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[CrickFreak]

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.

[Alvaro]

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

[cricketfan6969]

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

[Wickets-then-runs]

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

[Perkins17]

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.

[hell4leather cricket]

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

[Seniorplayer]

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.

[kal_m]

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