Hybrid Value for Developing Players: the Kahuna Pro 3.1 Icon in Junior Sizes
Overview
The Kookaburra Kahuna junior cricket bat in Hybrid Pro 3.1 Icon grade is a laminated bat for developing players. It has a Grade 3 unbleached English willow face with a non-oil Armourtec cover. It comes in Small Adult, Harrow, Size 6 and Size 5.
Kookaburra describe it as bringing Kahuna performance to developing players. It suits juniors who want confidence and control at the crease. The balanced Kahuna shape has a mid to high sweet spot for shots all round the wicket.
The hybrid build keeps the price well below the all English willow junior grades. Buy it this autumn and there is plenty of time to get used to it before the April start.
Features
- Hybrid Grade 3 construction: an English willow face laminated into the blade for durability and value.
- Unbleached English willow face: English willow where the ball strikes.
- Non-oil Armourtec cover: adds strength and protection to the face.
- Balanced Kahuna shape: a mid to high sweet spot for all round shot making.
- Lightweight feel: a balanced pick up that young players can handle easily.
- Four junior sizes: Small Adult, Harrow, Size 6 and Size 5, for players about 152cm to 174cm tall.
Design and Materials
Kookaburra make every bat by hand. The Hybrid Pro 3.1 Icon uses laminate construction with a Grade 3 English willow face. This gives a junior the feel of English willow on the face at a lower cost.
The face is unbleached, so the natural willow colour shows. At this grade you can expect more red wood and some marks on the face. Kookaburra say these marks are cosmetic and do not affect how the bat plays.
A non-oil Armourtec cover is fitted to the face. Kookaburra say it adds strength and protection. The shape is the balanced Kahuna profile, with a clean hitting area and a mid to high sweet spot.
Be realistic about the trade-off. A hybrid will not match the feel of a top grade, all English willow bat. It is a durable, good value choice for a growing player.
Key Technologies
Hybrid Laminate Construction: The blade is laminated rather than cut from a single cleft. It brings the price down and adds durability.
Grade 3 English Willow Face: Unbleached English willow on the hitting surface. Face marks are cosmetic and do not affect play.
Non-Oil Armourtec Cover: Kookaburra's protective face cover, fitted as standard. It adds strength and protection to the willow.
Balanced Kahuna Shape: A mid to high sweet spot for versatile shot play. It suits young batters who score all round the wicket.
Lightweight Feel: Kookaburra give it a balanced pick up for easy handling. Young players can control the bat through a full session.
Handmade Construction: Every Kookaburra bat is made by hand. Each piece of willow is graded on performance, appearance, imperfections, colour and density.
Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Range |
Kahuna, endorsed by Jos Buttler |
| Grade |
Hybrid Pro 3.1 Icon |
| Construction |
Hybrid laminated blade |
| Face |
Grade 3 unbleached English willow |
| Face cover |
Non-oil Armourtec |
| Profile |
Balanced, mid to high sweet spot |
| Sizes |
Small Adult, Harrow, Size 6 and Size 5 |
| Small Adult height guide |
170cm to 174cm |
| Harrow height guide |
165cm to 169cm |
| Size 6 height guide |
160cm to 164cm |
| Size 5 height guide |
152cm to 159cm |
VKS Review
This Kookaburra Kahuna junior cricket bat gives a developing player an English willow face at a sensible price. The balanced shape is easy to control. The Armourtec cover helps the face stand up to a season of nets and matches.
It suits juniors in their first few seasons of hard ball cricket and growing players who change size often. For an all English willow blade, the junior Kahuna Pro 1.1 Players Select is the next step up. You can also visit our London store in Ealing to check the size before you buy.
Q&A Section
Which size should I choose?
Kookaburra's size guide suggests Size 5 for 152cm to 159cm and Size 6 for 160cm to 164cm. Harrow suits 165cm to 169cm, and Small Adult 170cm to 174cm. Between sizes, choose the one your child can swing comfortably.
What is a hybrid junior cricket bat?
A hybrid bat is laminated rather than made from one piece of willow. This one has a Grade 3 English willow face. You get English willow where the ball strikes, at a lower cost.
What does the Armourtec cover do?
Armourtec is a non-oil protective cover on the face. Kookaburra say it adds strength and protection. It helps the willow cope with regular use in nets and matches.
Does the Kahuna Hybrid Pro 3.1 junior bat need knocking in?
We recommend it, even with the 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.
Is the Kookaburra Kahuna junior cricket bat in 3.1 grade a good first hard ball bat?
Yes, it is a sensible choice. The hybrid build and Armourtec face make it durable. The lower price also helps when a growing player needs a new size each year or two.
How does it compare with the junior Pro 1.1 Players Select?
The Pro 1.1 is an all English willow bat in premium Grade 1. The 3.1 Icon is a hybrid with a Grade 3 face and an Armourtec cover. It costs less and also comes in Size 5.
