The CA Pro 18K sits at the upper end of CA Sports' Pro range, above the 15K and 12K: premium English willow, a full profile with thick edges and a mid-to-low sweet spot built for all three formats rather than one.

This listing is the Long Blade size — a longer blade on a standard-length handle, giving more hitting area and reach without changing how the handle sits in your hands. It is the size for taller players.

CA Pro 18K specifications

What Long Blade actually means

Bat sizes confuse people and the names do not help. Long Blade extends the blade and leaves the handle alone. Long Handle extends the handle and leaves the blade alone. They solve different problems.

If you are tall and a Short Handle feels like you are reaching down at the ball, Long Blade is what you want: more blade to cover the full stride, more hitting surface, and a handle that still sits where you are used to. Long Handle is for players who want their hands higher and more room on the grip. Most tall club cricketers are better served by Long Blade.

As a rough guide, Long Blade suits players from around 6ft upwards. Under about 5ft 10in, stay with Short Handle — an oversized bat is harder to control than a slightly short one, and no amount of extra hitting area makes up for being late on the ball. Every bat here is photographed individually, so the images are the actual bat you receive.

Profile, middle and balance

CA build the Pro 18K as a full profile bat with thick edges and the sweet spot mid to low, which is why they rate it for Test, ODI and T20 rather than one format: low enough to reward driving and hitting through the line, with enough blade above it to play off the back foot. On a Long Blade there is simply more of all of it, so the strong cane handle and balanced pick-up matter more than usual — a longer blade is easier to let run away from you if the balance is wrong. Prefer a thicker handle or a chevron grip? Add an extra grip above and we will fit it before dispatch.

Knocking in and bat preparation

English willow must be prepared before facing a hard ball, unless it is already fully knocked in. Our Bat Preparation service covers linseed oil, 24 hours drying, 12,000 machine knocks, a scuff sheet and edge tape. Add a fitted toe guard too if the bat will see damp outfields or hard nets.

Buy the CA Pro 18K Long Blade in the UK

Crystal Sports is an independent cricket shop in Luton, Bedfordshire, stocking the Pro 18K alongside the wider CA cricket bat range. Order online with tracked UK delivery, or visit Unit 2, 200 Dunstable Road, Luton LU4 8JL to pick one up and feel the length before you commit.

Manufacturer description

Introducing the CA Pro 18K Cricket Bat, the epitome of craftsmanship tailored for the discerning cricketer who aims for unparalleled performance on the pitch. Meticulously crafted with precision, this bat represents the perfect balance of power, control, and style.