{"product_id":"gm-maxi-signature-english-willow-cricket-bat-2026-l540-low-swell-power-bat-for-big-hitters","title":"GM Maxi Signature English Willow Cricket Bat (2026) – L540 Low-Swell Power Bat for Big Hitters","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGM Maxi Signature Cricket Bat (2026)\u003c\/strong\u003e is Gunn \u0026amp; Moore's signature power-hitter bat — built on the aggressive \u003cstrong\u003eL540 blade design\u003c\/strong\u003e with a \u003cstrong\u003elow swell position\u003c\/strong\u003e, a \u003cstrong\u003ethick toe\u003c\/strong\u003e, and an intimidating presence in the hand. Made in England from seasoned Grade 3 English willow by GM's expert craftsmen and fitted with the acclaimed \u003cstrong\u003eFuze Grip\u003c\/strong\u003e. The 2026 livery is stripped back, bold, and aggressively modern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy the Maxi Signature Is Built for Big Hitters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eL540 Blade Design\u003c\/strong\u003e — GM's L540 profile delivers a dynamic sweet spot and enhanced power. Every dimension of the blade is engineered around one thing: making the ball travel further off the middle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow Swell Position\u003c\/strong\u003e — The pronounced low swell puts the mass exactly where a front-foot, power-driven player wants it — through the line, over the covers, straight down the ground.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThick Toe, Intimidating Presence\u003c\/strong\u003e — A thick toe and full-shouldered profile give the bat visible bat presence at the crease. It looks like a weapon and it plays like one.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrade 3 Seasoned Unbleached English Willow\u003c\/strong\u003e — Prime English willow, seasoned unbleached — real cricketing character, real playing performance. Minor natural blemishes and some colouring to one edge are typical of unbleached seasoned willow (not defects).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade in England by Expert Craftsmen\u003c\/strong\u003e — Every Maxi Signature is hand-pressed, shaped and finished by GM's Nottingham-based craftsmen. Over 130 years of Gunn \u0026amp; Moore bat-making expertise in every bat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGM Fuze Grip\u003c\/strong\u003e — Fitted with the Fuze Grip for elite feel and control — one of the most tactile grips in modern cricket.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpertly Pressed Faces\u003c\/strong\u003e — GM's expert pressing delivers superior feel and long-term durability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced Handle Technology\u003c\/strong\u003e — Handle engineered for excellent shock absorption and comfort through the biggest shots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2026 Aggressive Modern Livery\u003c\/strong\u003e — Stripped-back graphics, bold accents — the Maxi's identity for the 2026 season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBuilt for the Front-Foot Power Player\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Maxi Signature isn't a bat for touch players — it's a bat for cricketers who play front-foot, drive through the line, and clear the boundary. The L540 blade and pronounced low swell position combine to load the mass exactly where a big hitter wants it. If you open the batting, bat in the top order, or come in to attack in the middle overs — this is the GM bat designed for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWillow\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrade 3 English Willow — seasoned unbleached (minor blemishes typical, some colouring to one edge)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBlade Design\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGM L540 — dynamic sweet spot with enhanced power\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProfile\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow swell position with thick toe and full shoulders\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSweet Spot\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow sweet spot — engineered for front-foot power play\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFace Profile\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eF2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHandle Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e310mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHandle\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdvanced handle technology — shock-absorbing multi-piece cane construction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrip\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGM Fuze Grip pre-fitted\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight Range\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLight (2lb 7oz – 2lb 9oz) · Medium (2lb 10oz – 2lb 12oz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAvailable Size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShort Handle (SH)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLivery\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2026 stripped-back, bold, aggressively modern\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGunn \u0026amp; Moore — Made in England\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePreparation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePre-prepared; additional knocking-in recommended before first match (knocking service available at checkout)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFront-foot power players, top-order aggressors, T20 openers, premier league boundary clearers — anyone who wants a bat with visible presence, a low sweet spot, and the confidence to hit through the line every ball. Also ideal for GM fans wanting the signature Maxi shape in the 2026 season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Instructions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdditional knocking-in is recommended before first match use — book the \u003cstrong\u003eMCG Sports Cricket Bat Knocking \u0026amp; Preparation Service\u003c\/strong\u003e at checkout for a match-ready bat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLightly oil the face with raw linseed oil — 2–3 light coats, 24 hours apart, before the first session.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStore in a bat cover, cool and dry; never leave in a hot car or in direct sunlight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid use on saturated wet pitches or with cheap synthetic balls.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConsider \u003cstrong\u003etoe guard application\u003c\/strong\u003e for added longevity — available as an add-on service.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this really Grade 3? The Maxi Signature is the top of the range.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes — GM's Maxi range uses Grade 3 seasoned unbleached English willow across the Signature model. GM's grading is based on playing performance selection rather than pure cosmetic grain count — the Signature is the top-shape, top-shaping expression of the Maxi blade regardless of the willow grade number. The playing character is elite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does L540 mean?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eL540 is GM's blade design code for their aggressive low-swell power profile — engineered to deliver a dynamic sweet spot with enhanced power for front-foot, big-hitting cricket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy does GM use seasoned unbleached willow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSeasoned unbleached willow retains more of the natural willow character than bleached willow — cricketers often prefer the ping and feel of unbleached bats. Expect minor natural blemishes and colouring to one edge as a mark of the willow's natural seasoning process (these are not defects and do not affect performance).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhich weight should I pick — Light or Medium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLight (2lb 7oz – 2lb 9oz) suits players prioritising bat speed and quick hands. Medium (2lb 10oz – 2lb 12oz) gives more bat presence for hitting through the line — the more common choice for aggressive players who want the Maxi's low-swell presence at impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it come pre-knocked?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe bat is pre-prepared but benefits from additional knocking-in before first match use. Add the MCG Sports Knocking \u0026amp; Preparation Service at checkout for a fully match-ready bat and to preserve your warranty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does the Maxi Signature compare to the Maxi 606 or Maxi Original?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Maxi Signature is the top of GM's Maxi range — the flagship shape and shaping expression of the L540 blade. The Maxi 606 and Maxi Original sit lower in the Maxi range with slightly different willow grades and price points. All share the low-swell power profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does this compare to my English willow options from SS or DSC?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGM is one of the most established English bat makers — Made in England, over 130 years of heritage, distinctive Nottingham craftsmanship. Compared to SS\/TON (Meerut-crafted Kashmir-forest cricketers' bats), GM offers English pressing character, the low-swell L540 profile, and the Fuze Grip. Pick based on feel preference and origin preference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePackage Contents\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 × GM Maxi Signature English Willow Cricket Bat (2026) in selected weight, with pre-fitted GM Fuze Grip\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GM","offers":[{"title":"2.9 lb (1175 gas) \/ Semi-Oval","offer_id":52357529600280,"sku":"MCG-GM-MAXI-SIG-MD","price":779.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0843\/9028\/1496\/files\/Maxi.png?v=1783047556","url":"https:\/\/mcgsports.com.au\/products\/gm-maxi-signature-english-willow-cricket-bat-2026-l540-low-swell-power-bat-for-big-hitters","provider":"MCG Sports","version":"1.0","type":"link"}