MRF Cricket Bat Buying Guide: Which Model Is Right for You?
by The team at Western Sports Centre, Derrimut on May 23, 2026The right MRF bat depends mostly on the willow grade, which should match how seriously you play. Grade 1 bats like the Genius Grand are for regular, competitive club players. Grade 2 and 3 bats like the Genius Cobra and Weapon Gold suit most club cricketers. Grade 4 and 5 bats like the Bullet are a good first English willow bat. After that, pick the bat that feels lightest and best balanced in your hands.
MRF bats have been used by Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara and Virat Kohli, and we've been selling and fitting them at Western Sports Centre in Derrimut for over ten years. Here's how we help customers choose.
Quick picks
| If you are… | Look at |
|---|---|
| A top-order club or rep player who wants the best | MRF Genius Grand or MRF Prince Warrior (Grade 1) |
| A regular club player wanting great value | MRF Genius Cobra, Genius Soldier or Maverick Silver (Grade 2) |
| A social or lower-grade player | MRF Weapon Gold or Maverick Force (Grade 3) |
| Buying your first English willow bat | MRF Bullet (Grade 5) or Genius Grand Graphite (Grade 4) |
| Buying for a junior | See the junior bats below |
Our MRF stock changes often and many models are one-offs. See the full MRF cricket bat range for what's in stock now.
What does the willow grade mean?
English willow is graded from 1 (best) to 5. Higher grades have straighter, more even grain and fewer marks, and usually feel more responsive off the middle. Lower grades can still play very well. They just tend to have more marks in the wood, may take longer to knock in, and cost less.
For most club cricketers, a Grade 2 or 3 bat is the best balance of performance and value. Grade 1 is worth it if you play a lot of cricket and want the best feel. Our cricket bat buying guide explains grades, weight and willow in more detail.
The MRF adult range we stock
| Bat | Willow | What it's like |
|---|---|---|
| Genius Grand | Grade 1 English | MRF's top bat, from the range linked with Virat Kohli. Full profile, big hitting area and a mid-to-low sweet spot for driving. |
| Prince Warrior | Grade 1 English | Top-grade willow for serious players. |
| Genius Prince | Premium English | Big swell, thick edges and good balance for stroke players. |
| Genius Cobra | Grade 2 English | A strong club bat with near top-grade feel. |
| Genius Soldier | Grade 2 English | Another good Grade 2 choice for regular club cricket. |
| Maverick Silver | Grade 2 English | Mid-blade profile, thick edges and an easy pickup. |
| Weapon Gold | Grade 3 English | Good value for club and social cricket. |
| Maverick Force | Grade 3 English | Mid-to-low sweet spot, thick edges and a light pickup. |
| Genius Grand Graphite | Grade 4 English | The Genius Grand look and shape in a lower grade. |
| Bullet | Grade 5 English | An affordable first English willow bat. |
MRF junior bats
We stock MRF junior bats from top grade down to starter level:
- Top grade: Genius Grand Platinum Junior (Grade 1) and Genius Grand Diamond Junior.
- Grade 2: G77 Nova Junior and Weapon Gold Junior.
- Great for juniors starting out: Weapon Cannon Junior, Weapon Arrow Junior and Bullet Junior (Grade 5).
Getting the size right matters more than the grade for a junior. A bat that's too long or heavy makes it hard to learn good technique. Use the size chart in our cricket bat buying guide, and if your child is between sizes, go smaller.
Our tips for choosing
- Pick the bat up. Two bats of the same model can feel quite different, because willow is natural. How the bat feels when you swing it matters more than the number on the scale.
- Don't overbuy. If you play lower grades on a Saturday afternoon, you don't need a Grade 1 bat. A well-chosen Grade 2 or 3 bat, properly knocked in, will serve you well.
- Think about how you bat. Players who drive a lot off the front foot often like a mid-to-low sweet spot. Players who cut and pull a lot often like a higher sweet spot.
- Get it knocked in. Every English willow bat needs knocking in before you face a leather ball. Many of our bats include our free Match Ready service, or read our bat care guide to do it yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Which MRF bat does Virat Kohli use?
Kohli is linked with MRF's Genius Grand range. The Genius Grand and Genius Grand Platinum are built in a similar style, with Grade 1 English willow, a full profile and thick edges.
Are MRF bats good for club cricket?
Yes. The Grade 2 and 3 models, such as the Genius Cobra, Genius Soldier and Weapon Gold, are popular with club cricketers because they play well without the cost of a Grade 1 bat.
Do MRF bats need knocking in?
Yes. Like any English willow bat, an MRF bat needs knocking in before you use it with a leather ball, unless it's been prepared for you.
What's the best MRF bat for a junior?
The one that's the right size and weight. For a first bat, the Bullet Junior, Weapon Cannon or Weapon Arrow are good choices. For a serious junior, look at the G77 Nova or the Genius Grand junior models.
Come and try them
Come into Western Sports Centre in Derrimut to pick up every MRF bat we have, take a few swings and talk to our team about your game. Or shop MRF bats online with delivery across Australia. Got a question? Call us on 0450 227 972.
