Posted on: 5 March 2026
The GM Noir range returns once again in 2026 after many years away, reaffirming its status as one of the boldest and most distinctive bats in Gunn & Moore’s modern lineup. Known for its stealth-inspired aesthetic and striking blacked-out visuals, the Noir has always appealed to the player who wants presence—not just in performance, but in identity. The 2026 version retains everything that made the Noir a favourite among aggressive stroke-makers, but pairs that unmistakable look with refined shaping and improved balance to create a bat that feels more responsive and versatile than ever before.

Built around the traditional L555 blade length, the Noir delivers the classic proportions that players expect from GM, ensuring a natural and comfortable pick-up straight out of the store. This is complemented by a 295mm handle, which keeps the bat compact and controllable, particularly for players who like to generate power through their hands and wrists. The signature GM craftsmanship, combined with the Noir’s unique styling, results in a bat that feels immediately powerful, modern, and unapologetically aggressive.

Performance-wise, the 2026 Noir is designed to maximise both balance and hitting potential. The bat features an F4.5 face profile, known for its rounded face curvature and traditional feel through contact. This shape supports excellent energy transfer while maintaining superb durability—something many modern bats compromise on. For players who value touch and timing, the F4.5 face provides a smooth and controlled response, making the Noir surprisingly versatile despite its reputation as a bat built for big hitting.

At the heart of the Noir’s dynamic performance is its mid to low swell, which offers a wide, forgiving sweet spot that favours a broad range of strokeplay. Whether you’re leaning into a powerful drive, punching the ball off the back foot, or playing late through the gaps, the Noir’s swell position makes it equally comfortable for attacking and controlled play. Helping deliver this level of versatility is the partially concaved back profile, a subtle shaping that enhances pick-up by removing excess weight while still retaining the noticeable profile that gives the Noir its imposing presence. This thoughtful balance of mass, concaving, and edge structure allows players to generate impressive bat speed without sacrificing overall power.

Noir’s overall shaping—from its sharp spine lines & contoured profile to its broad edge design—gives it a commanding silhouette that looks dangerous even before the first ball is struck. It’s a bat that blends sleek aesthetics with technical refinement: a perfect match for players who want a visually striking piece of equipment that performs at a consistently high level. With the 2026 upgrade, the Noir retains its identity as one of GM’s most aggressive-looking bats while offering improved balance, enhanced control, and a more responsive sweet spot, making it suitable for a wider range of playing styles than ever before.
Key Features of the 2026 GM Noir Range
- Returning once again in 2026, a proven and popular GM model
- Traditional L555 blade length for a familiar, balanced feel
- 295mm handle, offering compact handling and excellent control
- F4.5 face profile, providing traditional curvature, durability, and smooth energy transfer
- Mid to low swell, ideal for versatile and all-round shot makers
- Partially concaved back profile, enhancing balance and reducing unnecessary weight
- Fuze grip for superior traction, comfort, and moisture control
Who the 2026 GM Noir Range Is Best Suited For
The 2026 GM Noir range is designed for the confident, attacking batsman, but with enough versatility to serve a wide range of playing styles. It is perfect for players who want a bat that feels aggressive and powerful yet remains balanced and responsive for classical cricket. The mid-to-low swell suits batters who enjoy driving on the front foot, while the partially concaved back makes it light enough for players who rely on quick hands, fast bat speed, and dynamic strokeplay. The Noir’s aesthetic appeal naturally draws in aggressive players—those who like to dominate bowlers and impose themselves early—but the F4.5 face profile and traditional shaping also make it ideal for stylish, technically sound players who favour timing over brute strength. Whether you open the batting and face the new ball, build an innings in the middle order, or explode in the final overs, the Noir offers the balance, power, and control to support your game. In short, the GM Noir 2026 is built for cricketers who want power with finesse, presence with precision, and performance with personality.
| Grade | Bat Available at Romida | Description of Willow |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Limited Edition | -The very best unbleached seasoned Grade 1 English Willow -Selected for grain structure and weight Limited by willow availability -Bats individually tested to ensure 5 Star performance -Fitted with top quality treble spring multi-piece cane handle for outstanding feel, flex and control |
| Original | -Superior unbleached seasoned Grade 1 English Willow -Predominantly straight grained with a hint of colour and minor cosmetic blemishes -Fitted with top quality treble spring multi-piece cane handle for outstanding feel, flex and control | |
| 909 | -Unbleached seasoned Grade 1 English Willow -Predominantly straight grained with colour on one edge and minor cosmetic blemishes -Fitted with top quality treble spring multi-piece cane handle for outstanding feel, flex and control | |
| Grade 2 | 808 | -Superior unbleached seasoned Grade 2 English Willow -Minor blemishes, may have some colour to one edge -Fitted with good quality treble spring multi-piece cane handle for outstanding feel, flex and control |
