Carry It or Wheel It: Buy the New Balance 500 Combo Cricket Backpack Wheelie Bag in Black
Overview
The New Balance 500 Combo Backpack/Wheelie is a black New Balance cricket backpack wheelie bag. It suits juniors and club players who want two ways to carry their kit. It measures 71cm x 31cm x 30.5cm. An external side bat pocket keeps your bat out of the main compartment.
Most kit bags make you choose. A backpack is easy on stairs and buses but heavy on long walks. A wheelie bag rolls well but is awkward when the ground gets rough. This combo design lets you switch between the two. Wheel it across the car park, then pull on the cushioned straps to climb the pavilion steps.
The large main compartment opens with an easy zip, so pads and gloves go in without a fight. An internal zip pocket keeps your phone and keys safe. The UK season runs from April to September. Now is a smart time to sort your bag before nets start.
Features
- Two ways to carry: roll it on flat ground or wear it as a backpack when the path gets steep or crowded.
- Large main compartment: room for your core kit, so you are not juggling a second bag on match day.
- Easy zip opening: you can get at your pads or helmet quickly between overs or at the end of a session.
- External side bat pocket: your bat stays apart from your clothes and kit, and you can grab it without unpacking.
- Internal zip pocket: a closed spot for your phone, wallet and keys, so they do not sink under your pads.
- Extra top handle: a quick grip for lifting the bag into a car boot or onto a bench.
- Adjustable cushioned shoulder straps: set the fit to your height and spread the load when you carry it.
Design and Materials
The bag is made from premium PU coated fabric in a black finish with New Balance branding. Black is a practical choice for a cricket bag. It hides grass marks and dirt far better than lighter colours. The PU coating gives the fabric a smooth, wipeable surface.
This New Balance cricket backpack wheelie has a simple, well planned layout. One large main compartment holds the bulk of your kit. The bat lives in its own pocket on the side, outside the main space. Inside, a zip pocket keeps small valuables sealed away. The cushioned shoulder straps adjust, so a younger player and a parent can both carry it in comfort. The top handle adds a third grip point for short lifts. Wheels on the base make it easy to steer across flat ground.
Key Technologies
Combo Backpack/Wheelie Design: One bag built to be wheeled or worn on your back. You pick the carry style that suits the ground in front of you.
External Side Bat Pocket: A dedicated pocket on the outside of the bag. It separates the bat from the main load of kit.
Easy Zip Main Compartment: A large opening into the main space. It makes packing and unpacking full kit quicker.
Internal Zip Pocket: A zipped pocket inside the bag. It keeps personal items secure and easy to find.
Adjustable Cushioned Straps: Padded shoulder straps you can lengthen or shorten. They help the bag sit well on different body sizes.
Extra Top Handle: A handle on top of the bag. It gives you an alternative grip for lifting and short carries.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Brand | New Balance |
| Product | 500 Combo Backpack/Wheelie cricket bag |
| Manufacturer ref | 5COM500 |
| Colour | Black |
| Dimensions | 71cm x 31cm x 30.5cm |
| Material | Premium PU coated fabric |
| Carry options | Wheels on the base, backpack straps, top handle |
| Main compartment | Large, with easy zip opening |
| Bat storage | External side bat pocket |
| Internal storage | Zip pocket for personal items |
| Shoulder straps | Adjustable and cushioned |
VKS Review
The New Balance 500 Combo Backpack/Wheelie is a sensible bag for juniors, school players and club cricketers who travel light. The real win is choice. Rolling saves your back on a long walk from the station. The straps take over on steps, gravel or a crowded bus. The side bat pocket means your bat is the first thing you reach, not the last.
It is not built for everyone. Do you carry two or three bats, a helmet and spare whites? Then a larger wheelie or duffle with internal bat sleeves will serve you better. For a one bat player, this New Balance cricket backpack wheelie keeps things tidy and easy. VKS has sold cricket kit for over 50 years. You can visit our London store in Ealing to see the bag and check the strap fit before you buy.
Q&A Section
Can I use this bag as a backpack and a wheelie?
Yes, it is designed to do both. You can wheel it on flat ground and wear it on your back using the cushioned straps. That makes it handy for players who walk, cycle or use public transport to get to games.
Where does the bat go?
The bat sits in an external pocket on the side of the bag. This keeps it apart from your clothing and protective kit. It also means you can take the bat out without opening the main compartment.
How many bats does it hold?
It has one external side bat pocket. That suits a player who takes a single bat to training or a match. If you carry more than one bat, a bag with several internal bat sleeves is a better fit.
Is there somewhere safe for my phone and keys?
Yes, there is an internal zip pocket for personal items. Because it sits inside the bag and closes with a zip, small items stay put. It stops your phone and keys from getting lost under pads and gloves.
Is this bag suitable for junior cricketers?
It is a good choice for many juniors. The adjustable straps let you set the fit for a smaller frame. The wheels take the weight on longer walks. Bring your child to our Ealing store if you want to check the fit in person.
Which is better, a cricket backpack with wheels or a standard wheelie bag?
A cricket backpack with wheels is better if your route includes steps, rough paths or public transport. A standard wheelie bag usually holds more kit but is harder to carry off the wheels. At 71cm long, the 500 Combo is the more compact option. Choose the combo if flexibility matters more than maximum space.
What is the extra top handle for?
The top handle gives you a third way to hold the bag. It is useful for lifting it into a car boot or onto a changing room bench. For longer carries, the shoulder straps or the wheels will be more comfortable.
Should I choose this New Balance cricket backpack wheelie for club cricket?
Yes, if you are a one bat club player who wants a compact, easy bag. It carries your core kit and keeps valuables secure. Players who bring lots of spare kit may prefer a larger wheelie or duffle.
