The independent cricket gear desk

Gear That Wins Matches.

Honest buying guides and side-by-side comparisons for cricket bats, gloves, kit and training gear — specs checked, options ranked, updated for the 2026 season.

Browse Top Picks Best Bats of 2026 →
140published guides
8gear categories
2026season-current
Start here

Editor’s Top Gear Picks

Skip the endless scrolling. Tell us who you’re buying for, or swipe through the guides we’d read first — all drawn from our full comparisons.

All picks →
Bat pickerWho’s the bat for?
For young players

Kookaburra Kahuna Junior

Grade 2 unbleached willow with a mid profile, made for players aged 8 to 14.

  • Large sweet spot for cleaner contact
  • Lightweight, easy to handle
  • Good for practice and matches

Heads-up: Limited size options, so check the fit before you order.

Check price on Amazon →Compare all 10 bats

Opens Amazon in a new tab. Returns follow Amazon’s policy.

Best affordable

SS Kashmir Willow Super Power

A budget-friendly way into the game: Kashmir willow, short handle, balanced weight.

  • Kashmir willow, around 1180–1250 g
  • Short handle for quick manoeuvring
  • Hexagon grip and Sarawak cane handle

Heads-up: Kashmir willow is the affordable step in; English willow is the upgrade for serious match play.

Check price on Amazon →Compare all 10 bats

Opens Amazon in a new tab. Returns follow Amazon’s policy.

Best for power & precision

SS Premium English Willow

Hand-crafted, air-dried English willow for players who want power without losing control.

  • Grade 2 and 3 English willow
  • Maximised sweet spot for off-centre hits
  • Bat cover included

Heads-up: Short handle only, and it can feel heavy if you like a lighter bat.

Check price on Amazon →Compare all 10 bats

Opens Amazon in a new tab. Returns follow Amazon’s policy.

Best for performance

GM Brava 606 English Willow

Made in England from Grade 3 English willow, knocked in by the bat maker.

  • Dynamic swell and pronounced edges for drives
  • Knocked in and oiled by the maker
  • Authenticity check via hologram

Heads-up: Premium price point, and it sits on the lighter side.

Check price on Amazon →Compare all 10 bats

Opens Amazon in a new tab. Returns follow Amazon’s policy.

Not sure which size? Read the bat size guide →

Swipe the shortlist

Guides we’d read first

BatsTop 10 Cricket Bats for Power & PrecisionEnglish and Kashmir willow picks, compared side by side.Compare all 10 →ProtectionSafety firstTop 10 Cricket Helmets, RankedBest overall, best budget and best for juniors.See the helmets →GlovesTop 7 Batting Gloves for 2026Grip, comfort and protection, adult and youth picks.Find your gloves →BeginnersNew to the game?What to Buy First (and in What Order)The essentials in the right order, so day one stays affordable.Build your kit →KitsBest Cricket Kit Under $200A full intermediate setup on a smart budget.See the kits →SizingFree guideHow to Choose the Right Bat SizeHeight, weight and handle: get the fit right before you spend.Read the guide →Shoes7 Best Cricket ShoesSpikes or rubber soles, compared for grip and comfort.Compare shoes →Women’sBest Cricket Bats for WomenSize, weight and performance matched to you.Find your bat →GiftsGift seasonCricket Gifts Under $50Easy wins for every cricket fan on your list.See gift ideas →
Free to tryNew-member trials for the listening, reading and delivery perks cricket fans use most. Cancel anytime.
Pick your position

Shop by Category

From the willow in your hands to the shoes under your feet — every guide compares specs, fit and value so you can buy once and buy right.

All guides →
Cricket BatsWillow, weight & profile Batting GlovesGrip & protection Protective GearHelmets, pads & guards Cricket KitsFull bag setups Clothing & ShoesSpikes, whites & fit Cricket BallsLeather & training Training GearNets, machines & tools Knowledge HubRules, history & how-tos Cricket Books & AudiobooksReads and listens for cricket fans, compared before you buy

Fresh From the Hub

All posts →

Start with the bat that actually fits you.

Bat weight, willow type, profile and grip — one guide that covers it all before you spend.

Read the Bat Guide
Spec-by-spec comparisonsClear buying factorsFit-first recommendationsTape-ball to leather