The UK's Leading Cricket Specialist
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When it comes to choosing a junior cricket bat, two legendary brands stand out. Gray-Nicolls and Gunn & Moore (GM).
These two names have been synonymous with cricket for generations, earning their place as the most established and respected brands in the sport.
Both Gray-Nicolls and GM have an extensive history of producing high quality bats, ensuring that junior players get the very best from their first game to the highest levels of youth cricket.
But which brand is better?
This blog will compare the two across key factors, helping parents, coaches and young cricketers make an informed choice.
Gray-Nicolls and GM have been at the forefront of cricket bat manufacturing for over a century.
Their long-standing reputation for craftsmanship, innovation and quality makes them the go-to brands for professionals and juniors alike.
For junior players, this heritage means trust and reliability knowing that the same bat making expertise used for international stars is also applied to their first cricket bat.
Both Gray-Nicolls and GM take full control over their willow sourcing and bat making process, ensuring junior cricketers receive only the best quality bats. Unlike some brands that outsource their materials, Gray-Nicolls and GM procure their own willow from the finest English grown sources. This means they product the highest quality possible within each grade range and this is something that we see on a daily basis from not only the bats that we have on our shelves, but also from bats that customers may have bought elsewhere.
Their commitment to quality includes:
This means junior players get lightweight, well-balanced, and durable bats which are essential for their development in the game.
A good junior bat must be lightweight, well balanced, and easy to manoeuvre. Both Gray-Nicolls and GM excel in crafting junior bats that enhance stroke play, comfort, and performance.
Gray-Nicolls offers a range of junior bats designed to suit all playing styles. The brand is known for producing bats that are slightly longer and leaner in profile, helping juniors generate more bat speed while maintaining excellent balance. Some of their popular junior bats include:
These bats feature a mid to low sweet spot, making them perfect for playing on all types of pitches, whether hard or soft.
GM is renowned for producing bats that offer a thick profile, providing more power without adding extra weight. Their range includes:
GM's bats often feature a mid sweet spot, making them well-suited for young cricketers who play all around the field and off the front and back foot.
Durability is a crucial factor when selecting a junior cricket bat, as young players are still developing their techniques and often play on different surfaces.
GM bats are known for slightly firmer pressing, making them more durable but requiring a slightly more extended knocking in period to get them performing to their full potential.
Both brands use factory pre-prepared (knocked-in) willow to give junior players a head start, but extra knocking in is still essential before full match use.
When investing in a junior cricket bat the after sales service is just as important as the bat itself. Fortunately, both Gray-Nicolls and GM offer excellent customer support and guarantee their bats against manufacturing defects.
This means parents and junior cricketers can buy with confidence, knowing that their bat is protected.
Choosing between Gray-Nicolls and GM ultimately comes down to personal preference and playing style. Both brands provide top quality junior bats, ensuring young players have the best equipment to develop their game.
Regardless of your choice, both brands deliver outstanding junior cricket bats that are durable, lightweight, and crafted to the highest standards.
Whether you go with Gray-Nicolls or GM, you can't go wrong. Both brands have stood the test of time and continue to produce some of the best junior cricket bats available today. Their dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and after sales service ensures that every junior cricketer gets a bat that enhances their game.
Ultimately, the best way to choose is to pick up both bats, feel their weight and balance, and see which one suits your playing style best. Happy batting!
