Gray-Nicolls Clads Helmet Cover-Maroon at a glance

Product description

Instantly transform your cricket helmet Easy to clean, lightweight and durable cover Available in a range of colours Ideal for use with both junior and senior helmets

Buying cricket equipment

Cricket equipment is chosen on fit, on the grade of cricket being played, and on the surface it is used on - in that order. Sizing is by measurement rather than age for every protective item, and equipment that is too large protects worse than equipment that fits, because it moves out of position at the moment of impact.

Junior equipment in particular should be bought to fit now rather than to be grown into: oversized bats and pads teach technical habits that outlast the equipment.

If you are unsure what suits a particular player, the coaching staff at Cricket For All's Gilles Plains centre see the same equipment in the nets every day and will advise on fit and suitability.

Sizing cricket equipment correctly

Every protective item in cricket is sized by measurement, not by age, and correct sizing is a safety matter rather than a comfort preference.

Why oversized equipment protects worse

Protection works by staying in contact with the body at the moment of impact. Equipment that is too large slides, rotates or sits proud, and has moved out of position by the time the ball arrives. An oversized pad pushes its knee roll above the knee and leaves the shin exposed; an oversized glove lets the finger slide out from under the padding; an oversized helmet rocks and the grille moves.

This is why buying junior equipment to "grow into" is a false economy in a way that buying a large shirt is not.

Buying for a growing junior

Juniors outgrow equipment on a roughly annual cycle through the fastest growth years. Practical approaches:

• Buy protective equipment to fit now, and expect to replace it.
• Kashmir willow bats and entry-range protective gear exist precisely for this - the cost per season of a correctly fitted entry bat replaced yearly is lower than a premium bat used oversized for two years.
• Second-hand is reasonable for bats and bags. It is not reasonable for helmets, where impact history is invisible and matters.

Care that extends equipment life

The single most damaging thing done to cricket equipment is storing it damp in a sealed bag. Leather hardens, protective foam degrades, straps rot and everything smells. Empty the bag after every match, air the contents, and store the bag open.

Beyond that: dry away from direct heat, wash inners rather than gloves, wipe pad facings rather than machine washing, and replace protective foam that has hardened.

Getting advice

Cricket For All is a working cricket centre as well as a store. The staff and coaches see the same equipment used in the indoor lanes daily, which is a different basis for advice than a catalogue. The Gilles Plains centre can measure and fit in store: phone (08) 7095 5777 or email retail@cricketforall.com.au.

Common cricket equipment terms

• Senior / Junior - size bands; junior equipment is sized by measurement, not age.
• English willow / Kashmir willow - the two timbers used for cricket bats.
• Knocking in - preparing a bat's face by progressive mallet compression.
• Closed-cell foam - the standard energy-absorbing material in cricket protection.
• Handedness - many protective items are shaped for a specific side of the body.

Where this sits in the range

Cricket For All stocks 164 other cricket equipment items, priced from $6.99 to $999.99. At $24.99 this one sits toward the accessible end of that range.

Comparable options in the same category and size band:

What to buy alongside

The Gilles Plains staff can advise on what else a particular player needs for their grade and age group.

About Gray-Nicolls

Gray-Nicolls is one of cricket's oldest equipment makers, founded in England in 1855 and manufacturing in Australia as well. The range spans entry-level Kashmir willow through to Players-grade English willow, and the brand is equally well known for protective equipment and bags.

Common questions about cricket equipment

How do I know what size to buy?

Every protective item in cricket is sized by measurement, not age. Bats by player height, pads by knee-to-instep, helmets by head circumference, gloves and shoes by fit. Buying oversized reduces protection, because equipment that moves is out of position when the ball arrives.

Can I get advice before buying?

Yes. Cricket For All is a working cricket centre as well as a store, so the staff and coaches see the same equipment used in the indoor nets daily. Phone (08) 7095 5777 or visit the Gilles Plains centre.

What is the return policy on cricket equipment?

Cricket For All's terms of sale operate under Australian Consumer Law, which cannot be excluded. Faulty goods may be referred to the manufacturer or an authorised service agent for assessment. See the warranties and refund policy pages for the full terms.

Do you ship outside South Australia?

Yes. Flat-rate shipping applies across South Australia, with free shipping on orders over $500.

Buying from Cricket For All

Cricket For All is an Adelaide cricket centre and online store at Unit 1-2, 621-623 North East Road, Gilles Plains, South Australia. Flat-rate shipping applies across South Australia, with free shipping on orders over $500.

The store sits inside a working cricket centre with indoor lanes and bowling machines, so equipment advice comes from nationally accredited coaches who see the same gear in use daily rather than from a catalogue. Trading hours are Monday to Thursday 12:00pm-10:00pm, Friday 12:00pm-9:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm. Phone (08) 7095 5777 or email retail@cricketforall.com.au.

Price, variant and availability details reflect the catalogue when this page was compiled; the live product page carries current pricing and stock.