Built for Front Foot Power: the GM Azora Limited Edition Cricket Bat
Overview
The GM Azora Limited Edition cricket bat is a Short Handle English willow bat for dominant front foot batters. It is a completely new shape for 2027. A shortened L540 blade, a pronounced low swell and sweeping contours create a powerful hitting zone.
Gunn & Moore built the Azora for players who want a bat that demands attention and earns it. GM says it has an exceptional weight-to-feel ratio. In practice, that means it should feel easy in the hands but hit with serious authority. GM sums it up in three lines: fast to the ball, powerful through impact, effortless when it matters.
The Limited Edition is the first of the seven standard Azora grades in GM's 2027 list. It comes in Short Handle only. With the UK season starting in April, the winter gives you time to prepare a new bat properly. It also makes a strong Christmas gift for a serious club batter.
Features
- Made for the front foot: the pronounced low swell puts the mass where you meet the ball on drives.
- Easy to lift, hard to stop: GM's weight-to-feel ratio aims for an effortless feel with serious authority at impact.
- A bigger hitting zone: the shortened L540 blade and sweeping contours shape a powerful striking area.
- Built for the stroke: the F2 face profile and Powerarc bow are designed to maximise performance through the shot.
- A secure hold: the Fuze Grip gives a confident connection between your hands and the bat.
- A new look: the bold Azora design marks a completely new GM silhouette.
- Proper willow: GM makes the Azora in England from Prime English willow.
Design and Materials
The Azora is a completely new addition to the GM range for 2027. Its striking, imposing profile comes from sweeping contours and a pronounced low swell. The blade is the shortened L540 length, with a 310mm handle above it. Together they create a powerful hitting zone low in the blade.
GM pairs the F2 face profile with a Powerarc bow to maximise performance through the stroke. The handle carries the Fuze Grip for a secure, confident hold. Every Azora is made in England from Prime English willow. The bold new design gives the bat a look unlike earlier GM shapes.
Key Technologies
Shortened L540 Blade: A shorter blade than GM's traditional L555 length. It helps create the Azora's powerful hitting zone.
Low Swell Position: A pronounced low swell for dominant front foot strokeplay. It puts the bat's mass where full drives are struck.
Sweeping Contours: Shaped contours give the Azora its imposing profile. They work with the low swell to build the hitting zone.
F2 Face Profile: The face profile GM uses on the Azora. It is designed to maximise performance through the stroke.
Powerarc Bow: GM's bow profile for the Azora. Paired with the F2 face, it helps drive the ball through the shot.
Fuze Grip: The grip fitted to the Azora. It gives a secure, confident connection between player and bat.
Prime English Willow: The Azora is made in England from Prime English willow. That is the willow GM uses across its 2027 English willow bats.
Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Brand |
Gunn & Moore (GM) |
| Range |
Azora DXM® (new for 2027) |
| Grade |
Limited Edition |
| Size |
Short Handle (SH) |
| Willow |
Prime English willow, made in England |
| Blade length |
Shortened L540 |
| Handle length |
310mm |
| Face profile |
F2 |
| Bow |
Powerarc |
| Swell |
Low, pronounced |
| Profile |
Sweeping contours |
| Grip |
Fuze Grip |
VKS Review
The Azora Limited Edition suits a batter who scores most of their runs off the front foot. The low swell and shortened L540 blade put the power where you drive the ball. GM's focus on weight-to-feel means it should still pick up easily. That makes it a good match for strong drivers who also want a quick bat.
The low swell is a trade-off for back foot players, who may prefer a higher sweet spot. The Galaxy, with its mid-to-high swell, suits that style better. If you want a traditional blade length, the Cannon uses the longer L555. VKS has sold cricket bats for over 50 years. You can visit our London store in Ealing to pick up the Azora before you buy.
Q&A Section
Is the Azora a good bat for front foot players?
Yes, GM designed the Azora for dominant front foot play. Its pronounced low swell puts the mass where you strike drives. Back foot players may prefer the higher swell of the Galaxy.
What sizes does the Azora Limited Edition come in?
GM lists the Azora Limited Edition in Short Handle only for 2027. Short Handle is the standard adult size and fits most adult batters. Very tall players who want a long handle should ask our team about other options.
Which Azora grades are there for 2027?
GM lists seven standard grades: Limited Edition, Original, 909, 808, Signature, 606 and 404. There are also 808, 606 and 404 Delta versions with a DXM 2.0 profile for superlight pickup. All share the Azora shape in Short Handle.
What is the difference between the Azora and the Maxi?
Both use a shortened L540 blade, an F2 face and a Powerarc bow with a low swell. The Azora is a new 2027 shape with sweeping contours and a Fuze Grip. The Maxi has an extended spine, substantial edges and a Signet grip.
Does the Azora need knocking in?
GM's 2027 details do not say the Azora comes pre-prepared, so plan to knock it in. A new English willow bat needs its face hardened before you face a hard ball. VKS offers a knocking-in service, priced at £25 for bats bought from VKS.
Can I try the GM Azora Limited Edition cricket bat in store?
Yes, you can pick it up at our London store in Ealing. Holding a bat is the best way to judge its pickup and balance. Our team can also compare it with other GM shapes for you.
