Ben Stokes' Shape for All-Round Batters: the GM Diamond DXM 808 Cricket Bat
Overview
The GM Diamond 808 cricket bat is a senior English willow bat made with England captain Ben Stokes. It suits club batters who score all around the ground. A mid swell, 35mm edges and a flowing contoured spine give you power off both the front and back foot.
Gunn & Moore cut the 808 from Grade 2 English willow that is seasoned and left unbleached. Each bat is made in Nottingham, England. The blade sits on GM's traditional L555 length with a 295mm treble spring cane handle. It carries the Halo grip that Stokes uses himself.
In the hands, the full blade and mid swell put plenty of wood behind the ball. Retailers list a weight range of 2lb 9oz to 2lb 12oz, so the pickup stays manageable for most adult batters. With the UK season starting in April, buying now leaves you time to knock it in properly.
Features
- A shape from an England captain: GM developed the Diamond with Ben Stokes, and he uses it at the top level.
- Power off either foot: the mid swell lets you drive on the up and still punch off the back foot.
- Room for error: 35mm edges and a full blade give you more wood when you miss the middle.
- Willow that rewards care: seasoned Grade 2 English willow gives a well-graded face at the 808 level.
- Comfort through the shot: the cane handle soaks up some of the jar from a hard ball.
- A secure hold: the Halo grip helps your hands stay put when you swing hard.
- Ready to protect: GM fits its ToeTek toe finish and GM NOW! finish as standard.
Design and Materials
The Diamond keeps a traditional look. GM pairs the L555 blade with a 295mm handle, which gives a classic length and good reach. The swell sits in the middle of the blade. Retailers quote 63mm at the swell, which shows how much willow sits behind the hitting area.
The willow is Grade 2, seasoned and unbleached, so you see the grain as it grew. A natural bat can show small blemishes or some colour on one edge. This is normal and does not change how it plays. The labels carry artwork inspired by Ben Stokes' tattoo design, set on a blue and black livery.
Key Technologies
Traditional L555 Blade: GM's classic blade length. It gives the Diamond a familiar feel and good reach for stroke play.
F4.5 Face Profile: The face profile GM uses on the Diamond. It forms part of the traditional full blade shape.
Powerarc Bow: GM's bow face profile. It works with the face and spine to help drive the ball.
Mid Swell: The swell sits in the middle of the blade. GM aims it at the all-round stroke maker.
Flowing Contoured Spine: A smooth spine runs down the back of the blade. It balances front foot and back foot power.
Halo Grip: The grip Ben Stokes uses. It offers a secure hand position and better control.
Treble Spring Cane Handle: A multi-piece cane handle with three springs. It adds flex and helps absorb shock at impact.
ToeTek: GM's toe protection, fitted as standard. It helps guard the toe against moisture and wear.
Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Brand |
Gunn & Moore (GM) |
| Range |
Diamond DXM, Ben Stokes range |
| Grade |
808 |
| Size |
Senior Short Handle |
| Willow |
Grade 2 English willow, seasoned, unbleached |
| Made in |
Nottingham, England |
| Blade length |
Traditional L555 |
| Handle |
295mm, treble spring multi-piece cane |
| Weight range |
2lb 9oz to 2lb 12oz |
| Edges |
35mm |
| Swell |
Mid, 63mm |
| Face and bow |
F4.5 face, Powerarc bow |
| Spine |
Flowing, contoured |
| Grip |
Halo |
| Finish |
ToeTek and GM NOW! as standard |
VKS Review
The GM Diamond 808 cricket bat is a strong pick for the club batter who likes to play every shot. The mid swell means the sweet spot sits where most drives and pulls make contact. In a match, the 35mm edges and full blade give a solid, forgiving feel when you are slightly off line. The Halo grip and cane handle keep it comfortable through long innings.
It gives you Grade 2 willow and the Stokes shape without the cost of the Original or Players Edition. If you mainly drive off the front foot, the lower swell of GM's Azora may suit you better. Junior batters need the separate junior Diamond in Harrow or smaller sizes. VKS has sold cricket bats for over 50 years. You can pick up the Diamond at our London store in Ealing.
Q&A Section
Is the GM Diamond 808 cricket bat the one Ben Stokes uses?
The Diamond is the shape GM made with Ben Stokes, and he plays with it. The 808 is a club grade of that shape, cut from Grade 2 willow. Stokes' own bats sit at the Players Edition level.
What does the 808 grade mean in the Diamond range?
The number shows where the bat sits in GM's grading. The 808 sits above the 606 and below the Original. The shape stays the same, and the willow improves as you move up.
Which batter suits the Diamond 808 best?
It suits an all-round stroke maker who plays off both feet. The mid swell covers drives as well as pulls and cuts. A batter who mainly drives on slow pitches may prefer a lower swell.
How heavy is the Diamond 808?
Retailers list a range of 2lb 9oz to 2lb 12oz. That is a typical adult weight for a full blade with 35mm edges. Willow varies, so each bat in the range picks up a little differently.
Does the GM Diamond 808 need knocking in?
Yes, knock it in before you face a hard ball. A new English willow face needs hardening to last. VKS offers a knocking-in service, priced at £25 for bats bought from VKS.
Can I try the GM Diamond 808 cricket bat in store?
Yes, you can pick it up at our London store in Ealing. Holding a bat is the best way to judge pickup and balance. Our team can also compare it with other GM shapes for you.
