Andy Afford attended this year’s cricket industry trade show at Lord’s and picked out some of the best clobber to look out for next year.
ASICS Gel Advance 4
RRP £115
‘The lightest cricket shoe, ever’ is how these boots are described by ASICS. And they are. As always, the company’s super-lightweight trainer-disguised-as-a-cricket-shoe is bound to be a strong contender for honours at AOC’s 2012 Gear Test.
Adidas Evil Eye Half-Rim
RRP £170
As used by England. Top-quality German design and technology. Indestructible lenses, pop-off multi-position arms and nosepieces; these are the top of the heap when it come to eyewear, but come with a price tag to match. They also boast a detachable and washable sweat guard that clip onto the top of the frame. Clever design from one of the world’s most consistently innovative sports brands.
Horizon Oatmeal Socks
RRP from £12.99
Brilliant socks from a brilliant hosier. Horizon make foot furniture for everyone, from high street fashion houses to huge sports retailers. These are a must-buy for any self-regarding foot worshiper.
Ayrtek Premier Batting Helmet
RRP £79.99
Entry-level skid lid from the most technical makers in the marketplace. This differs from the top-of-the-range £200 offering in its constitution – it’s made of hi-impact plastic rather than carbon-fibre and Kevlar. It also boasts an ultra-light feel and ‘pump-to-fit’ airbag cushioning innards, and if you’re feeling flush you can upgrade the steel grille to a titanium number (although that brings the price up to £109.99). A brilliant addition to the range and a genuine contender for Gear Test honours in 2012.
Sunwise Cherwell Eyewear
RRP £26.95
Named after the Oxfordshire river, these snazzy sunnies are assembled in the UK and clock in at a vastly different price point to their big brand cousins. These are comfortably the best looking and performing sunglasses from Sunwise, a company whose products get better and better each season.
Mongoose Super Premium Holdall
RRP £70
Mongoose’s man on the stand told us: “It was simple really, we made the biggest and best bag we could for 70 quid.” And they have. Job done.
Click here to see All Out Cricket’s selection of some of the top bats to look out for in 2012
