Buying a cricket bat for your child can feel like decoding a secret language. Grains? Ping? Knocking-in? Don't worry, we’ve all been there. I’ve compiled the most common questions from parents to help you pick the perfect English Willow bat without the headache.
Q: What is the difference between English Willow and Kashmir Willow?
A: Think of it as the engine of the bat.
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English Willow: This is the gold standard. It is lighter, softer, and offers much better "ping" (rebound) off the bat.1 If your child is playing with a hard leather ball in a league or academy, English Willow is highly recommended because it rewards good shots with more power for less effort.
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Kashmir Willow: Heavier and harder. It's durable and cheaper, but it doesn't offer the same performance.2 It’s usually best for tennis ball cricket or absolute beginners just testing the waters.
Expert Tip: All bats in this collection are English Willow, meaning they are designed for performance and proper hard-ball cricket.
Q: How do I choose the right size? (Don't buy it "to grow into"!)
A: This is the #1 mistake parents make. A bat that is too big or heavy will ruin your child's technique because they’ll struggle to lift it straight.
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The Test: Have your child stand upright with arms by their side. The bat should stand next to their leg and reach just below their hip/wrist.
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Quick Size Guide:
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Size 3: Approx. 4’6” - 4’9” height
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Size 4: Approx. 4’9” - 4’11” height
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Size 5: Approx. 4’11” - 5’2” height
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Size 6: Approx. 5’2” - 5’5” height
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Harrow: Approx. 5’5” - 5’8” height
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Still unsure? If you are near Edison, NJ, stop by our store at 37 Meridian Road! Our team can help your child get a feel for the pickup and weight in person.
Q: Does the bat come "Ready to Play"? What is Knocking-In?
A: English Willow is a natural wood and needs to be compressed (hardened) to withstand the impact of a hard cricket ball.
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Factory Pre-Knocked: Some bats come slightly pressed from the factory, but this is rarely enough for immediate match play.
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Professional Knocking: We highly recommend our Professional Knocking Service. We use specialized machines and hand-knocking techniques to compress the fibers, protecting the bat from cracking and improving its performance.3
⚠️ Warning: If you take a raw bat straight into a match without knocking it in, it will likely crack.
Q: What weight should I look for?
A: Lighter is almost always better for juniors.4
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Young players generate power through speed, not muscle mass. A lighter bat allows them to swing faster and maintain a straight bat path.5
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Look for bats in the 2lb 2oz to 2lb 6oz range for sizes 5, 6, and Harrow.
Q: How many "Grains" should the bat have?
A: Honestly? Don't stress about this too much for a junior bat.
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"Grains" are the vertical lines on the face of the bat.
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Traditionally, more grains (8-10+) meant older, better wood.6 However, for junior bats, the balance (pickup) and shape are far more important than counting lines. A Grade 3 English Willow bat with 5 grains that feels light in the hands is better than a Grade 1 bat that feels like a log.
Q: What is your Return Policy if the size isn't right?
A: We want your child to have the perfect fit!
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We offer a 7-day return window on unused products.7
Crucial Rule: Please DO NOT remove the plastic wrapper from the handle or bat face if you are just testing the size. Once the plastic is removed or the bat is oiled/knocked, we cannot accept it back as new. -
See our full [Returns Policy] for details on restocking fees and shipping.
Q: Do I need a Toe Guard or Scuff Sheet?
A: Yes, absolutely.
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Toe Guard: A rubber strip at the bottom. It prevents moisture (from wet grass) from swelling the wood and stops the toe from splitting when tapping the bat on the ground.
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Scuff Sheet: A clear plastic sticker for the face. It protects against minor cracks, dirt, and seam marks from the ball.
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We offer installation for both of these in our Bat Services section!
Need more help?
We love talking cricket!
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📞 Call us: 732-250-3598
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📧 Email: info@topcricketstore.com8
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📍 Visit: 37 Meridian Road, Edison, NJ 088209