Owzat-Cricket's top tips for your Christmas shopping

Owzat-Cricket have been helping cricketers buy the right kit for years, and ahead of the Christmas season they share their knowledge of what you should be putting under your tree

Christmas shopping can be a total minefield, particularly when cricket products are involved. A huge variety of kit, dozens of quality manufacturers, with products available at widely differing pricepoints. Figuring out which brand and model to choose can be quite the task. To make sense of it all, we spoke to Gavin Young at leading retailer Owzat-Cricket for the lowdown on shopping during the festive season.

Gavin has worked at Owzat-Cricket for more than a decade. A talented club cricketer in his day, he has a huge amount of experience to call on, and has been helping all generations of family and friends to find the perfect Christmas gift.

Bats

Gav advised us that, while the prices of bats can vary from £50 to more than £700, it is in the mid-range where shoppers can feel lost. “I’d personally recommend the Gunn & Moore Noir DXM Signature bat.” He said. “It’s a strong-looking bat with a cool black colourway, and pronounced edges. It is a modern-looking blade with a partially concaved back and represents very good value for a mid-range bat.”

Gunn & Moore Noir DXM Signature

Wicketkeeping

Wicketkeeping gloves have long been communal pieces of kit, being thrown about in the club bag season after season. Surely it’s time to buy your own and stop wearing the pair that so many before you have worn? But what should you look for in a glove?

“Classic Gray-Nicolls” was Gav’s first reaction when thinking about the new Prestige wicketkeeping gloves. “They look really clean, really strong. The octopus grip makes catching the ball far easier because it sticks in your gloves.”

Wicketkeeping pads can be bulky and uncomfortable, which can really impede on performance. Kookaburra’s new product are Flexi by name and nature. “They’re unbelievably flexible” Gav said, “which is because of their mega lightweight construction. The slim-fit manufacturing means you can nearly wear it as a shin pad.”

Gray-Nicolls Prestige Wicketkeeping Gloves

Kookaburra Flexi Wicketkeeping Pads

Bags

Cricket kit is a wonderful thing, but it can be an almighty pain to lumber around. Deciding whether to choose a wheelie or a duffle bag is tough for everyone. Gav recommends you buy both, but he doesn’t mean buy two bags. “Brilliant, this is. With wheels and shoulder straps, the Gray-Nicolls GN300 is designed to carry or drag.” It also has an external bat sleeve, meaning your willow doesn’t fall victim to any damage whilst in transit, as well as a shoe and valuables pocket. What players seek in a cricket bag is practicality, and the GN300 does make life easier for the user.

Gray-Nicolls GN300 Wheelie Cricket Bag

^{Gray-Nicolls GN300 Wheelie Bag, Masuri Original Series Mk II Test Steel Helmet, Asics Gell Gully 5 Shoes}

Footwear

Trainers are deceptively expensive. And that’s just ordinary, all-purpose trainers, let alone specialist cricket shoes. However, Gav has his eyes on a pair that are high quality and very low price. “In terms of value it’s a steal”. The RRP for the sleek, lightweight Asics Gel Gully 5 spikes is £105, at Owzat-Cricket you can get them for £49.99. They are a versatile product for all cricketers that offers cushioning and support to the feet and ankles. Gav calls it “an unbelievable shoe for that price”. He isn’t wrong.

Asics Gel Gully 5

Helmets

The helmet is arguably the most important bit of protective kit in a cricket bag so choosing the right one, which will not impede your game but also provide robust protection, is crucial. Masuri has long been one of the go-to brands for helmets, and they continue innovate their protective gear. However, they still produce their Original Series and Gav is certain they are still just as reliable a helmet as they have always been. “You see the England lads wearing them” and there’s a reason for that.

Masuri Original Series Mk II Test Steel

Sunglasses

Unfortunately, you can’t just wear your holiday shades on the pitch. Not only will they be more likely to fall off, the risk of them shattering upon impact is greater. Not to mention the lesser protection they provide against the sun’s rays when out in the field for several hours.

Endorsed by many of the Yorkshire squad, Dirty Dog’s Sport Edge Sunglasses are comfortable, strong, and protect your eyes. The sun’s glare is no distraction while they also absorb radiation that can be damaging to the eyes.

Dirty Dog Sport Edge Sunglasses

To view all these products, and many more, visit www.owzat-cricket.co.uk, call for free on 0800 542 8711 or email info@owzat-cricket.co.uk.