Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: CrickFreak on October 31, 2013, 08:10:53 PM

Title: Grain Color
Post by: CrickFreak on October 31, 2013, 08:10:53 PM

Apologize if this has been discussed before and not sure if a straightforward answer exists.

But experts and bat makers - Does the color of the grain matter. Some bats have lighter grains than others, is it due to the finish or its natural color. And does it play better if its darker or lighter.

Thanks.

Title: Re: Grain Color
Post by: Alvaro on October 31, 2013, 08:19:13 PM

I like an almost blue/purple grain in my bats.
Just a preference.

Title: Re: Grain Color
Post by: cricketfan6969 on March 09, 2014, 09:18:49 AM

I've heard,that if the grain colour is lighter, then the bat is more softer (From Mike Hussey) but who knows, every bat can be different and I don't quite believe that

Title: Re: Grain Color
Post by: Wickets-then-runs on March 09, 2014, 09:41:21 AM

From what I've heard, the darker the grain, the harder it is. Hence why some willow is bleached, I would assume...?

Title: Re: Grain Color
Post by: Perkins17 on March 09, 2014, 01:03:16 PM

With the darker coloured willow (looks oiled) it tends to be a bit stiffer than the lighter coloured willow but then if its too light and the grain is hard to see then they can not play too well.

Stuff like purple or blue doesn't have any real detrimental effect on the bat but the green moldy looking stuff tends to be brittle and crack under pressing.

Title: Re: Grain Color
Post by: hell4leather cricket on March 09, 2014, 01:38:53 PM

All depends on how the willow is dried ,needs to be air dried then kiln dried but all depends what kiln is used to quickly it will bake it and change the colour darker, air circulation is key to the process

Title: Re: Grain Color
Post by: Seniorplayer on March 09, 2014, 06:15:22 PM

Prior to drying and pressing the lighter the grain the softer the cleft.Colour can change during the drying process and the cleft can become harder.

Title: Re: Grain Color
Post by: kal_m on March 10, 2014, 02:38:48 AM

Is there a way to identify a willow that is bleached vs a natural light colored one?