Which Batt System Should You Choose?
This is one of the most common questions we get.
You’ve got two valid options. Both work. The difference comes down to how your wheel is set up and how you prefer to work.
If you follow this step-by-step, you’ll find the right one for you.
Step 1 -Do you have batt pins?
This is the starting point.
Why it matters:
Batt pins are what make the batt spin when fitted to the wheel head. If you don’t have them, you can’t use a batt pin based system without modifying your wheel.
If you do NOT have batt pins
→ Go for an Over-The-Wheel batt system
If you DO have batt pins
→ Go for a batt pin system
Step 2 – Over-The-Wheel Batt Systems (No Batt Pins)
These batt systems sit over the wheel head, not fixed into it with the batt pins.
Why people choose this:
- No drilling into your wheel
- Quick to put on and remove
- Easy to swap between pieces
In practice, this is the most popular option by far.
Click here to see the product page
How does it stay in place?
This is the question everyone asks. Traditionally potters would throw a clay pad and then place a batt on a wheel with no batt pins. The Over The Wheel product we have designed doesn’t need you t throw a clay pad, so there is no wasted clay or that painful clean up either. Just use our batt rug and start throwing on your wheel.
How to use a batt rug.
- It’s a thin piece of material that sits on your wheel head, just wet it under a tap and ring it out and you’re ready to start.
- Place the wet batt rug on your wheel
- The batt system sits on top of the wet batt rug
- The friction holds everything in place while you throw
Simple, but very effective.
Your options
1. Over-the-Wheel Russian Doll Batt System (No Batt Pins)
Over-the-Wheel Russian Doll Batt System (No Batt Pins)
- Fits wheels 300mm and above
- Uses a nested tile system (Russian doll) with tile sizes of :
- 200mm
- 150mm
- 100mm
Why this works well:
One system covers multiple sizes. You don’t need a stack of separate batts.
Click here to see the product page
2. Mini Over-the-Wheel Russian Doll Batt System
Mini Over-the-Wheel Russian Doll Batt System (No Batt Pins)
- For wheels under 300mm
- Compatible with tile inserts:
- 150mm
- 100mm
Why this matters:
A full-size system unfortunately won’t fit a smaller wheel properly but we don’t want you to miss out so the mini version solves that.
Click here to see the product page
Step 3 – Batt Pin Systems (With Batt Pins)
These fix directly onto the wheel and use the batt pins to make the batt rotate.
Why people choose this:
- Traditional setup
- Familiar if you’ve used batts before
Your options
1. Classic Russian Doll Tile Batt System (Batt Pins)
Classic Russian Doll Tile Batt System (Batt Pins)
- Uses batt pins for fixing
- Includes nested tile system:
- 200mm
- 150mm
- 100mm
Why this works well:
Same flexibility as the over-the-wheel system, but fixed via pins.
Click here to see the product page
2. Standard Tile Batt System (Batt Pins)
Standard Tile Batt System (Batt Pins)
- Fixed tile sizes:
- 200mm
- 150mm
- 100mm
- No nested system
Why there’s no Russian doll option here:
These tiles are 9mm or 12mm thick, so they can’t sit inside each other.
Click here to see the product page
“I can use both — which should I choose?”
This is where it comes down to preference.
Both systems work on the same principle — holding your work securely while you throw.
But in reality:
- Over-the-wheel systems are the most popular
- They’re quicker to change
- No need to drill your wheel
- Easier for most people day-to-day
Batt pin systems still have their place:
- If your wheel already has pins fitted
- If you prefer a fixed connection
- If that’s what you’re used to
There’s no wrong answer — just what suits how you like to work.
Simple Summary
- No batt pins → Over-the-wheel system
- Under 300mm wheel → Mini
- 300mm+ wheel → Standard
- Want flexibility → Russian doll
- Have batt pins → Batt pin system
- Want flexibility → Russian doll
- Want simple → Standard tiles
If you’re still unsure
Send us:
- Your wheel size
- Whether you’ve got batt pins
- What you’re planning to make
We’ll point you to the exact setup so you don’t have to guess.
That’s the quickest way to get it right first time.
Our contact details are :-
Email – [email protected]
Telephone – +44 (0) 1933 273 873
