Jacob Bethell's Bat for Young Players: the GM Cannon 808 Junior Cricket Bat
Overview
The GM Cannon 808 junior cricket bat is an English willow bat for juniors in Harrow, 6, 5 and 4. GM designed the Cannon with England batter Jacob Bethell. It pairs a powerful profile with an effortless pickup, so juniors can attack from ball one.
The Cannon is part of JB82, the Jacob Bethell range. Bethell picked up his first GM bat as a youngster. He has since scored an Ashes century in Sydney and become one of England's most exciting young batters. GM says the bat built alongside him is ready for the next generation of players.
The junior 808 shares the shape of the adult Cannon. It has a mid-to-low swell, substantial edges and a flowing spine. The 808 comes fourth in GM's 2027 Cannon list, after the Limited Edition, Original and 909. With the season starting in April, the winter gives you time to prepare it. It also makes a great Christmas gift.
Features
- Easy to pick up: GM combines the powerful profile with an effortless pickup, which helps young players control the bat.
- Power through the shot: the flowing spine is designed to deliver explosive power through the stroke.
- Bigger edges: substantial edges add mass to the sides of the blade for more confidence on off-centre hits.
- Balanced for all shots: the mid-to-low swell suits the all-round shot maker who plays on both sides.
- Light, comfortable grip: the Pro-Lite grip is GM's lightest ever, giving comfort and control.
- A bat to look up to: it carries the Cannon design created with Jacob Bethell, an England star.
- Four junior sizes: Harrow, 6, 5 and 4 let you match the bat to your child's height.
Design and Materials
The Cannon shape uses GM's traditional L555 blade design with an F4.5 face profile and a Powerarc bow. The swell sits mid-to-low, backed by substantial edges and a flowing spine. GM describes the result as a balanced feel and dynamic profile. It works for clearing the ropes or driving through the field.
The handle carries GM's Pro-Lite grip, its lightest ever. Every Cannon is made in England from prime English willow. GM's published blade and handle lengths cover the range, not each junior size. Our team can tell you the exact length of each size in store.
Key Technologies
Traditional L555 Blade Design: GM's traditional blade length for the Cannon range. It gives the bat a classic shape rather than a shortened blade.
F4.5 Face Profile: The face profile GM lists for the Cannon. It is part of the bat's dynamic, powerful shape.
Powerarc Bow: GM's bow face profile, used on the Cannon. It works with the face and spine to drive the ball.
Mid-to-Low Swell: The swell sits mid-to-low on the blade. GM pitches it at the all-round shot maker.
Substantial Edges: Thick edges form part of the Cannon's powerful profile. They add mass across the width of the blade.
Flowing Spine: A smooth, flowing spine runs down the back. GM designed it to deliver explosive power through the stroke.
Pro-Lite Grip: GM's lightest ever grip. It gives great comfort and control without adding weight to the handle.
Prime English Willow: The Cannon is made in England from prime English willow. Juniors get the same willow type as the adult bat.
Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Brand |
Gunn & Moore (GM) |
| Range |
Cannon DXM®, JB82 Jacob Bethell range (2027) |
| Grade |
808 |
| Sizes |
Harrow, 6, 5, 4 |
| Willow |
Prime English willow, made in England |
| Blade design |
Traditional L555 (range spec) |
| Face profile |
F4.5 |
| Bow |
Powerarc |
| Swell |
Mid-to-low |
| Edges and spine |
Substantial edges, flowing spine |
| Grip |
Pro-Lite |
VKS Review
The GM Cannon 808 junior cricket bat suits a young batter who likes to play shots all around the ground. The mid-to-low swell and substantial edges put good wood behind the ball. The easy pickup and Pro-Lite grip help smaller hands keep control. For a junior who looks up to Jacob Bethell, it is an easy bat to get excited about.
English willow needs care, so it suits juniors playing regular hard ball cricket. Younger beginners may be better with a lower-priced Kashmir willow bat, such as GM's Cannon 101 or 202. VKS has sold cricket bats for over 50 years. You can bring your child to our London store in Ealing to check the size before you buy.
Q&A Section
What sizes does the Cannon 808 junior bat come in?
This junior page covers Harrow, size 6, size 5 and size 4. Harrow is the largest junior size, then 6, 5 and 4. GM also makes the 808 in Short Handle for adults.
Which size bat should my child use?
The right size depends on your child's height and how the bat feels in their stance. A bat that is too big is harder to control and can slow their progress. The quickest way to be sure is a fitting in our Ealing store.
Is the junior Cannon the same shape as the adult bat?
Yes, GM lists the junior sizes within the same Cannon range. They share the mid-to-low swell, substantial edges, flowing spine and Pro-Lite grip. Only the size changes.
Does a junior English willow bat need knocking in?
Yes, plan to knock it in, as GM's 2027 details do not say it comes pre-prepared. Knocking in hardens the face before your child faces a hard ball. VKS offers a knocking-in service, priced at £25 for bats bought from VKS.
Should a beginner start with English or Kashmir willow?
English willow suits juniors who play regular hard ball cricket and want better performance. Kashmir willow is tougher and lower in price, so it suits early beginners. GM's Cannon 202 and 101 are Kashmir willow bats inspired by Jacob Bethell.
Can we try the GM Cannon 808 junior cricket bat in store?
Yes, you can visit our London store in Ealing with your child. Holding the bat in their stance is the best way to check size and pickup. Our team can then help you choose the right size.
