We are some of the first players to use the new GM Cricket Bats for 2024! In this video, Rich and Neil reviewed all the bats, used the Mana and Aion before comparing them to their last year's favourites, Kyros and Brava!
Cricket Bats
Gunn & Moore 2024 Cricket Bat Range Review
The season of cricket range launches is upon us and this year we are starting with Gunn and Moore.
Two new bat brands are joining the 2024 Gunn and Moore range, the Mana and Aion, as well as a unique sticker upgrade for the Diamond (more on that later).
Here at Serious Cricket, we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to test the new bats in the nets and give our honest feedback to inform your purchase decision.
Before you learn about the new bats, the Kyros, Brava and Hypa, which remain in the range, were extensively reviewed last year.
Gunn & Moore Mana
The first of the new additions is the Gunn & Moore Mana cricket bat, which is a name that has been used by GM previously.
The first thing to note is the colourways which are blue and red, making it a striking option next season.
Mana is the lighter option of the two new 2024 bats due to the shorter blade length and noticeably light pick-up. It has a slightly higher middle which is something else to note.
Technical Specs
The GM Mana has the L540 DXM blade length which means the bat has a 540mm blade which is shorter than a traditional bat. This condenses the performance zone of the bat and makes the pick-up lighter.
The maximised pick-up comes from the mid-swell position and the concaving through the back of the profile.
There is also a new Fuze grip on the Mana which is, in the words of Neil Rider, unlikely to offend anyone. If you are very picky about your grip then this may be the perfect one for you.
Performance Review
For both Neil and Richard, the Gunn and Moore Mana took a bit of getting used to (which is entirely natural when using a new bat so try not to write off a bat too early) due to the longer handle which alters the balance of the bat.
The pick-up allows for quick hand speed and when playing on the back foot it gives you plenty of time to play your shots.
Who will the bat suit?
Both described the Gunn & Moore Mana as a great all-round bat, suiting plenty of people. The only obstacle will be the shorter blade, if you can get used to that then the Mana will be a great bat for next season as it condenses the wood and increases the performance.
The shorter blade is now commonplace in most bat ranges and is the specifications of choice for lots of professional players currently. If you haven’t tried it before then it is well worth a go.
Gunn & Moore Aion
The next of the brand-new bats is the Gunn & Moore Aion which has a combination of blue and lime green on the stickers. More specifically, there is an element of teal involved in the colours.
Much like the Mana, it has a Fuze grip which will be a welcome addition for those looking for something that combines comfort and feel.
Technical Specs
The GM Aion cricket bat has a low swell and huge edges designed to favour batting on the front foot. However, the sweeping spine profile is meant to counter this to maintain the pick-up of the bat.
The Aion is a return to the traditional blade length and has a similarly flat face to the Gunn & Moore Brava which remains in the range and will be discussed later.
This L555 blade length is coupled with a slightly more concave back of the bat to provide the power behind your shots.
Performance Review
The Gunn and Moore Aion feels a little heavier than the Mana and the increased amount of wood was noticeable for Neil, who tends to prefer a slightly lighter bat.
This does mean that you are committed to your shots which can go both ways as you’ll get total value for your shots but may also find yourself in some bother.
This is especially important on the back foot which is slightly more difficult with this bat compared to the GM Mana. This is because it is slightly heavier and, therefore, it will suit players who are willing to put a bit more effort in to pick up the bat higher.
Who will the bat suit?
Selecting the right weight is important with the Gunn & Moore Aion cricket bat because you will need to be able to throw your hands into the ball, which can be difficult if the bat is too heavy for you. However, you will be rewarded for your shots If you do, because this bat packs a punch!
While it has been designed for players who like to get on the front foot, the weighting of the bat also suits a slightly bouncier surface because of the flat face.
If you are looking for a lightweight bat, then there are better options in the Gunn and Moore range but this bat is a great heavier option.
The bats that remain from 2023
We have already tested the other three 2024 bats last year but as they are still in the range, we thought a reminder would be useful but for a more detailed review.
Gunn & Moore BS55 Diamond
The Gunn & Moore Diamond Cricket Bat is not new, but the stickers have received a Ben Stokes-inspired makeover this winter.
The specifications, which had Stokes’ input, have not changed but the stickers now include his tattoo designs. The lion and pride themes which are so important to how the England test captain plays are now etched into the bat.
It has a mid-swell and a shorter, 540mm, blade to allow quick bat speed through the ball.
Gunn & Moore Kryos
The white and silver colourways make the Gunn & Moore Kryos cricket bat an immediate standout and you will undoubtedly recognise it from Ben Duckett’s stellar Ashes performance.
This was Neil’s 2023 favourite so it clearly played very well in the nets. His only concern was the grip but if you share that worry then it can always be regripped so do not let that be your deciding factor.
It is another bat that has a slightly shorter blade than a traditional bat but only by 15 millimetres. This fits into the rest of GM range as five out of seven of last year’s bats were shorter than a traditional bat.
Gunn & Moore Brava
The GM Brava cricket bat will now live long in history as the one used by Stuart Broad when he smashed his last ball in test cricket for six.
This was Hinders’ favourite, it would only be right to reference what he said about the bat last year and highlight just how much he enjoyed using it.
“Not surprising given the initial thoughts on the shape - it's a beast!
“In the nets... whoa this has a fantastic middle, it's not low or high specifically, it just feels like a long middle.”
Gunn & Moore Hypa
The Gunn & Moore Hypa cricket bat has a funky colourway and from a distance, it looks a bit more 3D in just a style.
Hampshire & England stars James Vince, Dan Lawrence & Aiden Markram used the Hypa for the 2023 season.
The GM Hypa comes in a rounded face, with a traditional 555mm full-blade profile. It’s balanced for power play, and it has a mid-to-low swell position to help that.
Gunn & Moore Radon
The Gunn & Moore Radon cricket bat has also been on the receiving end of a sticker upgrade and now sports a striking red colour.
This provides a low-budget entry-level bat in the Gunn & Moore range for those starting out or junior players. Do not be put off by that as there is a lot of value in the Radon.
As Dave Cannon, National Sales Manager at Gunn and Moore, explained the GM Radon is made from wood they believe to not be as aesthetically pleasing which is why it gets painted, but it may play just as well as top-of-the-range bats.
As with last year, we did not test the Gunn and Moore Radon cricket bat in the nets, but it is available to purchase at Serious Cricket.
Summary
The thing we reiterate every year about these bat reviews is that we are only here to guide on each bat and we hope to have provided you with as much detail as possible.
However, we are just a guide, and everyone has their own preference with their cricket equipment. So come in-store and pick up bats including at our Try Before You Buy event which will take place at some point in early 2024.
A special thanks to Dave from Gunn & Moore for providing his insight and allowing us to test the bats in the nets.
Good luck with choosing your Gunn and Moore bat!
