The Difference Between English Willow and Kashmir Willow

English Willow cricket bats and Kashmir willow cricket bats hold significant positions, each having its unique characteristics and advantages, so let's have a deeper look at Kashmir - v - English Willow. 

In this blog post, we will explore the difference between Kashmir willow and English willow, focusing on their density, weight, supply, performance, price, and suitability for different age groups.

But before we jump straight in, what is the difference between English willow and Kashmir willow?

English Willow, grown in England, is lighter and less dense, offering better ping and performance, ideal for professional use. Kashmir Willow, from India, is denser, heavier, and more durable, making it suitable for beginners and younger players. Both differ in growing conditions, weight, and playability.

Right, let's dive in and get more details about both willows;

English Willow: A Premium Choice

English Willow cricket bats are crafted from the wood of the salix alba caerulea tree.

This type of willow is renowned for its lightweight and robust nature, making it a premium choice for professional cricketers. The wood is soft and fibrous, which contributes to its excellent ping when pressing has been completed.

Kashmir Willow: The Sturdy Alternative

Kashmir willow cricket bats, on the other hand, are made from the wood of salix alba caerulea trees grown in the Kashmir region of India.

This wood is denser and harder compared to its English counterpart due to the climate and soil conditions.

While it may lack some of the finesse of English Willow, it offers durability and is an excellent choice for beginners and younger players.

Let's delve a little deeper and compare the features of both English willow and Kashmir willow.

Density Differences of Kashmir - vs. English Willow

One of the primary distinctions between the two types of willows lies in their density.

English Willow is lighter and less dense, which enables the bat to have a larger sweet spot (low-middle, mid-high middle, high-middle) and better shock absorption. Kashmir Willow, being denser, tends to have a smaller sweet spot and can feel heavier and the ping on Kashmir is not as fibrant as English willow.

Weight Variations of Kashmir - v - English Willow

The weight of a cricket bat significantly affects a batter's performance. English Willow cricket bats are generally lighter, allowing for greater control and lighter pick-ups.

Kashmir willow bats are heavier due to their higher density, which might be challenging for young or inexperienced players to handle effectively if not made to fit.

Supply and Availability of Kashmir - v - English Willow

English Willow is less abundantly available than Kashmir Willow, making it a more exclusive and often more expensive choice, you only have to look at January 2024 and all the major wood suppliers increasing their prices by an average of 24%, which inevitably filters through to the price of an English willow bat.

The limited supply of English Willow is due to the specific climatic conditions required for the willow trees to thrive.

Kashmir Willow is more readily available due to the larger areas of cultivation in the Kashmir region.

Performance and Ping of Kashmir - v - English Willow

When it comes to performance, English Willow cricket bats outshine their Kashmir counterparts.

They are known for their superior 'ping' or the rebound quality, enabling the ball to travel faster and farther.

Although Kashmir willow cricket bats offer decent performance, they generally lack the exceptional ping and feel of English Willow bats.

Price Point of Kashmir - v - English Willow

Regarding the cost, Kashmir willow cricket bats are more budget-friendly, making them an attractive option for beginners or those not wishing to invest heavily in a bat.

English Willow cricket bats, especially Grade 1 English willow cricket bats, are pricier due to their superior quality and limited supply.

Durability and Longevity of Kashmir - v - English Willow

While English Willow cricket bats are preferred for their performance, Kashmir Willow bats tend to have a longer lifespan. Their denser and harder wood can withstand more wear and tear, making them an ideal choice for young children and early teenagers who are still learning the nuances of cricket batting.

Customization and Choice: Trogon Cricket Bats

At Trogon Cricket, we understand the diverse needs of cricket players. We specialize in hand-made cricket bats that cater to all shapes, sizes, and weights, offering full customization to meet the batter's personal requirements.

Our collection includes a vast selection of Grade 1, Grade 2, &  Grade 3 clefts English willow available for customization.

Whether you are a professional player looking for a high-performance bat or a beginner in need of a durable and affordable option, our range of bats has something for everyone, with a price point to meet all budget requirements.

It's worth noting that we offer English willow and two alternative willows that are perfect for junior bats and are much cheaper, Kashmir willow and Dutch hybrid.

Conclusion

The choice between English Willow cricket bats and Kashmir willow cricket bats largely depends on the player's skill level, style of play, and budget.

While English Willow offers superior performance and a lighter feel, Kashmir Willow stands out for its durability and affordability, making it a fantastic alternative for younger players.

At Trogon Cricket, our commitment to quality and customization ensures that every player can find the perfect bat to suit their individual needs, enhancing their performance and love for the game.

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

Recap of Kashmir Willow vs English Willow Explained Blog Post

English Willow is lighter and less dense, enhancing performance with better ping and shock absorption. Kashmir Willow is denser and heavier, offering durability and affordability, ideal for beginners.

Due to its lighter weight and soft fibrous nature, English Willow can provide a larger sweet spot making it the preferred choice for professional and serious cricketers.

Kashmir Willow bats are more budget-friendly due to easier availability and lower production costs, while English Willow bats are more expensive due to their superior performance features and limited supply.

Kashmir Willow cricket bats are recommended for young and new players due to their durability and lower cost, making them an excellent choice for those just starting out in cricket.

The performance difference is primarily due to the density and weight of the wood. English Willow bats offer better performance with a high-quality ping while Kashmir Willow bats have a harder feel with less responsiveness.