Is choosing the right cricket bat one of the hardest decisions in sport?
With so many options available, it’s tough to know where to start.
What willow grade should you select? Which shape, size, and weight will suit your style? Should you go with an established brand or an innovative new bat maker? Different requirements for different formats of the game complicate things even further.
Our comprehensive guide to the UK’s 16 best cricket bats gives you the inside track on performance, value, and fit for every budget.
Read on to pick your ideal bat with confidence and step up to the crease ready to shine.
How Did We Choose Our Best Bats?
Selecting the top cricket bats was a rigorous (and fun!) process. To reflect the vast cross-section of cricketers playing in the UK, we considered several key factors:
- Manufacturer’s reputation: Brands like Gray-Nicolls, Kookaburra and Gunn & Moore have decades of experience and track records of excellence. Naturally, we keenly considered their best new models. To widen the selection, we also looked at lesser-known brands with strong reputations for quality.
- Look and feel: Beyond visual appeal, we paid attention to the weight and feel of the bat. When assessing a willow, it’s vital to get a sense of its balance and swing.
- Willow grade: We aimed to represent a range of willow qualities, from entry-level willow suitable for beginners to premium Grade 1 English Willow favoured by serious cricketers.
- Testing: With assistance from players of various levels, we tested all the bats for performance. This gave us a good idea of the sweet spot and how the ball comes off the face and edges.
- Budget: Cricket bat prices vary widely based on brand, material, design, and grade. Our picks reflect that. Casual players don’t need to spend £500 when a £149 bat will do the business just as well. We considered bats from under £100 to over £800. To understand the costs involved, here’s the broad range of cricket bat prices in the UK.
- Entry-level/junior cricket bats: £45-£150
- Mid-range adult bats (often Grade 2/3 willow): £150-£300
- Good professional bats (Grade 1/2 English willow, pro models): £400-£850+
- Elite/Signature models: These can approach £1,000, especially limited editions or bats endorsed by international players.
The prices of our best bats are average indications for adult bats. Junior versions are understandably cheaper.
8 Top Cricket Bats from Smaller Brands
Let’s start with 8 impressive bats from lesser-known cricket companies.
1. Village Cricket Bat (Best Budget Cricket Bat)
Price: £117
The Village Cricket Bat is designed for amateur players who love the game. Coming in at under £120, this gem from the Village Cricket Co. is a surefire winner.
Despite its affordability, the Village Cricket Bat doesn’t compromise on quality. Made from high-grade Kashmir Willow, it’s built to last. The wood’s robust properties often result in Village willows outlasting many English willow alternatives.
The bat features a low middle, making it ideal for English tracks with lower bounce. We really like the deft pick-up and satisfying ping. Its medium weight serves both big hitters aiming to clear the car park and touch players keeping the field busy with skillful shot variety.
The bat is designed for village and recreational cricket. It includes a free toe guard and a full-face anti-scuff sheet to extend its life. Affordable, reliable, and built to perform, the Village Cricket Bat offers exceptional value for amateur enthusiasts.
- Weight: 2lb 9oz
- Grade 1 Kashmir willow
2. OX29 Bat Doctor (Best Bespoke Crafted Bat)
Price: From £200
There’s something special about a personlised bat handcrafted to your specifications. If you are considering this option, OX29 Cricket Bat Doctor in Oxfordshire is your best bet.
This passionate, knowledgeable workshop offers a custom bat service where you can bespoke your new bat, from start to finish. With a wide range of designs in various shapes, there is something for everyone.
You can personalise your bat beyond size, weight, profile, and middle. Choose from an array of sticker colours and designs. Select your preferred handle colour and grip type. Do you want your new willow knocked in? No problem, the Doctor will attend to that too.
They also carry handmade stock. Around £200 can buy you an excellent full-shaped bat (#192) with minimal concaving and a mid-low swell. Crafted from Grade 2 English willow, the model features a thin round handle with a grip of your choice. A duckbill toe with a semi-round toe shape delivers ample whallop for your willow.
3. Kodiak Bear (Best for Craftsmanship)
Price: £379
Made in Yorkshire, Bear cricket bats are gaining popularity with amateurs and professionals alike, like the county’s Jonny Tattersall.
The Kodiak Bear has a lightweight and balanced feel, giving you very nice control.
Manufactured for power and precision, the bat has a short handle and a responsive hitting zone. Its mid sweet spot allows for expansive play and shots to all corners of the ground.
Handcrafted in the UK from premium willow from the country’s private forests, each bat comes pre-knocked in with anti-scuff protection and edging tape already applied.
- Weight: 2lb 9oz – 3lb
- Grade 1 English
4. Newbery Kudos G4 (Best for Look and Feel)
Price: £245
Newbery is a small independent brand that makes quality cricket bats out of their base in West Sussex.
The Newbery Kudos G4 is an expertly crafted bat with wonderful weight distribution. Light turquoise Newbery stickers give it a crisp, understated look.
Manufactured from Grade 4 English willow, the Kudos G4 is a modern take on an English classic.
The bat’s lighter weight enhances pick-up and maneuverability. It allows you to swing confidently and precisely through the ball’s line. The bat is made for batsmen who like to work the ball around while punishing poor deliveries gleefully.
A wide sweet spot situated mid-to-low on the face is a feature to appreciate. It makes the Kudos G4 a handy companion on lower-bouncing pitches and in typical English conditions.
- Average weight: 2lb 8oz
- Edges: 35mm
- Grade 4 English willow
5. DSC Pearla X5 (Great Value)
Price: £100
Endorsed by world-class cricketer Chris Lynn, the Pearla X5 by DSC combines fine design with rewarding play. Featuring solid edges and subtle concaving, the bat is nicely balanced. It feels lightweight and swings smoothly.
The design aims for a dynamic sweetspot. Notably, the connection is very decent for the price. Thick edges mean even your mishits can race to the boundary (as you intended all along, naturally).
With a traditional full-blade profile, the bat is ideal for players across mid-to-lower skill levels.
DSC (Delux Sports Company) is an Indian company that has been making cricket bats since the early 1980s. Initially, the founding family developed high-quality bats for many of the world’s leading cricket brands. After gaining valuable expertise and experience, they established DSC as a brand in itself.
DSC has only been in the UK for a few seasons, but a growing list of internationals like Alex Hales, David Warner, and Usman Khawaja endorse their bats.
- Weight: 2 lb 9 oz – 2 lb 10 oz
- Chunky edges
- Grade 5 English willow
6. DSC Split 3000 (Good Power)
Price: £160
Made from premium Grade 3 English willow, the DSC Split 3000 is handcrafted for superior quality and balance. We certainly appreciated the feel of the bat and its generous power zone.
The Split 3000’s curved blade and traditionally shaped profile with chunky edges deliver an impressive punch. A mid-to-low profile supports a comfortable pick-up, while the treble-spring handle enhances control.
After several cover drives, lofted pulls, and hooks, it’s easy to see why the Split 3000 enjoys such a good reputation.
- Weight: 2lb 8oz – 2lb 10oz
- Thick edges
- Grade 3 English Willow
7. SS Sky Flicker (Most Affordable Option)
Price: Under £50
Sareen Sports Industries (SS) is a renowned Indian manufacturer established in 1969. The company has been exporting cricket equipment worldwide, including to the UK, for several decades.
The SS Sky Flicker is a terrific option for beginners wanting a lighter bat with decent edges.
The bat has a clean face and super balance. The mid-to-low sweet spot is well suited to English wickets, and the concave TON edges push up power and performance.
Made from Grade 2 Kashmir willow, the SS Sky Flicker brings a modern design and reliable performance at an amazingly low cost.
- Weight 2lb 5oz – 2.65oz
- Edges: Up to 38mm
- Grade 2 Kashmir Willow
8. SF Incredible 1000 (Best for Different Playing Styles)
Price: £150
SF Stanford bats are crafted in India but are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Many semi-professional players have adopted the brand.
Delivering a good mix of forgiveness and power, the SF Incredible 1000 is a bat anyone in the order can wield with confidence. It’s comparatively light, offers a decent pick-up, swings well, and is undeniably pingy in the middle. Very impressive considering the price.
The Incredible 1000 is made from Grade 3 English Willow. While you can’t expect a flawless grain, the appearance is overall easy on the eye.
Attention to detail is another pleasing point. The finishing, especially the handle binding and grip quality, is a solid feature on a solid piece of kit. The SF Incredible 1000 is highly recommended for players looking for a great, versatile cricket bat.
- Average weight: 2lb 9oz
- Edges: 34mm
- Grade 3 English Willow
8 Top Cricket Bats from the Leading Brands
Now lets check out the finest bats from the iconic names every cricketer knows.
1. Gray Nicolls Stratos 1.1 Players (Best Overall Cricket Bat)
Price: £500
The Gray Nicolls Stratos 1.1 Players is an outstanding bat from the legendary and trusted brand.
If you’re looking for a bat with a comforting, wide feel and squarish appearance, this might be one for your kit bag.
The Stratos 1.1 offers a light pick-up and an assuredly large hitting area. The mid-blade sweet spot delivers a resounding ping, while the handle’s semi-oval shape provides terrific grip and control.
With Gray Nicolls, you’re virtually guaranteed high-quality performance and durability. Made with premium English willow, grown and felled near the company’s base in Robertsbridge, every Gray-Nicolls bat is quality-controlled before it leaves the factory. The Stratos 1.1 is popular with seasoned professionals and aspiring youngsters alike.
- Average weight: 2lb 9oz
- Edges: 35mm
- Grade 1 English willow
2. GM Diamond Player Edition Cricket Bat (Ben Stokes Model)
Price: £800+
The GM Diamond Player Edition Cricket Bat (Ben Stokes Model) is a top-tier bat modelled on how the England captain likes his arsenal.
This Gunn & Moore special is designed for professionals and delivers outstanding performance. The bat combines premium willow with precision engineering and feels like the swashbuckling blade it is. It features a thick spine, full profile, and stonking middle.
The GM Diamond Player is heavier than other models, so it’s not for everyone. But in the right hands? With its full shape, thick edges, and expert balance, expect power strokes that keep the scoreboard battling to keep up.
- Weight: 2lb 10oz to 2lb 11oz
- Edges: Up to 40mm
- Premium grade English willow
3. Gray Nicolls Classic Prestige (Best Classic Bat)
Price: £300
The Gray Nicolls Classic Prestige is a masterwork of elegant shaping and clean classic design. The spine profile makes the bat look comparatively thin, but don’t let that fool you.
We loved its high-quality middle and very generous sweet spot. With a half-decent connection, the ball flies off the face. The bat is excellently balanced with effective weight distribution. A semi-oval handle and a high-performance grip add to a smooth, lightweight pick-up.
Appearance-wise, the silver and white checked stickers perfectly complement the central Gray Nicholls sticker.
This superb piece of high-grade English willow is generally favoured by club and high-level amateur cricketers who appreciate a traditional-looking bat that delivers exceptional performance.
- Average weight: 2lb 9oz
- Edges: 35mm
- Grade 2 English willow
4. Adidas Incurza 4.0 (Best Affordable Powerhitter)
Price: £240
The Adidas Incurza 4.0 Cricket Bat is a mid-range option for aggressive stroke play, particularly suited to shorter formats. Crafted from Grade 4 English willow, it offers a balance between performance and affordability.
Designed for players targeting the boundary, the Incurza 4.0 has a full, imposing profile.Thehand-pressed bowed blade feels good in the grip and swings beautifully.
The design incorporates a traditional mid-swell with toe tapering for an easy pickup. Other performance advantages include thick edges, allowing you to score even on “iffy” connections.
The Incurza 4.0’s vibrant colours and front-foot attitude make it popular worldwide.
Adidas has been making bats since 2008. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar and “KP” Kevin Pietersen were early users of the company’s willows. While the Incurza range focuses on power play, their alternative XT range caters to timing and technique-oriented players.
- Weight: 2lb 8oz – 2lb 12oz
- Edges: 36mm – 40mm
- Grade 4 English willow
5. New Balance Heritage 600 (Best for Dependability)
Price: £320
The New Balance Heritage 600 is a fine example of a trusty, reliable bat. Made from Grade 3/4 English Willow, the Heritage 600 retains the solid traditional look associated with the Heritage range.
We found that the middle extends a bit lower than expected. This gives you a longer, high-performance area. It’s well distributed and not hard to find. The blade is responsive, very consistent, and beautifully balanced.
Although the bat and handle are fairly thick, the overall look is stylish, thanks to the attractive black and silver sticker design. The handle comes with the unique New Balance rubber grip, which exudes quality.
The Heritage 600 is well suited for stroke players who want a dependable and durable run maker.
- Average weight: 2lb 9oz
- Edges: 35mm
- Grade 3/4 English willow
6. Kookaburra Nickel 4.1 (Best for Versatility)
Price: £250
With smart, low-key stickers, the Kookaburra Nickel 4.1 has an attractive white and silver-grey look reminiscent of the classic Ghost, which is no bad thing.
The Nickel features a full profile with minimal scalloping and a rounded face. The design aims for a substantial sweet spot and good hitting power. Our testing confirmed impressive middle performance, though connection quality diminishes somewhat across the remainder of the face.
The Nickel feels comfortably light in terms of pick-up; it’s noticeably not too bottom-heavy. The bat offers wonderfully smooth and easy maneuverability, aided by Kookaburra’s dependable Hexa grip.
The bat will suit versatile batsmen looking for good control and a mid-blade sweet spot. It’s a quality option from a consistently reliable company that has been making bats for over 50 years.
- Average Weight: 2lb 9oz
- Edges: 35mm
- Grade 4 English willow
7. New Balance IND 700 (Best For T20)
Price: £250
The IND 700 from New Balance is designed with short-format cricket in mind, particularly suited to T20 play. It sports chunky edges and alow swell for front-foot dominance.
This New Balance product’s standout feature is its exceptionally responsive middle (positioned mid-to-low on the blade), while its Singapore cane handle provides great absorption and control.
Made from Grade 4 English willow, the bat is an affordable, quality option.
The aesthetics include colourful navy, light blue, and red graphics. The IND 700 is widely used in high-level competition, including franchise cricket. Connect anywhere near the middle and pray you don’t smash the vicar’s window!
- Weight: 22lb 10oz
- Edges: Up to 40mm
- Grade 4 English Willow
8. Gunn & Moore Radon (Best for Affordability)
Price: £90-£110
Alongside their premium models, the major brands also offer lower-priced bats. The GM Radon is a strong example.
The Radon is a stellar entry-level to intermediate bat. This value-oriented strokemaker is reliable and robust.
The bat features the F4.5 profile with a modern, slightly rounded face. It achieves nice control and decent heft. Although at this price, you shouldn’t expect to belt the ball into the neighbouring village.
The bat is finished in a striking metallic blue and bold red colour scheme. It comes with a polycarbonate cover and a toe guard for added durability.
English willow performance, protective features, and a modern design at an affordable price make it a fantastic selection for many amateur players.
- Weight: 2lb 8oz to 2lb 13oz
- Grade 4 English Willow
How to Choose Your Perfect Cricket Bat
Choosing the right cricket bat is personal and subjective. What works for you might be entirely wrong for your batting partner.
Consider these key factors when making your choice:
- Playing style: Your playing style significantly influences your ideal bat choice. For example, front-foot batsmen often look for a bat with a low to mid sweet spot and chunky edges. More technical or back-foot players might prefer a mid to high sweet spot with a balanced pick-up.
- Willow type: English willow is softer, more responsive, and offers better performance, especially for experienced players. Kashmir willow is generally harder and heavier, making it a good option for beginners or casual cricketers. Bats are graded from 1 to 5, with Grade 1 being the cleanest and most desirable.
- Budget: Consider your level of play and match your budget accordingly. Club players may justify investing in a pricey willow, but newer players can find excellent value in more affordable options.
- Weight and feel: Bat weight is mostly down to personal preference, but it must suit your strength and playing style. If possible, handle a bat before buying it to get a feel for the balance and swing.How it feels in your hands is more important than the actual spec weight.
- Bat handle: Handles come in round, oval, or semi-oval shapes. Be sure to choose a handle you’re comfortable with because this significantly affects your batting. Also, consider the grip. You may want to replace or double up grips to fine-tune comfort.
FAQs
How long should a cricket bat last?
With proper care, a decent bat can last 1–3 seasons or more. Looked at another way, a quality cricket bat should score you 1,000 runs.
Longevity also depends on how often you play and the typical match conditions. Maintenance like oiling, an anti-scuff sheet, and a toe guard (especially when there’s moisture about) helps to extend the bat’s life.
Are expensive cricket bats worth it?
If you’re playing competitively, expensive bats are well worth the outlay. The best bats offer better ping, balance, and power. Of course, at the highest levels, players likely get their bats for free!
Many serious club cricketers pay the premium for a bat that raises their game. For casual or weekend warriors, mid-range options often offer great performance without breaking the budget. Kashmir willow cricket bats are also a very viable choice.
What is the difference between bleached and unbleached willow?
Unbleached willow retains its natural look, showing the grain structure clearly. This is common in higher-grade bats like Grade 1 or 2.
Bleached willow is treated to appear cleaner and more uniform. The technique is often used on lower-grade bats to mask visual blemishes. While bleaching affects appearance, it doesn’t generally impact performance.
Calling Stumps
That concludes our comprehensive 2025 guide to the best cricket bats across various budgets and playing styles.
From the premium power of Gray-Nicolls to the budget-friendly brilliance of Village Cricket, each bat promises to elevate your game. We’re sure you’ll find the perfect bat to match your game and enjoy many hours at the crease, making memorable moments and tons of runs.
