Custom Bat Builder - Criteria Breakdown

Willow Grades

Players Grade
Our top-tier clefts. These are the lightest and most premium pieces of willow available across all grades. Bats made from Players Grade willow are guaranteed to be big and guaranteed to perform. Full spine profiles are standard from 2lb 10oz and up. Bats ordered below this weight may include some concaving to help achieve the desired pickup—this is a natural part of the shaping process and something customers should be aware of before ordering.

Grade 1 Plus
This is our finest-looking bat. Typically featuring 8 or more clean, straight grains, these blades are both aesthetically stunning and high-performing. Expect some concaving to enhance edge and spine size, but the striking area remains uncompromised. A true showpiece that hits as well as it looks.

Grade 1
The next level down in appearance, but still an excellent choice. You’ll see at least 6 straight grains, often with a clean hitting area. A touch of redwood or the odd blemish may be present off-centre, but never in a way that affects performance. Some concaving is used to maximise profile and balance.

Grade 2
A great blend of value and quality. These bats usually have a minimum of 6 grains, with a bit more visible character—some redwood, pin knots, or minor blemishes. Don’t be fooled by the cosmetics; these are still top-performing bats, making them one of the best value options available. Concaving is used here too to boost profile dimensions.

Grade 3
A step down visually, but still packed with potential. Typically showing 3 to 6 grains, and a few more natural imperfections, these bats remain capable performers when pressed correctly. Great for those looking to get excellent performance without a premium price tag. Concaving will be present to enhance the shape and pickup.

Butterfly Grade
Unique and often overlooked. These clefts feature natural staining caused by stress during the tree’s growth, creating darker patches or streaks across the blade—what we call the ‘butterfly’ effect. While retail brands tend to dismiss these, we know their potential. In fact, the extra density from the stain can add strength to the grain, and when pressed properly, they perform just as well as any other grade. You’ll also see concaving here to maximise the bat’s overall shape.

Other criteria 

Weight

While the feel of a bat matters, the pick-up is often more important than its scale weight. At OX29 Bat Doctor, we take pride in crafting bats to exact specifications, but more importantly, we focus on how the bat feels in hand. Our experience in weight distribution means that even heavier bats can feel lighter through careful shaping and balance.

We aim to match the requested weight with one grip fitted. If you plan to add a second grip, please let us know when ordering—this can affect both feel and final weight.

Bat Size

While most cricketers choose a standard Short Handle bat, we understand that preferences vary. Some players prefer a Long Handle, a Long Blade, or even a Super Short Handle—and we’re happy to accommodate all of these options.

If your preferred size isn’t listed in the drop-down menu, just get in touch. We can custom-make bats to suit your specific requirements.

One increasingly popular option—especially among professionals and now many club cricketers—is the Long Handle & Short Blade setup. This configuration maintains the same overall length as a standard Short Handle but redistributes more wood lower in the blade. When gripped in the same position relative to the shoulders, it often feels lighter for the same weight, offering a balanced pick-up with extra power lower down the bat. It's a setup favoured by many top internationals.

 

Handle Shape

Oval Handle
Originally developed to reduce bat twist on off-centre strikes, the oval handle helps retain more energy in the shot. Today, it’s a popular choice for players who prefer a more natural feel in the bottom hand. It encourages a looser grip, particularly in the bottom hand, which promotes fluent stroke play—especially down the ground and in the ‘V’.

Round Handle
A round handle allows for greater involvement of the bottom hand, making it ideal for players who like to generate power with their wrists. It's especially suited to those who favour flicks, sweeps, and other wrist-heavy shots.

Semi-Oval Handle
Blending the best of both worlds, the semi-oval handle is slightly rounded but still retains a flatter edge. This shape is now the most popular option, offering a balanced feel that suits a wide range of playing styles. It provides control without restricting wrist movement, making it a versatile choice for most players.

Handle Thickness

We understand that handle thickness is a personal preference—and it shouldn’t compromise the shape you choose. For example, if you prefer a thicker feel in the hands, your Semi-Oval handle shouldn’t become fully oval just to achieve that. Likewise, if you like a Round handle but prefer it on the thinner side (perhaps to allow for more grips or better control), that’s entirely possible. We build each bat to your exact preferences, so you can specify both the shape and the thickness of your handle independently.

Sweet Spot Position

The sweet spot—or middle of the bat—is the area that delivers maximum power when striking the ball. Its position is shaped by the bat’s profile and should match your playing style and the pitch conditions you face most often.

In the UK, where pitches are typically lower and slower, a lower middle can help optimise front-foot play. On harder, bouncier wickets—or if you favour the back foot—a higher middle may be more effective.

Mid Sweet Spot
Less common in the UK but favoured by back-foot players. A mid-positioned sweet spot provides a balanced hitting area and often results in a lighter-feeling pickup—ideal if you want a bat that feels lighter than the scales suggest, without compromising on profile size.

Mid-Low Sweet Spot
The most popular and versatile option. Positioned between high and low, it suits a wide range of playing styles and conditions. Bats with a mid-low middle typically offer excellent pickup and a well-balanced feel without sacrificing power.

Low Sweet Spot
A go-to choice for front-foot dominant players and those who regularly play on slow, low-bouncing pitches—especially common in UK club cricket. With more wood concentrated lower in the blade, these bats often feel their weight more noticeably in the hands.

Extra Low Sweet Spot
For those who love a traditional or vintage-style bat, we offer profiles with an extra low middle. These are ideal for very low-bouncing surfaces or for players who prefer a strong, grounded presence at the crease.