FAQs

Grade 1 English willow has 6-12 tight straight grains, minimal blemishes and produces the liveliest response - used at first-class level. Grade 2 has slightly fewer grains with minor butterfly marks acceptable. Both perform well; Grade 1 costs roughly 40-60% more.
A Grade 1 English willow bat lasts one to three seasons of regular club play with proper oiling, knocking-in and a toe guard. Grade 2 and 3 bats last similarly with good care. Softer pressings (Grade 1) ping harder but dent more easily than firmer pressings.
Yes - a new unprepared English willow bat needs 6-8 hours of knocking-in with a mallet across multiple sessions before facing a new leather ball. Skipping this causes uneven willow compression and premature cracks. We stock pre-knocked bats that are match-ready.
English willow is lighter, softer and more responsive, producing more power for the same weight. Kashmir willow is denser and harder, which makes it more durable but less lively. English willow is the standard for competitive cricket; Kashmir is common for entry-level and junior bats.
Apply a thin coat of raw linseed oil once every 3-4 months unless the bat is labelled pre-oiled, in which case only re-oil if the face starts to look dry. Over-oiling deadens the willow and adds weight - less is more with bat oil.
For regular club cricket, Grade 2 English willow offers the best balance of performance and value - most of the "ping" of Grade 1 at 60-70% of the price. Grade 3 suits occasional players and juniors; Grade 1 is justified for league batters who play 20+ innings a season.