As a cricketer there is no better feeling then middling a cricket ball and watching the ball race away to the fence from your cricket bat. You may have the best cricket gloves and pads but, nothing gives you more confidence then knowing you have a bat in your hand that will let you hit boundaries effortlessly.
There are well over 200 cricket bats available on the market right now with each individual range being divided into their own grading of the English willow. So, we decided to test and compare the most popular cricket bats on the market right now to help you not only find the bat with the best responsiveness but also good value for money.
Let’s dive straight in see what we have!
Unveiling The 10 Best Cricket Bats That Actually Have A Good Middle
1. New Balance IND 700 Cricket Bat
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
Excellent Performance And Quality
Current £108 Off Discount
- Vibrant colour scheme on stickers
Ideal for T20 format
- Chunky edges with low sweet spots
Shaped for aggressive shots
Our Review:
Top of our list is the IND700 Cricket Bat from New Balance that is designed for big hits and vibrant play. If you have read our articles before than you will know that we love New Balance for their best cricket spikes and were surprised to see how good their cricket bats are too. It features colorful graphics inspired by Holi, the Festival of Colours. This bat is used by stars in India’s top cricket competition. The IND series brings the joy of spring to the game, celebrating the new season.
This bat is perfect for T20 cricket, with a low swell, chunky edges, and a large sweet spot. It’s designed for aggressive shots and powerful hits. If you want to hit match-winning sixes, this bat is a great choice.
It is endorsed by Pat Cummins and made from Grade 4 English willow. The handle is made of 6-piece Singapore cane, and the grip is navy blue. The profile includes a low swell, large edges, and a big sweet spot.
2. Adidas Incurza 4.0 Cricket Bat
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
Reputable brand with high performance qualities
Currently a massive £150 OFF
Flatter face for unrivalled balance
Massive chunky edges
Fantastic bat profile
Endorsed by Tom Banton and Jofra Archer
Our Review:
The adidas Incurza 4.0 Cricket Bat in Acid Yellow is designed for powerful hitting. You may recognise the Incurza from our best cricket batting gloves where they were known for how comfortable they are. Just like those, this bat features massive edges and a flat face, offering unmatched hitting strength. Its large, extended sweet spot is in the mid-blade. This makes it perfect for aggressive shots like front-foot drives that can clear the infield.
The bat’s significant heft at both ends adds to its power, while minimal concaving ensures a smooth pickup and a comfortable feel in the hand. Endorsed by England internationals Jofra Archer and Tom Banton, the Incurza range is built for those who want to dominate the game.
The rounded handle is ideal for hard-hitting players who like to lift the ball. The bat also boasts a modern design with an embossed adidas logo, adding style to its performance. It comes with a face guard and a toe guard for extra protection.
3. Gunn & Moore Brava 404 Cricket Bat
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
Made from one of the most respected brands in cricket
- Grade 3 high-quality English Willow
- Cool looking Pro-Lite grip
Powerarc technology for hitting down the ground
Save £33.75 from full price
Our Review:
The Gunn & Moore Brava 404 Cricket Bat in Blue/Gold is built for powerful front-foot play. This bat features GM’s F2 flatter face, which provides big edges along the drive area. This design gives you exceptional power for aggressive shots.
The Brava 404 has a lower swell and a Powerarc bow profile, making it perfect for hitting sixes straight down the ground. The lightweight Pro-Lite grip helps you stay in control during powerful swings. The blue and gold stickers add a stylish touch to this powerful bat.
The bat has a traditional L555 blade length with a 295mm handle and a 62mm swell. The edges are 39mm thick, and it features a full blade profile with a low swell position.
Made in England from Grade 3 English Willow, it has some knot marks and stains but is seasoned and bleached for durability.
The bat comes fitted with a treble spring cane handle, is pre-knocked in, and has a ToeTek™ finish. Weighing between 2 lb 10 oz and 2 lb 13 oz, it is ready to help you dominate the game.
4. Newbery The Master 100 G4 Cricket Bat
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
A legendary name in cricket!
Well known for its high-quality willow
Classic styling
Full profile with large edges
Mid-to-low sweetspot
- Grade 4 english willow
Our Review:
The Newbery The Master 100 G4 Cricket Bat in Orange/Black is a grade four edition of a classic bat. Known for its rich cricketing heritage, Newbery’s reputation for quality dates back to 1919. The Master 100 is a tribute to the legendary batmaker John Newbery. It features original branding from the 1980s, reflecting timeless class.
This bat has minimalist two-tone stripes and displays the Sussex Martlets hallmark with “Since 1919.” Its shape blends traditional and modern designs, with a full profile, large edges, and some concaving. The bat has an extended swell and a mid-to-low sweetspot, ideal for English wickets.
Crafted from Grade 4 English willow and handcrafted in England, it combines classic design with modern performance. The full spine offers fantastic balance and feel, while the wide sweetspot enhances hitting power. The Master 100 G4 is a perfect choice for players who appreciate both tradition and quality in their cricket gear.
5. New Balance DC 880 Cricket Bat
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
Lower swell for big hitting bats
- Large edges
Amazing low-light visibility
Unique 1x lens for magnification
- Grade 4 willow
Our Review:
The New Balance DC 880 Cricket Bat in Blue/Black is designed for powerful hitting. It features a low swell and large edges, perfect for dynamic cricketers who want to clear the boundary from any position. The bat's low-blade swell helps you hit the ball with force, whether you’re playing front-foot or back-foot shots.
The bat has a slight duckbill shape near the toe, which reduces weight and improves maneuverability. The bold new stickers reflect your aggressive playing style. Endorsed by cricket stars Steve Smith and Sophie Molineux, this bat is made from Grade 3 English willow for quality and durability.
It comes with a six-piece Singapore cane semi-oval handle for a comfortable grip. The dynamic white and blue speckled grip enhances control. A black toe guard adds extra protection to the bat. With its powerful design and stylish features, the DC 880 is built for players who want to dominate the game.
6. Gray-Nicolls Tempesta 1.2 300 Cricket Bat
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
Babar Azam's weapon of choice
Very reputable bat maker
Amazing pick-up and feel
Perfect for front and back foot players
Lower middle for higher bat speeds
Love the orange colour scheme
Our Review:
The Gray-Nicolls Tempesta 1.2 300 Cricket Bat in Yellow/Neon Blue is designed for modern cricket. Endorsed by Babar Azam, it combines powerful performance with an easy pickup. This bat is popular among professional players for its clever weight distribution and large mid-low swell.
The Tempesta’s design allows for big shots, whether you're driving forward or pulling back. The lower middle provides fast bat speed, helping you clear the boundary with ease. The bat features futuristic graphics and comes in various color options, with the 1.2 Orange edition showcasing its dynamic look.
It has a large hitting area with a mid-low sweetspot and a semi-rounded face for improved performance. The even low bow and large edges match the bat’s spine for better power. The lower balance point ensures outstanding pickup and speed.
The bat features a square toe and a semi-oval handle, with a Superlink Pro grip for comfort. Finished with Extratec and pre-prepared for durability, it is made from quality English willow. The Tempesta 1.2 300 is built for players seeking a blend of power and control.
7. Newbery Kudos G4 Cricket Bat
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
Another mention from the powerhouse
One of the most popular options
First launched in 2013
High quality grade 4 willow
Amazing stickers make it stand out
- Great all-round bat
Our Review:
The Newbery Kudos G4 Cricket Bat in White/Blue is a re-release of a popular bat from Newbery’s recent history. Originally introduced in 2013, it is designed for players who excel at working the ball around the ground.
The Kudos G4 features a long, high spine that offers the classic feel and excellent balance of traditional English bats. This design is ideal for controlled shots, especially off the back foot. The mid-blade sweetspot is substantial, making it easy to punch drives through the infield.
Crafted from Grade 4 English willow, the Kudos G4 provides a blend of power and precision. Its classic long spine ensures perfect weight distribution and a fantastic feel.
With its mid-to-high sweetspot, this bat supports all-round strokeplay, allowing you to handle various types of deliveries effectively.
The Newbery Kudos G4 is a reliable choice for players who appreciate a well-balanced bat with a traditional touch and modern performance.
8. TON Reserve Edition 2.0 Cricket Bat
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
High-end premium bat
Crafted with rade 2 willow
Amazing laser engraved aesthetics
Mid-low swell and extended sweetspot
Incredible pickup even at higher weights
Our Review:
The TON Reserve Edition 2.0 Cricket Bat in Black is a special-edition bat designed for top players. It features a premium, laser-engraved look that adds elegance to its powerful performance. You may even recognise the Ton series from our best cricket batting pads series where we were impressed with how comfortable the batting pads were.
Based on the Gladiator series, the bat has a mid-low swell and an extended sweetspot, making it ideal for dynamic shot-making around the ground. The significant shaping on the back and duckbilling at the toe enhance its pickup. The pronounced bow helps you play scoops over the infield with ease.
Made from air-dried Super Grade 2 English willow, the Reserve Edition 2.0 offers high impact and optimum performance. It is crafted to meet the exact specifications of the world’s best players. With large concave edges and a well-balanced design, this bat provides both power and control.
Overall, the TON Reserve Edition 2.0 combines style with performance, making it a great choice for players who want to stand out and perform at their best.
9. DSC Split 3000 Cricket Bat
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
Designed for power hitters!
David Warners trusted bat
Mid-low profile designed for short format
Hit huge shots off the front and back foot
Crafted from grade 3 willow
Extended power zone makes it ideal for big hitters
Our Review:
The DSC Split 3000 Cricket Bat in White/Green is built for power. It features a full profile with a mid-low swell, which enhances its ability to deliver big hits. This bat is handcrafted to maximize power, giving you the confidence to score match-winning boundaries.
Its mid-low profile is ideal for short-format games like T20, and the Extended Power Zone provides extra distance on shots from both the front and back foot. The new stickers for 2024 add a fresh look to this powerful bat.
Endorsed by cricket stars David Miller from South Africa and Usman Khawaja from Australia, the Split 3000 is made from top-quality grade 3 natural English willow. It is crafted by expert craftsmen to ensure high performance.
The bat features a curved blade for strong performance and traditionally shaped massive edges in the drive zone. It also has a mid to low profile for an excellent pickup.
10. Gunn & Moore Radon Cricket Bat
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
Another mention for G&M
- Fantastic all-round bat
Crafted by one of the oldest brands in cricket
Made using grade 4 willow
Amazing colours on stickers
Impressive ping off the bat
Our Review:
The Gunn & Moore Radon Cricket Bat in Red/Black is designed for players at any level. Made from seasoned Grade 4 English willow, this bat combines durability with quality performance. It is ideal for both improving youngsters and adult players who want to excel in village cricket.
The Radon features a polycarbonate cover for added durability and comes with a ToeTek™ toe guard to protect the bat. This means it can handle many innings and remain in great condition.
The bat is fitted with a white Hex grip for excellent grip and comfort. It also has an F4.5 face profile, designed to offer a balanced performance. Crafted in England from prime English willow, the Radon is built to last and support powerful shots.
Overall, the Gunn & Moore Radon Cricket Bat is a resilient choice that helps you play confidently and stay at your best game after game.
How to Choose the Right Cricket Bat?
Choosing the right cricket bat is crucial for maximizing your performance on the field. Here’s how to make an informed decision:
Determine Your Playing Style:
Your playing style should heavily influence your bat choice. If you are an aggressive player who likes to hit boundaries, opt for a bat with a high sweet spot and thick edges.
This design provides maximum power for big shots. Conversely, a balanced bat with a large sweet spot is ideal if you prefer a more controlled approach. This type offers better control and consistency in your strokes.
Consider the Willow Grade:
The quality of the willow used in the bat greatly affects its performance. Grade 1 English Willow is the highest quality, offering superior performance and durability.
Grade 2 and Grade 3 willows are also good but have more blemishes and less performance potential than Grade 1. Investing in a higher-grade willow ensures better overall performance.
Weight and Balance:
The weight and balance of the bat are essential for comfort and effectiveness. Choose a bat that feels right in your hands. A well-balanced bat provides better control and allows for smoother, more powerful swings. Ensure the bat’s weight suits your strength and playing style.
Handle Type:
Cricket bats come with different handle types: round or oval. The choice between these is subjective and should be based on what feels most comfortable in your grip. Comfort in handling the bat can significantly impact your performance.
Budget:
While top-quality bats can be pricey, excellent options are available at various price points. Determine your budget before shopping and look for the best bat within that range. Remember, a higher investment often translates to better performance and durability, but there are great bats available for all budgets.
Wrapping It Up!
Choosing the right cricket bat is crucial for your performance on the field. The bats listed above offer a range of options for different playing styles and preferences. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, there is a perfect bat for you.
Investing in a high-quality bat can significantly enhance your game. Remember to consider your playing style, budget, and personal preferences when making your choice. With the right bat, you can elevate your performance and enjoy the game.
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