Choosing & caring for a bat.
What do the willow grades actually mean?
Grade is about the look of the cleft, not only the performance. Grade 1 has the straightest, cleanest grains; lower grades carry more blemish, butterfly stain or wider grain — all of which are cosmetic. A well-pressed Grade 3 will ping every bit as well as a top grade for a fraction of the price. We list the grade honestly on every batting card.
Do your bats come knocked-in?
Our English willow bats ship knocked-in and match-ready — we run the mallet through the edges and toe before boxing. Give them a dozen throw-downs with an old ball to settle the middle and you are good for the weekend. The entry Kashmir bats are ready-play from the wrapper.
Kashmir or English willow — which should I buy?
Kashmir is denser and more forgiving, ideal for juniors, returners and the social game. English willow is lighter and springier for its size and rewards a player who middles it. If you play regularly and want the ball to fly, go English; if you want honest runs without fuss, Kashmir is superb value. There is more in our almanac note on the subject.
How do I look after willow over winter?
Store it somewhere cool and dry, give the face a light coat of raw linseed oil if it looks thirsty, and keep the anti-scuff sheet on. Never leave a bat in a hot car boot — willow hates the heat and will dry out and crack.
Sizing, pads & helmets.
How do I pick the right bat size?
Length follows the player's height and pick-up follows how they play — the full ladder from Size 4 to Short Handle is on our size guide. If you are between two, size down for control; a bat you can actually swing beats one you grow into.
Are your helmets certified?
Yes. Our helmets meet the current British Standard (BS 7928) with a fixed grille gap that will not let a ball through. We would not sell headgear we would not put on our own kids.
Can I buy pads and gloves separately?
The set is priced to go together, but if you need a single replacement glove or a different pad size, drop us a line through the contact page and we will sort it from stock.
Left-hand or right-hand — how do I choose gloves?
Batting gloves are handed to protect the leading hand's thumb. A right-handed batter (left shoulder to the bowler) takes a right-hand set; a left-hander takes left-hand. If in doubt, tell us which way you bat and we will pick the pair.
Supplements & guides.
Are your supplements tested?
They are made in an Australian facility to GMP standards and tested batch by batch, including screening against the WADA-banned list — important if you play at a level where you might be tested. They are daily housekeeping, not a magic bullet.
How do I read the ebooks?
You get an instant download link after checkout — read it on a phone, tablet or laptop, no app required. Because they are digital they are non-returnable once opened, but if it is not what you hoped, tell us and we will make it right.
Shipping, returns & payment.
When will my order arrive?
We dispatch from Melbourne — same day if you order before 1pm AEST, with a tracking link by email. Metro is 1–2 days, most of the country 2–5. Full zones and costs are on the shipping page, and dispatch is free over $120.
What is your returns policy?
Fourteen days from delivery for any unused item in original condition, and a one-season performance guarantee on willow that fails on the middle in normal play. The full detail is on the returns page.
How can I pay?
We take Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal and Apple Pay through an encrypted checkout. Your card details never touch our own servers.
Do you sell gift cards?
Not yet — but if you are buying for a player and are unsure of size or grade, message us and we will help you pick, or arrange an easy swap after the day.