If you want a bat with plenty of wood behind the ball without it feeling like a heavy brick, the new GM Rival 808 Cricket bat is a great choice. You can find it right now at Khatri Sports, London’s home for genuine cricket gear. This specific shape is perfect for top-order batters who love to play on the front foot, drive through the covers, and hit straight down the V.
Technical Specifications
| Detail | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Brand | Gunn & Moore (GM) |
| Model | GM Rival 808 Short Handle |
| Made In | Nottingham, England |
| Face Style | Powerarc Bow with Flat Face |
| Edges & Toe | Thick 38mm profile with ToeTek shield |
| Handle Grip | GM Apex pattern |
Who is the GM Rival 808 Bat Best For?
Gunn & Moore makes the GM Rival 808 right in Nottingham, England, using high-quality, unbleached English Willow. Because of how they shape this blade, you get a massive sweet spot positioned lower down the face. If you play on low, slow English wickets where you need to force the ball down the ground, this bat gives you incredible value for your shots. However, if you are a back-foot cutter and puller who prefers a high sweet spot for bouncy tracks, you might find the balance a bit too low.
Real-World Feel: Big Edges & Balanced Pickup
GM uses precise 3D engineering to make sure each GM Rival 808 feels comfortable in your hands. They leave the spine full with almost no concavity, keeping the edges thick at around 38mm. While the scales might say 2lb 10oz to 2lb 12oz, the multi-piece cane handle absorbs shock so well that the bat actually picks up a fraction lighter. This means the GM Rival 808 bat gives you great hand speed without making your forearms tired during a long innings.
Ready for the Nets: GM NOW! & Toe Protection
No one wants to spend three weeks knocking in a new bat before they can use it. Your GM Rival 808 Cricket bat comes from the factory with GM’s full setup so you can get out on the field much faster:
- Pre-knocked: Handled by the factory batmakers so the fibers are already compressed.
- Oiled: Coated with raw linseed oil to keep the willow from drying out or cracking.
- Face protection: A clear anti-scuff sheet is pre-fitted to protect the face from loose gravel or bad balls.
- Toe Guard: Includes a fitted ToeTek shield to stop water from soaking into the wood when you tap your bat on wet creases.
Helpful Store Tip: Even though it is pre-prepared, we always advise giving it a gentle half-hour session with an old ball or a bat mallet in the nets before facing a brand-new match ball.
Key Product Features
- Willow Type: Premium unbleached seasoned English Willow.
- Blade Shape: Standard L555 length with a flat F2 profile for better ball control.
- Handle Build: Short handle (295mm) with a treble-spring cane design to reduce hand sting.
- Sweet Spot: Positioned mid-to-low for massive driving power.
- Handle Grip: Textured GM Apex pattern for a secure hold in hot weather.
- Weight Range: True-to-spec weights between 2lb 10oz and 2lb 12oz (around 1190g).
If you want to feel the weight and pickup for yourself, come visit us in-store or order your GM Rival 808 bat online today through Khatri Sports. We offer fast shipping across London and the UK so you are completely ready for your next weekend match.
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