{"product_id":"gm-rival-404-cricket-bat-2026-short-handle","title":"GM Rival 404 Cricket Bat 2026 – Short Handle","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-8 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpeed. Precision. Ruthlessness.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGM Rival 404 Cricket Bat 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e is designed for players who don't walk to the crease simply to participate — they walk out there to compete.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeaturing a striking \u003cstrong\u003echequered-flag inspired design\u003c\/strong\u003e, the 2026 Rival combines aggressive styling with a powerful \u003cstrong\u003emid-to-low swell\u003c\/strong\u003e, huge toe depth, traditional \u003cstrong\u003eL555 blade length\u003c\/strong\u003e and GM's proven English Willow construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt for boundary-hunters and positive stroke-makers, the Rival 404 provides an excellent combination of \u003cstrong\u003epower, pickup, balance and value\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it an outstanding choice for club and competitive cricketers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo hesitation. No looking back. The Rival is Built To Win.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Rival – Built for Competition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery aspect of the Rival has been designed around positive, attacking cricket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe substantial lower profile puts plenty of willow behind the ball, while carefully engineered sweeping contours help maintain excellent pickup and manoeuvrability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a cricket bat capable of feeling powerful through impact without becoming unnecessarily cumbersome in the hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're driving hard down the ground, attacking through the covers or looking to clear the boundary, the Rival has been shaped for players who want to take the game forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEnglish Willow Construction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGM Rival 404\u003c\/strong\u003e is manufactured from carefully selected \u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Willow\u003c\/strong\u003e, providing an excellent combination of performance, durability and value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 404 specification makes the distinctive Rival profile accessible to club and developing cricketers looking for genuine English Willow performance at a competitive price point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach bat benefits from Gunn \u0026amp; Moore's extensive manufacturing expertise and precision shaping to achieve the balance and pickup expected from a GM cricket bat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTraditional L555 Blade Length\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rival features GM's traditional \u003cstrong\u003eL555 blade length\u003c\/strong\u003e, paired with a \u003cstrong\u003e295mm handle\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis configuration provides a generous hitting surface while maintaining the familiar proportions of a Short Handle cricket bat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe L555 blade works particularly well with the Rival's powerful lower profile, providing plenty of willow through the main hitting zone while maintaining the control required for all-round stroke play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMid-to-Low Swell – Attacking Power\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of the Rival profile is its powerful \u003cstrong\u003emid-to-low swell position\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy positioning the main power zone slightly lower down the blade, the Rival provides excellent performance when playing on the front foot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes it particularly effective for powerful drives, aggressive straight hitting and attacking fuller deliveries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, the swell isn't positioned excessively low, allowing the Rival to retain enough versatility for the \u003cstrong\u003eall-round shot-maker\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHuge Toe Depth\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the standout characteristics of the Rival is its \u003cstrong\u003ehuge toe depth\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe substantial lower blade puts additional willow into an important hitting area and gives the Rival its distinctive, imposing appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor players who like to attack full deliveries or frequently make contact slightly lower on the blade, the additional toe depth provides extra confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt also complements the mid-to-low swell perfectly, creating a profile designed for positive front-foot cricket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eF2 Face Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eF2 face profile\u003c\/strong\u003e provides the Rival with its distinctive playing characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe slightly rounded face works alongside the powerful swell and substantial lower blade to provide an excellent combination of feel, control and performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis gives the Rival a more traditional feel through impact while retaining the aggressive modern characteristics of the overall profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSweeping Contours\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rival features carefully designed \u003cstrong\u003esweeping contours\u003c\/strong\u003e through the back of the blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese contours help GM manage the distribution of willow throughout the bat, allowing the Rival to retain an imposing profile while maintaining excellent balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a bat that looks substantial at the crease but remains responsive enough for quick hands and aggressive stroke play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePowerarc Bow Face Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGM's \u003cstrong\u003ePowerarc bow face profile\u003c\/strong\u003e further enhances the balance and swing characteristics of the Rival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe carefully engineered bow helps create a smooth movement through the shot and complements the mid-to-low swell position.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're timing the ball into gaps or accelerating the bat when looking for the boundary, the Powerarc profile contributes to the Rival's excellent all-round performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eExplosive Pickup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its substantial lower profile and huge toe, the Rival has been carefully shaped to deliver an impressive pickup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEffective weight distribution helps the bat feel responsive in the hands, allowing players to generate excellent bat speed through the hitting zone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis combination of \u003cstrong\u003esubstantial power and responsive pickup\u003c\/strong\u003e makes the Rival particularly attractive to modern attacking batters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNew GM Apex Grip\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2026 Rival is finished with the \u003cstrong\u003enew GM Apex Grip\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned to provide excellent traction and secure hand positioning, the Apex Grip helps players maintain control when generating high bat speed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe comfortable construction provides a confident connection between the hands and handle throughout long innings, while its distinctive appearance complements the aggressive Rival graphics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBold 2026 Rival Design\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rival is one of the standout designs in GM's 2026 English Willow collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts \u003cstrong\u003echequered-flag inspired graphics\u003c\/strong\u003e reflect the personality of the bat — fast, competitive and aggressive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distinctive design creates an unmistakable presence at the crease and perfectly complements a profile built for players who want to take control of the game.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMade in England\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGM Rival 404 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e is proudly manufactured by Gunn \u0026amp; Moore in \u003cstrong\u003eEngland\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGM combines generations of English cricket bat manufacturing expertise with modern precision engineering to create carefully balanced and consistently shaped cricket bats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom willow selection and machining through to handle fitting and finishing, the Rival 404 benefits from the craftsmanship and manufacturing experience associated with Gunn \u0026amp; Moore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGM Rival 404 – 2026 Edition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuality English Willow construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBold \u003cstrong\u003echequered-flag inspired 2026 graphics\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilt for positive and aggressive stroke play\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTraditional \u003cstrong\u003eL555 blade length\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e295mm handle length\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eF2 face profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePowerful \u003cstrong\u003emid-to-low swell\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned for the all-round shot-maker\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHuge toe depth\u003c\/strong\u003e for attacking confidence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSweeping contours for an imposing profile\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePowerarc bow face profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent combination of power and pickup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned to generate excellent bat speed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNew \u003cstrong\u003eGM Apex Grip\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShort Handle (SH)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in \u003cstrong\u003eEngland\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent option for club and competitive cricketers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gunn \u0026amp; Moore (GM)**\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rival 404\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeason:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Short Handle (SH)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWillow:\u003c\/strong\u003e English Willow\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e L555\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandle Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 295mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFace Profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e F2\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSwell Position:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid-to-Low\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToe Profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Extra Deep \/ Huge Toe\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBack Profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweeping Contours\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Powerarc\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrip:\u003c\/strong\u003e GM Apex Grip\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry of Manufacture:\u003c\/strong\u003e England\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Is the GM Rival 404 For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGM Rival 404 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e is an excellent option for club and developing cricketers who want an English Willow bat designed around aggressive modern stroke play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts mid-to-low swell and substantial toe make it particularly attractive to \u003cstrong\u003efront-foot players and boundary-hunters\u003c\/strong\u003e, providing plenty of power for driving through the line and attacking fuller deliveries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the same time, the sweeping contours and carefully distributed weight help create the pickup required for quick hands and all-round shot-making.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor players looking for \u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Willow performance, a powerful lower profile, excellent pickup and bold 2026 styling at an accessible price point\u003c\/strong\u003e, the GM Rival 404 is a fantastic choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpeed. Precision. Ruthlessness. The Rival is Built To Win.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant Weight Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny bat weight displayed in this listing is measured WITHOUT an Extratec protective sheet and WITHOUT a toe guard fitted.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note that fitting an \u003cstrong\u003eExtratec protective sheet and\/or toe guard will slightly increase the finished playing weight of the bat.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mt-3 w-full empty:hidden has-[\u0026gt;_:empty]:hidden\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"GM","offers":[{"title":"SH","offer_id":45836614172851,"sku":null,"price":499.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0597\/8914\/8339\/files\/gm-rival-404-cricket-bat-2026-short-handle-cricket-bat-1140953.jpg?v=1786784298","url":"https:\/\/wizsports.com.au\/products\/gm-rival-404-cricket-bat-2026-short-handle","provider":"Wiz Sports","version":"1.0","type":"link"}