A cricket bat like SS Smacker is essential equipment for a cricket player. A good cricket bat can help a batsman score runs and make an impact on the game. However, with so many different cricket bats on the market, it can be essential to know which one to choose. In this blog post, we will give you some tips on how to select a good cricket bat.
1. Ping
The bounce following impact on the face of a cricket bat gets described as ping. A bat with a good ping will provide more control and power when hitting a ball. The experts use a cricket bat mallet to assess the ping of a bat. An experienced cricketer can feel the quality of the bat in the rebound of the mallet, and he can hear the quality of the timber in the sound produced when struck.
A misconception is that higher-quality willow bats always ping better. The reality is that the best sports bats with excellent ping may get found in all grades of willow.
2. Pickup
Pickup defines how a cricket bat feels in the hands when you take it up. It’s a result of weight, shape, and balance. It is essential how a bat picks up rather than how much it weighs; a well-balanced bat with good pickup might be hefty yet still feel light when picked up. It is by far the most critical thing to consider when selecting your bat, and it should be a no-brainer – a cricket bat is useless to a player who can’t efficiently wield it.
A widespread misconception is that lighter bats are usually the better option. The reality is that bats require a significant amount of weight to generate a solid impact against the ball.
3. Price
The cost of the bat is one of the most significant factors. You can find good pickup and ping in bats of many grades and forms. So, you can think about more options; a bat that fits your budget. There’s no reason to go out of your budget and look for a high-end cricket bat if it’s not genuinely within your price range.
A misconception is that more expensive bats usually perform better. The reality is that bats of different prices may provide good performance.
4. Grains
The grain count is the most overrated feature of cricket bats. The number of grains on a cricket bat’s face shows the age of the willow tree. Because the perfect grade willow used to come from older trees, it established a rule of thumb that more grains equalled a better bat. The current cricket bat’s development and production cycle mean that more bats are coming from younger trees, which means that more bats will have fewer grains.
What are the benefits of grains? For one thing, they are appealing to the eye. A magnificent piece of timber with many straight grains. Furthermore, older willows with more grains tend to perform better in the early stage; but may have a shorter lifespan. In contrast, a younger willow with fewer grains takes longer to attain full performance.
People believe that the more grains a bat has, the better. The quantity of grains in a cricket bat face is insignificant compared to its ping, pickup, and pricing.
5. Graphics
When selecting the best bat, maintain a balanced perspective. A widespread misconception is that the stickers on a cricket bat must be flawless. If you’re walking away from a duck, it doesn’t matter how good your stickers look. Choose a bat that feels well and looks decent.
6. Grade
With rare exceptions, cricket bats are nearly entirely fashioned from willow trees or willow plants. Willow is often classified by quality on a scale of 1 to 4 or 5, with 1 being a perfect quality. Higher-grade willow contains straighter grains, a more uniform colour, and few to no flaws.
There is no willow grading scheme. Many bat builders have started using their terminology to grade their willow. A bat manufacturer, for example, may use a word such as “Selected Premium Willow,” which may be similar to an excellent Grade 1 or even extraordinary Grade 2 willow. These grade levels may overlap (and they very often do). Avoid getting caught up in words.
A widespread misconception is that higher grade willow is usually the best option. The fact is that any bat can perform remarkably, and depending on who is rating it, a particular piece of willow may fall into more than one grading group.
7. Material
Another important consideration for the best cricket bat is its material. Cricket bats are usually made with either willow or aluminium. Willow is the better option as it provides more power and control. However, aluminium bats are often cheaper and are suitable for beginner or casual players.
8. Shape and Profile
Bats get constructed for front or back-foot play. In truth, while a shape may be better suited to the sort of wicket you often play on, we must all play off both the front and back foot. As a result, it is preferable to select the bat that feels good for you.
All players play somewhat differently and, as a result, are likely to strike the ball in slightly different places on the bat. While it is challenging to adapt to the hit area, the experts recommend selecting a bat with wood centred in your impact position. It increases the likelihood that the bat stands well for you.
9. Dimensions
The dimensions of a bat are essential. Check that your sports cricket bat complies with these regulations. When the bottom section of the handle is attached, the total length of the bat should not exceed 38 in/96.52 cm. Also, the bat’s blade should not be larger than the following dimensions:
- 25in / 10.8 cm / 108 mm width
- 64in / 6.7 cm / 67 mm depth
- 56in / 4.0cm / 40 mm edging
Find the Best Cricket Bats at Season Sports
Choosing a well-functioning sports cricket bat is an essential decision for any cricketer. There are many things to consider, including size, material, and brand. By taking into account all of these factors and contacting our experts at Season Sports, you can be sure to choose a bat that will help you perform your best on the pitch.
