Sri Lankan wood, Kashmir Willow or Poplar?

Sri Lankan (Ceylon) wood is the densest of the three and best for the hard tennis ball; Kashmir Willow is lighter with better pickup for the soft ball; Poplar is the most affordable and suits beginners and younger players. For most Chennai club cricket, Sri Lankan wood is the right answer.

Sri Lankan wood, or Ceylon wood

Denser and heavier than the alternatives, which is exactly what you want against a medium or hard tennis ball. It takes repeated impact without the face lifting. In Chennai it is still commonly called Ceylon wood, and it is what most of our range is built from.

Kashmir Willow

Lighter, with a cleaner pickup and a slightly softer feel. Good for the soft tennis ball and for players who value bat speed. It will not last as long against a hard ball.

Poplar

The lightest and cheapest of the three. Honest, serviceable wood for beginners, younger players and casual games. We use it where the price matters more than the last ten percent of performance — and we say so rather than calling it something it is not.

What we would tell a friend

If you play weekend cricket in Chennai with a medium ball, buy Sri Lankan wood. If you play in the street with a soft ball and want the bat to feel fast, Kashmir Willow. If you are buying for a child or a one-off tournament, Poplar is fine and there is no shame in it.