMS

• At the discretion of the manufacturer, Sommers carry a warranty against any fault of manufacture or defective materials for a period of 12 months
• Should you believe a warranty is necessary, the bat should be returned to your place of purchase for initial inspection and if necessary the bat will be returned to Sommers for inspection?
• Your receipt of purchase must be returned with the bat for any claim to be valid, and to avoid any charges.
• Warranty does not include the following; Misuse, over oiling, under oiling, insufficient knocking in and/or preparation, superficial cracking, damaged edges or toe, alterations, and excessive use.
• Where a bat is replaced under warranty, the warranty on the replacement bat will be 12 months from the date of the original purchase, not the date of replacement