Follow up with some online research after hearing recommendations. Read customer reviews, online ratings, and forum comments on particular brands and products.

Expect bats to cost anywhere from $20 to hundreds of dollars. Obviously, a $300 bat could be a waste of money if you hardly ever use it, but constantly replacing cheaper bats due to heavy use can be just as wasteful in the long run.

This is especially true for kids. As they continue to develop physically, they will need new, larger bats to match their size, regardless of how much life is left in their old bat.

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English willow, which is regarded as the best material because it’s the most springy. Because of this, it tends to be the most expensive. These bats are ideal for serious competitive players. Kashmir willow, which is less springy than English willow, but more so than pine. It is also highly durable, which makes it a good in-between choice. It is also ideal for beginners and power hitters.

Favor bats with consistent spacing in between each pair of grain lines. Make sure the grain’s profile on the back of your bat matches the profile on its face.

Off-centered handles will make the blade’s weight feel awkward and uneven in your grip. Bare handles are more prone to twisting and slipping in your hands, especially when you sweat.

This should certainly be done before you purchase a bat, as well as before each use.

Search online for sizing charts, such as this one: http://www. desisport. com/how-to-choose-your-cricket-bat

If you’re a beginner, favor bats that are thickest in the middle for the best coverage. As you develop as a player, take note of exactly where along the bat you tend to favor when hitting the ball for future reference.

The location of the blade’s “sweet spot” will affect how the weight feels in your hand. Lower sweet spots will make the bat feel more bottom-heavy, while higher sweet spots will do the opposite. [12] X Research source This is why it’s so important to visit a brick-and-mortar store, since an online description of a bat’s weight alone won’t inform you how a bat will actually feel in your hand.

“Knocking in” refers to a process of lightly striking the wood with a bat mallet or leather ball. This strengthens the wood by compressing it. However, be aware that too much “knocking in” can damage the bat. If you’re unsure of how to safely do it, go with a pre-treated bat as well.