Kookaburra Fuse cricket bats are hybrid bats that join an English willow face to alternative willow in one laminated blade. New for 2027, the Fuse gives you a full profile and a high sweet spot at a much lower price than a traditional all English willow bat.
Kookaburra call the Fuse the next generation of cricket bat development, the result of three years of work. The range runs from the Hybrid Pro Players Edition down to the 6.3 Select, plus the heavier Fuse Max and junior sizes. You can buy online or pick one up in our Ealing store in London.
Every senior Fuse bat shares one shape. It has a 25mm shorter blade and a 25mm longer handle, which keeps the weight down without losing power or profile. Kookaburra describe it as the perfect all rounder, with striking contemporary graphics.
All senior Fuse bats use the same shape and 857mm length. The grade sets the quality of the English willow face. Higher grades have straighter grains and fewer marks, and they cost more. This table shows the senior Fuse bats in the 2027 catalogue.
| Grade | English willow face |
|---|---|
| Hybrid Pro Players Edition | Specially selected, Players quality. Free premium padded bat cover |
| Hybrid Pro 3.1 Icon | 3.1 grade |
| Hybrid 5.1 Legend | 5.1 grade |
Kookaburra grade willow on performance, appearance, imperfections, colour and density. A lower grade may carry more red wood or stain on the face, but Kookaburra say this does not reduce performance. Club players often find the best value in the middle of the range.
Kookaburra call the Fuse Max a real monster: big edges plus a big spine for big sixes. It uses a Hybrid 6.2 grade English willow face, with edges of about 38 to 40mm and a 65 to 67mm spine. It weighs 2lb 12oz to 3lb and keeps the high sweet spot, Hexa grip, Armourtec and KPP. The Fuse Max costs £199.99.
Choose the Fuse if you want a full profile and a high middle for less money. A Fuse Pro Players Edition costs £499.99, against £799.99 for a full English willow Kahuna or Ghost at the same grade. Kookaburra publish the same high sweet spot figures for the Fuse and the Kahuna.
Choose the Kahuna or Ghost if you want an all English willow blade at standard length. Be realistic about the trade-off: a hybrid will not match the feel of a top grade, all English willow bat. If you are unsure, try both in our store.
Junior players can carry the Fuse look too. The junior range covers three grades:
| Junior bat | Willow | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Fuse Pro 2.1 Elite | Premium grade unbleached English willow | H, 6, 5 |
| Fuse Hybrid 4.1 Hero | Hybrid, English willow face with non-oil Armourtec | H, 6, 5, 4, 3 |
| Fuse 6.5 Force | English willow with Pro Shield face and painted back | H, 6, 5, 4, 3 |
For tighter budgets or practice, the Fuse 8.1 uses Grade 3 Kashmir willow at £69.99 senior or £59.99 junior (sizes H to 3). The Fuse 10.1 has a Kashmir willow full wrap finish at £49.99 senior or £39.99 junior (sizes H to 0). Kookaburra say Kashmir willow is denser and more durable, though it lacks the ping of English willow.
VKS has sold cricket equipment for over 50 years. The Telegraph named us London's Finest Cricket Store. Our team can help you pick the right Fuse grade, size and weight. Visit our Ealing store to feel the pick up for yourself.
Senior Fuse bats come pre-prepared, but they still need knocking in before they face a hard ball. VKS offers a knocking-in service at £25 for bats bought from us. Ordering in winter gives you time to get the bat ready before the season starts in April. A Fuse bat also makes a great Christmas gift for a keen cricketer. UK delivery is free on orders over £100.
Are Kookaburra Fuse cricket bats any good?
Yes, for players who want a full profile bat on a budget. Kookaburra spent three years developing the Fuse. Each bat joins an English willow face to alternative willow, so you get English willow where the ball strikes at a lower price.
What is a hybrid cricket bat?
A hybrid bat laminates two willows into one blade. On the Fuse, an English willow face is bonded to alternative willow. Kookaburra say this gives a bat that looks, feels and plays like a full English willow bat at a fraction of the price.
Can I use a Kookaburra Fuse bat in senior cricket?
Kookaburra developed their hybrid grades after the Laws of Cricket changed to allow laminated bats in senior cricket. Most club players can use one without issue. Some leagues and competitions set their own equipment rules, so check yours before match day.
Why does the Fuse have a shorter blade and longer handle?
Kookaburra move 25mm from the blade to the handle to cut weight without losing power or profile. Overall length stays at 857mm, the standard Short Handle length, so the bat still suits most adults.
What weight are Kookaburra Fuse bats?
Senior Fuse bats weigh 2lb 8oz to 2lb 10oz (1135g to 1200g). The Fuse Max is heavier at 2lb 12oz to 3lb, for players who want big edges and a big spine.
What is the difference between the Fuse and the Kahuna?
Kookaburra publish the same high sweet spot figures for both: about 200 to 210mm from the toe, 34 to 37mm edges and an oval handle. The Kahuna is a full English willow bat at standard length. The Fuse is a laminated hybrid with a shorter blade and longer handle, at a lower price.
Do Fuse bats need knocking in?
Yes, we recommend it. Senior Fuse bats come Kookaburra Pre-Prepared with an Armourtec face, which gives you a head start but not a match ready bat. VKS offers a knocking-in service at £25 for bats bought from us.
Can I try a Fuse bat before I buy?
Yes, visit our London store in Ealing to pick up different Fuse grades and weights. Every bat feels slightly different in the hands. Our staff will help you choose the right one.