{"product_id":"gm-rival-signature-cricket-bat-2026-short-handle","title":"GM Rival Signature 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\u003ch1\u003eGM Rival Signature Cricket Bat 2026 – Short Handle\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt for winners, not participants.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGM Rival Signature Cricket Bat 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e is designed for players who thrive under pressure, play with intent and want a bat capable of matching an aggressive approach at the crease.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeaturing the Rival's distinctive \u003cstrong\u003echequered-flag inspired 2026 livery\u003c\/strong\u003e, a powerful low-to-mid hitting zone, traditional \u003cstrong\u003eL555 blade length\u003c\/strong\u003e and substantial toe, the Rival Signature combines modern attacking characteristics with the craftsmanship expected from Gunn \u0026amp; Moore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade in England from \u003cstrong\u003eseasoned, unbleached Grade 2 English Willow\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Signature specification provides an outstanding combination of willow quality, performance and value for serious 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\u003eSignature Grade English Willow\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGM Rival Signature\u003c\/strong\u003e is manufactured from carefully selected, \u003cstrong\u003eseasoned and unbleached Grade 2 English Willow\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a natural material, bats within the Signature grade may display \u003cstrong\u003eminor cosmetic blemishes or some colouration on one edge\u003c\/strong\u003e. These natural characteristics are part of the willow grading process and allow players to access an excellent quality English Willow blade at an attractive performance level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor cricketers looking for a high-performance GM bat without stepping into the premium Grade 1 specifications, the Rival Signature represents an excellent balance between \u003cstrong\u003equality, performance and value\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Rival Profile – Built to Win\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rival isn't designed to disappear into the background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts aggressive profile places plenty of willow through the primary hitting area, creating a substantial blade designed for confident boundary hitting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lower positioning of the swell makes the Rival particularly appealing to players who like to get onto the front foot, drive through the line and attack straight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its imposing shape, careful contouring and weight distribution help provide an impressive pickup, giving players the bat speed required for modern attacking cricket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTraditional L555 Blade Length\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rival uses GM's traditional \u003cstrong\u003eL555 blade length\u003c\/strong\u003e, combined with a \u003cstrong\u003e295mm handle\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis configuration provides a substantial hitting area while maintaining the familiar proportions and control expected from a Short Handle cricket bat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe L555 blade works particularly well with the Rival profile, allowing plenty of willow to remain through the lower power zone while retaining excellent overall balance.\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 provides additional confidence when striking the ball through the lower portion of the bat and contributes to the Rival's powerful, imposing appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor players who enjoy attacking full deliveries, driving hard down the ground and taking the aerial route, the substantial toe profile provides plenty of willow where modern aggressive batters want it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eF2 Face Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rival features GM's \u003cstrong\u003eF2 face profile\u003c\/strong\u003e, complementing its substantial overall shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe slightly rounded face works alongside the powerful swell, sweeping contours and Powerarc bow to create a generous hitting area with excellent feel through impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePowerarc Bow Face Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ePowerarc bow face profile\u003c\/strong\u003e is carefully engineered to complement the Rival's attacking characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bow contributes to the bat's balance and pickup while helping create a smooth swing through the ball.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're looking to time the ball into gaps or accelerate the bat through an attacking stroke, the Powerarc profile helps provide the fluidity required for confident shot-making.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSweeping Contours\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rival features distinctive \u003cstrong\u003esweeping contours\u003c\/strong\u003e through the back of the blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese contours allow GM to carefully manage the distribution of willow, creating an imposing profile while maintaining the balance required for quick hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than simply focusing on maximum dimensions, the Rival is engineered to provide a combination of \u003cstrong\u003epower, pickup and manoeuvrability\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePremium Treble-Spring Cane Handle\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGM Rival Signature\u003c\/strong\u003e is fitted with a \u003cstrong\u003ehigh-quality treble-spring cane handle\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe multi-spring construction is designed to provide an excellent combination of flex, feel and control while helping absorb unwanted vibration through impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis provides a responsive connection between the player's hands and the blade, allowing you to feel confident whether defending against high-quality bowling or attacking for the boundary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNew GM Apex Grip\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2026 Rival is completed with the \u003cstrong\u003enew GM Apex Grip\u003c\/strong\u003e, designed to provide outstanding traction and control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure grip is particularly important for aggressive players generating high bat speed, and the Apex Grip helps maintain a confident connection between the hands and handle throughout the shot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt also complements the bold Rival graphics, completing the distinctive appearance of the 2026 range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGM NOW! Preparation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eRival Signature comes with GM NOW! preparation as standard\u003c\/strong\u003e, reducing the amount of additional preparation required before use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis factory preparation allows players to get their new English Willow bat ready for cricket sooner than an untreated blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with any English Willow cricket bat, appropriate care and gradual preparation before facing full-intensity bowling are still recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eToeTek™ Protection\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToeTek™ protection\u003c\/strong\u003e is also fitted as standard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe toe is one of the most vulnerable areas of a cricket bat, regularly exposed to moisture, ground contact and impact from full deliveries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToeTek™ provides an additional layer of protection to this area, helping improve the durability and longevity of your bat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMade in England\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGM Rival Signature 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 bat-making experience with modern precision manufacturing techniques to produce consistent, carefully balanced cricket bats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom willow selection and shaping through to handle fitting and finishing, every Rival Signature benefits from GM's extensive cricket bat manufacturing expertise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGM Rival Signature – 2026 Edition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeasoned, unbleached \u003cstrong\u003eGrade 2 English Willow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBold \u003cstrong\u003echequered-flag inspired Rival graphics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for powerful, aggressive stroke play\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditional \u003cstrong\u003eL555 blade length\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e295mm handle length\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePowerful low-to-mid hitting zone\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHuge toe depth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eF2 face profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePowerarc bow face profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweeping contours for excellent balance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImposing blade profile\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent combination of power and pickup\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh-quality \u003cstrong\u003etreble-spring cane handle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNew \u003cstrong\u003eGM Apex Grip\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGM NOW!\u003c\/strong\u003e factory preparation fitted as standard\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToeTek™\u003c\/strong\u003e protection fitted as standard\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShort Handle (SH)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade in \u003cstrong\u003eEngland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for serious club and competitive cricketers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\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 Signature\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeason:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Short Handle (SH)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWillow Grade:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grade 2 English Willow\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWillow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seasoned \u0026amp; Unbleached\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 Low-to-Mid\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToe:\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\u003eHandle:\u003c\/strong\u003e High-Quality Treble-Spring Cane\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrip:\u003c\/strong\u003e GM Apex Grip\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreparation:\u003c\/strong\u003e GM NOW!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToe Protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e ToeTek™\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry of Manufacture:\u003c\/strong\u003e England\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Willow Characteristics\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the Rival Signature is made from \u003cstrong\u003enatural Grade 2 English Willow\u003c\/strong\u003e, individual bats will vary in grain structure and appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSignature-grade blades may feature \u003cstrong\u003eminor cosmetic blemishes or some natural colouration on one edge\u003c\/strong\u003e. These characteristics are normal for this willow grade and make every bat visually unique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Is the GM Rival Signature For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGM Rival Signature 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e is designed for the confident, attacking cricketer who wants a powerful English Willow bat with an imposing profile and excellent pickup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts lower power zone and substantial toe make it particularly appealing to front-foot players who enjoy driving through the line and attacking full deliveries, while the carefully engineered contours provide the balance required for all-round stroke play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Grade 2 English Willow specification also makes it an attractive option for serious players looking for an excellent combination of \u003cstrong\u003eperformance, willow quality and value\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your game is built around positive intent, quick hands and finding the boundary, the Rival Signature has been shaped to match.\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\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\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":45836554895539,"sku":null,"price":725.0,"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-signature-cricket-bat-2026-short-handle","provider":"Wiz Sports","version":"1.0","type":"link"}