How to find the right Grips for Cricket Bats?

Cricket is a famous sport with a wide fan following worldwide. Fans pay close attention to the type of bats their favorite players use. However, an important part of a cricket bat is its grip. This blog goes into detail about the importance of grips on a bat and how you can find the right grip for your bat.

Why are grips used for cricket bats?

Cricket bats are made of fine wood that allows the players to hit the ball effectively at fast speeds. However, it's not only the wood that counts. The handle of a bat has a rubber grip wrapped around it. This allows the players to comfortably hold the bat. It also allows them to get a good grip on the handle with batting gloves and not lose it when the ball makes contact with bat. Good quality grips for cricket bats goes a long way as it provides comfort and ease use of use to the player. They also reduce the shock produced after the ball hits the bat. Additionally, one crucial benefit of using good grips is that they absorb sweat providing better control over the bat. 

How do cricket bat grips affect the game of a batsman?

When it comes to batting, the batsmen need stability. Anything that affects the overall stability of the player can jeopardize the game. Grips are one crucial aspect that directly affects a batsman since they are in direct contact at all times. Some of the major effects that a grip has on the game of a batsman are as follows:

Control:

Cricket bat grips are made from rubber which ensures that the bat does not spin in the hands of the batsman. This gives the player much better control over the bat which results in shot accuracy. Additionally, grips ensure that the player does not lose control of the bat when the ball makes contact at a high speed.

Stability:

It is common knowledge that batting in cricket relies greatly on stability. Among other factors, grip for cricket bats plays a major role. By providing better control over the bat, grips allow players to play with confidence and remain planted throughout the game.

Power:

Since grips improve player’s stability, this allows them to hit the bat more powerfully. It also aids in transferring the power to the blade of the bat more effectively. Thus, improving power delivery and making hitting the ball smoother.

Injury prevention:

Grips are made from soft rubber and they provide cushioning to the hand. Since they are soft, they evenly dissipate the energy across the handle. This makes them much better for the hand’s health. They also prevent the bat from rotating which can be dangerous for the player’s safety. Crikon has high-quality grips made from premium materials. They provide excellent comfort paired with much better control over the bat.

How many types of cricket bat grips are there?

Grips for cricket bats come in different types. Each of them may have some features that are unique to them. Some common types of bat grips are as follows:

Chevron grip:

Chevron grips are made from lightweight material. They are flexible which allows greater finger control. They have a V-shaped pattern on them which allows moderate traction. The lightweight nature of the grip allows better wrist movement. This can result in precision ball hitting.

Octopus grip:

Octopus cricket bat grip as the name suggests has small round patterns similar to those of octopus’ tentacles. This helps provide a strong grip even in wet conditions. They come in moderate thickness which provides a sort of cushioning to the hands. The round patterns also provide greater control to the batsmen. This helps tremendously in hitting powerful shots.

Diamond grip:

Another widely used grip is the diamond grip. It has a raised pattern that provides control without compromising comfort. The moderate cushioning makes it a great choice for all-rounder players. Although it may not provide the best grip, it provides an overall good experience for most players.

Ripple grip:

Ripple grips for cricket bats or wave grips, have wave-like patterns. This not only provides comfort but is also great for sweat absorption. The wavy pattern makes it an ideal choice for long sessions as it does not cause fatigue. However, it comes in a slightly thicker profile which may not be suitable for players with small hands.

Multi-textured grip:

This grip makes use of multiple patterns which helps provide multiple benefits in a single grip. The combination of patterns provides a mix of grip and comfort which can be highly beneficial in long sessions. It also provides better durability than single-textured grips.

Just as right cricket bat sizing is important, choosing the right group is also crucial. You can try different grips to experience how they feel. It may also be a good idea to choose different grips depending on weather conditions, etc.

How do you choose the right grips for bats?

Choosing the right grip depends on various factors. Without considering all these factors, you may not find the right grip for your bat. Some of the common factors are listed below as follows:

Playing style:

Choosing a cricket bat grip depends heavily on the player’s batting style. Players who play aggressively will need all the cushioning they can get. For this purpose, thicker grips will be better. On the contrary defensive players usually find thinner grips more suitable.

Sweating:

Sweating is an issue for many players. In such a case, grips that have round patterns would perform the best. However, it comes down to each player and what they prefer. So, it would be best to try different grips for cricket bats.

Weather conditions:

Different weather conditions call for different types of grips. Certain areas are dry while some are humid. Using the same grip for each condition may not be wise. Hence, it is recommended to use different grips depending on the weather conditions. For example, a simple grip with no supporting patterns would perform poorly in humid conditions.

Thickness:

Thickness is another factor that influences the performance of the player. Certain players have small hands. This would cause problems for them as a thick grip could cause issues while gripping. It is recommended to feel each grip and check how it performs according to your hand size. Although thick grips are comfortable, you should be easily able to firmly handle the bat.

Comfort:

Batting in cricket is majorly influenced by comfort and stability. You should avoid grips that compromise comfort as they can cause issues in long batting sessions. Additionally, they can also cause injuries to the hand which is least desirable. However, you should also keep into consideration your hand size which may not fit well with a thicker grip.

How to install grips on bats?

Installing grips on cricket bats is a fairly easy task. You need three simple tools to get the job done. They are:

• Grip cone
• Lubricant
• Grip for cricket bat

You can then follow the steps below to install the grip perfectly:

Remove the old grip:

In case you already have a grip installed, start by removing it carefully. If the grip is brittle, you can peel it off. Otherwise, using scissors will get the job done more easily and quickly.

Slide new grip on grip cone:

You can then slide the new grip onto the grip cone and stretch it. This will allow you to easily install the new grip without much difficulty. After installing it on the grip cone, align it properly with the handle. This will ensure that the grip can be installed properly.

Install the grip:

Gently slide the new grip onto the handle until it fits perfectly. It is advised to leave the bat for a few hours before using it. This is to ensure that the grip sits firmly on the handle and does not come off while playing. If you want extra comfort, you can proceed to repeat the steps to double-grip the bat. Just make sure that your hands can firmly grip the handle.

What makes Crikon the ideal cricket partner?

Crikon is a leading sports company with several products such as grips for cricket bats, etc. We have a wide range of products to choose from. At Crikon we only make the highest quality products for our loyal customers. Whether you are an amateur or a professional, we have everything you need. Visit our large collection of products to find the products you are looking for. We also recommend checking out our premium collection of English Willow Cricket Bats. So, wait no further. Get your cricket gear now from Crikon, the most trusted cricket partner in Australia.