Tips, Advice & Insights

Proper care and maintenance can greatly improve the performance, durability and lifespan of your cricket bat, whether it is a junior starter bat, a senior players bat, natural English willow, covered willow, or a more durable Kashmir/Indian willow blade.

English willow bats are made from a natural material designed to deliver high performance and excellent feel, but they do require regular care and attention. Covered bats provide additional surface protection against minor cracking, scuffing and moisture, while natural unfinished blades may require more frequent oiling and maintenance. Kashmir and Indian willow bats are generally more robust and lower maintenance, making them ideal for schools, casual cricket and developing junior players.

Where possible, bats should always be stored in a cool, dry environment and never left in damp conditions, wet kit bags, sheds, garages or car boots for extended periods. Excess moisture can soften the willow fibres, increase seam damage, weaken adhesives and lead to swelling, surface cracks or long-term structural issues within the blade.

If your bat becomes damp or wet, dry it naturally at room temperature using a towel or cloth and allow airflow around the bat. Never dry a bat using direct heat sources such as radiators, heaters, airing cupboards or direct sunlight, as rapid drying can cause splitting and damage to the willow.

Regular inspection and maintenance are recommended throughout the season. Anti-scuff sheets, toe guards and edge tape can help reduce surface wear, while regripping your bat when the grip becomes worn, smooth or hardened will improve comfort, grip and shock absorption.

Minor surface cracking and seam marks are common during use, particularly on natural willow blades, however larger cracks, loose handles, toe damage or significant splitting should be assessed before continued play.

We offer a full cricket bat repair and maintenance service, subject to inspection of the bat. Services may include regripping, toe repairs, crack repairs, handle assessments, cleaning, binding, anti-scuff replacement and general maintenance advice depending on the condition of the bat.

For Jersey customers, we also offer a convenient pick-up and drop-off service for repairs and maintenance. Regripping can often be completed on-site at the time of collection where possible.

If you are unsure about the condition of your bat or would like advice on maintenance, repairs or ongoing care, our team will always be happy to help.

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Proper care and maintenance can help maximise the performance, durability and lifespan of your hockey stick, whether it is a junior starter stick, a senior composite stick or a high-performance carbon model.

Modern hockey sticks are designed to deliver power, control and feel, however regular use on abrasive playing surfaces and repeated ball impact will naturally cause wear over time. Looking after your stick correctly can help reduce unnecessary damage and maintain performance throughout the season.

After use, sticks should always be cleaned and dried before storage, particularly after playing in wet conditions. Dirt, sand, water and moisture left on the stick for prolonged periods can affect grips, weaken protective finishes and contribute to premature wear. Sticks should never be left in damp kit bags, cold sheds, garages or car boots for extended periods.

If your stick becomes wet, simply wipe it dry with a soft cloth and allow it to dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid direct heat sources such as radiators, heaters or prolonged exposure to strong sunlight, as excessive heat can affect adhesives, grips and composite materials.

Regular inspection of the stick is recommended, particularly around the head, toe, shaft and grip areas where the highest levels of wear occur. Surface chips, scratches and cosmetic marks are common through normal use, especially on composite and carbon sticks, however deeper cracks, splitting, soft spots or exposed fibres should be checked before continued play.

Maintaining a good grip is also important for comfort, control and confidence. Over time, grips can become smooth, loose or worn, particularly during wet weather and heavy use. Regripping your stick regularly can improve handling and reduce unnecessary movement during play.

Protective tape on the head and shaft can help reduce surface wear and minor impact damage, particularly on abrasive sand-based pitches and training surfaces. However, no tape or protective covering can fully prevent wear caused through regular play.

We offer a hockey stick assessment and maintenance service, subject to inspection of the stick. Services may include regripping, grip replacement advice, minor maintenance recommendations and general equipment care guidance depending on the condition of the stick.

For Jersey customers, we also offer a convenient pick-up and drop-off service where possible, with many regrips able to be completed on-site at the time of collection.

If you are unsure about the condition of your stick or would like advice on care, maintenance or replacement options, our team will always be happy to help.

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We aim to provide quality teamwear, workwear, promotional wear, and corporate wear through a personal and efficient service that caters to sports teams, individuals, and businesses.

We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and high-quality merchandise, printing, and embroidery. Using the latest technology in both digitising and machinery, we work hard to ensure complete satisfaction with every order placed.

We supply a wide range of sports teamwear and workwear, including aprons, tabards, polo shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, shirts, blouses, ties, work trousers, chef jackets, hi-vis jackets, work shorts, and t-shirts.

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Investing in large sports equipment is a big decision — and we want to make sure everything is right before you buy. That’s why we offer a FREE site visit and assessment service for customers purchasing larger sports equipment items.

Whether it’s for your home, workplace, gym, school, sports club, leisure centre, or community facility, our experienced team can visit your location to assess the space, access, installation requirements, and overall suitability of the equipment you’re considering.

From table tennis tables and gym equipment to basketball systems, football goals, cricket nets, hockey goals, storage units, and full-size sports installations, we can advise on:

• Available space and measurements
• Access routes and delivery logistics
• Safety clearances and positioning
• Installation requirements
• Surface compatibility
• Assembly considerations
• Indoor and outdoor suitability
• Recommended products for your environment

Our goal is simple — to ensure your equipment fits properly, can be safely installed, and performs exactly as expected once delivered.

We understand that every location is different, and our expert advice helps prevent costly mistakes, delays, or unsuitable purchases. No matter how big or small the project, we’re happy to help guide you through the process with honest, practical recommendations.

If you’re unsure whether a product will work in your space, just ask — chances are, we can advise on it.

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Book your FREE site visit today and buy with confidence.