When choosing a cricket bat, the type of willow used plays a huge role in how that bat performs. It’s also one of the biggest reasons why some bats cost more than others.
You’ll often see bats described as being made from either English willow or Kashmir willow, but the difference between the two is not always clearly explained.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences and explain why at Neon we only use English-grown English willow across our entire bat range.
Why Willow for Cricket Bats?
Cricket bats are made from willow because of its unique combination of strength, shock absorption and rebound. When prepared and pressed correctly, willow compresses on impact and then springs back, transferring energy into the ball.
However, not all willow behaves the same. Growing conditions, fibre structure and density all influence how a bat feels, performs and lasts over time.
English Willow: The Benchmark for Performance
English willow is widely regarded as the best willow available for cricket bats. It is grown in England under specific conditions that produce a softer, more responsive wood.
This is why English willow has been trusted by professional and top-level club cricketers for generations.
At Neon, every bat is made using English-grown English willow, regardless of grade.
Kashmir Willow: How It Differs
Kashmir willow is grown in different climates, primarily in India and surrounding regions. The growing conditions result in a denser, harder wood.
Because of this, Kashmir willow typically:
- Feels firmer on impact
- Compresses less easily
- Produces less rebound
Kashmir willow bats are often used in entry-level or casual cricket, which is why they are commonly found in sports shops and cricket starter kits.
Why Performance Comes from Willow Quality, Not Just Looks
One common misconception is that bat performance is dictated by the aesthetics of the bat-face. In reality, performance comes from the quality of the willow and how it is pressed, not cosmetic appearance.
All Neon Cricket bats are:
- Pressed to the same professional standard
- Designed to deliver exceptional performance across all grades
Our grading system is based purely on the cosmetic appearance of the face, primarily in the hitting zone. Grains, blemishes and markings affect how a bat looks, not how it plays.
This means every Neon bat, from Club grade through to Signature, delivers similar core performance characteristics.
Why Some Bats Are Cheaper Than Others
Many retailers use Kashmir willow because it allows bats to be sold at lower price points. It is more readily available and cheaper to source.
At Neon, we choose not to make that compromise.
Using English-grown English willow costs more, but it ensures:
- More reliable higher performance
- Greater longevity when cared for properly
- Better feel off the bat
That difference is reflected in the price, but also in the experience of using the bat.
Final Thoughts
The difference between English willow and Kashmir willow is not just about where it's grown. It’s about performance, feel and intent.
At Neon, we only use English-grown English willow because we believe club cricketers deserve the same quality of materials trusted at the highest levels of the game.
When you pick your Neon, you are choosing performance first.