25/03/2023
Willow Grading & Cost
Some cricket bats cost more than others because willow comes in different grades. As a rule of thumb, the softer (narrow grain) willow has excellent performance qualities but has a shorter lifespan, whereas the harder (broader grain) willow tends to last longer but takes time before you get optimum performance from it. All bats are made from a natural material so the grain structure can vary. Every piece of willow is graded as follows:
Very best Grade 1+ English Willow - This is the best willow that money can buy. The blade is unbleached and usually has 8 to 12 blemish free straight grains. The price of one of these bats can be in excess of $1000 for a full sized (short handle) blade. It is very rare that Junior bats are produced using Grade 1+ Willow. This level of willow is also referred to as Players Grade.
Grade 1 English Willow - High quality unbleached English willow. As above but with a slightly broader grain and sometimes a slight red edge. Typically 7-10 straight grains on the face.
Grade 2 English Willow - Unbleached English willow with some minor blemishes, red wood on the edge and a slight irregular grain. Again, can be 6 to 10 grains.
Grade 3 Willow - Some of these bats will be bleached English willow to cover up a more irregular grain and more blemishes.
Grade 4 Willow - This will be bleached English willow which is often covered up with a protective facing and sold as "non oil" bat.
Kashmir Willow - Kashmir willow is harder and dryer by nature than English willow, so doesn't perform as well or last as long. This type of bat is ideal as a starter bat for use against a softer ball (Incrediballs, Wonderballs etc.) For these reasons they are cheap to buy and a lot of Rookie level or Under 12 C and D grade players use them. Players don't get the optimum outcome when they hit a leather cricket ball with these bats.
