Important steps in purchasing the right pair of batting gloves
Left or Right Handed
Size
Cost
Style
Brand
Left or Right Handed
Easy are you left or right handed? Dont make the mistake of getting the wrong gloves. They are labelled RH or LH normally with the initial of the size before the particular style of batsman that you are. Eg: MRH = Mens Right Hand.
Size
The sizing is the most important part when purchasing a pair of batting gloves. The sizes that are available are Oversize (OS) Mens, Mens, Youths, Boys and Small Boys. If you are able to try the glove on then there are some key indicators to tell you if you the glove is too big or small.
If there is material over hang in the palm then the glove is too big, this will become uncomfortable with use.
If the fingers are more then 1 cm from the tip of the glove then it is another sign that the gloves are too big. If the fingers can touch the tip and it is uncomfortable then look to going for the next size up if possible.
If you cannot try on the glove then the best way to work out what size you are is to match your age with the size. Obviously that is self explanatory.
OS Mens Large Hands generally people over 6ft
Mens Generally 16 years and above
Youths Ages of 14-16 years
Boys - Ages 10-14 years
Sm Boys Ages 6-10 years
Cost
The cost of gloves varies of course with the quality of glove that you wish to use. A brief overview that shows why gloves fit into certain price points
The best gloves are made from the highest quality Pittards leather or sheepskin. They are excellent in absorbing perspiration, are extremely comfortable and durable. These gloves sometimes have soft back fill and have high impact pro guards inserted in the make up of the glove for added protection.
The second tier of batting glove has a calf skin palm as the leather used. The gloves are generally made with plastizote filling and are often pre curved for comfort and flexibility.
The entry point in batting glove is made for the player who wants a glove that will simply do the job. The gloves have suede leather which is cool and absorbs sweat through the pain or have a cotton plam. The gloves generally have a one piece PVC cover guard on the individual fingers. These gloves are made with all ages and sizes in mind.
Style
Sausage Finger
Split Finger
There are two different styles of batting gloves that combine with other variables to make a difference that is visible and noticeable when you use the product. Some gloves are split fingered and the others are sausage rolled fingers. The two styles are different in feel and have contrasting comfort ability. The flexibility in the sausage fingers gloves is generally not as good as the split fingered batting gloves but is commonly known to have greater protection, but with the added guards that are placed in all batting gloves at the top end both gloves are excellent in quality and protection. It is up to the individual and the preference that feels most comfortable.
Brand
All brands cover price points that relate to the quality of the product extremely well. The way in which you chose which glove to purchase may well be based on the brand, but it should not take away from the most important aspect when buying a glove and that is to make sure that the glove you choose has the comfort and quality that suits the type of player that you are.
Batting Pads
There are many different types of leg guards available to cricketers and its very important to choose the ones to suit your game. There are reasons why the price, look, and shape of leg guards differ. The guide below should assist you in your purchase.
First steps
1. Selecting the correct size pads is VERY IMPORTANT. The Greg Chappell Cricket Centre staff will assist you on selecting the correct size.
2. Try on as many different pads at the price point you wish to spend.
Leg Guard Sizes
Sizes available are Small Boys, Boys, Youths, Mens, and Over size Mens.
The best guide for leg guard sizes is to ensure your knee is lined up right in the middle of the knee roll and that the top of the pads are not getting in the way of your hands when you are in your batting stance.
Never choose bigger pads to grow into. The pads will get in the way and become a burden when running and playing strokes. They are also less effective in providing protection as the padding is situated in the wrong places due to incorrect size.
Leg Guard Designs
Each Cricket Equipment company has their own designs, shapes, and theories on the best leg guards available.
The best pads for you are the ones that are the most comfortable, do not impede movement, and are the price you want to spend.
The designs generally differ by quality of material, colour, shape, and added benefits like padding around the buckles.
Generally the more expensive pads provide lighter more advanced protection, allowing you the flexibility when running and playing stokes.
Leg Guard Materials
All Leg Guards are faced with a variety of P.U (Polyurethane) and PVC materials which are hard wearing, light synthetic coverings, easily maintained with wipe clean care.
The interior is a mixture of cane, cotton, and some offer carbon reinforcement for extra protection.
There are generally two styles when it comes to the main area at the front of the pad. One is where the cane is right at the front, covered in P.U, and the other has mostly foam covered in P.U. Both of these styles will then have the reverse material on the inside near the leg.
The pair of pads that are best suited to your game will be purchased using a mixture of ideas. The level of protection and the price you wish to spend. The best protection for your legs is definitely available in the higher models.
The best information on each pair of pads is listed throughout the Cricket Centre catalogue and website.
Leg Guard Care
A few simple steps after each innings can prolong the life and effectiveness of your Leg Guards.
Straight after batting, always leave your pads in a shady area to dry with the straps open. Never in the sun and never in your bag. The sun will cause the padding at the back to dry out and harden, your bag will keep the padded area moist this leads to wear and smell. This includes after each net session!
A tip for when you first buy your pads. Leave them in your bag with the straps done up, however pull the straps as tight as possible. This will get the pads used to the shape of your leg quicker.
