English Willow Grading
At our workshop, every single bat is individually hand-pressed to perfection. We don’t just rely on the cleft — as batmakers, our job is to get the best out of each piece of willow. Whether it’s a budget bat or a pro-grade cleft, we custom-press each one to unlock maximum performance, rebound, and feel.
We don’t grade our bats purely on grain count — instead, we focus on the performance, cleanness, and structure of the willow. Here’s a full breakdown of what each grade really means:
Grade 3
Info:
A great starting point for beginners or casual players. These clefts usually contain more heartwood (red wood) — often 50% or more. You might see blemishes or knots, especially on the back, edges, or toe, but the playing area is mostly clean.
Grains:
Can vary widely, and in some cases you might even find 15+ grains. But remember: grain count ≠ grade. We judge on performance, not just looks.
Ping:
Good ping once knocked in properly. A reliable bat for practice or weekend league games.
Performance Grade
Info:
A special grade made from younger willow trees, giving it mostly sapwood (white wood) and fewer grains. Despite fewer grains, these bats perform better than Grade 3 and offer great value for regular players.
Grains:
Typically 5–7 grains. May have light cosmetic blemishes, but nothing that affects performance.
Ping:
Better than Grade 3, with a lively feel off the bat. Perfect for club cricketers on a budget.
Grade 2 [Balanced Performance and Look]
Info:
Grade 2 is where the aesthetics start to noticeably improve. These bats feature cleaner wood with occasional natural marks, such as cat paw, specks, or minor stains.
Grains:
Usually 5–7 straight grains. A bit of heartwood might appear, but overall a clean playing surface.
Ping:
Very solid ping and response. Great for intermediate or advanced players who want a mix of looks and performance.
Grade 1 [Premium Performance]
Info:
Grade 1 bats are made from top 10% of high-quality willow that’s clean and well-structured. These clefts have minimal visual imperfections and consistent wood throughout the blade.
Grains:
Generally 6–8 straight and even grains, mostly sapwood, with a very clean face.
Ping:
Excellent ping right out of the middle. Great rebound and feel. Ideal for advanced club or semi-pro players.
Grade 1+ [Professional Grade]
Info:
Hand-selected from the top 5% of English willow, Grade 1+ bats are incredibly clean, consistent, and beautifully finished. These are often what professionals choose.
Grains:
Usually 8–12+ straight grains, no blemishes or knots. These are visually perfect clefts.
Ping:
Pro-level ping and sweet spot. Explosive feel with minimal knocking-in needed.
Players Grade [The Elite Standard]
Info:
Used by international players made from top 1% of willow, this is the highest-performing willow available. It's not chosen based on looks or grains, but on its exceptional performance and low-density nature — ideal for big bats with light pickup. These make lightest big profile bats
Grains:
Typically 6–12 grains. May not look perfect, but the willow is light, clean, and incredibly responsive.
Ping:
Insane ping. Effortless power with a large sweet spot. If you play serious cricket or want international-level quality — this is the one.
Limited Reserve Grade [The Rarest]
Info:
Available by pre-order only, these are the best-looking bats we ever receive. They feature perfectly parallel, straight grains front and back, with pristine clefts selected one-by-one.
Grains:
9+ straight grains on both front and back — true collector’s quality and premium aesthetics.
Ping:
Outstanding ping and feel. Built for elite players and bat connoisseurs.