HOW OUR ENGLISH WILLOW PRE-MADE BATS ARE MADE
Each cricket bat willow tree is grown in the UK for around 20 years before being processed & into raw clefts. They are then given an initial grade and dried.
The raw clefts then get sent to Meerut, India. Our high-quality Singapore Manu cane & cork cane handles are made in Jalandhar and are sent to Meerut, where they are spliced into our raw clefts. The clefts are then machined and go through our 3-stage pressing process, which maximises the potential performance of each piece of willow. They then get shaped by hand and finished.
The bats are then shipped to New Zealand, where they go through all of our quality checks given a final grade put into stock. We trust in our process, which allows you to walk to the crease with confidence, knowing that you're using a premium product that you can rely on to perform under pressure.
HAVE THE CONFIDENCE TO PLAY 360°
The Swell is ideal for cricketers who want power on the front and back foot. The Swell's shape allows for an outstanding pickup with optimum performance in the centre of the blade. The spine peaks in the middle of the hitting zone with sufficient willow carrying through to the toe allowing for excellent distribution of weight throughout the hitting zone. This allows for a well-balanced bat which, enables yourself to have more time and control over your shots.
CONSTRUCTION
This bat conforms to MCC Law 5 bat regulations, which means that the bat needs will fit through an approved bat gauge with maximum dimensions of 108mm in blade width, 67mm in spine height with 40mm edges.
PLAYER TYPE
Batsmen who score 360° and seek power off the front & back foot but still seek value for their shots throughout the hitting zone.
SWEET SPOT
Its central hitting zone peaks between 210mm & 230mm, (from the toe of the bat) the spine then runs flat to the toe, designed to provide a well-balanced bat allowing both power and control over your shots.
PICK UP
The Swell's shape is designed primarily around having a well-balanced bat that picks up exceptionally well. It typically picks up slightly lighter than the actual weight of the bat.
PROFILE
The profile is semi-concaved, allowing for an even spread of willow through the edges, spine and profile. You can expect a scallop between 1mm and 3mm.
EDGE & SPINE
This Swell has large edges and a high spine peaking in the central zone of the playing surface. You can expect an edge height ranging from 32m to 38mm and a spine height between 55mm & 64mm.
FACE & BOW
Our standard bowed blade generates a perfectly balanced pick up to deliver increased power and control. Our modern flat face allows for enhanced shot placement. The edges are boned (hardened) to strengthen and decrease the chance of cracking.
TOE
The 20mm to 22mm semi-round angled toe helps prevent chipping of the corners of the bat. It also allows you to slide easily into your crease. The angle provides a more stable position while in your stance.
HANDLE
The ergonomic semi-oval handle provides strength to your grip of the handle & reduces rotation (compared to a round handle) when hitting off-centre of the blade. Our high-quality cork and Manu cane handle assist in diffusing the shock waves and movement in the hands.
ENGLISH WILLOW
G1
A Grade 1 is aesthetically sound and high performing. You can expect a beautiful bat with at least six straight grains visible, that will perform to a high level. The odd blemish or heartwood is not uncommon, but in general, they will have a clean grain structure.
If you are looking for a specific grain structure, please get in touch, and we'll let you know what is available.
SELECTING THE CORRECT WEIGHT
Heavier bats have a slower bat speed than lighter bats. The effort required to move the bat increases as the weight of the bat increases. A lighter bat will allow faster bat speed and increase the chance of middling the ball. A heavier bat will not be quite as easy to middle the ball with, but when you connect with the ball, it will stay hit.
In general, the rule is light bats for the controlled players and slightly heavier bats for the aggressive and attacking stroke-makers.Use these weights as a guide when choosing the weight of your bat:
Light (1lb 9oz - 1lb 10oz): We recommend this weight range if you are of a slimmer build and within the recommended height. Sometimes a standard weight can feel too heavy, and it's essential to have a bat that you can control and feel confident using.
Regular (1lb 11oz - 1lb 12oz): This is a standard weight range for a harrow cricket bat. It is an excellent balance between bat speed and bat performance. This also allows for a standard weight increase of 2oz -3oz when moving to a size 4 bat.
Heavy (1lb 13oz +): From 1lb 13oz up you get a bat less about bat speed and more about overall performance. This weight range is for players who want to score their runs through boundaries and want a bat that is large and imposing.
