Gray-Nicolls 2027 Cricket Range: Chaos, Primus, Synergy and Every New Bat

Gray-Nicolls has revealed its 2027 cricket range, and it is one of the biggest changes the brand has made in years. Two new bat families, Chaos and Primus, replace Havoc and Imperia. A laminated bat called Synergy arrives as a new concept, two classic shapes return in the Dynadrive and the Optimum, and the helmet line grows with a junior Elite model. There is also a new entry level shoe, a new luggage collection and extra clothing. Gray-Nicolls has said the range goes on sale in November.

The 2027 Gray-Nicolls range at a glance

• Chaos replaces Havoc: a quick pick up and fast hand speed, built for scoring all around the ground.
• Primus replaces Imperia: set up for front foot play, with a low sweet spot and a Powerbow style bow.
• Synergy: a new laminated bat with a light pick up and a large sweet spot.
• Dynadrive: the twin scoops of the 1980s return on a light bat with a big hitting profile.
• Optimum: a 1990s inspired shape, reworked for power, precision and control.
• Elite: a junior helmet with a 360 degree grille, added to the 360 helmet family.

Chaos: the Havoc replacement

Chaos is aimed at batters who want to attack from the first ball. The shape is designed to come through quickly, with a fast pick up and quick hand speed, so it suits scoring behind the wicket as well as in front. The family has bold decals and colourways, and it is used by Ollie Pope, Ben McKinney, Tawanda Muyeye and Heather Knight.

Two colourways stand out. Harry Brook has his own metallic blue Chaos 317, his second year with a personal colourway. The Chaos 1.1 comes in pink, and George Munsey uses it.

The soft protection matches the bats. The Chaos 2000 batting gloves are the top model with elite level protection, and the Chaos Pro pads are the ones Brook uses in Test cricket. There are price points further down the range for different budgets and levels of play.

Primus: the Imperia replacement

Primus is built for the front foot. It takes a throwback design, a low sweet spot and a bow in the style of the Powerbow, and updates it for the modern game. The stickers play up the large swell and edges. Zak Crawley and David Bedingham are among the players using it.

It comes in three colourways. The Primus 1.1 is metallic silver and the Primus 1.3 is green, used by Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel. Maia Bouchier and Sophia Dunkley use the Primus 1.0.

The Primus soft range runs from international grade down to entry level, so school and club players are covered as well as professionals. The Primus 1.0 1200 batting gloves have a classic feel with a hybrid design, made with fast bowling in mind.

Synergy: the new laminated bat

Synergy is Gray-Nicolls' laminated concept bat. The brand launched it because the MCC is changing its Laws to allow laminated bats in adult recreational cricket. A laminated bat is made by fusing separate front and back pieces of willow, which makes use of wood that would otherwise go to waste. Gray-Nicolls describes Synergy as a light pick up with a large sweet spot, finished in a racing inspired colourway with subtle, high impact decals. It has its own Synergy 2500 batting gloves.

The new Law applies to the game in general, but individual leagues and clubs can set their own rules, so check with yours before you buy a laminated bat.

Dynadrive and Optimum: two classics return

The Dynadrive brings back the dual scoops on the back of the blade that Gray-Nicolls used in the 1980s. The scoops take weight out of the bat and add stability through impact while keeping a big hitting profile. The Optimum is inspired by strokeplay from the 1990s and is linked to Robin Smith. It has been modernised for power, precision and control. Both are for batters who want something different from the main ranges.

Elite: a junior helmet with a 360 degree grille

The 360 helmet range now has a specialist junior model, the Elite. Its 360 degree grille is designed to meet the ECB neck guard regulations, which makes it a useful option for young players and for parents who want that protection built in.

Shoes, luggage and clothing

The 2027 collection also includes a new entry level cricket shoe, a new luggage collection and additional clothing. Gray-Nicolls has not yet published full details of these, such as sizes or specifications.

What happens to Havoc and Imperia?

Chaos and Primus replace both families, so Havoc and Imperia are being retired. We still stock Havoc and Imperia bats, pads and gloves, and they remain on sale while stock lasts. If you already know and like the shape, there is no need to hold off.

Choosing the right bat and size

Bat size depends mainly on height, and junior bats are sized differently to adult bats. Our cricket bat guide and size guide will point you to the right length, and the bat selector narrows it down by budget and playing style. If you are buying for a child, start with the size guide.

Questions

What is new in the Gray-Nicolls 2027 range?

Two new bat families, Chaos and Primus, a laminated bat called Synergy, the retro Dynadrive and Optimum bats, and a junior Elite helmet. There is also a new entry level shoe, a new luggage collection and extra clothing.

Which bat replaces the Gray-Nicolls Havoc?

The Chaos replaces the Havoc. It is built for a quick pick up, fast hand speed and scoring all around the ground.

Which bat replaces the Gray-Nicolls Imperia?

The Primus replaces the Imperia. It is set up for front foot play, with a low sweet spot and a Powerbow style bow.

What is the Gray-Nicolls Synergy?

Synergy is a laminated cricket bat with a light pick up and a large sweet spot. It follows the MCC's change to the Laws that allows laminated bats in adult recreational cricket.

Can I use a laminated bat?

The MCC Laws now allow laminated bats in adult recreational cricket. Individual leagues and clubs can have their own rules, so check with yours before you buy.

When does the 2027 range go on sale?

Gray-Nicolls has said the range goes on sale in November.

Helpful links

• All Gray-Nicolls
• Gray-Nicolls Cricket Bats
• Batting Pads
• Batting Gloves
• Cricket Helmets

Range details are from Gray-Nicolls' own 2027 announcements.