Your First Step Into English Willow: Buy the New Balance DC 500 Cricket Bat in Long Blade or Short Handle
Overview
The New Balance DC 500 cricket bat is a Grade 5a English willow bat for adults new to club cricket. It comes in Long Blade and Short Handle sizes. Its low swell profile carries large edges and a big sweet spot. It shares the handle, grip and shape of the higher DC models.
The DC 500 is the entry point to the senior DC range. You get the same low swell shape as the DC 600 and DC 800, in a lower grade of willow. That makes it a sensible choice for a first English willow bat, a net bat or a spare.
The low swell sits the weight lower down the blade. That suits players who drive off the front foot and play on slower club pitches. Large edges give you more margin on shots you do not quite middle. The UK season runs from April to September, so buy early to leave time for knocking in.
Features
- English willow at an entry grade: Grade 5a willow gives you an English willow feel for less outlay.
- Two senior sizes: Long Blade suits taller players. Short Handle is the standard adult size.
- Forgiving edges: Large edges help thick outside edges and mistimed shots travel further.
- Power where you drive: The low swell puts mass behind the ball on front foot shots.
- Comfort on contact: A 6 piece Singapore cane handle helps soak up jarring at impact.
- Natural hand feel: The semi oval handle shape sits comfortably in most grips.
- Clean finish: A silver grip and clear toe guard keep the look simple.
Design and Materials
The blade is Grade 5a English willow. Grade 5a sits below Grade 4, the grade used on the DC 600. Lower grades often show wider grains, more blemishes or more heartwood. These marks are mostly about looks. The blade still gives the response and sound that make English willow the choice over Kashmir willow.
The handle uses 6 piece Singapore cane in a semi oval shape. Cane handles flex slightly at impact, which helps reduce sting in your hands. A silver grip covers the handle. A clear toe guard protects the toe from damp and wear without hiding the willow.
Key Technologies
Grade 5a English Willow: Long Blade and Short Handle sizes use Grade 5a English willow. It keeps an English willow bat within reach.
Low Swell Profile: The thickest part of the blade sits low. This rewards drives and shots played under the eyes.
Large Edges and Sweet Spot: Thick edges widen the hitting area. You keep more power on shots away from the middle.
6 Piece Singapore Cane Handle: Cane strips are bonded with rubber inserts. The build adds flex and helps absorb shock.
Semi Oval Handle Shape: A shape between round and oval. It gives a natural hold that suits a wide range of grips.
Clear Toe Guard: A clear guard covers the toe. It helps stop moisture and cracking from tapping the bat on the crease.
Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Brand |
New Balance |
| Model |
DC 500 |
| Sizes |
Long Blade (LB), Short Handle (SH) |
| Willow |
Grade 5a English willow |
| Handle |
6 piece Singapore cane |
| Handle shape |
Semi oval (33/37) |
| Grip |
Silver |
| Toe guard |
Clear |
| Profile |
Low swell, large edges and sweet spot |
VKS Review
The DC 500 is an honest entry level English willow bat. The low swell and big edges give it a full feel on drives. The cane handle takes the sting out of a ball hit near the toe. For a new adult player, it offers the DC shape without the cost of a higher grade.
The trade off is the grade. Grade 5a willow will not match the grain, look or response of the DC 600 or DC 800. If you play every weekend and want more from your blade, step up a grade. Players who mostly play off the back foot may also prefer a mid or high swell. VKS has over 50 years of cricket experience, and The Telegraph named us London's Finest Cricket Store. You can visit our London store in Ealing to compare the DC bats side by side.
Q&A Section
Is the DC 500 a good first English willow bat?
Yes, it suits adults buying their first English willow bat. Grade 5a willow keeps the cost down, while the large edges help you as you learn. Regular club players may get more from a higher grade.
What is the difference between the DC 500, DC 600 and DC 800?
The main difference is the grade of willow. The DC 500 uses Grade 5a, the DC 600 Grade 4 and the DC 800 Grade 3. All three share the low swell profile, handle, grip and toe guard.
Should I choose Long Blade or Short Handle?
Choose Long Blade if you are tall or stand upright at the crease. Short Handle is the standard size for most adult players. If you are not sure, come in and hold both sizes in your stance.
Which players suit a low swell bat?
A low swell suits players who drive a lot off the front foot. It also helps on slower, lower bouncing club pitches. If you pull and cut more, a mid or high swell may suit you better.
Does the DC 500 need knocking in?
Yes, every new English willow bat needs knocking in before match use. Knocking in hardens the face and edges so they resist cracks. Start with a mallet, then play gently in the nets before games.
Can the DC 500 be a Christmas present?
Yes, it makes a good gift for an adult new to club cricket. A winter purchase leaves plenty of time to knock it in before April. Check the size first, as Long Blade suits taller players.
Can I try the New Balance DC 500 cricket bat before I buy?
Yes, you can see it in our Ealing store in London. Our team can help you compare pick up and feel. It is also available online with free UK delivery on orders over £100.
