The Kookaburra 2027 cricket bat range is built on six bat shapes: the Kahuna, Ghost, Demon, Prism, Rapid and the new Fuse hybrid range. Every shape is made in a set of numbered willow grades, from the Pro Players Edition down to the 6.5 Force, with alternative willow and Kashmir willow bats below that. Kookaburra bats are handmade from English willow sourced in the UK, and every English willow bat comes Kookaburra Pre-Prepared (KPP).
This guide replaces our 2026 Kookaburra guide. The Nickel is not part of the 2027 range, and the Fuse joins it: a laminated hybrid bat that pairs an English willow face with an alternative willow back. VKS has chosen 19 bats from the Kahuna, Ghost and Fuse ranges for 2027. This guide covers those three ranges in full, with a short summary of the rest of the Kookaburra range further down.
We have not taken the full Kookaburra catalogue. Instead we have selected the models we think give the best choice at every price point, from £49.99 to £799.99 RRP. That means five senior Kahuna grades, three senior Ghost grades and three Fuse grades, plus six Kahuna and two Ghost junior bats.
| Model | Willow / build | Weight | Sizes in the Kookaburra range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kahuna (senior) | |||
| Kahuna Pro Players Edition | Players grade English willow | 2lb 8oz - 2lb 10oz | SH |
| Kahuna Pro 3.1 Icon | 3.1 grade English willow | SH 2lb 8oz - 2lb 10oz; LB 2lb 9oz - 2lb 11oz | SH, LB |
| Kahuna 5.1 Legend | 5.1 grade English willow | SH 2lb 8oz - 2lb 10oz; LB 2lb 9oz - 2lb 11oz | SH, LB |
| Kahuna Hybrid 6.2 Ultra | Hybrid: English willow face, Kashmir back | SH 2lb 8oz - 2lb 10oz; LB 2lb 9oz - 2lb 11oz | SH, LB |
| Kahuna 6.4 Ultimate | English willow, Pro Shield face | 2lb 8oz - 2lb 10oz | SH |
| Ghost (senior) | |||
| Ghost Pro Players Edition | Players grade English willow | 2lb 8oz - 2lb 10oz | SH |
| Ghost 5.1 Legend | 5.1 grade English willow | 2lb 8oz - 2lb 10oz (SH) | SH, LH |
| Ghost Hybrid 6.2 Ultra | Hybrid: English willow face, Kashmir back | 2lb 8oz - 2lb 10oz (SH) | SH, LH |
| Fuse (senior, hybrid) | |||
| Fuse Hybrid Pro Players Edition | Hybrid: Players quality English willow face | 2lb 8oz - 2lb 10oz | SH (short blade, long handle) |
| Fuse Hybrid Pro 3.1 Icon | Hybrid: 3.1 grade English willow face | 2lb 8oz - 2lb 10oz | SH (short blade, long handle) |
| Fuse Hybrid 5.1 Legend | Hybrid: 5.1 grade English willow face | 2lb 8oz - 2lb 10oz | SH (short blade, long handle) |
| Junior | |||
| Kahuna Pro Players Edition Junior | Players grade English willow | Not published | SA, H, 6 |
| Kahuna Pro 1.1 Players Select Junior | 1.1 grade English willow | Not published | SA, H, 6 |
| Kahuna Hybrid Pro 3.1 Icon Junior | Hybrid, English willow face, Armourtec | Not published | SA, H, 6, 5 |
| Kahuna Hybrid 6.3 Select Junior | Hybrid, English willow face, Armourtec | Not published | H, 6, 5, 4, 3 |
| Kahuna 7.1 Junior | Alternative willow, Armourtec | Not published | H, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 |
| Kahuna 9.1 Junior | Kashmir willow, Pro Shield face | Not published | H, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 |
| Ghost Pro 1.1 Players Select Junior | 1.1 grade English willow | Not published | SA, H, 6 |
| Ghost Hybrid Pro 3.1 Icon Junior | Hybrid, English willow face, Armourtec | Not published | SA, H, 6, 5 |
SH is Short Handle (857mm), LB is Long Blade (876mm), LH is Long Handle, SA is Small Adult and H is Harrow. Kookaburra does not publish junior weights or a Long Handle weight for the Ghost. Sizes are those Kookaburra makes; ask us which sizes we have in stock.
| Range | Endorsed by | Sweet spot | Edges | Handle / grip | Weight (SH) | At VKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahuna | Jos Buttler | High, 200-210mm from the toe | 34-37mm | Oval / Spira | 2lb 8oz - 2lb 10oz | 5 senior, 6 junior |
| Ghost | Marnus Labuschagne | Mid, 160-200mm | 34-37mm | Oval / Quilt | 2lb 8oz - 2lb 10oz | 3 senior, 2 junior |
| Fuse (hybrid) | Not player-endorsed | High, 200-210mm | 34-37mm | Oval / Hexa | 2lb 8oz - 2lb 10oz | 3 senior |
| Demon | Not player-endorsed | Mid, 160-200mm, duck bill | 36-40mm | Round / Grid | 2lb 8oz - 2lb 10oz | -- |
| Prism | Nat Sciver-Brunt | High, 200-210mm | 34-37mm | Oval / Aura | 2lb 8oz - 2lb 10oz | -- |
| Rapid | Hayley Matthews | Mid, 160-200mm | 30-33mm | Oval / Chevron | 2lb 6oz - 2lb 8oz | -- |
Profile figures are Kookaburra's approximate measurements. Every shape has a 10-12mm bow and rounded edges.
Every Kookaburra shape uses the same grade names, so a Kahuna 5.1 Legend and a Ghost 5.1 Legend are made from the same grade of willow. Kookaburra grades willow on five things: performance, appearance, imperfections, colour and density. Lower grades show more red wood, stain and marks, but Kookaburra says these are cosmetic and do not change how the bat plays.
| Grade | What you get | At VKS |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Players Replica | The same grade as the players' own bats, graded on performance only | -- |
| Pro Players Edition | At least 6 fairly straight grains, possibly some red wood on the edge, free padded bat cover | Kahuna, Ghost, Fuse |
| Pro 1.1 Players Select | Similar to the Pro Players Edition with more red wood and the odd blemish or butterfly mark | Junior Kahuna, Ghost |
| Pro 2.1 Elite | Around 5 grains, more red wood, some specks or butterfly marks | -- |
| Pro 3.1 Icon | Typically 4 grains, more red wood and marks on the face | Kahuna, Fuse, junior Kahuna and Ghost |
| 4.1 Hero | Like the 3.1 but with more stain | -- |
| 5.1 Legend | Selected for performance, more heavily stained | Kahuna, Ghost, Fuse |
| Hybrid 6.1 Special | English willow face laminated to an alternative willow back | -- |
| Hybrid 6.2 Ultra | Ultra grade English willow face, Grade 2 Kashmir back, Armourtec face | Kahuna, Ghost |
| Hybrid 6.3 Select | Select grade English willow face, Grade 3 Kashmir back, Armourtec face | Junior Kahuna |
| 6.4 Ultimate | English willow with a Pro Shield face sheet and natural back | Kahuna |
| 6.5 Force | English willow with a Pro Shield face and painted back | -- |
| 7.1 | Grade 2 unbleached alternative willow, Armourtec face | Junior Kahuna |
| 8.1, 9.1, 10.1 | Kashmir willow: natural (8.1), Pro Shield face (9.1) or full wrap (10.1) | Junior Kahuna 9.1 |
Kookaburra also makes a point worth knowing before you choose on looks alone: narrow grains come from older, more brittle willow. A narrow-grained bat can play well sooner, but it will usually not last as long as a bat with wider grains.
At VKS: Pro Players Edition, Pro 3.1 Icon, 5.1 Legend, Hybrid 6.2 Ultra and 6.4 Ultimate, plus junior bats
Kookaburra first developed the Kahuna with Ricky Ponting, and calls it the most iconic bat shape in world cricket. Its profile and weight distribution have changed little over the years. Today it is the bat of Jos Buttler. The sweet spot sits high, about 200 to 210mm from the toe, with 34 to 37mm rounded edges, a 63 to 67mm spine, a lightly rounded face, a 10 to 12mm bow, a standard toe and an oval handle. The Spira grip and KPP come as standard. Short Handle bats weigh 2lb 8oz to 2lb 10oz, and Long Blade bats weigh 2lb 9oz to 2lb 11oz.
| Model | Size | Willow / build |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | ||
| Jos Buttler Pro Players Replica | SH | Players grade, graded on performance; 2lb 10/11oz |
| Pro Players Edition (at VKS) | SH | Players grade English willow, free padded cover |
| Pro 1.1 Players Select | SH | 1.1 grade English willow |
| Pro 3.1 Icon (at VKS) | SH / LB | 3.1 grade English willow |
| Big Kahuna | SH | English willow, 2lb 12oz - 3lb, 38-40mm edges |
| Kahuna Lite | SH (short blade, long handle) | English willow, 2lb 6oz - 2lb 8oz |
| 5.1 Legend (at VKS) | SH / LB | 5.1 grade English willow |
| Hybrid 6.2 Ultra (at VKS) | SH / LB | English willow face, Grade 2 Kashmir back, Armourtec |
| 6.4 Ultimate (at VKS) | SH | English willow, Pro Shield face, natural back |
| 7.1 | SH | Alternative willow, Armourtec |
| 9.1 | SH | Kashmir willow, Pro Shield face |
| Junior | ||
| Pro Players Edition Junior (at VKS) | SA, H, 6 | Players grade English willow, free padded cover |
| Pro 1.1 Players Select Junior (at VKS) | SA, H, 6 | 1.1 grade English willow |
| Hybrid Pro 3.1 Icon Junior (at VKS) | SA, H, 6, 5 | English willow face, non-oil Armourtec |
| Hybrid 6.3 Select Junior (at VKS) | H, 6, 5, 4, 3 | English willow face, non-oil Armourtec |
| 7.1 Junior (at VKS) | H to 1 | Grade 2 alternative willow, Armourtec |
| 9.1 Junior (at VKS) | H to 0 | Kashmir willow, Pro Shield face |
The Big Kahuna and Kahuna Lite are the two specials in the range. The Big Kahuna is the heavy option, with 38 to 40mm edges and a 65 to 67mm spine. The Kahuna Lite has a 25mm shorter blade and a 25mm longer handle, so it keeps the standard length at a lighter 2lb 6oz to 2lb 8oz.
At VKS: Pro Players Edition, 5.1 Legend and Hybrid 6.2 Ultra, plus junior bats
The Ghost is Kookaburra's modern classic, developed with Team Kookaburra players and used by Marnus Labuschagne. It has a traditional weight distribution and balance, with a mid sweet spot about 160 to 200mm from the toe. That suits players who score off the front and back foot. Edges are 34 to 37mm and rounded, the spine is 63 to 67mm, the bow is 10 to 12mm and the handle is oval. The Quilt grip and KPP come as standard, and Short Handle bats weigh 2lb 8oz to 2lb 10oz.
| Model | Size | Willow / build |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | ||
| Marnus Labuschagne Pro Players Replica | Short blade, 842mm | Players grade, graded on performance; 2lb 9oz |
| Pro Players Edition (at VKS) | SH | Players grade English willow, free padded cover |
| Pro 1.1 Players Select | SH | 1.1 grade English willow |
| Pro 3.1 Icon | SH / LB | 3.1 grade English willow |
| 5.1 Legend (at VKS) | SH / LH | 5.1 grade English willow |
| Hybrid 6.2 Ultra (at VKS) | SH / LH | English willow face, Grade 2 Kashmir back, Armourtec |
| 6.4 Ultimate | SH | English willow, Pro Shield face, natural back |
| Junior | ||
| Pro Players Edition Junior | SA, H, 6 | Players grade English willow, free padded cover |
| Pro 1.1 Players Select Junior (at VKS) | SA, H, 6 | 1.1 grade English willow |
| Hybrid Pro 3.1 Icon Junior (at VKS) | SA, H, 6, 5 | English willow face, non-oil Armourtec |
| Hybrid 6.3 Select Junior | H, 6, 5, 4, 3 | English willow face, non-oil Armourtec |
Ghost 7.1 alternative willow and 9.1 Kashmir bats are also made in senior and junior sizes, at the same prices as the Kahuna versions.
At VKS: Pro Players Edition, Pro 3.1 Icon and 5.1 Legend
The Fuse is the new hybrid range for 2027, the result of three years of development. Each blade is laminated, joining an unbleached English willow face to alternative willow, so you get English willow where the ball strikes at a much lower price than a full English willow bat. The Fuse has a full profile and a high sweet spot about 200 to 210mm from the toe, with 34 to 37mm rounded edges, a 63 to 67mm spine and an oval handle.
Every Fuse has a 25mm shorter blade and a 25mm longer handle. That keeps the overall length at 857mm but lowers the weight to 2lb 8oz to 2lb 10oz without losing power or profile. The Hexa grip, an Armourtec face and KPP come as standard.
| Model | Size | Willow / build |
|---|---|---|
| Senior (short blade, long handle, 857mm) | ||
| Hybrid Pro Players Edition (at VKS) | SH | Players quality English willow face, free padded cover |
| Hybrid Pro 1.1 Players Select | SH | 1.1 grade English willow face |
| Hybrid Pro 2.1 Elite | SH | 2.1 grade English willow face |
| Hybrid Pro 3.1 Icon (at VKS) | SH | 3.1 grade English willow face |
| Hybrid 4.1 Hero | SH | 4.1 grade English willow face |
| Hybrid 5.1 Legend (at VKS) | SH | 5.1 grade English willow face |
| Hybrid 6.1 Special | SH | 6.1 grade English willow face |
| Hybrid 6.2 Ultra | SH | 6.2 grade English willow face |
| Hybrid Max | SH | 6.2 grade face, 2lb 12oz - 3lb, 38-40mm edges |
| Hybrid 6.3 Select | SH | 6.3 grade English willow face |
| Junior | ||
| Pro 2.1 Elite Junior | H, 6, 5 | 2.1 grade English willow |
| Hybrid 4.1 Hero Junior | H, 6, 5, 4, 3 | English willow face, non-oil Armourtec |
| 6.5 Force Junior | H, 6, 5, 4, 3 | English willow, Pro Shield face, painted back |
Fuse 8.1 and 10.1 Kashmir willow bats complete the range, in senior and junior sizes.
The rest of the Kookaburra 2027 bat lineup is summarised below. These bats are not part of the VKS 2027 range, but our team is happy to talk you through how they compare with the bats we stock.
| Range | What sets it apart | Senior models |
|---|---|---|
| Demon | Four years in development. A full profile with a duck bill for an enhanced pick-up, 36-40mm edges and a round handle with the Grid grip. | Pro Players Edition, Pro 1.1, Pro 3.1 Icon, 5.1 Legend, Hybrid 6.2 Ultra, 6.4 Ultimate, 7.1, 9.1 |
| Prism | Endorsed by England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. A 15mm shorter blade and 15mm longer handle, a high sweet spot and a square, tapered toe. Aura grip. | Nat Sciver-Brunt Replica, Pro Players Edition, Pro 2.1 Elite, 4.1 Hero, Hybrid 6.1, Hybrid 6.3, 6.5 Force, 8.1, 10.1 |
| Rapid | Endorsed by West Indies captain Hayley Matthews. Kookaburra's lightweight shape at 2lb 6oz - 2lb 8oz, with a flat face and no toe guard. Chevron grip. | Pro Players Edition, Pro 2.1 Elite, 4.1 Hero, Hybrid 6.1, Hybrid 6.3, 6.5 Force, Ultralite, 8.1, 10.1 |
| Rapid Ultralite | The Rapid shape with a 25mm shorter blade and longer handle, at 2lb 4oz - 2lb 6oz. Kookaburra pitches it at younger teenagers. | Ultralite (Hybrid 6.2 grade) |
The right bat depends on where you like the sweet spot, how heavy a bat you can swing well, and your budget. The table below maps each shape to the player it suits best, with the VKS pick in each.
| Player type | Recommended range | Why | At VKS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attacking stroke-maker who hits through the line | Kahuna | High sweet spot and a profile used by Jos Buttler | Pro Players Edition to 6.4 Ultimate |
| All-rounder who plays off front and back foot | Ghost | Mid sweet spot, traditional balance | Pro Players Edition, 5.1 Legend, Hybrid 6.2 Ultra |
| Club player wanting a full profile for less | Fuse | English willow face on a hybrid blade, lighter thanks to the short blade and long handle | Pro Players Edition, Pro 3.1 Icon, 5.1 Legend |
| Budget-conscious senior player | Kahuna or Ghost Hybrid 6.2 Ultra, Kahuna 6.4 Ultimate | English willow face or Pro Shield face at £159.99 to £199.99 | All three |
| Junior moving up to English willow | Kahuna or Ghost junior | Junior bats from Size 3 to Small Adult in English willow and hybrid grades | Six Kahuna and two Ghost juniors |
| Young junior starting out | Kahuna 7.1 or 9.1 Junior | Alternative or Kashmir willow from £49.99 | Both |
Which Kookaburra bats does VKS stock for 2027?
VKS stocks a selected range of 19 Kookaburra 2027 bats. In senior sizes these are the Kahuna Pro Players Edition, Pro 3.1 Icon, 5.1 Legend, Hybrid 6.2 Ultra and 6.4 Ultimate, the Ghost Pro Players Edition, 5.1 Legend and Hybrid 6.2 Ultra, and the Fuse Hybrid Pro Players Edition, Pro 3.1 Icon and 5.1 Legend. Our junior Kookaburra bats are the Kahuna Pro Players Edition, Pro 1.1 Players Select, Hybrid Pro 3.1 Icon, Hybrid 6.3 Select, 7.1 and 9.1, and the Ghost Pro 1.1 Players Select and Hybrid Pro 3.1 Icon. RRPs run from £49.99 to £799.99.
What is the difference between the Kookaburra Kahuna and Ghost?
The main difference is the sweet spot. The Kahuna has a high sweet spot about 200 to 210mm from the toe and suits players who like to hit through the line, while the Ghost has a mid sweet spot about 160 to 200mm from the toe with a more traditional balance. Both have 34 to 37mm edges, a 63 to 67mm spine and an oval handle. The Kahuna comes with a Spira grip and the Ghost with a Quilt grip.
What is the Kookaburra Fuse?
The Fuse is Kookaburra's new hybrid bat range for 2027. Each blade joins an unbleached English willow face to alternative willow, so it costs much less than a full English willow bat of the same grade. It has a high sweet spot, a full profile, a 25mm shorter blade with a 25mm longer handle, a Hexa grip and an Armourtec face. Senior Fuse hybrid bats run from £174.99 to £499.99.
Are hybrid cricket bats legal in senior cricket?
Kookaburra says its hybrid bats were developed after changes to the Laws of Cricket that now allow laminated bats in senior cricket. Rules can differ between leagues and competitions, so check with your league before you use one in a match.
What do the Kookaburra grade numbers mean?
The grade tells you the quality and look of the willow, and it is the same across every Kookaburra shape. The Pro Players Edition is the top retail grade, followed by Pro 1.1 Players Select, Pro 2.1 Elite, Pro 3.1 Icon, 4.1 Hero and 5.1 Legend. Grades 6.1 to 6.3 are hybrid bats, 6.4 and 6.5 have a Pro Shield face, 7.1 is alternative willow and 8.1 to 10.1 are Kashmir willow. Lower English willow grades show more stain and marks, but Kookaburra says these are cosmetic.
Does a Kookaburra Pre-Prepared (KPP) bat need knocking in?
Yes. KPP means the bat has had some preparation at the factory, but it has not been fully knocked in. New willow needs its surface fibres compressed before it faces a hard ball, otherwise the face can crack. VKS offers a traditional knocking-in service, £25 for bats bought from us.
Which Kookaburra bat is best for junior players in 2027?
For juniors ready for English willow, the Kahuna and Ghost come in Pro Players Edition and Pro 1.1 grades in Small Adult, Harrow and Size 6, and in Hybrid Pro 3.1 Icon down to Size 5. The Kahuna Hybrid 6.3 Select goes down to Size 3. For younger players starting out, the Kahuna 7.1 (alternative willow, £84.99) and Kahuna 9.1 (Kashmir willow, £49.99) come in sizes down to Size 1 and Size 0. Ask our team which junior sizes we have in stock.
VKS has served London cricketers for over 50 years from our specialist cricket store in Ealing. Visit us to try any bat from our Kookaburra 2027 range before you buy, or shop online with free UK delivery on orders over £100.
