Attack From Ball One: the GM Cannon Original Cricket Bat in Short Handle
Overview
The GM Cannon Original cricket bat is a Short Handle English willow bat developed with Jacob Bethell. It is built for batters who like to take the game on. A traditional L555 blade, mid-to-low swell and substantial edges give it a powerful profile with an easy pickup.
GM sums the Cannon up as "built to change the game". Bethell plays on his own terms, fearless and explosive, and the bat is built in the same mould. A flowing spine is designed to deliver explosive power through the stroke. The balanced feel means it works just as well clearing the ropes as driving through the field.
The Cannon is part of JB82, the Jacob Bethell range. Bethell picked up his first GM bat as a youngster and has since scored an Ashes century in Sydney. The Original is listed second in GM's 2027 Cannon range, after the Limited Edition. This page covers the Short Handle size. With the season starting in April, now is a good time to buy and prepare it.
Features
- Attack from ball one: the powerful profile and easy pickup put control and power in your hands from ball one.
- Power through the stroke: the flowing spine is designed to deliver explosive power as you swing through the line.
- Bigger edges: substantial edges add mass to the sides of the blade for more confidence on off-centre hits.
- All-round balance: the mid-to-low swell suits the all-round shot maker who scores on both sides.
- A traditional length: the L555 blade gives you a classic blade length rather than a shortened one.
- Light, comfortable grip: the Pro-Lite grip is GM's lightest ever, giving comfort and control.
- Designed with an England star: GM developed the Cannon in conjunction with Jacob Bethell.
Design and Materials
The Cannon pairs a traditional L555 blade with a 295mm handle, as GM lists for the range. Its swell sits mid-to-low, backed by substantial edges and a flowing spine. GM uses its F4.5 face profile with a Powerarc bow. Together they give the bat a dynamic profile with a balanced feel.
The handle carries GM's Pro-Lite grip, which GM calls its lightest ever. Every Cannon is made in England from prime English willow. GM designed the shape alongside Jacob Bethell for players who want to take the game forward. The result is a powerful bat that should still feel easy to move.
Key Technologies
Traditional L555 Blade: GM's traditional blade length. It gives the Cannon a classic length while the profile supplies the power.
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. It is the willow GM uses across its 2027 English willow bats.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Brand | Gunn & Moore (GM) |
| Range | Cannon DXMRegistered, JB82 Jacob Bethell range (2027) |
| Grade | Original |
| Size | Short Handle (SH) |
| Willow | Prime English willow, made in England |
| Blade length | Traditional L555 |
| Handle length | 295mm |
| Face profile | F4.5 |
| Bow | Powerarc |
| Swell | Mid-to-low |
| Edges and spine | Substantial edges, flowing spine |
| Grip | Pro-Lite |
VKS Review
The Cannon Original is a good fit for an attacking batter who hits all around the ground. The mid-to-low swell and substantial edges put real wood behind the ball. The flowing spine and Pro-Lite grip keep it feeling balanced in the hands. It gives you the full Cannon shape designed alongside Jacob Bethell.
If you mainly drive off the front foot, the low swell of GM's Azora or Maxi may suit you better. If you want a higher sweet spot and quicker pickup, look at the Galaxy. VKS has sold cricket bats for over 50 years. You can visit our London store in Ealing to pick up the Cannon before you buy.
Q&A Section
Is the GM Cannon the Jacob Bethell bat?
Yes, GM designed the Cannon in conjunction with Jacob Bethell. It is part of JB82, the Jacob Bethell range. GM built it for players who want to attack from ball one.
Is the Cannon Original a Short Handle bat?
Yes, this page is for the Short Handle size, the standard adult size. It fits most adult batters. If you are unsure about sizing, our team can check it in store.
What type of batter is the Cannon made for?
GM aims the Cannon at the all-round shot maker who likes to attack. Its mid-to-low swell and balanced feel work for both big hits and drives. Pure front foot players may prefer the low swell of the Azora.
Which Cannon grades are there for 2027?
GM lists eight: Limited Edition, Original, 909, 808, Signature, 606, 404 and 404 Lite. They share the Cannon shape, though sizes vary by grade. This page covers the Original in Short Handle.
Does the Cannon Original need knocking in?
GM's 2027 details do not say the Cannon 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 Cannon Original 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.
