Willow Grade
•Grade 1+ [A]
highest quality of English willow, historically used for the manufacturer's sponsored players, but increasingly being rolled-out to top end bats for the public across specialist stores. The grains are straight and even, the wood unbleached and there should be minimal to no marking or discolouration on the bat face.
•Grade 1 - G1 [A]
top quality English Willow. Good strai
ght grain structure and unbleached with minimal marking or discolouration in the face.
•Grade 2 - G2 [B]
Unbleached English Willow with some irregular grain patterns and some blemishes/colouring across the blade.
•Grade 3 - G3 [C]
Usually unbleached English Willow with irregular grain pattern and some marking and discolouration in the blade.
•Grade 4 - G4
English Willow usually bleached and often non oil with a covering to the face of the bat. Some players prefer crickiet bats with a large bow where as others don't. Increasingly, professional players' preference for a larger bow and thicker edges to better meet the rigors of the modern game, is being reflected in the designs available to the general public. The size of the bow can have an impact on the pick-up of the cricket bat, as an increased bow can often result in the cricket bat having a heavier pick up. Some bows are higher or lower down the bat depending on batsmen's hitting style, or to reflect the pitches which you play on. A low bouncing wicket in Northern England or India may suit a lower bow compared to the dry climate and bouncy pitches of Perth, Western Australia.