GM Noir DXM 404 English Willow Cricket Bat 2026 – Short Handle

Some bats are made to follow the light. The Noir was made to cut through it.

The iconic GM Noir DXM 404 English Willow Cricket Bat returns for the 2026 season, bringing the legendary Noir profile and unmistakable black styling to an excellent-value Grade 2 English Willow specification.

Designed for dynamic stroke-makers, the Noir 404 features a powerful mid-to-low swell, GM's traditional L555 blade length, an F4.5 face profile and a carefully shaped partially concaved back. The result is a powerful yet well-balanced cricket bat designed to provide excellent pickup and confidence through the hitting zone.

Manufactured in England using GM's advanced DXM precision engineering, the Noir 404 is an excellent option for club cricketers looking for genuine English Willow performance, iconic GM styling and outstanding value.

Grade 2 English Willow

The GM Noir DXM 404 is manufactured from carefully selected Grade 2 English Willow.

This specification provides an excellent balance between performance, durability and affordability, making it particularly suitable for club cricketers, developing players and regular match-day use.

As English Willow is a natural material, Grade 2 bats can feature variations in grain structure, minor blemishes or natural colouration. These cosmetic characteristics are normal and allow players to access a quality English Willow blade at a more affordable price point.

The Legendary Noir Profile

The Noir is designed with one purpose in mind – serious hitting power.

Its substantial profile places plenty of willow through the main hitting area, giving players confidence when looking to attack the bowling.

The mid-to-low swell makes the Noir particularly attractive to front-foot stroke-makers, while its carefully balanced construction keeps the bat responsive enough for all-round play.

Whether you're looking to drive through the covers, attack straight down the ground or clear the boundary, the Noir is shaped to deliver.

Mid-to-Low Swell – Front-Foot Power

One of the defining characteristics of the Noir is its mid-to-low swell position.

Positioning the primary power zone slightly lower down the blade provides excellent performance when striking fuller deliveries and playing on the front foot.

This makes the Noir particularly effective for powerful drives and aggressive straight hitting.

Despite the lower swell, the profile remains versatile enough for the all-round shot-maker, allowing players to confidently access different areas of the ground.

Traditional L555 Blade Length

For 2026, the Noir features GM's traditional L555 blade length, paired with a 295mm handle.

The L555 configuration provides a generous hitting area while maintaining the familiar dimensions and feel expected from a Short Handle cricket bat.

Combined with the Noir's powerful mid-to-low swell, the blade provides plenty of willow through the primary hitting zone without compromising overall balance.

F4.5 Face Profile

The F4.5 face profile complements the Noir's substantial blade shape.

Working alongside the mid-to-low swell and powerful edges, the F4.5 face creates an impressive hitting area designed to inspire confidence against all types of bowling.

The profile delivers the modern feel and appearance expected from a contemporary GM performance cricket bat.

Full & Powerful Profile

The Noir is known for its substantial appearance at the crease.

A full blade profile with pronounced edges puts plenty of willow behind the ball, creating excellent hitting potential throughout the main power zone.

For players who prefer a bat that feels solid through impact, the Noir provides the substantial profile required for confident boundary hitting.

Partially Concaved Back for Outstanding Balance

To manage the weight of the substantial Noir profile, GM incorporates a partially concaved back design.

Carefully removing unnecessary willow from selected areas allows the bat to maintain plenty of wood through the important hitting zones while improving overall weight distribution.

This creates an excellent combination of power, balance and pickup, helping players generate bat speed without sacrificing the imposing characteristics of the Noir shape.

GM DXM Precision Engineering

The Noir 404 benefits from Gunn & Moore's advanced DXM manufacturing process.

Using sophisticated CAD design and precision computer-controlled machining, GM carefully engineers the profile and weight distribution of each blade.

This technology allows important characteristics such as the swell position, contours, face and overall shape to be produced with exceptional consistency.

Combined with GM's extensive English bat-making experience, DXM engineering provides the balance and pickup players expect from a Gunn & Moore cricket bat.

Black GM Fuze Grip

Completing the Noir's unmistakable appearance is the premium Black GM Fuze Grip.

The Fuze Grip is designed to provide excellent traction, comfort and control, helping players maintain a secure connection with the bat throughout their innings.

Its sleek black finish perfectly complements the Noir's bold graphics, creating one of the most distinctive cricket bats in the 2026 GM collection.

Made in England

The GM Noir DXM 404 2026 is proudly manufactured by Gunn & Moore in England.

GM combines generations of English cricket bat manufacturing expertise with advanced DXM precision technology to create consistent, carefully balanced performance bats.

From willow selection and precision shaping through to handle fitting and final finishing, the Noir 404 benefits from the same extensive manufacturing expertise found throughout the GM range.

Key Features

• GM Noir DXM 404 – 2026 Edition

• Grade 2 English Willow

• Advanced GM DXM precision engineering

• Iconic Noir styling with bold 2026 graphics

• Traditional L555 blade length

• 295mm handle length

• F4.5 face profile

• Powerful mid-to-low swell

• Designed for dynamic all-round stroke-makers

• Particularly suited to front-foot batting

• Full and powerful blade profile

• Pronounced edges for excellent hitting potential

• Partially concaved back for improved weight distribution

• Excellent combination of power, balance and pickup

• Premium Black GM Fuze Grip

• Short Handle (SH)

• Manufactured by Gunn & Moore in England

• Excellent option for club and competitive cricketers

Specifications

Brand: Gunn & Moore (GM)
Model: Noir DXM 404
Season: 2026
Size: Short Handle (SH)
Willow Grade: Grade 2 English Willow
Blade Length: L555
Handle Length: 295mm
Face Profile: F4.5
Swell Position: Mid-to-Low
Blade Profile: Full
Back Profile: Partially Concaved
Grip: Black GM Fuze Grip
Technology: GM DXM Precision Engineering
Country of Manufacture: England

Natural Willow Characteristics

As the Noir 404 is manufactured from natural Grade 2 English Willow, every bat will have its own individual appearance.

Grain structure, colour and cosmetic characteristics can vary from blade to blade. Minor blemishes, natural marks or colouration can occur within this willow grade and do not necessarily affect the bat's playing performance.

This natural variation means every GM Noir 404 is unique.

Who Is the GM Noir DXM 404 For?

The GM Noir DXM 404 2026 is an excellent choice for club and developing cricketers who want genuine English Willow performance without moving into the higher-priced premium grades.

Its mid-to-low swell makes it particularly attractive to players who enjoy front-foot stroke play, providing a powerful hitting area for drives and aggressive straight hitting.

At the same time, the partially concaved back helps maintain excellent balance and pickup, making the bat versatile enough for all-round shot-making.

For players looking for Grade 2 English Willow, a powerful profile, iconic Noir styling and trusted GM craftsmanship at an accessible price point, the Noir DXM 404 is an outstanding choice.

Important Weight Information

Any bat weight displayed in this listing is measured WITHOUT an Extratec protective sheet and WITHOUT a toe guard fitted.

Please note that fitting an Extratec protective sheet and/or toe guard will slightly increase the finished playing weight of the bat.