The Art of Crafting Cricket Bat Handles: Embracing the Semi-Oval Standard

Introduction to Cricket Bat Handles

Among its many aspects of what makes a perfect customised cricket bat, the handle plays a crucial role in defining the bat's performance and feel while at the crease.  There is nothing worse then starting an innings and not feeling happy with the handle, it ends up being all you can think about. 

But before we jump in, what are the three different cricket bat handle shapes?

Cricket bat handles come in three shapes: round, oval, and semi-oval. Round handles offer flexibility, suitable for wristy players. Oval handles enhance grip stability, reducing bat twist for precision shots. Semi-oval handles merge both benefits, offering a balanced grip with comfort and control.

Right, let's delve into what cricket bat handles are available so you can make an informed decision.

Understanding Cricket Bat Handle Shapes

Round Cricket Bat Handles

Round handles are traditional and offer a classic feel. They are generally preferred by players who like to use their wrists more, providing a sense of balance and flexibility.

However, the round shape can sometimes lead to the bat twisting in the hands during off-centre shots.

Oval Cricket Bat Handles

Oval handles provide better control, especially for top-hand dominant players. They reduce the bat's tendency to twist in the hand, ensuring more stability during strokes.

This shape is favoured by players who value precision and a firm grip.

Semi-Oval Cricket Bat Handles: The Trogon Standard

The semi-oval handle, our standard at Trogon Cricket, is a hybrid that combines the best of both worlds. It offers the comfort and wrist flexibility of a round handle while incorporating the stability and control of an oval handle.

This shape allows for a natural and comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue and improving the overall batting experience.

The above image shows a bat that I completed a full cricket bat repair on, including a rehandle. I have left the picture on an angle so you can see how many grips this batter wanted.  They requested a round handle, with 2 half grips and one full grip, you can see this looking at the bottom of the bat - this is another way of having a semi-oval handle.

The Importance of Handle Shape in Cricket Bat Performance

Balance and Control

Cricket bat handles significantly impact the bat's balance and control. The semi-oval shape provides a secure grip, ensuring that the bat stays aligned with the player's intended stroke.

Comfort and Injury Prevention

A well-shaped handle, like the semi-oval, offers ergonomic comfort, reducing the strain on the player's hands during long innings.

Power and Flexibility

The semi-oval handle allows for an optimal mix of power and flexibility. It enables players to manoeuvre the bat with ease while maintaining enough rigidity to execute powerful strokes. 

Customization: Tailoring to Individual Needs

Hand-Made Cricket Bats at Trogon

At Trogon Cricket, we recognize the unique needs of every cricketer. Our hand-made cricket bats are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each bat meets the specific requirements of its user.

Whether it's the balance, size, weight, or handle shape, our custom approach ensures a perfect match for every player, so why not book a call with me and we can discuss your next custom-made cricket bat.

Choosing Your Handle

We offer cricket bat handles in round, oval, and semi-oval shapes, with the semi-oval being our standard due to its versatile benefits.

Players can choose their preferred handle shape, considering their playing style and comfort. 

Meeting Diverse Needs

Our range of cricket bats caters to all shapes, sizes, and weights. We understand that every player's style and physique are different, and our bats reflect this diversity.

From lightweight bats for quick wrist play to heavier ones for power-hitting, our collection has something for every type of batter in various willows - we stock premium English willow and a number of alternative willows, Dutch hybrid and Kashmir willow which are fantastic for junior cricket bats, and the best beat they are miles cheaper.

Binding Cricket Bat Handle

Stringing the cricket bat handle is a critical step in our bat-making process, it provides additional strength on the joint, also known as tabs.

tabs of your cricket bat

The above images shows the tabs, these are the areas of the willow that run up the side of the handle.  We pay special attention to the binding in this area, making sure it's as tight as can be and adding additonal CA glue to this binding area to provide more strength.

We begin this process by preparing the handle, it goes through a number of rasping sessions making sure the handle is free from any flat sections.

The above image shows me rasping the handle.  I go through this process twice to make sure the handle is round and is the perfect shape.

Using a polyester twine, we wind the string from the top of the handle downwards, maintaining a consistent and tight tension throughout. 

The below image shows the twine we use, of all the twine we have tried this polyester binding is in our opinion the best available.

Cricket bat handle twine

Binding the cricket bat handle

The above image shows me using our custom-made cricket bat binding machine.  First, the cricket bat is attached, then glue is added to the handle, and then the binding is added.  The machine starts slowly and gets faster throughout the process.  You can see the actual machine working on our socials, check them out! 

Once the stringing is complete, we apply a new grip over the handle - we use an electric pump gripping machine, which is fantastic and saves a huge amount of time.

Gripping the cricket bat

As with everything cricket bat-related, the handle is subjective and the choice is yours.  

Conclusion

Our commitment to customization ensures that whether you're looking for a specific willow, weight, or handle shape, we have the perfect bat for you.

Our range of bats (English, Dutch and Kashmir) available at various price points, guarantees that every player, regardless of budget, can experience the Trogon difference.

For all cricket bat enquiries contact Len on Len@trogoncricket.com or WhatsApp +44 07539000063 and he will answer all your questions.

Recap of The Art of Cricket Bat Shaping Explained Blog Post

There are three primary shapes: round, oval, and semi-oval. Each shape offers unique benefits, affecting the bat's control and comfort during play.

The semi-oval handle combines the wrist flexibility of round handles with the stability of oval handles, making it a versatile choice for various playing styles.

The shape of the handle influences the bat’s balance, control, and the comfort of the grip. It can also impact the power and precision of the shots.

A semi-oval handle provides ergonomic comfort, reduces the risk of injury, and helps maintain the bat's alignment with the player’s strokes, enhancing control and power.

Choosing the right handle shape can significantly reduce hand fatigue and discomfort, ensuring a natural and secure grip that complements the player’s technique and style.