GM GRADING

Ultimately, willow grading is not a perfect science, as no two clefts of willow are exactly the same, even from the same tree.

This is where our bat-making expertise becomes important. With more than 140 years of experience in cricket bat manufacture and production based in Nottingham, we assesses each bat individually rather than relying on appearance alone. Each cleft is reviewed for grain structure, weight, colour and cosmetic marking before being assigned to the most appropriate grade.

Higher willow grades typically offer cleaner visual characteristics, straighter grains and more carefully selected English willow. Lower grades may show more natural markings, colour variation or irregular grain patterns, but this does not automatically mean the bat will perform poorly. Cosmetic appearance is only one part of the grading process, and natural blemishes do not necessarily affect performance.

We offer a wide range of English willow grades, from Original L.E. and Original through to 909, 808, 707, 606, 404 and Radon. This grading structure helps players understand the balance between appearance, performance expectation and budget, while still choosing from bats assessed through our own bat-making process.