Cricket

New Balance DC 700i Max English Willow Cricket Bat Review & Buying Guide (India)

A buying guide to the New Balance DC 700i Max English willow bat: features, who it suits, how to prepare it and how it compares with other models.

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New Balance DC 700i Max English Willow Cricket Bat short handle

New Balance DC 700i Max English Willow cricket bat: review and buying guide for India

The New Balance DC 700i Max English Willow Cricket Bat is a short-handle, professional-grade bat with what New Balance describes as a powerful profile. It is listed at ₹16,499 against an MRP of ₹21,999. This is a bat for committed batters who play leather-ball cricket regularly and want a premium blade. Here is how to decide whether it is right for you.

What the listing tells us

  • Willow: English willow, the traditional choice for leather-ball cricket.
  • Handle: Short handle, the standard fit for most adult batters.
  • Grade: Described as professional grade, so expect cleaner grain and fewer marks than entry-level English willow.
  • Profile: A powerful profile, which generally means more wood in the middle and edges for hitting power.

Who should buy a powerful-profile English willow bat?

A bat with a big profile rewards batters who time the ball well and want power with less effort, such as top-order hitters and finishers. It is not essential for beginners. If you are still learning, a lighter, more forgiving bat like the New Balance TC 600i at ₹12,749 may be easier to control. Our cricket bat buying guide explains the trade-offs in detail.

Check weight and pick-up before you buy

Large-profile bats can feel heavier than they look. Weight is not just a number: balance affects how the bat feels in your hands. Pick the bat up, play a few shadow shots and check that you can control the bat through your full range of strokes. If you are buying online, compare the listed weight range with the bat you use now and check the product page for the handle length and weight options. Junior players should check our size guide first.

Price comparison: DC 700i Max versus TC 700i Max

New Balance has a wide range, so it helps to compare. The New Balance DC-700i Max is listed at ₹11,249, and the New Balance TC-700i Max is also ₹11,249. The DC 700i Max in this review is ₹16,499, so you are paying a premium for the professional grade and the powerful profile. If you are on a tighter budget, one of the lower-priced bats may give you the same brand at a lower cost.

Getting the bat ready

  1. Apply a thin coat of raw linseed oil on the face and edges, and let it dry for about 24 hours. Do not over-oil.
  2. Knock the bat in with a mallet for several hours, starting gently and building pressure gradually.
  3. Use an old leather ball in the nets before using it in a match.
  4. Fit an anti-scuff sheet and toe guard to protect the blade.

Verdict

This is a premium English willow bat for committed leather-ball players who want power. If your cricket is mostly casual, it is more bat than you need. For serious club cricket, it is a strong option from a brand that has built a loyal following. Try to feel the pick-up before buying and plan time for knocking in.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the New Balance DC 700i Max good for beginners?

It is aimed at committed players. Beginners may find a lighter, more forgiving bat easier to control, though a strong batter with good technique can use it.

How long does it take to knock in an English willow bat?

Plan for several hours of gentle knocking spread over a few days, followed by net sessions with an old ball before using it in matches.

What does a powerful profile mean?

It means a thicker blade with more wood in the middle and edges, which helps generate power. It can feel heavier than a low-profile bat.

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