Both the premium willows, English willow, and Kashmir willow consist of some grade marking. These grades are the best and easy ways to comprehend the quality of the willow and the bat. Therefore, the grade assists in dictating the use of a bat and lets the players know whether it is good enough for professional use or not.
If you are a cricket lover or even have a brief idea about the quality and the grade of bats, then you may be well aware of the confusion that happens while choosing the right cricket bat for playing. The reason behind it is that it requires a lot of examination about everything regarding the bat, which affects the quality and the playability. Thus, while choosing the right bat for batting, an individual must be well aware of each type of grade of cricket bat present. Understanding the grades of the bats will assist with a clear perspective of the necessity and features of the various grades of bats.
In the list of every five types of grades, the conclusion came that grade one is the highest and best quality grade among the list of all grades of cricket bats. Also, we can’t say that the lower-grade willow bats are of poor quality of bats. It’s all about its colour, and playability. As per the grades, the prices of the cricket bats also increase. Thus, one needs to be very selective towards opting for a good bat for playing.
Following is the list of all the five grades of cricket bats available along with their features.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Grades of Cricket Bats
Types of Grades
- Grade 1
- Grade 2
- Grade 3
- Grade 4
- Grade 5
Bottomline
TYPES OF GRADES
1) GRADE 1
The first one in this list of grades of cricket bats is the Grade one willow. It is the most premium and the best looking for all the cricket bat willow. In the grade one willow, there are at least six straight grains visible on the face of the bats. Further, there are occasionally small knots or specks on the back of the bat, or around the edges. Also, the actual playing surface in the grade 1 willow cricket bat appears clean as a whistle.
2) GRADE 2
Similar to the first one, the grade two willow cricket bat is also a very high-quality blade. Although both grade one and grade two share most of the similarities, still the grade two cricket bat willow might have more redwood visible than the first one. While playing, there are high chances that you won’t feel any difference in both grade one and grade two willows. Compared to grade one, the number of grains tends to be pretty similar to the first.
3) GRADE 3
As per the data gathered from the manufacturers, the grade three cricket bats are the best-selling cricket bats in this list of grades of cricket bats. The grade 3 willow cricket bats tend to have a tint on the front of the wood, but still, it is playable. The grade three bats are almost as good as the previous two grade one and two cricket bats. Although, one can’t say how long the grade 3 cricket willow bats will last, and there are likely to have some specks around its face.
4) GRADE 4
In terms of colour, the grade four cricket bat willow is a bit more discoloured than the above three grades of the bat. However, besides colours, your playability will not get affected. In the grade four willow bats often have four grains running along the face. In addition, the bats of this grade willow might have more butterfly marks and specks.
5) GRADE 5
If you are looking for a cricket bat only for practice purposes, then you can go with grade five cricket willow bats. The cricket bats from this grade tend to have a lot of strain in it. Also, it isn’t good in comparison to the grade four wood. Still, it is a playable bat. You can play with grade 5 bats while practising or in the warm-up matches.
CONCLUSION
If you are a professional cricketer or professional cricket aspirant, you must understand the grades of the bat, especially if your main focus is batting. With the knowledge of the grades of cricket bats, you can filter your choices in a better way, with selective options. Since the cricket bats from different grades vary in their price range. Thus, as per your budget or the amount you have, you can pick the most suitable grade for the cricket bat.
