At £200, these three bats represent a decent chunk of money, so you want to be sure you are making a sound investment
With so much cricket equipment on the market, it can be easy to lose your way. Official NVC Cricket Retailer – Owzat Cricket – have put together a series of helpful guides to provide some insight into what’s available and some tips to adhere to when restocking your kitbag.
Here we are going to look at bats for under £200. No pieces of equipment range in price more than the pieces of willow so crucial to the game.
At £200, these three bats represent a decent chunk of money, so you want to be sure you are making a sound investment.
Willow Grade: G2
Toe Guard: NO
Face: Natural
Grip: Superlink
Weights: 2'10-3'lb in SH (PRO SEMI-OVAL)
Weight Guide: Med 2'10-2'11oz, Heavy 2'12-3lb.
With English Willow from their own home grown stocks, Gray-Nicolls are time proven experts in every aspect of the art of cricket bat making. Their attention to detail right through the cricket bat making process means that their bats will perform to the highest possible levels at each price point to satisfy the most demanding of batters. With classic cosmetics and profile, the Classic Select Extreme bat has been created for a batsman serious about his game.
Owzat says: This is a bit of a gem, it is perfect for the regular club player, of a good standard. It has a noticeable swell, and the mid-placing means it suits batsmen who have an all-round game.
Willow Grade: G2
Toe Guard: YES
Face: Clear Anti-scuff
Grip: GM Terrain Grip.
Weights: 2'9-2'12oz in SH (OVAL)
Weight Guide: Light 2'9-2'10, Med 2'11-2'12oz
The Zelos is brand new for 2018 and is built to the traditional L555 blade/handle ratio. All G&M bats now utilsise the tried and trusted F4.5 naturally curved face profile. The Zelos features a ultra-curve handle/face profile, a low-mid swell/sweetspot, a contoured spine profile and a partially concave back to give great balance.
Owzat says: With Ben Stokes now on board we expect these to be more popular than ever. Beautiful looking and solidly built. The oval handle gives a great pick up, perfect for long-ball hitters and power players.
Willow Grade: G3
Toe Guard: YES
Face: Natural
Grip: Fever Flash
Weights: 2'7-2'9oz in SH (OVAL)
Weight Guide: Light 2'7-2'8, Med 2'8-2'9oz
2018 sees the introduction of a completely different cricket bat from Kookaburra, with style guides and thinking going out of the window. Fever has been conceived for impact, both in appearance and profile. Unashamed graphics are the concept of change, whilst the unique and full profile provides all of the armoury for the aesthetics. Conforms to MCC Law 5 and is match legal.
Owzat says: this is a top of the range bat, for a cracking price. We have to give a lot of credit to Kookaburra’s designers, it’s got a great look to it. This has a bit of rounding on the face, pe rfect for the more traditional player.
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