The Way Into the Maxi: the GM Maxi 404 Cricket Bat in Short Handle
Overview
The GM Maxi 404 cricket bat is a Short Handle English willow bat for power hitters who attack early. For 2027 it gains an extended spine. Its shortened L540 blade, pronounced low swell and substantial edges build a big hitting zone.
The Maxi is a Gunn & Moore legend from a previous era. GM has kept its boundary-busting DNA and pushed it further for a new generation of stroke-makers. The bold, imposing profile gives clean strikers the confidence to hit hard from the outset. GM says the dynamic pickup keeps the bat moving at speed. So the low mass should not slow your swing.
This is the Maxi 404, the sixth of six standard grades in GM's 2027 list. It is the entry point to the full Maxi shape. A separate 404 Delta adds GM's DXM 2.0 profile for a superlight pickup. The 2027 Maxi also wears a new yellow and black livery. Buying before the April start of the season gives you the winter to prepare it. It also makes a strong Christmas gift for a hitter in your club.
Features
- Power on the front foot: the low swell sits where you meet the ball on full drives and lofted hits.
- Edges with presence: substantial edges add mass at the sides of the blade for off-centre strikes.
- More depth for 2027: the new extended spine carries the Maxi's power further up the blade.
- A dynamic sweet spot: the shortened L540 blade concentrates the hitting zone low and central.
- Grip that stays put: the new Signet grip uses soft rubber to keep the bat locked in your hands.
- Shaped for the stroke: an F2 face and Powerarc bow give the Maxi its modern performance.
- Impossible to miss: the yellow and black livery matches the bat's aggressive character.
- Proper willow: GM makes the Maxi in England from prime English willow.
Design and Materials
Every inch of the Maxi aims at maximum impact. The blade is GM's shortened L540 length, with a 310mm handle above it. That shorter blade gives a dynamic sweet spot. A pronounced low swell and substantial edges make the shape bold and imposing. New for 2027, the spine is extended, adding to the bat's striking profile.
GM builds the face around an F2 profile and a Powerarc bow. The handle carries the new Signet grip. It is made from premium soft rubber with a geometric shield pattern for traction, comfort and control. The bat is made in England from prime English willow. The new yellow and black livery is bold by design. GM says the Maxi was never meant to blend in.
Key Technologies
Extended Spine: New for the 2027 Maxi. A longer spine adds to the bold profile that power hitters want.
Shortened L540 Blade: A shorter blade design that gives the Maxi a dynamic sweet spot. It keeps the hitting zone compact and powerful.
Low Swell: A pronounced low swell for powerful front foot striking. It puts the mass where full drives are hit.
Substantial Edges: Thick edges are part of the Maxi's imposing shape. They give clean strikers confidence to attack early.
F2 Face Profile: The face profile GM builds the Maxi around. It forms the base of the bat's modern performance.
Powerarc Bow: GM's bow profile, paired with the F2 face. Together they shape how the Maxi drives through the ball.
Signet Grip: A new premium soft rubber grip with a geometric shield pattern. It adds traction, comfort and control when you swing hard.
Prime English Willow: The Maxi is made in England from prime English willow. That is the willow GM names for its 2027 Maxi range.
Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Brand and range |
Gunn & Moore (GM) Maxi™ DXM® |
| Grade |
404 (standard, not Delta) |
| 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 |
| Spine and edges |
Extended spine (new for 2027), substantial edges |
| Grip |
Signet grip (soft rubber) |
| Livery |
Yellow and black (new for 2027) |
VKS Review
The GM Maxi 404 cricket bat suits batters who play to dominate the bowling. The low swell, extended spine and big edges put serious mass where front foot hitters strike. That makes it a natural pick for top-order hitters and lower-order finishers in club cricket. GM's dynamic pickup claim matters here, because a big profile only helps if you can swing it fast.
The trade-off is clear. A low swell suits drives more than cuts and pulls off the back foot. If that is your game, the mid-to-high swell of the GM Galaxy may suit you better. If you want a lighter pickup in the same shape, try the Maxi 404 Delta. If you want a higher grade, look at the Maxi 606 or 808. VKS has sold cricket bats for over 50 years. You can visit our London store in Ealing to pick up the Maxi before you buy.
Q&A Section
Is the GM Maxi a good bat for power hitters?
Yes, GM designed the Maxi for hitters who want to clear the rope. Its low swell, substantial edges and extended spine build a big hitting zone. Batters who rely on touch and placement may prefer a slimmer shape.
What is new on the 2027 Maxi?
The 2027 Maxi gets an extended spine, a new Signet grip and a yellow and black livery. The core shape stays the same, with an L540 blade, F2 face and Powerarc bow. That keeps the boundary-busting character the Maxi is known for.
Which Maxi grades are there for 2027?
GM lists six standard grades: Limited Edition, Original, 808, Signature, 606 and 404. There are also 808, 606 and 404 Delta versions with DXM 2.0 for a superlight pickup. All of them come in Short Handle only.
Should I choose the Maxi 404 or the Maxi 404 Delta?
Choose the standard 404 if you want the full Maxi profile. The 404 Delta uses GM's Delta CAD/CAM machining for a superlight pickup. Try both in store if you are unsure which feels better.
What is the difference between the Maxi and the Azora?
Both use an L540 blade, F2 face, Powerarc bow and a low swell. The Maxi adds an extended spine, substantial edges and the Signet grip. The Azora is a new 2027 shape with sweeping contours and a Fuze Grip.
Does the Maxi 404 need knocking in?
GM's 2027 details do not say the Maxi comes pre-prepared, so plan to knock it in. A new English willow bat needs its face hardened before facing a hard ball. VKS offers a knocking-in service, priced at £25 for bats bought from VKS.
Can I try the GM Maxi 404 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.
