Bat Care
The quality of willow is extremely important in bat-making, but at Gunn & Moore, equal importance is placed on the preparation and protection applied to each English willow bat before it leaves the factory.
All GM English willow bats receive factory-fitted protection through the GM NOW! service, meaning they are ready to use as soon as you receive them. This includes in-house knocking-in by our bat makers, raw linseed oil application to help maintain moisture levels in the blade and reduce cracking and splitting, and a clear anti-scuff cover applied to the face and edges to improve blade durability.
ToeTek DriGuard is also applied to the toe of the bat, using a specifically shaped resilient shield to help resist damp and minimise toe swelling. This added protection helps reduce toe damage and feathering that can often be caused by tapping at the crease.
Backed by more than 140 years of GM bat-making expertise, the care tips below are designed to help players protect the willow, maintain performance and extend the lifespan of their cricket bat after purchase.
- Inspect regularly: Check the face, edges and toe for seam marks, surface cracks or signs of wear, particularly after net sessions and matches.
- Light sanding only: If needed, use fine sandpaper to smooth raised fibres or minor surface damage before reapplying protection.
- Maintain protection: Keep the anti-scuff cover and toe protection in good condition to help protect the blade surface and reduce toe damage.
- Store properly: Keep the bat in a protective cover when not in use and store it away from damp conditions, excessive heat or extreme cold.
As part of GM's commitment to bat care and maintenance, players can also use our Bat Repair Kit, which provides a convenient set of essential care tools. The kit includes linseed bat oil, a bat care cloth, sandpaper, glue and toe guards, helping players perform routine maintenance and keep their bat in good condition throughout the season.
