For the sake of ease I'll assume that your buying the bat in person but some of the advice applies to buying on-line as well. However you do it, I would always say that at the very least go somewhere you can a try a few different bats just to give you an idea of what you'd like.
1. Set a budget but allow about 10% leeway. Common-sense really but trust me, it really helps to know how much you’d like to spend beforehand. Also, by allowing that 10% it’ll normally offer you that chance to upgrade to a better piece of willow or get some accessories (mallet or oil etc). As a rule of thumb, for a reasonable adult bat in the UK you’ll be looking at around the £100 mark.
2. Type of wood. Where possible always choose English willow and always go for the highest grade that you can afford – you’ll reap the rewards in performance.
However, Kashmir willow does have its place in modern day cricket. If you’re very much a rabbit when it comes to batting you may want to consider a Kashmir bat as it’ll tend to last a little bit longer (as well as be ing cheaper) and they do make really good ‘club’ bats to be chucked in a team kit bag.
If truth be told there isn’t much difference between low end English willow and top end Kashmir willow but if you do go down this route make sure you’re getting the best that either has to offer.
3. Size. This will obviously depend on how tall you are but when sizing junior bats we tend to work on the system that the top of the bat should come up to just below your hip. The table below details the different bat sizes as well as the approximate height ranges for each.
4. Weight. I can’t really advise much on this, as it’s down to personal choice. One thing to remember is that a whilst a heavy bat will pack a lot of wood and hit the ball further, a lighter bat will have a faster swing speed yet less power – go with what suits your batting style.
It’s also worth spending a moment or two discussing the pick up of the bat. The pick up relates to the balance of the bat – where is the weight situated? The higher the middle then the lighter the bat will feel as the bulk is closer to your hands. On the other hand bat with a low middle will feel heavier. A bat with a great pick up may allow you to go for a heavier\lighter bat than you’d normally use without noticing any difference.l
Despite the trend for buying on-line, I would really recommend going along to your local cricket supplier and picking up a few bats (especially if this is your first adult bat), don’t be afraid about trying the bat out - get into your stance and play a few shots. It’s the only way to find out what feels nice. For a short handle bat a good starting point would be around the 2lb 10oz mark.
Bear in mind that adding grips will change the weight of the bat (by about an oz per grip) as well as the pick up.
I’d say not to worry too much about the weight of junior bats as they all tend to be around about the same. However, if you want a lighter\heavier bat don’t be afraid to ask for one.
5. Grain\Blemishes. In theory the more grains the bat has (and the tighter they’re packed together) the better the performance but it will also mean that the bat is softer and hence will have a shorter life span. Most people will want something with between 6 and 12 grains. Try to ensure where possible the grains are straight and evenly spaced.
All companies grade their willow according to things such as imperfections, quality of cleft, density and where on the tree the wood has come from. In order to do so they will also produce a rating system and its worthwhile getting familiar with this so you know what you’re looking for.
Ideally you’ll want a clean looking blade (within the given limits of its particular grade). Blemishes are mostly cosmetic and nothing really to worry about but they are thought to be harder wood and it makes sense to avoid those bats which have blemishes on or around the sweet spot.
There is also a thought that the darker the wood on bat the harder it is. This is why you find many bats with a darker edge on one side of the bat. From experience there does seem to be an element of truth in it and I see no harm in having this on a bat.
A few other tips –
Some places will allow you to bounce an old ball on the blade to see how it plays, worth doing so ask.
Don’t be afraid to haggle over the price – at the very least you may walk away with a free cover or grip.
Lastly, it’s your bat so take your time when choosing, try a few out and compare things such as weight and pick up, you’ll be amazed at how they can differ.
I think the above covers the basics but if I’ve missed anything out please ask and I’ll be happy to help.
