Buying a cricket bat can make or break your season, and is certainly the most important part of your cricket kit.
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In this list, we pick our Best Cricket Bats in 2024. The best bats will be a balanced combination of these factors below. We have included choices for the best in each category too.
The factors we have considered-
Budget and value- we have tried to cater to various price points in this list.
Willow Quality- The lower the number the better. Most bats on this list are grade 2 as we feel this is the best option for a serious amateur cricketer. Be aware that grade 4 and 5 willow improve with use as they are made using younger wood, so only buy if you will use it regularly!
Sweet spot size and position- Bigger is better! The position will depend on your strengths and weaknesses as a batter, where you prefer to score and using what shots. We have provided a variety of options in this regard.
Pickup- Everyone wants their bat to be balanced as it makes it feel lighter and more maneuverable, if you feel like a bat is too bottom-heavy try adding an extra grip or two!
Weight- Weight is classified into Light (2lb 8oz-2lb 10oz) Medium(2lb 10oz-2lb 12oz) and Heavy(2lb 12oz- 3lb)
The best bat in 2024 is the New Balance Heritage+.
Strengths: The best all-round bat for 2024, an enlarged sweet spot makes it very forgiving and the mid-range sweet spot gives excellent balance to the bat making every shot almost effortless. This bat's versatility is one reason it tops our list. Easy to play every shot with power and precision, this bat's greatest strength is making every shot equally easy to play!
Weaknesses: This bat is geared towards being able to play every shot with comfort and ease, not making it extra easy to play specific shots. Although the extra large sweet spot does make it suitable for any player. A player with a limited shot selection might not benefit from this bat as much as someone who can score using every shot.
Price: £227.50 on Sale RRP: £350:00
Willow: Grade 2, Excellent quality willow without breaking the bank. During our testing, we concluded, that the extra performance from a grade 1 willow bat, doesn't justify the extra £200 needed. But, if you need that extra ping from the middle you can find a grade 1 Brava below.
Weight: -2lb 8oz - 2lb 11oz- Put specific instructions in the checkout box at Cricket Direct and they will select one that is as close to that weight as possible.
Reviewer comment: We found that the better the batter, the more they liked this bat, the reviewers that were bowlers didn't find the heave over midwicket as easy as with a slogger bat LOL.
2. Number 2 on our list for 2024 is The Gunn and Moore Brava 808
Strengths: The lower sweet spot allows for greater front foot power, placement and timing. Excellent for the early April wicket in the UK. It also makes playing the cut shot and any glides down to third man easier. The springy handle gives an extra level of power and bat speed.
Weaknesses: You need to be quick on the pull if you are to dominate the short ball, the lower sweet spot gives you a fraction less time to nail it.
Price: On sale for £260 at Cricket Direct RRP:£325, or £265 at Amazon
Willow: Grade 2, Excellent quality willow without breaking the bank. During our testing, we concluded, that the extra performance from a grade 1 willow bat, doesn't justify the extra £200 needed. But, if you need that extra ping from the middle you can find a grade 1 Brava below.
Weight: 2lb 9oz - 2lb 12oz- Put specific instructions in the checkout box at Cricket Direct and they will select one that is as close to that weight as possible, or Gunn and Moore if you buy from Amazon and they will be able to pick a more specific weight.
Reviewer comment: The Handle is a work of art, the bat feels so much lighter because of it and the power we were able to generate as a result was dramatic.
3. Number 3 on the list is The Chase Vortex R7
Strengths: The most forgiving bat on the list, the enormous middle and extended profile mean even the mistimed shots go a long way. Unique in its extra durability, sealant applied to the toe and shaping of the toe prevents water damage or damage from extensive tapping of the crease.
Weaknesses: A big hitter's dream, but the huge edges mean anything edged is carrying to the slips every day of the week, whether they catch it is another matter, but regardless, this bat is not for the more gentle batters out there or for those of you who play on spicy pitches every week.
Price: On sale for £267.75, RRP: £315
Willow: Grade 2, Excellent quality willow without breaking the bank. During our testing, we concluded, that the extra performance from a grade 1 willow bat, doesn't justify the extra £200 needed unless you're borderline professional. But, if you need that extra ping from the middle you can find a grade 1 Chase Vortex below.
Weight: 2lb 9oz - 2lb 15oz -Put specific instructions in the checkout box at Cricket Direct and they will select one that is as close to that weight as possible.
Reviewer comment: Loved the power and forgiveness, but the best thing was the Grip-Grab, usually I have to roll the grip back down every over, but not with this bat!
4. Coming in at number 4, our best professional bat.... The Newbery Kudos SPS
Strengths: The quality of Willow elevates it above the other bats on this list, especially for the classical batter, this is the best bat anyone who isn't sponsored will get their hands on this season. Beautifully balanced and with a long spine (long middle), any straight bat shot should fly to the boundary as a result. this is the perfect bat for all-round shotmaking, and building an innings.
Weaknesses: The price is a big hit to take, even on sale this is a lot to pay for a bat, especially as the extra grade of willow will cost you another £200 from the grade 2 version. Not built for the slogger and raining sixes, far more suited to a classical batter and those who prefer to rely on timing and placement rather than power.
Price: On sale for (Through gritted teeth) £416.25, RRP £555.00. We feel we must warn you, that this is a lot to spend on a cricket bat, unless you are very serious about cricket we would recommend the grade 2 willow version below, which offers better value for money for the average cricketer.
Willow: Grade 1- Not quite Gillette but pretty much the best a man (or woman) can get especially when it comes to high-performance cricket bats, but it does come at a price.
Weight: 2lb 8oz to 2lb 10oz -Put specific instructions in the checkout box at Cricket Direct and they will select one that is as close to that weight as possible.
Reviewer comment: Oh my word! That is a delight, the crispness and effortlessness produced by even an average cricketer such as myself was mesmerising. Very expensive but after using it I was almost tempted to pay. Another bat suited to timing and placement.
5. Our Best Bat for attacking batters in 2024 is The World Class Willow ProX20 5-Star
See our other Best Bats for Attacking Batters here!
Strengths: Designed with pure power in mind, a longer springy handle gives extra leverage and bat speed.
Weaknesses: The blade has been shortened to give extra power which comes at the expense of some control, the trick we found with this bat was not to swing too hard.
Price: £243.75 on sale, RRP £325.
Willow: Grade 2, Excellent quality willow without breaking the bank. During our testing, we concluded, that the extra performance from a grade 1 willow bat, doesn't justify the extra £200 needed. But, if you need that extra ping from the middle you can find a grade 1 Pro X20 5 Star below.
Weight: 2lb 8oz to 2lb 12oz - Put specific instructions in the checkout box at Cricket Direct and they will select one that is as close to that weight as possible.
Reviewer comment: A monster of a bat, clears the ropes with ease, but never swing as hard as possible as it is tricky to get timing and placement, we found about 80% power keeps control, and also has enough to get the ball flying over the boundary.
6. Finally our budget option - The Gunn and Moore Mana 404
Strengths: Highly manoeuvrable, excellent for playing off the back foot. Lightweight pickup and unique grip give extra control, especially in attack. Excellent value for money and on sale!
Weaknesses: Lacks the heft and weight of a six-hitting bat, combined with the slightly lower willow quality means this is better suited to batters that like to hit along the ground.
Price: £121.50 on sale RRP £135.00
Willow: Grade 3 Willow is the lowest grade on this list but still an excellent value option, with slight sacrifices in performance from grade 2 but at a significantly lower cost. Well suited to any casual cricketer.
Weight: 2lb 9oz to 2lb 12oz- Put specific instructions in the checkout box at Cricket Direct and they will select one that is as close to that weight as possible.
Reviewer comment: Tough to smash sixes, but easy to control and place the ball in the gaps, the players that were more about finesse and touch liked this bat more than the sloggers.
We hope you have found this list helpful and have found a bat that would suit you, please let us know in the comments below what you would like us to discuss next!
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