Bat review: Gray Nicolls Predator range
The Gray Nicolls Predator is a high-end cricket bat model made by Gray Nicolls, a leading cricket equipment manufacturer based in the UK and with availability in all major cricket-playing countries. The Predator is designed for aggressive and powerful batting, with a high-spine profile and a mid-sweet spot for optimal performance. The bat features big edges for improved hitting power and a semi-flat face for better control and a wider sweet spot. The handle is made with a semi-oval shape, providing a comfortable grip and aiding in proper alignment. The bat also comes with a toe guard to protect the vulnerable toe of the blade.
There’s a lot to like about the Predator range from Gray Nicolls.
History and power pedigree: This was the bat used by big hitters like Andrew Symonds when he scored his maiden ton at the Boxing Day Test in 2006.
Forgiving: Big edges and a decent-sized sweet spot right in the middle of the bat mean that for a club cricketer, you don’t have to always be perfect to be amongst the runs.
Look: It’s just a classic look, minimalist design on front and back and will have you looking classy at the crease.
On the down side, it’s pricey. The top of the line LE will cost you close to $1,000, above the budget of most club cricketers, and there are probably options further down the Gray Nicolls line (and other manufacturers) that would still get the job done for you.
Available at a number of trusted cricket retailers (links below are for the LE, but you can find other models at the same retailers):