GM Bat Grades: Cricket Bat Grading Guide | Know Your Willow

Introduction to English Willow Bats

English willow bats are widely regarded as the gold standard in the world of cricket bats. The unique properties of English willow—its lightness, strength, and ability to deliver outstanding performance—make it the material of choice for professional and amateur cricketers alike. GM cricket bats are crafted from carefully selected English willow, ensuring each bat meets the highest standards of quality and performance. With over 130 years of experience in the industry, GM has developed an industry-leading grading system, offering nine qualities of English willow bats. Each grade is designed to cater to different playing needs and preferences, making it essential for players to understand the various grades and qualities when selecting their ideal bat. Whether you are looking for a bat with superior grain structure or one that balances performance and durability, GM’s expertise in grading willow ensures you get a cricket bat that matches your requirements.

Understanding Bat Shape

The shape of a cricket bat plays a crucial role in how it performs on the field. GM cricket bats are available in a variety of bat shapes, each engineered to suit different playing styles and preferences. For example, the Powerarc bow design features a low swell and a full back profile, making it perfect for players who like to drive the ball and play powerful shots through the covers. The position of the sweet spot, which can be lower or higher on the blade, is another important aspect of bat shape. A lower sweet spot is ideal for front foot players who play on slower pitches, while a higher sweet spot benefits those who rely on back foot play. By understanding the different bat shapes available in GM bats, players can choose a cricket bat that enhances their performance and complements their style of play.

GM Bat Grading Guide

GM bats are graded around different grades of willow. GM is a manufacturer known for adhering to strict grading standards, especially for their high-end willow. GM offers English willow bats in nine qualities: ORIGINAL L.E., ORIGINAL, SIGNATURE L.E., 909, 808, 707, 606, 404 & 303.

ORIGINAL L.E., ORIGINAL, SIGNATURE L.E., 909, 808, 707, 606, 404 & 303.

Each quality is developed around different grades of willow. The grading process is based on the natural properties and appearance of the wood used for cricket bats. Each grade is designed to cater to different playing needs and preferences, making it essential for players to understand the various grades and qualities when selecting their ideal bat. Grade 1 blades have a minimum of 6 straight, evenly spaced grains with some heartwood on one edge. The splitting of Grade-1 into multiple grades is caused by high demand and limited supply of the best quality willow. Price is influenced by the grading system and the supply-demand dynamics of high-quality willow, but it may not always reflect actual performance. The variety of grades and terminology can sometimes lead to confusion for customers trying to choose the right bat. Many customers have asked about the differences between grades and what factors they should consider when selecting a bat. GM's reputation for quality and craftsmanship in the cricket community gives players confidence in their choice. GM bats are available in a range of size options to suit different players, and choosing the correct size is important for performance. GM also offers bats in various sizes to accommodate players of all ages and statures.

GM GRADING - INDUSTRY LEADING

ORIGINAL L.E. IIIII

• The very best unbleached seasoned Grade 1 English Willow, crafted by Gunn & Moore (GM), a brand renowned for its strict grading standards and premium craftsmanship.

• Selected for grain structure and weight, with the hitting area carefully inspected for any imperfections or blemishes that could affect grading.

• Limited by willow availability.

• Bats individually tested to ensure 5 Star performance. Some players use tapping with a mallet to assess the bat's sound, but this is not a definitive measure of performance.

• Fitted with top quality treble spring multi-piece cane handle for outstanding feel, flex and control. Gunn & Moore bats hold a reputation for durability and excellence among professional players.

• GM NOW! & ToeTek™ finish fitted as standard. While decals may enhance the bat's appearance, the focus should remain on performance and quality.

ORIGINAL IIIII

+ Superior unbleached seasoned Grade 1 English Willow

+ Predominantly straight grained with a hint of colour and minor cosmetic blemishes

+ Fitted with top quality treble spring multi-piece cane handle for outstanding feel, flex and control

+ GM NOW! & ToeTek™ finish fitted as standard 

SIGNATURE L.E. IIIII

+ Prime unbleached seasoned Grade 1 English Willow

+ Predominantly straight grained with colour on one edge and minor cosmetic blemishes

+ Fitted with top quality treble spring multi-piece cane handle for outstanding feel, flex and control

+ GM NOW! & ToeTek™ finish fitted as standard 

909 IIIII

+ Unbleached seasoned Grade 1 English Willow

+ Predominantly straight grained with colour on one edge and minor cosmetic blemishes

+ Fitted with top quality treble spring multi-piece cane handle for outstanding feel, flex and control

+ GM NOW! & ToeTek™ finish fitted as standard

808 IIIII

+ Superior unbleached seasoned Grade 2 English Willow

+ Minor blemishes, may have some colour to one edge

+ Fitted with good quality treble spring multi-piece cane handle for outstanding feel, flex and control

+ GM NOW! & ToeTek™ finish fitted as standard 

707 / SIGNATURE IIII

+ Seasoned unbleached Grade 2 English Willow

+ Minor blemishes, may have some colour to one edge

+ Fitted with good quality treble spring cane handle

+ GM NOW! & ToeTek™ finish fitted as standard 

606 & MAXI (Australia Only) III

+ Superior Seasoned unbleached Grade 3 English Willow

+ Minor blemishes, may have some colour to one edge

+ Fitted with good quality treble spring cane handle

+ GM NOW! & ToeTek™ finish fitted as standard 

404 III

+ Seasoned bleached Grade 3 English Willow

+ Knot marks with some stain/speck

+ Fitted with treble spring cane handle

+ GM NOW! & ToeTek™ finish fitted as standard 

303 I

+ Seasoned Grade 4 English Willow

+ Grained GM polycarbonate DuraCover

+ ToeTek™ toe guard fitted as standard 

 

Cricket Bat Quality and Performance

When it comes to cricket bats, quality is a key factor that directly impacts performance. GM cricket bats, made from premium English willow, are renowned for their exceptional quality and durability. The grade of the willow, the precision of the bat shape, and the construction of the handle all contribute to the bat’s overall performance. It’s important to note that minor cosmetic blemishes or minor blemishes on the face of the bat do not affect how the bat plays. In fact, even the highest-grade bats, such as the ORIGINAL L.E., may display minor cosmetic blemishes while still delivering outstanding feel and power. The lighter a cleft of willow is, the better it is considered for making bats. The key point to remember is that the quality of the willow and the design of the bat shape are far more important than superficial imperfections. Choosing a high-quality GM cricket bat ensures you get the best possible performance at the crease.

Choosing the Right Bat

Selecting the right cricket bat is a personal decision that depends on your playing style, preferences, and level of experience. When choosing a cricket bat, consider factors such as the weight of the bat, the position of the sweet spot, and the grade of willow used. Lighter bats offer greater control and are easier to maneuver, while heavier bats can provide more power for big hitters. The bat shape should match your style of play—whether you prefer front foot drives or back foot shots. It’s also important to choose a bat with a handle that feels comfortable in your hands, as this affects your grip and control. Cricketers may be attracted by the look of the bat's stickers, but that should not be the only factor. By understanding the different grades and qualities offered by GM, you can select a bat that not only fits your budget but also enhances your performance on the field.

Conclusion on Cricket Bats

In summary, choosing the right cricket bat involves understanding the different grades of English willow, the impact of bat shape on performance, and the importance of quality craftsmanship. GM cricket bats stand out in the industry for their meticulous grading, innovative bat shapes, and commitment to quality. Whether you are a seasoned player or just starting out, investing in a GM cricket bat ensures you benefit from industry-leading expertise and outstanding performance. Remember to consider your playing style, preferred bat weight, and the grade of willow when making your selection, so you can step onto the field with confidence and control. All bats should fit within the MCC Law 5 dimensions.