English Willow Face, Kahuna Shape: the Kookaburra Kahuna Cricket Bat in Hybrid 6.2 Ultra
Overview
The Kookaburra Kahuna cricket bat in Hybrid 6.2 Ultra grade is a laminated bat for price conscious club players. It joins an Ultra grade English willow face to a Grade 2 Kashmir willow back. You still get the Kahuna 210/34 profile, with a high sweet spot about 200 to 210mm from the toe.
Hybrid bats were developed after recent changes to the Laws of Cricket. The Laws now allow laminated bats in senior cricket. The English willow face does the work when you strike the ball. The Kashmir back keeps the cost down and adds a denser, harder wearing wood behind it.
In the hand, the oval handle and rounded edges feel just like the higher Kahuna grades. The Armourtec facing gives a smooth, protected face from the first net. At 2lb 8oz to 2lb 10oz in Short Handle, the pick up stays quick. Buying now gives you all winter to get it ready before the April start.
Features
- English willow hitting face: the face that meets the ball is real Ultra grade English willow.
- Grade 2 Kashmir willow back: lowers the price while keeping a full Kahuna shape.
- Armourtec facing applied: protects the face from scuffs and adds durability.
- High sweet spot at 200 to 210mm: puts the middle where you meet the short ball.
- 34 to 37mm rounded edges and a 63 to 67mm spine: a full looking blade for a budget bat.
- Short Handle or Long Blade: the Long Blade gives taller players an extra 19mm of length.
- Oval handle with a Spira grip: helps your hands feel the face angle on every shot.
Design and Materials
Kookaburra make every bat by hand. The 6.2 Ultra blade is a lamination of two woods. An Ultra grade English willow face is bonded to a Grade 2 Kashmir willow back. Kookaburra describe the result as exceptional value for the price conscious cricketer.
Kashmir willow is naturally denser than English willow, which helps durability. It lacks some of the ping of English willow, which is why the English willow sits on the face. The blade keeps a rounded edge profile, a 2mm rounded face and a standard toe. A 1 to 2mm scallop and a 10 to 12mm bow complete the classic Kahuna shape.
Be realistic about the trade-off. A hybrid will not match the feel of a top grade, all English willow bat. It does give you more than Kashmir alone. It also costs less than natural English willow grades.
Key Technologies
Hybrid Laminated Blade: Two willows are laminated into one blade. This brings English willow performance to the face at a lower cost.
Ultra Grade English Willow Face: Unbleached English willow forms the hitting surface. This is the part of the bat that meets the ball.
Grade 2 Kashmir Willow Back: A denser willow behind the face. It keeps the price down and adds durability.
Armourtec Facing: Kookaburra's durable anti-scuff sheet, applied to the face. It helps protect the willow from wear.
Kahuna 210/34 Profile: A high sweet spot about 200 to 210mm from the toe with 34mm edges. It favours back foot strokes and hitting through the line.
Kookaburra Pre-Prepared (KPP): Kookaburra carry out preparation on the blade before it leaves the factory. It gives you a head start before match play.
Spira Grip: Kookaburra's spiral design grip, fitted as standard. The spiral pattern adds comfort and hold between your bat and gloves.
Oval Handle: The oval shape gives your hands a clear sense of the face angle. Many top order players prefer it for control.
Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Grade and construction |
Hybrid 6.2 Ultra, laminated unbleached willow |
| Face and back |
Ultra grade English willow face, Grade 2 Kashmir willow back |
| Facing |
Armourtec |
| Profile |
Kahuna 210/34, high sweet spot approx. 200 to 210mm from the toe |
| Edge thickness |
Approx. 34mm to 37mm |
| Spine height |
Approx. 63mm to 67mm |
| Edge, face and toe |
Rounded edge, rounded (2mm) face, standard toe |
| Scallop and bow |
Scallop approx. 1mm to 2mm, bow approx. 10mm to 12mm |
| Handle and grip |
Oval, Kookaburra Spira grip |
| Sizes |
Short Handle (857mm) and Long Blade (876mm) |
| Weight |
SH 2lb 8oz to 2lb 10oz (1135g to 1200g). LB 2lb 9oz to 2lb 11oz (1165g to 1230g) |
| Preparation |
Kookaburra Pre-Prepared (KPP) |
VKS Review
This Kookaburra Kahuna cricket bat is an affordable way into the full Kahuna shape with English willow on the face. The profile, edges, spine and handle match the higher grades. The Armourtec face means less early care than a bare natural bat. Off the back foot, the ball comes away cleanly from the high middle.
It suits club players on a budget, second team cricketers and anyone wanting a strong spare bat. If you can stretch your budget, the Kahuna 5.1 Legend gives you all English willow. If you want a lighter bat, the Rapid Ultralite uses the same 6.2 grade. You can also visit our London store in Ealing to compare weights before you buy.
Q&A Section
What is a hybrid cricket bat?
A hybrid bat laminates two willows into one blade. On the Kahuna 6.2 Ultra, an English willow face sits on a Kashmir willow back. You get English willow where the ball strikes, at a lower price than a full English willow bat.
Can I use a hybrid Kookaburra Kahuna cricket bat in senior matches?
Kookaburra developed it 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.
Is the Kahuna 6.2 Ultra better than a Kashmir willow bat?
For most adults, yes. The English willow face gives more ping than Kashmir willow alone. A Kashmir bat is still cheaper and very durable for beginners or tennis ball cricket.
Does the Kahuna 6.2 Ultra need knocking in?
We recommend it, even though the bat is Kookaburra Pre-Prepared with an Armourtec face. Knocking in firms up the edges and toe so they cope with a hard ball. VKS offers a knocking-in service, priced at 25 pounds for bats bought from us.
Should I choose the 6.2 Ultra or the 5.1 Legend?
Choose the 5.1 Legend if you want an all English willow blade. Choose the 6.2 Ultra if price matters most and you like a protected face. Both share the same Kahuna shape, edges and weights.
Which size should I buy, Short Handle or Long Blade?
Most adults use the Short Handle at 857mm overall. The Long Blade is 876mm and suits taller players who feel crouched with a standard bat. It also weighs a little more, at 2lb 9oz to 2lb 11oz.
What weight should I pick?
Most adults are happy with a Kookaburra Kahuna cricket bat at 2lb 8oz or 2lb 9oz. A lighter bat gives faster hands, while a heavier one carries more mass into the ball. Pick the weight you can control easily through a full net session.
