FAQ

• Grade 1 English Willow: The highest quality willow with a straight grain structure, minimal blemishes, and often used by professionals. Offers exceptional performance and power.
• Grade 2 English Willow: High-quality willow with a few more natural imperfections than Grade 1. Provides a great balance of performance and value.
• Grade 3 English Willow: Good quality willow with some visible blemishes and possibly irregular grain structure. Ideal for amateur or recreational players.
• Kashmir Willow: Grown in the Indian subcontinent, Kashmir willow is denser than English Willow. It's usually heavier and more affordable, suitable for beginners or those playing at a less competitive level.

Each bat differs based on its willow grade, weight, balance, sweet spot position, handle type, and overall shape. A bat's performance is often determined by its willow quality, but personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right bat. We encourage you to seek expert advice if unsure.

Cricket Bats: A Deep Dive into English Willow Grades

Cricket bats are at the heart of the sport, and the type of wood used to make them plays a crucial role in a player's performance. English Willow is the most sought-after wood for cricket bats, prized for its lightweight and durable properties. However, not all English Willow bats are the same. They are graded on appearance and performance, and while each grade can offer a high standard of performance, there are subtle differences.

Grade 1 English Willow: The Elite Choice

• Appearance: Grade 1 willow is the cleanest type of wood with a straight grain structure, minimal (if any) blemishes, and often no heartwood (the darker wood on the edge of the bat).
• Performance: Given its impeccable quality, Grade 1 bats provide an exceptional power-to-weight ratio, ensuring an excellent response and feel on ball impact. Players often report a more significant "sweet spot."
• Who's it for?: Ideal for professional cricketers or those who want the very best in terms of performance.

Grade 2 English Willow: The Balanced Performer

• Appearance: This grade will exhibit a few more natural marks or irregularities than Grade 1. You might find slight discoloration or a less even grain structure.
• Performance: While slightly below the Grade 1, the Grade 2 bats still offer a powerful performance. The presence of blemishes doesn't significantly affect the bat's playing ability. The sweet spot might be slightly smaller compared to Grade 1.
• Who's it for?: Suited for club-level players or those who want a high-performing bat without the premium price tag of Grade 1.

Grade 3 English Willow: The Everyday Warrior

• Appearance: Grade 3 willow can have more visible imperfections, including more grain irregularities, some heartwood, and even knots.
• Performance: The bat still provides a good level of performance, but there's a noticeable difference in the consistency of the power output across the blade. However, many players find Grade 3 bats to be reliable and effective for regular play.
• Who's it for?: Ideal for recreational players, beginners, or those who play at an amateur level.

While the grade of willow does indicate the visual appearance of the bat, performance differences across grades can be subtle. A well-made Grade 3 bat can still be an excellent performer in the right hands. However, higher-grade bats, due to their cleaner and more uniform structure, often offer a larger sweet spot and more consistent power distribution across the blade.

That being said, the difference in performance might be more noticeable among professionals or advanced players, as they can utilize the full potential of the bat. For casual or recreational players, the nuanced differences in performance between grades might be less perceptible.

• 142 grams: Typically used in women's cricket and some youth cricket games. It's lighter, making it more suitable for players with a developing technique.
• 156 grams: Standard weight for men's cricket and provides optimum balance between speed and control.

• 2-piece: Made from two leather pieces stitched together. Generally, these balls are used for shorter formats or recreational games due to their affordability.
• 4-piece: Made from four leather quarters stitched together, providing better shape retention and lasting longer. Preferred for longer formats and professional matches.

We pride ourselves on offering a variety of top brands, including MRF, DSC, BAS, Gray Nicolls, Moonwalkr, SM, SS Ton, SG, and CEAT, among others. Each brand has its signature style, technology, and unique offerings, catering to diverse player needs.

A trusted brand for decades, Gray Nicolls blends tradition with modern technology, producing bats known for their balance and power, favored by many professionals.

DSC is known for its innovative designs and cutting-edge technology, ensuring optimal performance and a fearless approach to the game.

MRF is renowned for its association with legendary cricketers and produces high-quality gear suitable for all levels, known for its powerful performance.

Simply browse our products, add your desired items to the cart, and proceed to checkout. Follow the prompts to enter your shipping information and choose a payment method. Your order will be confirmed via email.

We accept a variety of secure payment methods, including major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) processed securely via Shopify Payments. For in-store purchases, we accept EFTPOS. Your payment security is our top priority.

Yes! We specialize in offering custom-made cricket gear tailored precisely to suit your unique style of play. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements and bring your vision to life.

Our products come with manufacturer warranties against defects. The specific warranty period varies by brand and product. Please refer to the product description or contact us directly for detailed warranty information on specific items. We also fully uphold our obligations under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 for faulty goods.

We have a detailed return policy. Items should be returned unused and in their original packaging within 14 days of purchase for change-of-mind returns. However, certain items like worn cricket helmets and jock straps are non-returnable due to hygiene concerns. We fully comply with the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 for faulty or non-conforming goods. For full details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy.

It's crucial to consider your playing style (e.g., aggressive, defensive, all-rounder), the pitch conditions you typically play on, and your personal comfort with the bat's weight and balance. Our in-house experts are always available to guide you through the selection process for your perfect bat. Don't hesitate to get in touch or visit our store.

Proper care can significantly extend the life and performance of your cricket gear. This includes regular cleaning, storing in cool dry places, and periodic knocking-in and oiling of bats. We offer expert advice and detailed tips on our Gear Care & Maintenance page.

Yes, absolutely! We offer convenient in-store pickup (Click & Collect) from our Lower Hutt location. Simply select the "In-Store Pickup" option at checkout. You'll receive a notification when your order is ready.

We currently ship within **New Zealand only**. For full details on shipping rates, dispatch times, and delivery estimates, please visit our Shipping Policy page.

We're always happy to hear from you! You can reach our customer service team via:

• Email: sales@sportsemporium.co.nz
• Phone: 04-5664097
• Mobile/WhatsApp: 022-0299358

You can also visit our physical store in Lower Hutt during our seasonal operating hours. Our full address is: #1 Te Mome Road, Alicetown, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand.