Buying a cricket bat? Start with the willow

If you're shopping for a new cricket bat, one of the first decisions you'll face is choosing between English willow and Kashmir willow. Both are real wood, both are used in leather-ball cricket — but they play differently, last differently, and sit at very different prices. Here's how to pick the right one for your game.

English willow: the performance choice

English willow is grown in England and is the wood used by professional players worldwide. Its fibres are soft and light, which gives the bat its famous “ping” — the ball flies off the face with less effort. A good English willow bat has straight, even grains (6–12+ grains is a strong sign of quality) and a light pickup that suits timing-based players.

The trade-off: English willow is softer, so it needs care. It must be oiled and knocked in properly before match play, and it costs more. At FIPCO, English willow bats run from our ready-to-play options up to premium models like the Gray-Nicolls Stratos Gen 1.0.

Kashmir willow: the durable, budget-friendly choice

Kashmir willow is grown in Kashmir and is harder and denser than English willow. That makes it heavier in the hands and a little less lively off the face — but also tougher and far more affordable. It's a smart pick for beginners, juniors, school and practice cricket, and players who want one bat that can take a beating.

Kashmir willow bats at FIPCO start at very friendly prices — models like the SS Sky Striker and Gray-Nicolls Supra Blazer are popular first leather-ball bats.

Side-by-side

Performance: English willow wins — lighter, better ping.
Durability: Kashmir willow is harder and more forgiving of mishits and heavy use.
Weight: English willow feels lighter; Kashmir willow feels heavier.
Price: Kashmir willow is the budget pick; English willow is the investment.
Care: English willow needs oiling and knocking-in; Kashmir willow needs less preparation.

So which one should YOU buy?

Choose Kashmir willow if you're new to leather-ball cricket, buying for a junior, playing mostly practice or casual matches, or want the best value per dollar.

Choose English willow if you play league or competitive cricket, your game is built on timing, and you're ready to look after your bat. Ask us about ready-to-play English willow — oiled, knocked in, and fitted with a protective sheet before you take it home.

See both in person

Still not sure? Pick both up and feel the difference — that's the real test. Visit FIPCO Suppliers at Dockside Court, Brampton (open daily 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM), call us at 647-573-0547, or shop online at Thefipco.com. We supply players, academies and clubs across Canada.

← Back to Blog