Cricket Bat Grips: Types, Thickness and How to Replace One

The grip is the only part of the bat you touch, so it shapes feel and control more than most players realise. A worn or wrongly sized grip lets the handle twist on off-centre hits. This guide explains grip patterns and thickness, and shows how to fit a new one in a few minutes.

Grip patterns

Pattern is personal preference; there is no single best grip for everyone.

Thickness and multiple grips

Grips vary in thickness, and many players fit two grips to bulk up the handle. A thicker handle can reduce the wrists' influence and suits players with larger hands; a thinner handle gives more wrist freedom. If the handle feels thin or vibrations sting, a second grip or a thicker grip can help.

How to fit a new grip

1. Remove the old grip by rolling or cutting it off carefully without scoring the handle.
2. Load the new grip onto a grip cone: roll it inside out onto the cone's narrow end, then work it all the way on.
3. Position the cone against the top of the handle.
4. Roll the grip off the cone and onto the handle, pulling it evenly down.
5. Adjust so it covers the handle to just above the splice, with no wrinkles.
6. Trim or tuck any excess at the top.

No cone? Some players use a broom handle or tube, but a cone is quicker and kinder to the grip.

When to replace a grip

• The rubber feels slippery even when clean.
• Splits, tears or worn patches appear.
• The grip rotates on the handle.

Regular players often change grips at least once a season, sometimes more.

Grips in our range

See all bat accessories.

Grip care

Wipe grips with a damp cloth after play, let them dry, and keep bats out of hot cars, which can harden the rubber. For tennis-ball bats the same rules apply.

Grips for tennis-ball cricket

Tennis-ball and tape-ball batters swing fast and often, so grips wear quickly. Many prefer a tacky, textured grip and change it more often than leather-ball players. Keep a spare in your kit bag.

Grip thickness and bat feel

Grip choice changes how a bat feels in the hands. A thin grip makes the handle feel slim, allowing more wrist movement for flicks and late cuts. A thicker grip spreads load across the palms and can dampen vibration on mistimed shots. Some players build up the handle with two grips or with a grip plus tape; others prefer one thin grip for maximum feel.

If you change grip thickness, take a few net sessions to adjust. Your hands may sit differently on the handle, which can subtly change your bat swing.

Tape vs rubber grips

Some players wrap tape or use specialist underlays beneath the rubber grip to change shape or feel. This is a matter of preference. Whatever you choose, the grip should be firm, without lumps, and should not rotate around the handle when you twist the bat.

Fitting tips for a perfect finish

• Lightly dust the inside of the grip with talc to help it slide onto the cone, if your grip's instructions allow.
• Make sure the pattern runs straight; a twisted pattern looks untidy and can feel uneven.
• Leave the grip slightly overlapping the top of the handle and tuck the end in or trim it neatly.
• Check the bottom edge sits cleanly just above the splice so it does not catch.

Grip and bat balance

A grip adds a small amount of weight at the top of the bat. Adding a second grip shifts the balance point slightly toward the handle, which can make the pick-up feel lighter even though the bat is heavier overall. Players fine-tuning a new bat sometimes experiment with grips to get the feel they want.

Common grip problems

Batting glove palms matter too. Worn palms reduce grip even with a fresh rubber grip; see our guide on gloves for sweat control and grip.

Grip FAQs from players

Players often ask whether a new grip will change how a bat plays. It will not change the willow's performance, but it changes feel, control and comfort, which affect how well you time the ball. Others ask how tight a grip should be: it should sit firmly with no movement, but not so tight that it is difficult to fit or splits. If you are unsure, start with a single standard grip and adjust from there.

Quick answers on grips

Can I fit a grip without a cone?

It is possible with a tube or by rolling, but a cone is quicker and less likely to tear the grip.

Do tennis-ball bats need a different grip?

No, the same grips fit most bats; choose a texture you like.

How many grips should I carry?

One spare is enough for most players.

Frequently asked questions

Which cricket bat grip is best?

It depends on preference. Textured patterns like scale or chevron suit sweaty hands; ribbed grips give defined hand positions.

Are all cricket bat grips the same size?

Standard adult grips fit typical adult handles, but thickness differs. Junior bats need grips suited to narrower handles.

How do you put a grip on a cricket bat?

Load the grip onto a grip cone, place the cone on the handle and roll the grip down evenly, then trim.

How often should I change my bat grip?

When it becomes slippery, splits or twists, often at least once a season for regular players.

Should I use two grips?

Two grips thicken the handle, which some players prefer for comfort and control.