The full range of Gray Nicolls Cricket Bats are available now at All Rounder Cricket. Gray Nicolls have added to their best selling range of cricket bats with some new willow models such as the Powerbow Inferno, Oblivion Stealth and MAAX ranges. Carrying over is the popular Shockwave and the ever-present Classic Collection. Gray-Nicolls: The choice of England's wicket keeper batsman Jonny Bairstow and England's highest ever run-scorer, Sir Alastair Cook.
Powerbow Inferno
A full profiled bat with a dynamic low swell and dramatically feathered toe, combined with the mark’s synonymous long exaggerated bow, make for a powerful blade with a beguilingly light pick-up. Armed with this annihilative arsenal, the game's most prolific players can step onto the front foot with a confidence to match the gear.
Shockwave
With a pronounced high-middle, full-profile and intimidating edges, the Shockwave is a bat that will allow the game’s most destructive players to both stand and deliver. Jagged graphics frame the blade’s imposing swell, and highlight the potential force that dwells within.
The Legend & Classic Collections
The Legend Cricket Bat is the pinnacle of 160 years of bat making history and heritage. Fully endorsed by ex England Captains and former Ashes winners Alastair Cook of England, Andrew Strauss. The great thing about the Legend having a mid-blade strike zone is that it suits both front and back foot play which makes this equipment so appealing to all kinds of player around the world. The Classic Collection continues, including the Pro Performance, Prestige, Players and Ultimat variants for those batsman who take the game very seriously. With a mid-blade strike zone again this equipment is ideal for both the front and back foot player.
Oblivion Stealth
An icon returns - the Gray Nicolls Oblivion range has been a best-seller in previous editions and after a couple of years out, it returns with a bang. One of the cleanest ranges in our bat cave, the Oblivion is shaped for batters with quick handspeed and a fiery mid to low sewell position maximising striking capabilities. The shape of the blade profile enhances power performance without compromising on pick up efficiency.
Maax
As used by Kane Williamson, the MAAX contains maximum edges combined with a maximum spine results in Maax power through the hitting area. Feather light pick-up, a medium bow and POWERCURVE face come together to offer unrivalled power and feel, suiting players at all levels who are dedicated to taking their game to higher honours.
Older Gray Nicolls Ranges
The F18 range has been revamped with a profile that provides enormous power high in the blade to suit the style of player that loves to take on the bowling. A full profile, developed in conjunction with our International stars, has been created to ensure every shot gets maximum reward. The range has a Mid/High blade zone which is ideally suited to those attacking players who really like to get after the bowling constantly.
The Omega XRD range also has been remodelled and was a huge hit previously with our International ambassadors, the Omega XRD provides everything a batsman needs at the crease. The unique weight distribution in the shoulders enable a huge profile, high sweet spot and the perfect pick up. XRD handles are fitted as standard, providing the feel and performance demanded by our Test Match stars.
How Gray Nicolls Bats are made:
Gray Nicolls - The Willow Story Unique to the industry, Gray Nicolls grow only the finest English Willow for the production of their Cricket Bats. Salix Caerulea or Alba Var varieties are grown and harvested by the company in a willow replenishment programme pioneered nearly 100 years ago. The clefts are air-dried for approximately 6 weeks to ensure perfect moisture content and the very best performance. Every aspect of the bat making process is carefully overseen to guarantee a product of excellent quality. All bats are given a final quality control inspection. Performance is tested using a Lignum Vitae Mallet. In this way the world renowned quality and performance of Gray Nicolls Bats is ensured.
1. Unloading – The willow arrives in Robertsbridge and is cut into roundels. The roundels are sealed and left to dry for a few days.
2. Splitting – Each roundel has its bark stripped and is marked ready for splitting into clefts. A cleft in its roughest form is cut and ready for machining.
3. Drying – The cleft is graded at this point and left for 6 weeks to air dry which reduces its naturally high moisture content.
4. Handle – The handle is turned on a lathe to create the perfect shape. Each handle is then fitted into the cleft by hand.
5. Shaping – Our “Master Bat Makers” ensure each bat is shaped to provide optimum balance, pick up and performance. Bats are carefully sanded and buffed to give them their finished look and feel.
6. Pressing – Each bat is then pressed, compressing the natural fibres enhancing the performance of each bat and providing the blade with its bow.
7. Binding – The handle is then bound and glued to add more strength.
8. Labelling – Finally the labels are carefully applied and the grip is fitted.
