Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Cricket Bat

Whether you're a beginner making your way into the cricket world or a seasoned player, one thing remains crucial: selecting the right cricket bat.

This blog post covers all the key aspects of selecting a new cricket bat, focusing on features such as weight, pickup, pressing, handle shape, and the often misunderstood significance of grain.  

But first, what is the key thing to think about when choosing a new cricket bat? 

The key aspect of choosing a new cricket bat is finding the right balance between weight and pickup that suits your playing style. Ensuring the bat feels comfortable and manageable allows for better control and power in your shots, enhancing overall performance and confidence at the crease.

Righto, keep reading and get all the juicy details 

Bat Size: Fit Matters Too

A common mistake is buying a bat that's the wrong size for your height and build. Too long, and it throws off your stance. Too short, and you sacrifice reach and control.

For adult players, short-handle bats are usually the default. But if you're particularly tall or have a longer reach, consider a Long Blade or Long Handle.

A simple test: Rest the bat vertically against your leg. If the handle reaches your wrist when your arm hangs down, you’re in the right zone.

Weight and Pickup: Balance Your Game

The essence of a cricket bat lies in its weight and pickup. These two characteristics can dramatically affect your batting style and comfort at the crease.

A bat's weight is crucial—it must feel right in your hands and match your physical capabilities and batting technique. There is no point selecting a bat that is 3lbs when you can barely lift it.

Heavy - vs - Light Cricket Bats

Heavy bats may offer more power, but they can also lead to slower reaction times and undue fatigue. Lighter bats, on the other hand, can enhance stroke play and offer quicker hand speed, but they might lack the power to send the ball to the boundary on larger grounds.

Pickup, which is how the bat feels when picking it up in your stance, is equally important. A bat with good pickup will feel lighter than it actually is, allowing the player to manoeuvre it more easily and time the ball better.

Trust your instincts. A bat that feels right usually plays right.

The Trogon Touch: Hard-Pressed for Performance

Why do we at Trogon hard-press our cricket bats?

The answer lies in the longevity and performance of the bat. Hard pressing increases the density of the wood, enhancing the bat's durability and power.

A hard-pressed bat can withstand the rigours of high-velocity impacts, offering a stable and reliable platform for your stroke play. 

Identifying a Hard-Pressed Cricket Bat: The Trogon Signature

Determining whether a cricket bat has been hard-pressed is an art that involves a few subtle observations. At Trogon, we take pride in our hard-pressing technique, which leaves behind a few tell-tale characteristics;

Firstly, the sound of the bat can be a significant indicator. A hard-pressed bat tends to produce a deeper, more solid sound when striking the ball. This is because the compacted wood fibres from the pressing process vibrate less, resulting in a 'ping' rather than a 'thud'.

When knocking in the bat, which is the process of preparing a new bat (and it is essential), this sound gradually becomes richer and deeper, suggesting that the bat is reaching its optimal performance level.

Secondly, the feel of the bat upon impact can give away its pressing nature. When a hard-pressed bat meets the ball, the sensation felt in the hands is more solid and less springy.

It is a direct result of the reduced compression in the willow, ensuring that the energy from the ball strike transfers more effectively into the ball, providing a powerful shot without the excessive jarring in the hands.

Additionally, the surface of a hard-pressed bat is usually firmer and more resistant to indentation during the initial stages of use.

While all new cricket bats require knocking in to fully prepare the surface, hard-pressed bats may need a bit more effort to round off the edges and to finish the toe - but never directly knock-in the edges, it should be a glancing blow - read more about our knocking in technique.

This is due to the higher density of fibres, which, while providing longevity and durability, take more time to mould into a fully match-ready state.

Knocking In: A Non-Negotiable Step

Even a beautifully pressed bat needs to be knocked in. This process compresses the wood fibres in the face and edges, preparing the bat for match play and protecting it from cracks.

If you skip this step, you're risking damage and reducing the cricket bat’s life span. Knocking in should be done with a bat mallet or old ball over several hours (preferably 6), gradually increasing the force. 

Should You Oil Your Cricket Bat?

Oiling helps maintain the willow’s moisture, preventing it from drying out, cracking, or becoming brittle.

• Use raw linseed oil or bat wax.

• Apply a thin coat to the face, edges, and toe (avoid the splice and stickers)

• Let it dry for 24 hours, then repeat once more.

If your bat has an anti-scuff sheet, you may not need to oil it, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions or ask us directly, and we will be pleased to help.

Cricket Bat Grains: The Myths and the Matter

When purchasing a new cricket bat, the number of grains has often been a key consideration.

However, this shouldn't be the be-all and end-all of your decision. Grains can indicate the age of the wood; more grains typically suggest an older piece of willow. But this doesn't necessarily translate to a better bat.

A bat with fewer grains can be just as performant and, in some cases, even more durable, as it may have fewer natural imperfections.

New cricket bat buyers should be aware that the playing qualities of a cricket bat come from the quality of willow and the craftsmanship with which it's made, not solely from the grain count.

Selecting a bat that feels right to you is much more important than the number of grains the bat has.

Why Semi-Oval Handles Take the Lead at Trogon

Trogon cricket bats are all about nuance and tailored experiences, which is why we champion the semi-oval handle. The semi-oval handle is the perfect middle ground, providing the top-hand control and comfort of an oval handle while still allowing the bottom hand to flex freely, as it would with a round handle.

This combination fosters both control and power in your shots, catering to technical stroke makers and power hitters alike.

The semi-oval handle reduces the risk of the bat turning in the hand on impact with the ball, offering a more stable grip and, ultimately, a more precise and powerful connection with the ball.

Sweet Spot Selection: Match Your Game and Conditions

The position of a cricket bat’s sweet spot can dramatically impact shot effectiveness. If you're a front-foot player or regularly play on low, dusty wickets, a lower sweet spot helps you power through drives and sweeps with confidence.

On the flip side, back-foot players and those who play on fast, bouncy pitches benefit from a higher sweet spot, which helps generate control and timing for pull shots, cuts, and back-foot punches.

Many modern bats feature a mid-position sweet spot, making them a versatile option for all-rounders who play across formats and conditions.

Let’s recap on what you need to look for when buying your new bat.

Selecting Your New Cricket Bat: Key Features to Consider

• Weight and Balance: A bat's weight should complement your strength and batting style. Balance is key; a well-balanced bat can make even a heavier weight feel comfortable and manageable.
• Pickup: This is subjective but essential. A good pickup will make the bat feel lighter and easier to handle, allowing you to play shots around the wicket with ease and confidence.
• Pressing: At Trogon, our hard-pressed bats stand as a testament to quality and resilience. This not only affects the bat's longevity but also its performance.
• Grain Count: Instead of focusing on the number of grains, assess the overall quality of the willow and the craftsmanship that has gone into making the bat and focus on the pickup and feel of the bat.
• Handle Shape: Our semi-oval handles are designed to offer the perfect blend of comfort and control, enhancing your batting performance.
• Sweet Spot: Depending on your playing style, whether front foot or back foot, or if you play on bouncy or low pitches, the position of the sweet spot can influence your shot effectiveness.
• Willow Grade: The quality of the willow significantly impacts the performance of the bat. Higher-grade willows offer better performance, but be mindful of your budget.

Willow Grades: What’s Behind the Price Tag?

Not all willows are created equal. The grade of willow directly impacts its performance, appearance, and price.

• Grade 1 English Willow is the highest quality, with straight, clean grains and premium performance. Ideal for serious players.

• Grade 2 or 3 may show more blemishes, but still offer outstanding performance at a lower cost.

• Kashmir Willow is denser and more affordable, making it a good option for beginners or casual cricketers.

Remember, better grades generally mean better rebound, ping and faster break-in time, but choosing what feels right in your hands always takes precedence, along with making sure you select a bat that matches your budget.

How Much Should You Spend?

Cricket bats can range from £40 to £ 800 or more. The sweet spot for most club players is between £150 and £400, offering good-quality English willow without breaking the bank.

Beginners may opt for Kashmir willow or entry-level English willow, while high-performance players often invest in Players’ Grade bats for the ultimate ping and power. Always balance performance needs with your budget.

Are Expensive Bats Worth It?

For many cricketers, the price tag doesn’t always reflect the right bat. A high-grade (G1+ or G1) cricket bat will offer faster break-in time, bigger sweet spots, and better performance, but only if your technique and strength can get the most out of it.

Club players can often get fantastic value from mid-range bats (G2 and G3) that suit their level.

Don’t just chase the biggest price tag, chase the bat that suits you best.

Crafting Your Passion: Trogon's Commitment

At Trogon, we understand that cricket is not just about scoring runs; it's about the joy of the sport. This is why we offer handmade cricket bats tailored to fit all shapes and sizes, ensuring full customisation to meet the batter's personal requirements.

Whether you are buying a custom-made cricket bat or selecting one from our varied stock, our bats are made with a plethora of different willows, and we pride ourselves on providing options that cater to all budgets.

From the finest English willow to budget-friendly alternatives, each piece of wood is transformed into a piece of cricketing excellence.

We don't just sell cricket bats; we provide a companion for your cricketing journey—a bat that feels right in every stance, with every stroke, and in every run you take.

A Cricket Bat's Lifespan: What to Expect

A good cricket bat can last anywhere from 1 to 4 seasons, depending on how well it's looked after and how many times it's used.

Key factors include:

• How often do you play

• Whether it was properly knocked in

• If it’s regularly oiled and maintained

• Storage conditions (cool, dry, away from extreme heat or damp) are essential for the off-season.

Replace your bat when performance noticeably dips, ping weakens, or cracks/splits appear that can’t be repaired.

Recap: 10 Things to Know Before Buying a New Cricket Bat

So whether you're stepping into the nets for the first time or replacing a well-worn favourite, buying a new cricket bat is a big decision. The right bat isn’t just about looks or price; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your style, strength, and playing conditions.

Here is a recap of the 10 most important things to know before you buy.

1. Weight and Pickup: Feel Is Everything

The cricket bat’s weight affects your pick-up and swing, but it’s the pick-up that defines how it feels in your hands. A heavier bat can still feel light if it's well-balanced. Choose one that feels natural when you take your stance, not like you're swinging a log.

2. Bat Size: Choose the Right Fit for Your Body

Too many players use bats that don’t match their height or build. A bat that’s too long can affect your posture and control. Short handle bats are ideal for most adults, but taller players may benefit from long handle or long blade options.

3. Sweet Spot Position: Match Your Playing Style

Where the sweet spot sits on the blade matters.

• Front-foot players or those on low, slow pitches benefit from lower sweet spots.

• Back-foot players or those facing pace on bouncy tracks prefer higher sweet spots.

• A mid-position sweet spot offers all-around versatility.

4. Handle Shape: Control vs. Flexibility

The handle affects how the cricket bat feels during shots. Trogon bats feature a semi-oval handle, blending the top-hand control of an round shape with the freedom of a round handle for the bottom hand. The result? Comfort, stability, and precision.

5. Willow Grade: Know What You’re Paying For

English willow bats come in various grades:

• Grade 1 = clean grains, top performance

• Grade 2–3 = some visual blemishes, but still quality bats

• Kashmir willow = heavier, more durable, and budget-friendly

Higher-grade willow offers better ping and performance, but it’s not always necessary for casual players.

6. Pressing and Durability: Why Hard-Pressed Bats Last Longer

At Trogon, we hard-press our bats to increase wood density. This enhances durability and power, allowing the bat to absorb impacts more effectively. A hard-pressed bat may take slightly longer to knock in, but pays off in longevity and consistent stroke play.

7. Grain Count: Don’t Be Fooled by the Numbers

More grains don’t always mean a better bat. While grains show the age of the willow, what matters more is the quality of the wood, how it’s pressed, and how the bat feels in your hands. Focus on pickup, balance, and feel, not just looks.

8. Knocking In: Don’t Skip This Step

Even the best cricket bat needs proper preparation. Knocking in compresses the fibres, strengthens the edges, and ensures your bat performs under match conditions. Skipping this can cause cracks, dents, or worse, a shortened bat lifespan.

9. Oiling: Keep Your Willow Alive

Oiling with raw linseed oil helps maintain the bat’s moisture level, preventing drying and cracking. A thin coat on the face, edges, and toe (avoiding the splice) is often enough. For bats with anti-scuff sheets, oiling may not be required, but always check.

10. Price vs. Performance: Spend Smart, Not Big

Bats range from £140 to £800+, but the best bat for you isn’t always the most expensive. Casual players can find excellent performance in mid-range options, while serious players may invest in higher-grade bats for enhanced ping and responsiveness.

Conclusion

Buying a new cricket bat isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about investing in your game. From balance and weight to handle shape and sweet spot position, every detail plays a role in how you perform out in the middle.

At Trogon, we don’t just sell cricket bats, we craft them around you. Whether you're a weekend warrior, club cricketer, or serious competitor, we offer handcrafted bats tailored to your style, build, and budget.

Explore our full range of ready-to-play bats or design your own custom bat with our team.

Playing Our Part in Your Cricket Story

We know that cricket is more than just a game; it’s a passion, a community, and a lifetime of memories. That’s why every Trogon bat is made with care, dedication, and pride. We see our role as more than just bat makers; we’re part of your cricket journey. 

From the first knock in the nets to the biggest innings of your career, we want to be there with you.

Choosing Trogon means choosing a bat made with honesty, integrity, and the same love for the game that you carry to the crease.