Which are the most affordable cricket bats on the market this Christmas?

Archie Starkey 12 Dec 2024

Gray-Nicolls cricket bats make for popular Christmas gifts in England and elsewhere around the world.

With Christmas just around the corner, closely followed by the build-up to the cricket season, now is the perfect to start knocking in your new bat for the 2025 season.

There are numerous factors to take into account when picking the correct bat for you, with prices and qualities of the blade differing completely.

But don’t be put off by expensive price tags on some cricket bats; there are plenty of affordable options with a nice pickup and a good middle on the market this winter.

While budget options are available for less than £100, these bats are often made with Kashmir willow, which lacks the quality offered by the bats in this list that is crafted with the more durable and powerful English willow wood.

With many factors to take into account when deciding what affordable option works for you, here is a list exploring what different bat brands can offer you ahead of winter training and the cricket season.

Gray-Nicolls Tempesta 1.2 300

Endorsed by Pakistan star Babar Azam, this model of the ever-dependable Gray-Nicolls cricket manufacturer is a reliable option.

The Tempesta has been designed to provide a combination of power with and an easy pickup while being very maneuverable. Its capable mid-low swell and weight distribution is why the Tempesta line is used by many professionals, with this model being a very affordable option.

RRP: £175

DSC Intense 5000

Delux Sports Company (DSC) is an Indian bat maker that is trusted by the world’s best, not just in India.

The Intense 500 is a blade that has been produced to allow 360-degree scoring with its light pickup, making it a good option for those who want to score with controlled shots, utilising every square foot of the pitch.

RRP: £165

Gunn & Moore Aion 606

GM is one of the oldest and most respected cricket bat brands, having been in the business since 1885.

The Aion 606 is a bat that’s tailored to the front foot player with its low swell, meaning your booming front foot drives and punches will fly off the blade. A pronounced spine extends up the bat and provides a balance that compromises the focus of the low-end.

RRP: £175

Kookaburra Rapid 6.2

Australia’s leading bat maker, Kookaburra, has produced some of the most iconic bats in the history of the game.

The Rapid model is relatively unique in that it doesn’t possess the usual heft of a Kookaburra bat. This option is extremely lightweight and nimble for those who favour bat speed to pure brunt. Designed for the modern game, this style will suit creative and expansive shot makers.

RRP: £180

New Balance DC 580

With two cricket powerhouses, Steve Smith and Joe Root, plying their trade with New Balance cricket bats, it’s evident that the brand is a reliable option.

In contrast to the recommended Kookaburra bat above, the DC 580 option is designed for big-hitting ball strikers who look to take on the boundary.

The bat has a low swell and huge destructive edges, perfect for maximum-hitting batters.

RRP: £170

TON Nemesis 5.0

Ton never fails to release top bats that are tailored to a range of different batting styles. The Nemesis line is no different and features the brand’s trademark Big Edge profile.

This blade again favours the big-hitting, aggressive style we regularly see in modern games. Its big edges work to widen the sweet spot and offer more forgiveness if you’re prone to a big heave. If you are a bottom-hand player and like to strike aerially, this is a great, affordable option for you.

RRP: £200