Introduction
Finding a cricket bat that truly matches your size, strength, and playing style can be difficult, particularly for junior cricketers, women players, and those who prefer a lightweight pickup. The JP Gavan Staple range, developed in collaboration with Australian cricket superstar Ellyse Perry, aims to solve that problem by offering carefully sized bats designed around real player needs rather than traditional one-size-fits-all measurements.
The Staple collection combines quality willow, smart weight distribution, and progressive sizing systems to help players move smoothly from junior cricket to senior competition. Whether you’re purchasing a first cricket bat for a young player or investing in a premium English willow match bat, the Staple lineup offers a model suitable for every stage of development.
This guide reviews the best Staple cricket bats available in 2024, highlighting their features, performance characteristics, and ideal user profiles.
Why Choose a Staple Cricket Bat?
The Staple range was created with a simple philosophy:
- Better sizing options
- Lightweight pickup
- Improved player comfort
- Easy progression from junior to adult bats
- Performance-focused profiles
Unlike many traditional bat ranges, Staple bats are designed around Ellyse Perry’s playing preferences and physical dimensions, resulting in bats that feel balanced, manageable, and responsive.
1. JP Gavan Staple Oakhill Grade 1
Best For:
Junior and intermediate cricketers seeking premium English willow performance.
The Oakhill Grade 1 is named after the cricket club where Ellyse Perry first discovered her love for the game. Designed for developing players, it combines lightweight handling with impressive power.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sweet Spot | Mid to Low |
| Edge Thickness | 34-36 mm |
| Spine Height | 62-63 mm |
| Face Profile | Rounded |
| Bow | Standard |
| Handle | Round |
| Grip | Octopus Grip |
Performance Review
The Grade 1 willow features clean grain structure, excellent ping, and superb balance. Despite its lightweight design, the bat generates surprising power through the middle.
Players will appreciate:
- Excellent pickup
- Forgiving hitting zone
- Durable semi-rounded toe
- Low maintenance profile
- Controlled weight distribution
Verdict
An outstanding choice for ambitious junior cricketers looking for professional-quality willow without excessive weight.
Rating: 9.5/10
2. JP Gavan Staple Oakhill Grade 3
Best For:
Value-conscious young players wanting English willow performance.
The Oakhill Grade 3 shares the same profile as the Grade 1 model but utilizes a lower willow grading, making it more affordable.
Key Features
- Mid-low sweet spot
- Semi-rounded edges
- Standard bow
- Round handle
- Lightweight pickup
Performance Review
The bat delivers excellent balance and performance while maintaining the Staple philosophy of easy handling. The sweet spot remains responsive, making stroke play comfortable for developing players.
The Grade 3 offers tremendous value for families wanting quality English willow without paying premium prices.
Verdict
One of the best value-for-money junior English willow bats available.
Rating: 9/10
3. JP Gavan Staple St Ives Players Grade
Best For:
Elite players seeking the exact profile used by Ellyse Perry.
This is the flagship bat in the Staple range.
Built according to Ellyse Perry’s exact specifications, the St Ives Players Grade uses exceptionally light Players Grade English willow, allowing more wood to remain in the blade while keeping overall weight low.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Willow Grade | Players Grade |
| Grains | 12-16 Straight Grains |
| Sweet Spot | Mid |
| Edge Thickness | 34-36 mm |
| Spine Height | 62-63 mm |
| Handle | Round |
| Bow | Standard |
Performance Review
This bat delivers exceptional ping across a remarkably wide sweet spot. The premium willow allows maximum energy transfer while preserving a lightweight feel.
Standout characteristics include:
- Professional-grade performance
- Outstanding grain structure
- Huge sweet spot
- Superb pickup
- Elite craftsmanship
Verdict
One of the finest bats in the Staple lineup and ideal for serious club, premier-grade, and representative cricketers.
Rating: 10/10
4. JP Gavan Staple St Ives Grade 2
Best For:
Advanced cricketers wanting premium performance at a lower cost.
The St Ives Grade 2 shares the same profile as the Players Grade model but uses slightly less select willow.
Performance Review
Bat speed remains excellent, while the middle feels powerful and well-balanced. The rounded face and minimal concaving provide a consistent response across the blade.
Benefits include:
- Premium profile
- Strong sweet spot
- Excellent pickup
- High-quality English willow
- Greater affordability than Players Grade
Verdict
The perfect middle-ground option between elite and budget-friendly models.
Rating: 9.4/10
5. JP Gavan Staple St Ives Grade 3
Best For:
Competitive players seeking the St Ives profile on a tighter budget.
This version offers the same Ellyse Perry-inspired shape while bringing costs down through lower-grade willow selection.
Key Advantages
- Same proven profile
- Lightweight feel
- Consistent pickup
- Excellent value
- Large sweet spot
Performance Review
The Grade 3 delivers solid match-day performance and retains most of the characteristics that make the higher-grade St Ives bats popular.
Club players will find it forgiving and powerful enough for all formats.
Verdict
A practical option for players who prioritize performance shape over cosmetic willow grading.
Rating: 9.2/10
6. JP Gavan Staple Lofberg
Best For:
Young beginners and first-time cricketers.
Named after the practice nets where Ellyse Perry spent countless hours developing her game, the Lofberg is designed as an entry-level junior bat.
Unlike other Staple models, the Lofberg uses premium Kashmir willow, prioritizing durability and affordability.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Willow | Premium Kashmir Willow |
| Sweet Spot | Mid-High |
| Edge Thickness | 37-39 mm |
| Spine Height | 63-65 mm |
| Bow | Enhanced |
| Face | Semi Flat |
| Grip | Pro-Lite |
Performance Review
The Lofberg offers:
- Easy pickup
- Durable construction
- Strong edges
- Beginner-friendly balance
- No extensive preparation requirements
Its mid-high middle works particularly well on bouncy pitches and helps young players develop both front-foot and back-foot shot making.
Verdict
The ideal starter bat for children entering organized cricket.
Rating: 8.8/10
International Player Using Staple Bats
Ellyse Perry
A key reason behind the success of the Staple range is the direct involvement of Australian superstar Ellyse Perry.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest female cricketers of all time, Perry helped shape the range around real-world player needs, particularly for:
- Female cricketers
- Junior players
- Smaller athletes
- Players seeking lightweight equipment
Her influence can be seen in the bat sizing system, weight distribution, and comfort-focused designs across the entire range.
Who Is JP Gavan?
JP Gavan was founded by Australian bat maker Josh Gavan, one of Australia’s few specialist bat makers. Operating from a workshop near Sydney, he has spent years crafting, repairing, and refining cricket bats for players across all levels.
His partnership with Ellyse Perry brought together professional playing experience and expert bat-making knowledge to create the Staple range.
Which Staple Bat Should You Buy?
Choose the Oakhill Grade 1 if:
- You want premium junior English willow.
- You prioritize lightweight pickup.
Choose the Oakhill Grade 3 if:
- You want the best value in the Oakhill series.
- Budget matters more than cosmetic willow grading.
Choose the St Ives Players Grade if:
- You want the exact Ellyse Perry profile.
- You’re a serious competitive cricketer.
Choose the St Ives Grade 2 if:
- You want premium performance at a lower price.
Choose the St Ives Grade 3 if:
- You want the St Ives shape without paying top-tier prices.
Choose the Lofberg if:
- You’re purchasing a first cricket bat.
- Durability and affordability are priorities.
Conclusion
The JP Gavan Staple range stands apart because it focuses on fitting the player rather than forcing players to adapt to the equipment. Designed alongside Ellyse Perry, these bats emphasize lightweight handling, intelligent sizing, and practical performance. From the beginner-friendly Lofberg to the elite St Ives Players Grade, every model is engineered to provide confidence, comfort, and stroke-making freedom.
For junior cricketers, female players, and anyone seeking a bat with excellent pickup and balanced performance, the Staple lineup deserves serious consideration. Whether you’re stepping onto a cricket field for the first time or competing at an advanced level, there is a Staple bat designed to help you play your best cricket.
See More: Duncan Fearnley Bats