Product Review: Gray-Nicolls Select 600 Batting Pads 2020 v Gray-Nicolls Classic Prestige Batting Pads 2018

Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way first: how come a 57 year old man, who has not played cricket for 33 years, who has only had three outside nets and two indoor nets during September and October 2019 (under COVID-19) restrictions, has bought two pairs of Gray–Nicolls batting pads?

Well “obviously” the nets necessitated buying a pair of pads, especially with COVID-19 restrictions in place. Having already bought some Gray-Nicolls batting gloves it was a no brainer really that I was going to stay with the same brand that I had used in my youth, although it should be said that it was only ever a Gray-Nicolls bat, the other equipment was really brand neutral: a sign of how things have changed!

As I previously wrote, when I started buying my equipment I had considered other brands, but the need to get the batting gloves the next day i.e. Amazon, sort of forced the (inevitable) decision regards Gray-Nicolls, and availability made the decision as to which gloves I bought: which is why I ended up paying more and getting a better pair than I had originally planned, which in turn ….. you (will) get the picture.

I was more than happy with these pads (see below) but once I decided that my Cricket Collection was going to comprise a bat, gloves and pads from my three playing periods: young boy, teenager, and old man I convinced myself (easily) and more importantly my wife Sandra (not so easily) that it made ‘sense’ to add the original pads to the Old Man Collection, and buy a new pair: especially as by now I had realised the error of my ways and the current trend with a Brand was to at least have Pads and Gloves not only the same brand, but the same range. I am hesitating to admit that the bat also should be included: I am not that brave!

Now I have got that out of the way I can continue with the review of said bating pads. Well almost – can I just say how great velcro is! Anyone that had to endure thin straps, fiddly buckles and hanging straps (or as I used to do, cut down the straps) will surely appreciate the ease and comfort of velcro, which it transpires is not an old man thing at all.

Oh yes, whilst I am in confessional mode you may want to get used to the concept of doubling up on kit as it does seem to have become a bit of a “thing”.

Gray-Nicolls Heritage Select Batting Pads 2020

My Review

I can not fault these pads either in terms of quality of price. My only issue with them is that they only had the Large and not the Extra Large. Lorimers said that if I was not happy I could send the back so I took them and they were fine. (You may have noticed from the link to ebay that they actually upgraded my original purchase of Heritage Ultimate to Select 600 FOC). At 6ft 4ins they are a little small, and this was not helped by my choice of Thigh Guard (Gray-Nicolls All In One) which was also a little on the small side and I found I was having to wear it slung on the hips like some ageing gunslinger in a (bad) Western: not a great look and not that comfortable as it permanently felt like it was falling down. SPOILER ALERT: I now have two Thigh Pads!

Compared to anything I had owned before they were unbelievably light and comfortable, and let’s be honest Club Level Protection is more than enough for the quality of bowling that I anticipate facing.

Without wanting to brag at all (honest) I did not give them as good a testing as I anticipated in my net sessions, but on the occasions that I was struck on them, the protection provided was more than adequate.

Putting the point above regarding size to one side, I could not believe how small, light and compact they were: no flapping parts and straps which were an ongoing risk of being taken for an outside edge, but for most reading this review that will not be news.

Aesthetically I am a big fan of the Gray-Nicolls logo and branding, so these are more than pleasant on the eye as well.

My days of the quick single are long gone, but for the sake of the review I did do a few shuttles in them, and they were fine: to be honest could hardly tell I had them on.

Without doubt I would recommend these batting pads to any club cricketer.

Manufacturers Product Description

While some players like to stand out from the crowd with loud colours and even louder designs, some want to make a statement with simplicity, class and quality. Step forward from our Classic collection, the Gray-Nicolls Select 600 leg guards.

Ideal batting pads for club cricketers around the world, the Select 600 include the understated yet iconic design features that make our products so desirable. Black and white checks adorn the three leg straps, with only the red flash from the Gray-Nicolls for colour. Beautiful.

The Select 600 leg guards deliver on their promise of fantastic quality at incredible value, making them an essential item for your kit bag. The Vapour foam bolster with cane rods at the front of the pad will keep you protected against even the fastest bowlers, but without any unnecessary weight to undermine your performance.

They also offer fantastic flexibility and movement thanks to brilliant features such as their three-section design, which allows each area of the pad to move and mould independently.

The Select 600 leg guards continue to deliver on performance with their ¾ length Vapour foam wing. Designed to reduce the risk of being hit on the side of the leg and knee, the wing adds another layer of protection, without a huge sacrifice in weight.

The leg guard also utilises the Diffuser foam instep, which comes to the fore particularly long innings, when the soft and supple material reduces soreness and rubbing. It also gives yet another layer of protection at the bottom of the batting pad, which can also be overlooked.

Club cricketers will feel like they get the Legend treatment when they pick up the Select 600. Lightweight, great performance. Everything a Gray-Nicolls product should be.

Protection Level: Club.

Features: 

• Vapour foam bolster with Cane rods for high-quality protection
• Three section design with high-density vapour foam for fantastic flex and durability
• Full-length Vapour foam wing gives added protection at the side of the pad
• Diffuser foam instep for extra protection and comfort
• Designed by our specialist product team based in Robertsbridge

Purchased off eBay through lorimers4sport: £38.99 (MRP 2020 £49.99 Ultimate, £64.99 Select 600)

Gray-Nicolls Classic Prestige Batting Pads 2018

My Review

If I was impressed with the Ultimate pads I am not sure really how to describe my impression of the Prestige pad, other than “even more” impressed, which on one level is not a surprise (I mean they were more expensive and have a higher protection level), but on the other is a big surprise as I had not foreseen just how different they would be.

If you think you are paying a premium for a more enhanced brand model then you are wrong. These pads are different and in a good way.

They still feel light and not at all cumbersome, but at the same time they feel more substantial. For me the length is better, and I like the extra ankle protection but depending on your stance you may feel they get in the way. As I stand with my bat ‘hovering’ rather than tapping the ground it is not an issue for me.

The pads feel like they are standing out further on your legs because of the extra protection, but they are not. They are a little wider and more moulded which I think is the reason they still feel so snug, and my attempts at a jogged single was no slower than in the Ultimate.

It may well be the psychology of having to convince myself that they are better but they do feel more reassuring, but as I often say, the chances of me facing a 80mph ball are somewhat unlikely.

Whichever pads you buy I don’t think you will be disappointed, but you will know why you have paid more if you go with the Prestige version.

Manufacturers Product Description

The Gray-Nicolls Classic collection features batting leg guards that bare the unmistakable hallmarks of our iconic brand. The Prestige batting pads, ideal for professional or club players alike, fulfil just about every wish a cricketer could have, and then some.

Featuring the quintessential Gray-Nicolls check design across the straps, with flashes of red coming from our logo, the Prestige batting pads are only equalled in their beauty by their quality.

The Prestige batting pads have a range of features that will ensure your performance is never compromised.  They include fantastic Vapour foam bolsters with cane rods, which deliver fantastic protection against even the fastest bowlers, but without adding excess weight that can burden some pads.

Further to this, the Prestige leg guards also feature Vapour foam knee with Poly-armour. This will allow the batsman to move freely at the crease, moving forwards and backwards with ease as their innings develops, while also protecting them in the heat of battle.

Additionally, the Prestige pads give batsmen fantastic coverage on the side of the pad – an area that has previously been overlooked – courtesy of the full-length diffuser foam wing. This will provide significant protection if the ball cannons into the area, saving you from what can be a very painful blow.

Lastly, the diffuser foam instep gives incredible comfort during what can long, sweaty innings. They are soft and supple, reducing the risk of soreness, while the foam adds yet another layer of protection regardless of the bowlers you face.

The Prestige is a fantastic product that takes pride of place in our new collection. Designed with high-level club cricketers in mind, the Prestige looks and feels exactly what it is – an incredible product.

Protection Level: County/Premier League.

Features:

• The leg-hugging design combined with butterfly padded straps and buckles offers a superior and comfortable hit.
• Gel-Zone knee cups with added EVA and side wings provide added impact resistance.
• A combination of high density foam and cane rods provide improved impact absorption.
• A Vertical Bolster incorporating 30mm Vapour Foam offers added armour to the leg.
• Additional foam around the ankle increases comfort and fit.

Purchased from Amazon: £79.95 + £3.95 delivery (MRP 2020 £99.99)

About The Review

Reviews will always identify whether the product has been bought for my own use, gifted for my own use, or sent for review. I will keep items I have bought or been gifted. Items sent for review once reviewed will be donated to Penkridge Cricket Club, MERIT PRU or the YMCA North Staffordshire as appropriate.

Reviews will always be my personal, unbiased, opinion based on my experience of the product and my own abilities. The reality is that most of the time I will not warrant the quality of product being reviewed, but what can I say, I like “stuff” especially “good quality stuff” so that is all there is to say on the matter!!

Reviews will include the list price and where applicable the price paid, a link to the source of the product and the manufacturer and where available manufacturer published product information. If a manufacturer or seller has asked me to publish a special discount or offer I will make this clear.

If you have a question or opinion please leave it in the comments below and I will reply.

We will write a Featured Review for a donation of £25 to our cat re-homing project (ALStrays), but this will be CLEARLY categorised as a Featured Post.