Honestly, I was kinda done with my old cricket gear. Felt clunky, bat was heavy as a log, pads kept slipping. Saw a buddy playing with this slick MRF kit last weekend – dude was moving smooth like butter. Got curious. Snagged the MRF Genesis myself last Tuesday. Here’s how the testing went down.
Getting My Hands Dirty
First thing after tearing open the box? The bat. Grabbed the MRF Genius. Holy smokes, the pick-up. Lifted it easy. Not like hoisting a sack of potatoes, more like grabbing a well-balanced stick. Played a quick knock in the backyard, just shadow shots. Felt light yet solid, man. Sweet spot’s big. Didn’t need to swing like a madman for power.
Next were the gloves. MRF’s got this “AirFlex” thing. Pulled ’em on. Fingers moved natural, no stiff cardboard feel. Took some catches with a tennis ball, high and low. Wrist support felt good without strangling my hand. Sweaty palms? Yeah, happened later, but grip didn’t vanish.
Testing the Armor
Alright, pads and helmet time. Strapped on the leg guards. First thought? These things bend. Ran some quick singles between imaginary wickets. Knees didn’t feel locked. Could crouch easy for a forward defence. Big win.
Then the helmet. Visor was clear, didn’t warp my view. The killer part? Played under the noon sun Saturday. Felt hot, obviously, but man, those extra vents on top? Breeze actually got in. Didn’t feel like stewing inside a metal pot. Breathed way easier than my old dome.
The Little Stuff That Counts
Last thing I checked was the kit bag’s durability. Not sexy, but crucial. Shoved everything in – bat, pads, gloves, helmet, whites, extra balls. Zipper held up. Material felt thick, not that cheap crinkly plastic. No rips dragging it across the concrete.
Gave the gear a proper wash Sunday too. Tossed it all in the machine.
- Colours? Didn’t bleed like a horror movie.
- Stickers? Still stuck on solid.
- Pads? Didn’t puff up like marshmallows.
Just hung ’em dry. Ready for another bash.
Bottom Line
Played a proper practice match Monday evening. Everything just… worked. Didn’t fight the gear once. What players actually dig:
- That crazy light bat pickup.
- Gloves letting your fingers actually move.
- Pads that flex with you, not against you.
- A helmet that lets you breathe, not bake.
- Stickers that don’t bail after one wash.
Yeah, it ain’t the cheapest. But messing around with rubbish gear that fights you every session? That costs way more. Used it, washed it, bashed it around. Holds up.
