When shopping for new cricket batting pads, knowing which pair is right for you can be complex with all the different brands, materials, and features. It is especially tough if you are a beginner.
However, one way to find the best batting pads is by understanding the difference between each model. So, here’s our guide to differentiate between many batting pads.
This guide will help take the guesswork out of choosing the best cricket pads for your needs by explaining the five key ways to differentiate between pads.
Table of Contents
1. Function
The first and main way to differentiate between cricket pads is their function. In cricket, we see both batters and wicket-keepers wearing pads, but they are the same.
- Batting Pads – All batters on the team will fasten these to their lower legs. They will have to keep them on throughout the batting session or innings. Batting pads shield the batter and are lightweight enough to let them move freely and swiftly.
- Wicket keeping pads – Wicket-keepers wear these pads the same way as batters. The difference is these pads have only two straps, while the batting pads have three. Another way to tell is that wicket-keeping pads are smaller and lighter than batting pads.
The main feature of these pads is they cannot restrict the player’s movement. Additionally, they feature a shorter flap over the knee and a significantly smaller knee roll.
2. Material
So what material do these pads consist of?
Fortunately, the design and construction of batting and wicket keeping pads are analogous. The only significant difference between the two is the size of the batting pads in comparison to the wicketkeepers.
Here is a description of the materials used in cricket pads.
- Modern Cane – Cricket pads have been made of cane, a relatively lightweight and rigid wood, for many years. While being pleasant to wear, it offers a stable and uniform framework around which the padding can be built. The cane is inserted in the face of the pad, as this is the area that contacts the ball mostly.
- High-Density Foam – Replacing the cane, many batting pads are also made of high-density foam. The foam contains air bubbles, which act as shock absorbers, to lessen the force of the ball’s impact. These air bubbles can be small or large, and each has a purpose—small air bubbles offer more protection with less flexibility, and large air bubbles offer more flexibility with less protection.
However, this material is often regarded as a better fit for wicket keeping pads rather than batting pads.
- Cotton – Cotton has traditionally been the material for batting pads. The cotton is crushed tightly to offer greater protection. Because cotton is a lightweight material, adding more cotton to the pads will not significantly change the overall weight.
- Leather – It is used to finish the cricket pads. It serves as the shell for either the high-density foam or the cane and cotton inside. Although some pads also come with nylon covering, leather is a more popular and high-quality option.
3. Weight
The weight of your cricket batting pads is another vital way you can differentiate between batting pads.
Why?
Because the weight of your batting pads can make or break your game.
- Heavier pads offer more protection but can be more difficult to run with.
- Lighter pads will give less protection but will not weigh you down.
End of the day, it’s a matter of personal preference which weight you prefer.
4. Colour
You can also differentiate between batting pads with colour. Batting and wicket-keeping pads must be a specific colour depending on the game or competition’s structure.
- White Pads – Cricket attire, including pads, has always been white (except for a hat in the club or team colours). White pads are for tests, and first-class cricket matches all around the world.
- Coloured Pads – Cricket has gained a new fan base as a result of the development of limited overs matches. Limited-overs and test matches differ mostly in the colour of their uniforms and other equipment. Instead of wearing white, teams often use coloured uniforms, and their gear also reflects this. The team colours can also match the pads, gloves, and even helmets.
5. Profiles
Here, profile means the look and fit of the batting pads. The distinctions in appearance, style, and weight are all crucial when it comes to cricket pad usage and benefits.
Here are 3 ways to understand it.
- Traditional – These pads are an improvement from the previous skeleton-style pads, which looked like a cane cage. These pads are incredibly durable and provide a great defence against the ball’s impact. However, these are heavy due to the cane rods and cotton filling inside. Yet, they are excellent shock absorbers.
- Lightweight Pads– Not the lightest choice, ironically! Instead of using cane and cotton as a kind of protection, lightweight batting pads are loaded with foam.
- Moulded – Now, this is the lightest choice accessible to batters. It is because of the absence of cane lengths. Moulded high-density foam is used in this, which fits the legs better. Thus, both batters and wicket-keepers favour these batting pads.
Conclusion
These are some ways to differentiate between batting pads!
One of the most significant things to consider when choosing batting pads is the level of protection they offer. You should consider the level of protection you need and whether you need something lightweight or heavy-duty.
For example, if you are a beginner, you will want to look for pads that offer good all-around protection without being too bulky or cumbersome.
However, if you are a more experienced player, you may prefer lighter pads that don’t restrict your movement.
Then, think about the specific budget in mind. Finally, choose pads that fit well, so they do not slip down or fall off when you need them most.
By keeping all these factors in mind, you can find the perfect cricket batting pads for your game!
