SS is the most counterfeited brand in the market. To ensure authenticity:

1. Check the Handle: Genuine SS bats have a unique 3D hologram sticker on the back of the handle/shoulder.
2. Verify the QR Code: Modern SS bats come with a scannable QR code verification.
3. Buy Authorized: We are a direct authorized retailer for SS Sunridges. If you see an "SS Gladiator" selling for $150 on a random site, it is 100% a fake. Real English Willow of that grade costs significantly more to source.

It comes down to Willow Grade and Wood Selection.

• SS Gladiator: The absolute flagship. Grade 1+ limited edition willow. Selected for the tightest grains, lightest pickup, and best ping. The choice of pros.
• SS Ton / Player Series: Premium Grade 1 or High Grade 2. Excellent performance but might have 1-2 minor blemishes.
• SS Master Series: The best value for club cricketers. Usually Grade 3 or 4 willow. These are durable, strong bats that hit hard but come at a fraction of the price.

These bats are shaped for different roles:

• SS SKY (Surya Kumar Yadav): Designed for modern T20 play. It typically features a "duckbill" toe (less wood at the bottom) to shift the balance point up. This makes the bat feel lighter, allowing for the incredibly fast hands needed for scoops and ramps.
• SS Dhoni (Vintage/Thala): Designed for raw power. It usually carries more weight at the bottom (full toe) and has a lower sweet spot. This extra mass behind the ball is perfect for drilling yorkers and hitting straight down the ground.

"TON" is SS's heritage mark of quality. Originally, it stood for a bat capable of scoring a "Ton" (100 runs). Today, it signifies that the bat uses SS's premium "embossed" stickers and has passed their higher quality control checks for handle flexibility and cleft drying.

The grade primarily determines the bat's "ping" (rebound) and weight distribution. Higher grades (like Grade 1+) offer superior rebound and a lighter pickup, allowing for better timing and power with less effort. Lower grades (Grade 3 or 4) are often denser and more durable, making them excellent "workhorse" bats for heavy hitting or daily practice.

Yes, that is often called a "Full Spine" profile. By keeping the spine high all the way to the bottom, SS ensures the "sweet spot" extends lower down the blade. This is crucial for playing on American pitches (which can be low bounce) or synthetic turf, where you often have to hit the ball closer to the toe.