Kookaburra's English Willow Bat Grading System

When it comes to cricket bats, Kookaburra Cricket is a name synonymous with quality. Their bat-makers use a meticulous grading system to ensure you're getting the right bat for your game, and your budget.

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect in your Kookaburra English Willow Bat, straight from the horse's (bat-maker's) mouth:

Kookaburra Players Replica Grade
These bats are made from the same specially selected clefts that are used for sponsored athletes. The clefts used are the best of the best in terms of performance. Selected first and foremost for ping, these low-density clefts allow Kookaburra bat-makers to make big, full profiles to the specifications of some of the world’s  best players. These bats will have a minimum of 6 grains but may have some minor imperfections or redwood apparent.


Kookaburra Pro Players Grade
This grade is cosmetically the best of the best, which often produce fantastic performing bats. These bats will have a minimum of six straight and evenly spaced grains, with only very minor imperfections visible on the bat. There will be a very minor amount of redwood, if any at all.

Kookaburra Pro 1.0 Grade
These bats will also have a minimum of six grains, which are evenly spaced and may have some minor imperfections. There may be a small amount of heartwood present towards the edge. They just didn’t meet the standard for Pro Players grade.

Kookaburra Pro 2.0 Grade
There will be a minimum of five grains present on the face of the bat with the potential for imperfections in the playing area of the bat, but these should not impact the performance. There may be some redwood present.


Kookaburra Pro 3.0 Grade
These will have a minimum of five grains. Blemishes and marks will be present on the playing area of the bat. With the potential for a higher percentage of heartwood. However, these clefts will often still have great performance.

Kookaburra Pro 4.0 Grade
These bats will have a minimum of four grains with some imperfections in the playing area of the bat. There may also be some curve in the grain at either end of the bat. A higher percentage of redwood may be evident. A great value for money option.

Kookaburra Pro 5.0 Grade - Pre-prepared
This is the lowest grade of English willow that Kookaburra offer in a natural finish.  The grains may not be perfectly straight, it may have some imperfections in the playing area and have some heartwood present. However, they are still cosmetically acceptable and offer great value and performance. These will be factory fitted with a clear facing.

Kookaburra Pro 6.0 Grade - Pre-prepared
This grade is produced using Kookaburra's hybrid willow technology. This creates a value for money option for entry level players. These are factory fitted with our Armour Tec facing for extra protection.

Kookaburra Pro 7.0 Grade - Pre-prepared
This grade of willow has a more significant amount of discolouration or cosmetic imperfections, which means Kookaburra  apply their Pro-Shield facing to make it more visually appealing. The Pro-Shield facing is a durable lightweight protective covering that has imitation grains. The rear of these clefts are clean enough to leave with a natural finish to show off the natural appeal of the willow. Each year, a special selection of these clefts may have a web tape facing applied. A great option for English Willow performance on a budget.

Kookaburra Pro 7. Grade - Pre-prepared
These will have imperfections on all areas of the cleft and are required to be completely covered through a combination of Pro-Shield face and a painted back. Given they have undergone the same production process as all of the above grades, they often still perform well and offer excellent value for money for those on a budget.