I always thought that using the Kookaburra cricket kits was actually cool to own because, growing up, I saw my favorite players like Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist all used to use Kookaburra cricket bats. Now, I see some of the modern-day greats always use Kookaburra, like Glen Maxwell, Alyssa Healy, and Jos Butler, who are all using different versions of Kookaburra.
The brand truly resonates with the players when it comes to quality cricket equipment, not just bats. And they have been creating bats for all types of players, for different player levels and especially for different price ranges. Whether you want a short-handed bat with a lot of wood or a long-handled bat with wood at the center of the spine, or when it comes to choosing Kashimi Willow or English, Kookaburra takes care of you.
History of Kookaburra Cricket Bat: The legacy and the players behind it
Named after the Kingfisher of Australia, Kookaburra started its journey way back in 1890. The founder, Alfred G. Thompson, initially started his journey through the creation of harnesses as a skilled saddler. Still, pretty soon, due to a change in trends, he began a shift in making cricket equipment of all sorts; where they made cricket balls at the beginning, which then led to the jersey, cricket equipment, and guards. Currently, the brand is one of the leading brands in terms of cricket and hockey equipment, and it has various famous lines, like the Kahuna, Ghost, Beast, Bubble, and so many more. The brand is also involved with several elite cricketers who have been using Kookabura equipment, like the great Ricky Ponting, who has always been the advocate of the Kookaburra Kahuna line.
Various versions of Kookaburra Cricket Bat
Let us now go through some of the various fantastic lines of cricket bats with incredibly detailed specifications, along with the great players who have been using them. We will also be discussing the price range of these bats and when they will be suitable for the type of cricket you play. But, if you’d like to know more about bats and the science behind them, then I may have something for you.
Kahuna
The most classic version Kookaburra has had, which has been around for more than 20 years now, is the Kahuna range of Bats. It is one of the safest options when picking up a Kookaburra due to its impeccable design, having the spine of the bat all the way to the bottom.
The Kahuna weight range is around 1.3 kilograms; it is the ideal bat if you’re playing at a high level. The Kahuna range originally started with Ricky Ponting, who has been a vocal advocate of Kahunas; then, down the road, we had Ab Devilliers use it, and currently, we see Jos Butler striking those massive sixes with it also in the sub-continents like players like Shikhar Dhawan from India and Anamul Haque Bijoy all use the Kahunas.
The Kahuna also has a range known as the Kahuna lite, which is for junior cricketers; the lite version comes in 1 inch longer handle.
In terms of price, The Kahuna range is priced around 30,000 to 60,000 rupees depending on the variant and the quality you choose. Depending on the willow grade, you can also get cheaper models, but I wouldn’t recommend those.
Ghost
Another one in the classics has been around in the game for around ten years. The entirely white and chrome has such a classy look that you wouldn’t even wanna play with this bat; you’d rather keep it as a showpiece. The bat has thick, meaty edges with a lot of meat on the blade at the center, which is built for all-around stroke play. The Ghost 2023 and 2024 variants have two types of Grips: the hexa grip and the quilt grip. Currently, the Ghost is primarily preferred by the one and only Marnus Labuschagne and Nathan Lyon.
Just like the Kahuna Ranges, the ghost also has the Lite range of bats that are 1-inch longer handles.
In terms of prices, The ghost ranges are priced around 10,000 to 40,000 rupees depending on the willow quality and variants you choose.
As for the juniors, The Ghost ranges start from 2,700 rupees to 14,500 rupees.
Aura
One of the more colorful and uniquely shaped bats, used by the likes of great Nat Sciver, who has been a consistent performer for the England team as well as in the Women’s IPL, is the Kookaburra Aura. Not to mention, we also see Alex Carey having a go with the Aura. If you’re looking for a shorter blade and longer handle bat that likes to hold the grip at the more central area of the grip, then the Aura is the ideal bat for you.
It has a 15-millimeter shoulder, making the grip longer while the rest of the weight goes onto the profile of the bat. The toe of the bat is square-shaped so that the bat has a broader feel. The weight of the Aura is around 1.25 kg. The three-colored gradient of orange, blue, and pink-purple bat indeed feels like a work of art for a bat that could feel light and hit the long ball.
In terms of prices, the Aura ranges from around 25,000 rupees to 48,000 rupees. The Kookaburra Aura Pro 2024 is the best out of the lot, priced at 47,000 rupees.
Rapid
For the more lightweight, less profile bats that are for the developing players or for the women’s division, the Rapid is the right choice. The bat has less meat at the center of the bat with small edges, making it an easy swing to hit the long ball. Someone who’s getting up from Junior Cricket to Division level can definitely get the Rapid as an upgrade. It weighs around 1.1 kg. You will see Women’s Cricketer Hayley Matthews using the Kookaburra Rapid.
In terms of prices, The Rapid starts from 2,500 rupees, which is the Kookaburra Rapid 10.1 Junior Cricket Bat, to 47,000 rupees, which is the Kookaburra Rapid Pro.
Stealth
Brand new in the line of 2024, the Stealth has been made for the modern-day T20 cricketers. A bat that has an inch shorter blade than all of the Kookaburra bats, but the wood is compensated as the bat has a lot of wood in the hitting arc, making it one of the biggest profile Kookaburra bats. Someone who likes to smash the ball all over the park could consider getting the Stealth because of its massive edges and the meat in the middle. The Stealth weighs around 1.2 to 1.4 kg. Also, aesthetically, it is one of the cleaner-looking bats as it is an all-black bat. Currently, English cricketers Jordan Cox and Ben Foakes are using Kookaburra Stealth.
In terms of prices, there is something for everyone in the Stealth ranges as it goes from 2,600 rupees to 50,000 rupees.
Beast
We all remember the Six Brett Lee hit at the Gabba that went out of the Stadium against the West Indies in that test series or Brad Hodge’s first double hundred; it was all done thanks to the Kookaburra beast. The classic fans are fully aware of the black-covered beast sticker that, unfortunately, got banned.
The beast is made for the shorter format experts as it is one of the lower profile bats with a concave spine and less meat in the middle of the blade. It weighs around 1.18 kg, and among the active players, Glen Maxwell and Martin Guptill use it.
In terms of prices, the Kookaburra Beast comes within the more affordable range as the Kookaburra Beast 4.0 is priced at Rupees 25,500, and for the juniors, there are the likes of Kookaburra Beast 3.1 priced at Rupees 10,900.
Which is the Kookaburra Cricket Bat for you?: Budget, Quality and Type of player
Now, you may consider multiple arrays of bats out of all the variants I’ve spoken about, and you can also choose from the likes of Taron, Vapor, or Bubble lineups. Those versions may not be used by modern-day players often, but those bats are based on specific features that may be suitable for you. Nevertheless, in all those ranges, if you have safe bets, then I would suggest you get the Kahuna or the Ghost. These two versions have been around the longest, and they’re trusted for all forms of the game.
Now if you’re looking for shorter-handled blades, then you should go for the stealth ranges without further thinking because it is for hitting the long ball. But, if you’re thinking of a shorter handle, which is not that shorter but also a decent profile bat, then you could go for the Aura. Beast also has a similar range if you’re playing the shorter versions or you come down to bat at number 5-7 in a one-day game; then Beast is a formidable choice.
And, as for the Rapid, it is a more weighted, less profile bat that you may be used for International Cricket, but I’d prefer developing cricket who got promoted to divisional cricket to try the Rapid lines and then think of upgrading depending on their game consciousness. But, you could also consider the Lite ranges of the Kahuna and Ghost if the Rapid is not suffice your needs.
To Conclude!
Thus, I hope all that we have discussed helps you; the legacy of Kookaburra cricket bats spans over a century, with a rich history intertwined with the game’s greatest moments and players. From its humble beginnings crafting cricket balls to becoming a leading brand in cricket and hockey equipment, Kookaburra’s commitment to quality and innovation shines through its diverse range of bats. Whether you’re a budding cricketer looking to start your journey or an experienced player seeking the perfect tool for your game, Kookaburra offers a bat tailored to your needs and preferences. With options ranging from the classic Kahuna and Ghost to the specialized Aura, Rapid, and Stealth, there’s a Kookaburra bat suited for every player, budget, and playing style. Embodying tradition, performance, and reliability, Kookaburra cricket bats continue to be the weapon of choice for champions past, present, and future.
