21/12/2024
Quest CW turns 15 next year and we are still on the quest to find the best hand made bat makers in the world.
The price of English Willow has been skyrocketing due to lack of supply and high demand, so we have been sourcing and testing alternative willows that perform as good but for a fraction of the price.
For us as cricket purists and trialling bats from so many bat makers, we have been blown away by the performance and look of Serbian Willow in our testing over the last twelve months.
While subtle differences in grain structure and colour might be noticeable to a trained eye, it's not always easy for the average person to distinguish between high-quality English and Serbian Willow just by looking at the finished bat. The most important factors are the bat's performance and how it feels to the individual player. It is important to note that the the Salix Alba tree (white willow) grown in England also thrives in Serbia due to a combination of favourable environmental factors:
Climate: Serbia has a temperate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. This climate is well-suited to white willow, which is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures.
Water Availability: White willow is a water-loving tree that thrives in moist environments. Serbia has numerous rivers, streams, and wetlands, providing ample water for the trees to grow. The trees are commonly found along riverbanks and floodplains.
Soil Conditions: White willow can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Serbia has diverse soil conditions, with many areas having fertile soils that are suitable for willow growth.
Traditional Cultivation: Serbia has a history of cultivating willow for various purposes, including basketry and other crafts. This long-standing cultivation has likely led to the selection of willow varieties that are well-adapted to the local conditions.
In addition to these factors, the following also contribute to the successful growth of white willow in Serbia:
Sunlight: White willow prefers full sun, which is abundant in many parts of Serbia.
Altitude: The tree can grow at altitudes up to 2,400 meters above sea level, encompassing a wide range of Serbian landscapes.
These combined factors create ideal conditions for Salix alba to flourish in Serbia, making it a viable source of willow for cricket bat production.
We are that excited to source and supply custom players high performance Serbian Willow we have created new branding. Our new logo features the traditional Serbian Eagle with striking new colours. Note some of the fine examples of willow and bat making to follow.
Own a piece of cricket history with our limited edition Serbian Willow bats. This unique willow offers exceptional performance and a distinctive look. Elevate your game with a bat that stands out from the crowd. "
Our bat makers are expert in handcrafting and at present all orders are for custom made to order bats.
