When purchasing a new cricket bat you should take into account many factors and when you part with your well-earned money you want to know exactly what you're buying. In order to avoid disappointment, it's best to be knowledgeable about what to expect from your cricket bat and what specification you are purchasing. This cricket bat guide is essential for all those who do not fully understand the various design features, qualities, materials and processes/services available. It has been constructed to help educate prospective customers so that you can purchase with peace of mind.

PRE-CONDITIONED/PRE-PREPARED BATS

The majority of manufacturers have developed a range of pre-conditioned or pre-prepared bats, which drastically reduce the bat preparation time for the customer. However, although some bats may claim to be 'match-ready', we strongly advise that you carry out the usual knocking-in process and practice with some slow deliveries with an old ball before using it in a competitive match situation - it is still the user's responsibility to ensure that the bat is fully prepared for game time. Beware: 'ready to play' does not mean invincible - you should still maintain, store and repair your cricket bat appropriately.

ANTI-SCUFF PROTECTED & COVERED BATS

Most cricket specialists recommend fitting a clear 'anti-scuff' sheet to the blade to help minimise the effects of minor knocks. Fitting a protective cover over the middle of the bat will not hinder performance but it may help to keep your bat fit for purpose for longer. As well as offering binding qualities to small cracks, a protective sheet also safeguards the blade from additional moisture being absorbed into the bat.

NATURAL FINISH

Most professional-quality cricket bats offer a natural, uncovered, traditional finish. But please be wary that some bats made from poor quality willow may be bleached to artificially imitate the colour of high-quality willow. Always be sure of the type of bat and the specification you are purchasing.

FIBRE TAPE

Wood glue and fibre tape are the best materials to help self-repair minor cracks. Fibre tape gently helps to bind the damaged area and is an essential yet forgettable item for the cricketer's kit bag.

NUMBER OF GRAINS

Please note that this should only be considered as a rough guideline as there are always exceptions, but, generally, a cricket bat with between 6 and 12 grains tends to be made from high quality willow. Cricket bats with only six grains, for example, are likely to be softer, which will lengthen both the knocking-in period and the time it takes for the bat to reach optimum performance.

WILLOW-LOOK SKIN

When analysing the amount of grains on a cricket bat you must be made aware that some low-cost cricket bats have a willow-look skin placed over the face of the bat. This is designed to give value cricket bats a classier look, but this technique could easily fool you into thinking you have bought a better bat than you have. Sometimes you can spot this skin by noticing that the natural back of the cricket bat has a much different grain pattern than the front of the bat where the skin is applied.

THE VARIOUS QUALITIES OF ENGLISH WILLOW

English willow cricket bats vary in standard.Due to the wealth of expertise required to turn a willow sapling into a tree suitable for cricket bat production, there are only a small collection of UK companies who are skilfully nurturing English willow for the entire world market.

Here is a guideline on how to judge the value of your blade:

Grade 1+ or Grade A is the highest quality of English willow, typically used by international stars but increasingly available through limited edition cricket bats for the general public. Knots, blemishes and markings should be minimal, while the grains will be straight, even and of a healthy number for a bat. To put it simply, this is a Test match standard bat.

You then descend in quality to Grade 1 (which is still of the highest quality), Grade 2 (B), Grade 3 (C) and Grade 4. With every step down there will be more discolouration and markings, and the grains will be irregular, wobbly and plentiful. G4 cricket bats are likely to be bleached, non-oil and fixed with an anti-scuff sheet as standard.

As far as suitability is concerned, a rough indicator would be:

G1+: Test match standard
G1: Professional standard
G2: Top club standard
G3: Lower-league standard
G4: Beginner standard

But regardless of your playing level, if you want to reach maximum performance levels then you should purchase the highest quality of cricket bat that you can afford.

Other materials: The handle of a cricket bat, which is usually covered by a plastic grip, is made from cane and connected to the blade via a splice.

KASHMIR WILLOW

English willow-style cricket bats can also be nurtured abroad, but due to inferior moisture levels and soil conditions for producing willow clefts, they are not as highly sought after as genuine English willow.