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[aman]

How does grading work nowa days?

What make "pro" grade willow what it is?

Is it purley asthetic? I haven't really seen any evidence that proves other wise but wanted to see if anyone knew anything else?

I've seen bats graded as grade 1 with lesser grains than a grade 2 or just as many from the same company, so how does it work?

[sarg]

Bat grading is based on what the bat maker thinks a cleft will fetch.
 
Pro and player grades seem to be different depending on bat maker.

Willow grading is similar but generally defined as per J.S. Wrights grading.

http://www.cricketbatwillow.com/blades-grading

[GoodLeave]

I think the waters have been muddied somewhat recently by the invention of "Pro Performance" willow. Which seems to be any willow with a low density and/or better "Ping"

Density is a fact. "Ping" is subjective.

I'd prefer we just went to Pro (Lightweight), G1 (Perfect grain structure) G2 (Minor blemishes, graping, pin knots) G3 (substantial blemishes etc) Butterfly.

[sarg]

I think the waters have been muddied somewhat recently by the invention of "Pro Performance" willow. Which seems to be any willow with a low density and/or better "Ping"

Density is a fact. "Ping" is subjective.

I'd prefer we just went to Pro (Lightweight), G1 (Perfect grain structure) G2 (Minor blemishes, graping, pin knots) G3 (substantial blemishes etc) Butterfly.

The ICC limiting bat dimensions may make extreme low density clefts a little less important to some pros now the maximum volume of a bat may be 20+% less than the size of some the bats currently used. 

A batsman who had a 2.10 50 mm edged bat with a 70 mm spine will still want a 2.10 bat. The B3 Beluga is a practical model of how that volume can be redistributed to achieve similar balance or playing properties.

Streaky what roughly is the volume of a unshaped short handled cleft of willow with a edge of 40 mm, spine 60 mm and a pressed camber of 7mm? That will be the max volume. Also what impact do you think the new restrictions have on grading in general?

[Calzehbhoy]

It's @The Doctor I think @sarg

[sarg]

It's @The Doctor I think @sarg

Thanks, edited mine lol

[Seniorplayer]

Natural low Density unblemished  light white  willow with tight  straight grains