INTRO
As the UK cricket season approaches, many club cricketers start looking for a bat upgrade that offers genuine performance without stepping into £300+ territory. The £100–£200 price range is often the sweet spot — offering decent English willow, reliable brands, and profiles suited to regular match play.
This guide focuses on five mid-range cricket bats that are widely available in the UK, commonly stocked by Amazon and trusted cricket retailers. These bats are aimed at club players, improving juniors, and weekend league cricketers who want solid pickup, confidence at the crease, and good value for money.
Disclosure: Cricket Gear Bible is a participant in the Amazon Associates Programme. We may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
| Rank | Brand | Model | Willow | Weight | Best For | Price (£) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gunn & Moore | Brava DXM | Prime English Willow | 2lb 8oz – 2lb 10oz | All-round club players | £160–£180 | AMAZON_LINK_1 |
| 2 | Gunn & Moore | Diamond Ben Stokes | English Willow | 2lb 9oz – 2lb 11oz | Aggressive stroke makers | £110–£140 | AMAZON_LINK_2 |
| 3 | Gray-Nicolls | Ventus Gen 1.1 300 | English Willow | 2lb 8oz – 2lb 10oz | Front-foot players | £140–£170 | AMAZON_LINK_3 |
| 4 | Kookaburra | Rapid 6.4 | English Willow | 2lb 9oz – 2lb 11oz | Developing club batsmen | £120–£150 | AMAZON_LINK_4 |
| 5 | Kookaburra | Ghost 5.1 | English Willow | 2lb 8oz – 2lb 10oz | Timing-focused players | £150–£180 | AMAZON_LINK_5 |
BAT-BY-BAT REVIEWS
1. Gunn & Moore Brava DXM
Key Specs
- Willow: Prime English Willow
- Handle: Pro-Lite grip
- Profile: Full blade with generous edges
- Pickup: Balanced, slightly mid-heavy
Review
The GM Brava DXM is one of those bats that feels comfortable straight away. Nothing extreme in the shape, just a solid, full profile with plenty of wood where you want it.
The pickup is balanced but with a bit of weight through the middle, so you feel the bat doing the work when you hit the ball. It’s particularly good on straight and front-foot shots, where timing the ball properly gives you a nice, solid contact rather than explosive power.
It’s not a bat designed for wild swinging or big T20 slogging, but for proper cricket shots it performs well. The face feels forgiving, and even when you don’t middle it perfectly, the ball still travels.
Overall, it’s a dependable option for club players who want a bat they can trust across a long season.
Available on Amazon UK – Gunn & Moore Brava DXM
2. Gunn & Moore Diamond Ben Stokes
Key Specs
- Willow: English Willow
- Profile: Mid-to-low sweet spot
- Handle: Semi-oval
- Pickup: Slightly heavier feel
Review
The GM Diamond Ben Stokes is built for players who like to take control at the crease. It has a slightly heavier feel than some other bats, which gives your shots more power without feeling sluggish. The mid-to-low sweet spot makes it excellent for front-foot driving, while the semi-oval handle feels comfortable and gives you good control over placement.
This bat isn’t about light, easy swings — it rewards commitment and positive intent. When you connect well, the ball comes off the bat nicely, giving you confidence to play straight and through the covers. It’s perfect for stroke-makers who enjoy timing their shots with a bit of punch behind them.
A solid, dependable choice for club players looking for power and control.
Available on Amazon UK – [insert affiliate link]
3. Gray-Nicolls Ventus Gen 1.1 300
Key Specs
- Willow: English Willow
- Profile: Modern, slightly scooped
- Sweet spot: Mid-low
- Pickup: Light for its size
Review
The Gray-Nicolls Ventus Gen 1.1 300 is a bat that feels immediately comfortable in the hands. It’s light for its size, which makes timing the ball effortless and helps generate a smooth, balanced swing. The slightly scooped profile and mid-low sweet spot make it ideal for front-foot dominant players who like to drive and play with precision.
It’s not a bat that relies on sheer power — it’s more about finesse, timing, and control. You feel connected to the ball, and even when you don’t hit the middle perfectly, it still travels well. Perfect for batsmen who enjoy constructing their innings and playing with intent.
A strong choice for timing-focused club players who prefer a light, responsive feel.
Available on Amazon UK – [insert affiliate link]
4. Kookaburra Rapid 6.4
Key Specs
- Willow: English Willow
- Profile: Traditional with thick edges
- Handle: Round
- Pickup: Solid and forgiving
Review
The Kookaburra Rapid 6.4 is a dependable mid-range bat that feels reassuringly solid from the first pick-up. Its traditional profile with thick edges gives it a stable, forgiving feel — even if you don’t hit the middle every time, the bat still performs well.
The round handle is comfortable and familiar, while the pickup feels solid without being cumbersome. It’s a bat that inspires confidence for players who want consistency rather than flash. Perfect for weekend league cricketers or club players who need a reliable bat that can take a bit of a beating.
A strong, consistent choice for players who value dependability over extreme power.
Available on Amazon UK – [insert affiliate link]
5. Kookaburra Ghost 5.1
Key Specs
- Willow: English Willow
- Profile: Classic Ghost shape
- Sweet spot: Mid
- Pickup: Light and controlled
Review
The Kookaburra Ghost 5.1 is a bat that feels quick and responsive in the hands. Its classic Ghost shape is familiar and comfortable, with a mid sweet spot that suits a range of shots.
The light pickup makes it easy to maneuver, giving you excellent control over placement and timing. It’s particularly suited for players who like to play confidently on both the front and back foot, and for those who value precision as much as power.
A reliable choice for club players who want a balanced, controlled feel without compromising on quality.
Available on Amazon UK – [insert affiliate link]
ONLINE BUYING GUIDE (Amazon UK)
Buying a cricket bat online from Amazon UK is safe, convenient, and ensures you get your bat delivered straight to your door. Here’s how to choose the right bat online:
- Weight Range – Most listings show a range. Choose the lighter end if unsure.
- Brand Reliability – Stick to GM, Gray-Nicolls, or Kookaburra.
- English Willow Grade – Mid-grade is perfect for club cricket.
- Check Product Details – Sweet spot, handle type, and pickup.
- Returns & Exchange – Amazon UK allows easy returns if the bat doesn’t suit you.
Online shopping saves time and ensures you buy a trusted model without leaving home.
FAQS (Amazon-Focused)
Q1: Can I buy these bats safely online?
Yes — all listed bats are available on Amazon UK, which guarantees reliable delivery and returns.
Q2: Do they need knocking-in?
Yes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions once the bat arrives.
Q3: Are mid-range bats good for league cricket?
Absolutely. They are widely used in club and weekend league cricket.
Q4: What if the bat feels wrong after delivery?
Amazon UK provides easy returns and exchanges.
Q5: Will the bat look exactly like the picture?
Minor natural variations in willow are normal and do not affect performance.
Q6: Should I pick lighter or heavier?
Choose the lighter end of the listed weight range if unsure.
Q7: Are newer models better than older ones?
Not necessarily. Proven models often provide better value.
Q8: Can I order multiple bats to test?
Yes — use Amazon UK’s returns and exchange policies to pick the one that suits you best.