| When it comes to buying a new cricket bat there | | | | important and you should choose a lighter bat where |
| are a number of factors that you need to address | | | | possible. A lot of players make the mistake of buying |
| before making your final decision to purchase a new | | | | a bat which is too heavy and their performance |
| cricket bat, such as: | | | | suffers as a result, this is especially applicable to |
| - The brand, | | | | younger players who are often lulled into buying bats |
| - The size, | | | | which are either to heavy or too big. As an adult I |
| - The model, | | | | tend to choose a weight of around 2' 8 - 2' 10 oz, in |
| - The weight, | | | | a short handle (SH). |
| ...these are just a few factors to consider. | | | | You should also take into account to grade and type |
| This article will look briefly at a few tips to follow | | | | of the willow of the cricket bat. Most bats are made |
| when it comes to replacing your old favourite bat | | | | from English Willow, which is a soft fibrous wood, |
| with a new cricket bat. | | | | with good striking qualities and is the best option. |
| Choosing a cricket bat based on its brand really | | | | There is also Kashmir Willow, which is cheaper, harder |
| comes down to personally preference, as realistically | | | | and quite durable. It is often used in junior bats and |
| there is not much major difference between brands. | | | | produces less ball striking satisfaction. Always choose |
| They all have cricket bats with similar attributes and | | | | English Willow given the option. |
| features; it is the variation between models that I | | | | Cricket bat willow is graded on a scale from G1+ to |
| would pay closer attention too, not the brand name. | | | | G4. A willow grade of G1+ is the highest grade and is |
| However it is worth mentioning that some of the | | | | used by the top professionals, it is the best willow |
| new Kookaburra cricket bat models are almost | | | | and is unbleached with straight even grains and no |
| unique, as some are now reinforced with a new | | | | markings or discolouration. It's more expensive but as |
| graphite matrix, giving "maximum power transfer and | | | | always you get what you pay for! |
| increased strength". | | | | Grade 4 (G4) willow is often non-oil and will usually |
| When buying a new cricket bat, carefully select the | | | | have a covering on the face, such as an anti-scuff |
| model of cricket bat that most suitably fits your | | | | covering. It is the lowest grade of willow, which is |
| style of play. As some bats are designed specifically | | | | represented in the price. If you have the money |
| certain styles in mind, for example the Kookaburra | | | | always opt for the highest grade willow you can |
| Big Kahuna, is designed for strong, 'big hitters'. | | | | afford. |
| Whereas the Kookaburra Kahuna Ricky Ponting | | | | You can now buy cricket bats online cheaper than |
| cricket bat is an excellent choice for a stroke player | | | | you can offline, as online stores tend to have fewer |
| who likes to hit boundaries. | | | | costs associated with their businesses and so can |
| It is very important when buying a new cricket bat | | | | offer cheaper prices and discounts. Also most offer |
| to choose the correct size bat. As a bat that is too | | | | guarantees on their bats so you can return it if the |
| large or too small will only hinder your playing ability. | | | | size or weight is not quite what you want. A sneaky |
| I've found the best way to determine if a bat is of | | | | tip; if you see a new bat you like go to your local |
| the right size, is to stand in your batting stance and | | | | store, check the size, weight, feel and pickup, then |
| rest the toe of the bat against the outside of your | | | | buy online, so you'll get exactly what you want and |
| back foot, lean the cricket bat so that the top of | | | | save money in the process. |
| the handle rests next to the inside groin of your | | | | These are just a few ideas and tips I consider when |
| front leg. If the bat is of the right size it should rest | | | | buying a new cricket bat, most important are the |
| comfortably next to your box on the inside groin of | | | | bats size, weight and feel. Obviously the price is an |
| your front leg. | | | | important factor, but by buying online you can often |
| The weight of a cricket bat is probably most | | | | save money. |