Lightweight cricket bats can be an ideal choice for a lot of beginner and intermediate players alike.
While your instinct might be that a heavy bat would hit the ball harder and further, this isn’t always the case. A light cricket bat allows the batter to generate a lot more speed, and this can mean that the ball travels further.
What’s more, a light cricket bat usually gives a lot more control. It means that you are more likely to be able to access more areas, and play a full repertoire of shots.
There is always an element of preference. Some batters perform better with a heavy bat, and others perform better with a lightweight bat. In this guide, we explore some of the best light cricket bats for 2023 for you to consider.
What Should a Cricket Bat Weigh?
Most cricket bats weigh between 2lb 7oz and 3lbs. The difference between the light end of the spectrum and the heavy end of the spectrum is not huge, but when you are playing shots in the sun all afternoon, it definitely makes a difference. Studies have shown that bat speed can be 10% quicker with lighter bats.
In terms of what your bat should weigh, this is up to you. It is all about what feels comfortable in your hands and while you are playing.
Benefits of a Light Cricket Bat
While a light cricket bat is not necessarily better (it isn’t as black and white as that) there are some undeniable benefits:
- Easier to generate bat speed.
- Can open up the repertoire of shots you can play (you don’t need mega strength to play the reverse sweep, for instance).
- More control over the bat, even if you aren’t the most powerful batter.
- Good for beginners who haven’t built up their strength yet.
If you’re not sure if a bat is right for you, check out this useful tip to work out if it is too heavy for you to use. You don’t want your bat to become a hindrance.
Best Lightweight Cricket Bats 2023
Let’s delve into our selections for top lightweight cricket bats. One of these could be your new accomplice for the season ahead (and many more to come).
The Village Cricket Bat
£117 – Buy on Village Cricket Co.
The Village Cricket Bat is built to last, providing a huge amount of quality without the massive price tag to go with it.
We use high grade Kashmir Willow to provide a bat that is durable, can last you many seasons, but still remains lightweight and lets you play your shots.
It’s 2lb 9oz, which is slightly on the lighter side of the spectrum. With a low middle, if you connect, the ball can absolutely fly, so you don’t need to worry about whether this has the power you are looking for or not.
The bat is kept cheap as there is no fancy branding, and there aren’t choices of different styles and designs. It is just a simple, reliable bat for village cricketers to use, and it definitely performs above the price tag. We don’t chase professional sponsorship, and we pass all the savings on to our customers, who may well pass it on to the bar after the match (who are we to judge?)
As well as being a great bat, it comes pre-knocked in for you so you don’t have to spend ages doing this yourself or pay someone to do it for you.
Though there is only one shape and design, you can choose between short handle and long handle options, and there are also all of the junior sizes you would expect. That means that younger cricketers can get a decent bat, too, and one that won’t cost their parents the earth.
Gray-Nicolls Alpha Gen 1.1 5 Star Lite Cricket Bat
It is little surprise that Gray Nicolls produces some lightweight bats. The brand manufactures a huge number of bats as well as other cricket equipment, and this is their lightweight option, coming in between 2lb 6oz and 2lb 8oz (there’s a little variation between the bats as you might expect).
The bat has been designed with a thick spine and some pretty chunky edges, and has a high middle which can help with the pickup if you are able to middle it.
A rounded face helps to generate some power and access more areas if you have the skill to do so. This is a natural bladed option with a zigzag grip. In spite of all that Gray Nicolls branding, it is actually a pretty simple bat.
While the lighter options can make it tough to generate much power, this can be a good option for batters who don’t boast gargantuan strength. It is popular among teenagers and those graduating from Harrow sized bats.
Kookaburra Ghost 3.1 Cricket Bat
£299.99 – Buy on All Rounder Cricket
This bat definitely has a cool and understated design that may be attractive for a lot of people looking to get a lightweight bat.
The brand is known for producing some quality kit, and though the Ghost 3.1 does a good job, it is only made from grade 3 willow, something to keep in mind when making your choice. It might not be the most durable bat in the world.
This has a mid height sweet spot, and a round edge profile, as well as Kookaburra’s “Super Spine” design.
On the handle, the brand uses specially selected cane pieces which helps to provide a stronger bat and a more firm bond and connection between the handle and the blade. This is all about weight transfer and helping to generate more distance and power as you strike the ball.
The weight range of the bat isn’t as low as the Gray-Nicolls Alpha Gen 1.1 5 Star Lite. It comes in betwee 2lbs 8.5oz and 2lbs 10.5 oz. If you get a bat on the higher end of this spectrum then it is not that much of a lightweight option at all.
The Kookaburra Ghost 3.1 Cricket Bat is a good option for big-hitters, and while it is lightweight for the brand, it isn’t as light as some of the other options, especially when you consider that some of the models may be over 2lb 10oz.
Kookaburra Kahuna Lite Cricket Bat
£219.99 – Buy on All Rounder Cricket
Another model from the Kookaburra brand, and this one is even more lightweight than the “Ghost” option. The Kahuna is a maximum of 2lbs 8.5oz.
The brand does a good job of keeping a fair amount of power without having a lot of weight to carry around with you. The profile and design of the bat makes it easier to generate a fair level of power if you hit the sweet spot.
The mid sweet spot design means that this bat might not be perfect for English conditions, and may suit a slightly higher bounce, but it is all about what feels right for you, and your style of play.
The Grade 4 English willow that these bats are made out of means that there may be a fair few imperfections on the bat, and this may or may not bother you, but you do get some protection if anything goes wrong in the first year. Kookaburra offers a “12 month warranty on the blade and handles for any damage incurred during normal use”.
This option is a little more affordable than some of the other English Willow options due to this lower grade, and it could be a good choice for those wanting a mid-range price and a decent lightweight bat.
Summary
There are a few lightweight bats offered on the market today, but different manufacturers certainly have different definitions of what makes a bat “light” and there are still options even in this smaller “subcategory” of bats.
If you are looking for an affordable option that can last you a number of years, and that is on the lighter end of the market, the Village Cricket Bat could be the ideal choice for you. It comes with its own case, already knocked in and ready to play, and it is available at an incredible price tag.