GM 2027 Cricket Bats: Cannon, Galaxy, Maxi and Azora Explained

GM 2027 Cricket Bats: Cannon, Galaxy, Maxi and Azora Explained

Gunn & Moore's 2027 bats are on the site, led by four ranges: Cannon, designed with England's Jacob Bethell, Azora, a completely new shape, and new versions of Galaxy and Maxi. Below you will find how they differ, what each model name tells you about the willow, and a link to every bat in each range.

The four ranges at a glance

RangeBlade and handleSwellFace and bowGripSuits
CannonTraditional L555, 295mm handleMid to lowF4.5, PowerarcPro-LiteAll-round shot makers who attack from the first ball
GalaxyShortened L540, 310mm handleMid to highF2, PowerarcGalaxy GripBatters who want a fast pick up with mass in the spine
MaxiShortened L540, 310mm handleLowF2, PowerarcSignet GripClean strikers looking to clear the boundary
AzoraShortened L540, 310mm handleLowF2, PowerarcFuze GripFront foot players who want a light feel in the hands

What the model names mean

GM grades willow by model name, so a Cannon 808 and a Maxi 808 use the same grade of willow and cost the same. Choose the range for the shape and the model for the willow.

ModelWillowPrice
Limited EditionGM's very best unbleached Grade 1, each bat individually tested£639.96
OriginalSuperior unbleached Grade 1, mostly straight grained£399.96
909Unbleached Grade 1, with colour on one edge£343.96
808Superior unbleached Grade 2£279.96
SignatureUnbleached Grade 2£207.96
606Superior unbleached Grade 3£171.96
404Bleached Grade 3, may show knots£127.96

Prices are for adult bats as at 5 November 2026. Junior prices are lower and shown on each bat's page. Maxi has no 909 this year.

Every English willow bat in these four ranges is made in England and comes with GM NOW! and ToeTek fitted. That means it has been knocked in by GM's own batmakers and treated with raw linseed oil, with an anti-scuff cover on the face and edges, DriGuard on the toe and a shaped toe shield. GM still recommend further knocking in around the edges and toe before use.

GM Cannon: designed with Jacob Bethell

Cannon was developed with Jacob Bethell and is part of his JB82 range. It pairs a powerful profile with an easy pick up. The traditional L555 blade and mid to low swell suit a batter who plays all around the ground, with substantial edges and a flowing spine behind the shot. The Pro-Lite grip is the lightest GM has made.

Adult bats

Junior bats

Cannon has the widest choice of junior bats in the 2027 line-up, including a Limited Edition.

GM Galaxy: quick hands, heavy spine

Galaxy has a shortened L540 blade and an extended spine, with a mid to high swell that keeps the bat quick through the hands. The extra mass in the spine adds stability when you commit to a shot. It comes in a new livery for 2027, finished with the metallic, textured Galaxy Grip.

Adult bats

Junior bats

GM Maxi: built to clear the ropes

Maxi is the big hitter of the range. A pronounced low swell, substantial edges and an extended spine are there for powerful front foot striking, and the shortened L540 blade gives it a dynamic sweet spot. The 2027 bats are yellow and black, with a new Signet Grip made from soft rubber with a geometric shield pattern.

Adult bats

Maxi Delta

The Delta versions keep the Maxi shape and use GM's Delta machining for lighter power that is easier to swing.

GM Azora: a completely new shape

Azora is new to GM this year, with a silhouette the range has not had before. A shortened L540 blade, pronounced low swell and sweeping contours create a powerful hitting zone for front foot strokeplay. Maxi has a low swell too, but GM built Azora around its weight to feel ratio, so it feels light and quick in the hands. The Fuze Grip gives a secure connection between hands and handle.

Adult bats

Azora Delta

The Delta versions use DXM 2.0 machining, developed for a superlight pick up.

GM Diamond 'BS55': the first bat

The Diamond 'BS55' bats are made from Kashmir willow and inspired by Ben Stokes. They are a hard-wearing, entry level choice for new, junior and casual players, with a traditional finish and a control grip. They sit apart from the English willow Diamond range below, so the willow grades above do not apply. Prices run from £40.46 to £44.96.

Also in the 2027 range

GM Rival

The Rival Limited Edition has a traditional L555 blade, an F2 face and a mid to low swell, with huge toe depth and sweeping contours for an imposing profile.

GM Diamond

The Diamond Original has a traditional full blade profile and a flowing spine, with an L555 blade, an F4.5 face, a mid swell for all-round strokeplay and a Halo Grip.

GM Radon

Radon is GM's value English willow bat, made in England from seasoned Grade 4 willow with a grained polycarbonate cover and a Control Grip.

GM Players Editions

These are built to the dimensions of the bats the players themselves use, and come with a protective case.

Which GM bat should you choose?

  • You attack but play all around the ground: Cannon.
  • You want quick hands with weight behind the ball: Galaxy.
  • You want to hit the ball out of the ground: Maxi.
  • You play off the front foot and like a lighter feel: Azora, or an Azora or Maxi Delta.
  • You are buying a first bat: a Diamond 'BS55', or a Cannon or Galaxy junior for a young player ready for English willow.

You can see them side by side on our GM cricket bats page, narrow them down with the bat selector, or see pads, gloves and bags on the Gunn & Moore page.

Frequently asked questions

What is new in the GM 2027 bat range?
Azora is a completely new shape, and Cannon is designed with Jacob Bethell. Galaxy and Maxi return with new versions: Galaxy has a new livery, and Maxi is yellow and black with a new Signet Grip.
Is a Cannon 808 the same willow as a Maxi 808?
Yes. GM grades willow by model name, so every 808 uses superior unbleached Grade 2 English willow. The difference between them is the shape.
What is the difference between the GM Maxi and the Azora?
Both have a low swell and a shortened L540 blade for front foot play. Maxi has an extended spine and substantial edges for big hitting, while Azora has sweeping contours and is built around a light feel in the hands.
What does Delta mean on a GM bat?
Delta is a version of the Azora and Maxi that uses GM's machining to give a lighter pick up. Delta bats come in 808, 606 and 404.
Do GM 2027 bats need knocking in?
The English willow bats are knocked in by GM's own batmakers as part of GM NOW!, but GM recommend further knocking in around the edges and toe before use.

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