Cricket Bat Face Protection: Is It Worth It?

The Evolution of Cricket Bats: From Black and White to Colorful Brilliance

In the nostalgic era of black and white, cricket bats were crafted with the same core components as today: English willow, a cane handle, binding for joint strength, and a grip and now a cricket bat face protection!

The defining trait of these bats was their higher moisture content, necessitating regular oiling with linseed oil to maintain their integrity and performance.

However, there is one relatively new piece of a batters arsenal, cricket bat face protection.

But what is face protection?

Cricket bat face protection, such as Clear Guard and Fibre Guard, is a protective layer applied to the bat's surface. It shields the willow from damage and moisture loss, reducing the risk of cracking and extending the bat's lifespan, all while maintaining its performance and feel during play.

Right, let's jump in and get all the nitty-gritty details about face protection so you can see if you want or need it.

Old School Coated Cricket Bats: 

As cricket evolved, so did the technology behind cricket bat manufacturing. Bats received a significant upgrade with the introduction of protective coatings, such as clear or poly coats, and even paint - do you remember the painted bats?  I do and looking back they are truly ugly things!

This innovation eliminated the need for frequent oiling, as the coating effectively sealed in the moisture, preventing the willow from drying out.

During this period, bats maintained a hefty weight, but their sizes began to grow, marking the beginning of a new era in bat design.

The Modern Cricket Bat: Lightweight Yet Powerful

Today's cricket bats are very different. They boast larger profiles and thicker edges (which some prefer, some don't), yet they are lighter than their predecessors.

This evolution brings a notable advantage: players can hit the ball farther, even when it doesn't connect with the bat's sweet spot.

However, this advancement is not without its drawbacks. The reduced moisture content in modern bats leads to more frequent breakages, but all is not lost, here at Trogon we can repair almost any cricket bat.

The use of linseed oil remains essential to retain moisture, but the most effective method to extend a bat's lifespan is the application of cricket bat face protection.

Trogon's Innovative Solutions: Clear Guard and Fibre Guard

At Trogon, we understand the importance of preserving your cricket bat's longevity and performance. That's why we offer two superior cricket bat anti-scuff protection options: Clear Guard and Fibre Guard, also known as Extratec or a Cricket Bat Anti-Scuff Sheet.

These products act as a protective barrier between the ball and the willow, ensuring that your bat remains in top condition without impacting your playing style.

The convenience of these guards lies in their removability; you can easily have your bat cleaned and reapply the protection, continuously safeguarding your investment.

Anti scuff cricket bat protection

The image above shows a refurbished cricket bat with anti-scuff sheet added and edge tape.  We usually add anti-scuff to new bats and extra tech to old refurbished bats, but the client wanted ant-scuff.

Extra tech cricket bat face protection

The above image shows extra-tech added to a fully refurbished cricket bat.  This is our usual process for refurbished cricket bats.

Trogon Cricket: Customization and Quality for Every Cricketer

We pride ourselves on crafting bats in various shapes, sizes, and weights, fully customizable to meet each batter's personal requirements.

Our range extends beyond custom designs to include stock cricket bats made from alternative willows, catering to all budgets, such as Dutch hybrid and Kashmir willow, which are great cheaper alternatives to English willow and make great junior cricket bats or 2nd bats.

Whether you choose a bespoke design or a stock model, every bat from Trogon comes with the option of enhanced cricket bat fibre guard protection - our personal opinion, it is worth adding.

Conclusion

Trogon's anti scuff and extra-tech options offer players peace of mind, ensuring their bats are well-protected without compromising on quality or playability.

Whether you're a budding cricketer or a seasoned pro, Trogon's extensive range of handcrafted, customizable cricket bats, equipped with state-of-the-art protective gear, ensures that there's a perfect bat for everyone.

For all custom bat enquiries contact Len on Len@trogoncricket.com or WhatsApp +44 07539000063 and he will answer all your questions.

Recap of Is Cricket Bat Face Protection Worth It Blog Post

Cricket bat face protection refers to materials like Anti scuff or Fibre Guard applied to the bat's surface to prevent damage and extend its lifespan.

Historically, cricket bats were oiled with linseed oil to maintain moisture in the willow and prevent drying out, ensuring durability and performance.

Initially heavy and regularly oiled, cricket bats have transitioned to lighter, larger profiles with protective coatings that eliminate the need for oiling.

Modern bats are lighter and have bigger profiles, allowing players to hit the ball farther, even if it's not struck in the middle.

The lighter, dryer composition of modern cricket bats makes them more prone to breakages, necessitating additional protective measures like face protection.