GM Rival 808 Cricket Bat

Arrives knocked-in and ready to play. The Rival 808 ships with full factory preparation already done — raw linseed oil, clear anti-scuff sheet and toe guard fitted, around $93 of work included. Open the box, take it to the nets.

Specifications

• Willow: Superior Grade 2 unbleached, seasoned English willow
• Weight: 2lb 9oz – 2lb 12oz
• Blade: Traditional L555 length
• Profile: Low swell
• Face: F2, PowerArc bow with sweeping contours
• Toe: Huge depth
• Handle: Treble spring multi-piece cane, 295mm
• Grip: Apex
• Preparation: Knocked-in, oiled, anti-scuff sheet and toe guard fitted
• Finish: GM NOW! and ToeTek fitted as standard
• Made in: England

Who this bat suits

The low swell sits mass toward the toe, making this a front-foot player's bat that rewards driving and hitting through the line. Huge toe depth and the L555 blade mark it as a boundary-hunter rather than an accumulator's bat.

Grade 2 willow shows a little more colour variation and slightly less uniform grain than Grade 1 — that is appearance rather than performance, and it is why this sits at an accessible price for a made-in-England bat. Combined with the preparation already done, it is a strong first serious English willow bat.

The wide 2lb 9oz to 2lb 12oz range means pick-up varies between individual bats. Tell us your preference and we will select accordingly.

Care

No knocking-in service needed — it is already done. Keep the anti-scuff sheet intact, avoid cheap or wet balls early on, and store it somewhere dry rather than in a hot car.

When it has seen a season or two, our Houston workshop offers repair and refurbishing.

New to buying a bat? Our Cricket Bat Buying Guide covers grades, weight, sizing and blade profiles.

Shipping and fitting

Ships across the USA, free on orders over $200. Questions on weight or pick-up? Call the store or message us on WhatsApp.