How to Choose the Best Equipment for Your Cricket Kit

What is a game of cricket without great gear to back the players! When it comes to playing a wonderful game of cricket, the passion of a player needs the backing of the best equipment. Either you can buy a branded cricket kit from a leading brand or assemble your own by picking and choosing the cricket gear that suits your specification.

Choose the right gear for your kit and here is how -

• Buy the best cricket bat that you can afford. This is your primary piece of cricket equipment and should be accorded most importance in selecting. Take your time going through the pieces that you feel are good for your style and feel free to consult with someone who is in a position to guide you. Good stores will provide assistance in selecting your gear, both online and at local stores. For seasoned players, English Willow is the best bet while for amateurs, Kashmir Willow is fine. Select the size of the bat according to your height and age.

• A cricket ball may not seem that important but requires attention. Select the ball on the basis of your level of play. Advanced level players should select balls with four piece construction and more stitches at the seams, around 78-82 stitches. For learners, a light weight rubber ball will do or for serious games, you can choose a two-piece construction ball with lesser stitches. Select a ball not depending on what an international match uses, but according to your budget and requirement.

• Cricket gloves and leg-guards are required for protection and should be adequate for that objective. Added features like flexibility, durability and ventilation are desirable too. Choose the material that best solves your purpose.

• Make sure the helmet that you choose is amply comfortable and very sturdy. Strong material for the grill and a cushioned helmet make playing safe and relaxed.

• The bag itself should be made of durable and lightweight material. It should be spacious enough for all your cricket gear to fit in. Added advantage of wheels is appreciated by some.

VKS Sports is one of the leading cricket equipment store from London, United Kingdom.

How to Pick the Best Cricket Bat - 5 Foolproof Ways

Cricket is a favourite sport around the world where the following borders on fanatical. With such an obsession, it is but obvious that emphasis is on good quality products. While cricket ball, gloves and leg guards are very important, the gear that gets the most attention is the cricket bat. In terms of styling and specifications, there is a lot that a cricket bat needs to be able to accomplish before being considered by a serious player. Here is a lowdown what you need to consider when you buy cricket bats online

1. Purpose of Purchase - For entertainment purposes or for young kids, it is preferable not to buy a very expensive or superior quality cricket bat. But if you are a player, you might consider it an investment. Choose to buy a good quality cricket bat online where you can compare the various specifications of different brands.

2. Size of Bat - The size of the bat varies according to your height and age. For young players who are not yet in their teens, you should choose a size 4, 5 or 6, the number size with age. For older players or for those playing professionally, a Long Handle or a Short Handle cricket bat is desirable. For young adults, Harrow is preferred.

3. Grain of Willow - The grain of Kashmir Willow and English Willow bat is different. The more far apart the grain, the sturdier the bat but closer grains makes for better play. Kashmir willow is better for amateurs as it does not wear easily while English Willow gives better strokes but is not so durable. These are just general guidelines as there are excellent bats available that have the less grain.

4. Added Features - Some premium cricket bat manufacturers give their products an extra edge by adding features like toe-guards, a protective finish to the face of the bat and shorter or longer handles and varied shapes for particular styles of game.

5. Budget - Most importantly, you need to focus on you budget and buy cricket bat that suits your requirements and doesn't require you to break the bank.

Which Cricket Bat would you choose as your Favourite? Gray Nicolls or Gunn & Moore

The cricket world is divided by their love for one brand of cricket bats over the other. All the leading bats are good enough but there are certain characteristics in one that are lacking in the other and vice-versa. It depends upon the batsman as to which characteristics does he give precedence to over the others and likewise chooses the cricket bat that matches his playing style. Of the leading brands, Gray Nicolls and Gunn & Moore are the most coveted. Choosing between Gray Nicolls cricket bats and Gunn & Moore cricket bats is tricky but each has its dedicated fan following that will vouch for its quality.

Gray Nicolls Cricket bats come in many variants. Its legend range of cricket bats is crafted from the rarest premium willow in hand-selected cleft. The Nemeis’ shape and style enable it to conquer every bowler. GN100, Powerbow and Powerspot are classics that have been revived to give the batsmen the edge of an old performer with a modern touch. Dynadrive, Maverick, X181, E61 and many more are just right for the boundary seeker and the long haul player. Choose these for high performance and great quality that will see you through a lot of success.

Gunn & Moore cricket bats are truly world-class and focus on technology to help the player deliver his best. The Icon range is absolutely iconic in every way. A delight to play with and a performer on the field, it is crafted using Toe-Tek and GM Now Technology. The Six6 F4.5 range gives you bigger edges for more powerful play. With a huge range for junior players to choose from, it catches its lovers young. Choose from the Epic, Luna, Purist, Octane or others, for great playing experience year after year.

Whatever cricket bat you choose, make sure it is to your specifications as even the most popular cricket bat may not perform optimally if it doesn’t suit your style of play.

Taking Care of Your Cricket Bat to Ensure Long life

Cricket fans emphasise the importance of a good cricket bat and not without reason. A game of cricket depends a lot on the talent of the batsman but a good cricket bat can make or break him. Cricket bats in UK are among the finest in the world and are crafted using the finest techniques. Cricket bats’ sales are likely to attract fans in droves. At VKS.com, the finest cricket bats are being offered at a discount.

The cricket bats’ sale at VKS has something for the amateur and the professional alike. Buying a cricket bat is a task that you should give due thought to. Another important aspect is to take good care of it so that it does not fall apart owing to apathy or lack of knowledge of its care.

Here are some important Cricket bat care tips that will add years to it

• Oiling and Knocking – As soon as you buy a new bat, oil it and knock it in. Gently sand the surface of the bat and then lightly oil it with linseed oil. Between each oiling, it is preferable to leave it overnight. Oil it two-three times and then knock it. Cricket bats in UK can be bought after having these services administered.

• Storage – It is important to know that if a bat is improperly stored, it can break and split or even go out of shape. To avoid a situation where your expensive bat becomes useless, store it away from heat (sunlight, blowers, heaters, etc). It should be stored where there is just enough moisture as too much or too little can be harmful. Keep it in a shed or a garage, properly covered in its kitbag and not in direct contact with the floor.

• Repair ASAP – It is best to check the bat for splits and nicks soon after every game. Sand and put together any cracked or broken areas with glue. There is even a special tape you can use for such repairs.