What’s New in Cricket Gear for 25/26: Kookaburra, Gray-Nicolls, GM and DSC
The 25/26 season is all about cleaner pickup, punchier middles and smarter protection. Kookaburra, Gray-Nicolls, Gunn & Moore (GM) and DSC have refined shapes, pressing and materials to balance power with control. If you’re upgrading or replacing a faithful blade, understanding profile, handle and finish differences will help you choose a bat that feels right from the first drive. Here’s a concise, brand-by-brand rundown, a quick comparison, and simple guidance to choose confidently in-store.
Kookaburra: Lively middles, modern profiles
What’s new
· Fuller profiles with generous edges and a responsive mid-to-low sweet spot suited to Aussie wickets.
· Tackier grip textures for better control; handle tweaks reduce torsion without muting feel.
Who it suits
· Stroke-makers seeking quick pickup, a lively middle and strong out-of-the-wrapper performance.
What to try in-store
· Compare similar shapes a few grams apart; choose the one that keeps your first movement smooth.
· Check grip texture in warm hands—tackier grips can reduce over-squeezing late in the innings.
Gray-Nicolls: Balanced, classic shapes
What’s new
· Subtle spine and shoulder refinements keep the balance point neutral for control through the hands.
· Protective lines emphasise flexible articulation with high-density foams for comfort without gaps.
Who it suits
· All-rounders seeking traditional shapes, consistent pickup and a reliable middle across formats.
What to try in-store
· Test the same profile in two weights; a touch lighter often increases bat speed without losing punch.
Gunn & Moore (GM): Consistency you can bank on
What’s new
· Renowned factory pressing for consistent response across willow grades; profiles lean mid for a wider sweet zone.
· Finishing details focus on durability at the toe and edges to handle long seasons.
Who it suits
· Players who value predictability—if you want your next bat to feel like your last good one, GM delivers.
What to try in-store
· Compare mid vs mid‑low shapes; pick the pickup that supports a repeatable backlift and clean downswing.
DSC: Big profile, smart value
What’s new
· Strong value-to-performance with full, forgiving middles that inspire confidence on contact.
· Junior and intermediate sizes tuned for swing speed without head drag.
Who it suits
· Budget‑conscious seniors and developing juniors needing a modern shape that won’t fatigue the forearms.
What to try in-store
· Check swing speed vs head weight; DSC often gives you “more bat” with manageable pickup.
Protective gear: quick 25/26 notes
· Pads and gloves – Lighter foams with better articulation; seek coverage at the knee roll and finger joints without pinch.
· Helmets – Prioritise current standards; dial in grille clearance and temple fit. If between sizes, try alternate padding sets in-store.
How to pick your 25/26 bat
· Match profile to scoring zones – Front‑foot drivers often prefer mid‑to‑low; back‑foot hitters may benefit from mid profiles with stable pickup.
· Weight vs pickup – Numbers matter less than feel. If the bat flows smoothly through your backlift and first step, you’re in the right range.
· Handle and grip – Oval handles stabilise the top hand; round handles offer more mobility. Pair with a grip texture that stays secure in heat.
· Willow grades and care – Higher grades feel cleaner; real longevity comes from proper setup—oiling where appropriate, knocking‑in and protective sheets.
Quick brand snapshot
· Kookaburra – Lively mid‑to‑low, generous edges, tacky grips – for aggressive stroke‑play.
· Gray‑Nicolls – Balanced traditional shapes, neutral pickup – for control‑focused all‑rounders.
· GM – Consistent factory press, mid profiles, durable finish – for dependable, repeatable feel.
· DSC – Value‑forward, fuller profiles, junior‑friendly balance – for developing players and smart budgets.
In-store services to maximise performance
· Bat fitting – We’ll size, profile‑match and test swing so you leave with the right shape and pickup for your game.
· Knocking‑in and setup – Professional knocking‑in plus anti‑scuff, edge tape and toe guard to extend life and performance.
· Bring your kit – Test with your gloves and pads to replicate match posture and reach for a true read on pickup.
Explore and book
Discover the best new cricket gear for 25/26 from Kookaburra, Gray‑Nicolls, GM and DSC. Book fittings and pro knocking‑in at Highmark Cricket.
