Bat Review: Ton Gladiator IV Cricket Bat 2024

Consistency was a key theme among the ratings for the Gladiator, which scored an average of 7.8 across three categories – pick up and feel, build quality and performance

RRP: £200, Edges: 35mm, Weight: 2lb 10oz

The TON Gladiator lightest of the bats assessed by our testers, feedback on the weight came as one might expect.

Editor Huw Turbervill felt like he was holding a wand in his hand, although unfortunately couldn’t find the magic himself as he didn’t like the thin handle and bulky blade.

By contrast, one Reed’s School pupil said the bat was his favourite of all those tested on the grounds that it “doesn’t feel like you’re wielding a whole tree”. He enjoyed the low middle too.

^{The Ton Gladiator proved popular among the testers. [Paul Carroll]}

One of his classmates also complimented the middle and said it was “definitely in my top three” of all those tested.

Consistency was a key theme among the ratings for the Gladiator, which scored an average of 7.8 across three categories – pick up and feel, build quality, and performance.

It was only scored down on initial impression, which perhaps goes to show one can never judge a bat by its cover – or indeed its name.

While the Gladiator moniker may suggest something more heavyweight (or maybe the revived Saturday evening TV series), this combatant shows that the lighter models can surprise you if you give them a chance.

Initial impression: 7.2

Build quality: 7.8

Pick-up/feel: 7.8

Performance: 7.8

OVERALL SCORE: 7.7

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