Budget Friendly Power for Young Players: the Kahuna 7.1 in Alternative Willow
Overview
The Kookaburra Kahuna junior cricket bat in 7.1 grade is made from Grade 2 unbleached alternative willow. It has a non-oil Armourtec face and keeps the Kahuna high sweet spot. It comes in Harrow and Sizes 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1.
Kookaburra describe the 7.1 as combining power, balance and durability in a value focused design. Alternative willow sits between Kashmir and English willow. Kookaburra say it outperforms Kashmir willow and looks better too.
With seven junior sizes, it covers players from about 122cm to 169cm tall. That makes it a sensible bat for growing children who change size often. Buy it this autumn and they can get used to it before the April start.
Features
- Grade 2 alternative willow: strong, reliable and consistent, at a budget friendly price.
- Unbleached willow: the natural colour of the wood is left on show.
- Non-oil Armourtec face: a protective face finish applied as standard.
- Kahuna profile: the shape used by Jos Buttler, with a high sweet spot.
- Good weight distribution: balance that young players can control.
- Seven junior sizes: Harrow down to Size 1, for players about 122cm to 169cm tall.
Design and Materials
The Kahuna 7.1 is made from alternative willow rather than English willow. Kookaburra say alternative willow bats offer better performance than Kashmir willow bats. They also have a better look. Kookaburra call it a great budget conscious alternative to English willow for amateur cricketers.
The willow is Grade 2 and left unbleached. A non-oil Armourtec face is applied to protect the hitting surface. The shape keeps the Kahuna profile, with a high sweet spot and good weight distribution.
Be realistic about the trade-off. Alternative willow will not match the feel of an English willow bat. It is a durable, low cost choice for young players learning the game.
Key Technologies
Grade 2 Alternative Willow: Kookaburra describe it as strong, reliable and consistent. It outperforms Kashmir willow at a budget price.
Unbleached Willow: The blade is not bleached, so the natural colour of the willow shows through.
Non-Oil Armourtec Face: Kookaburra's protective face finish, applied as standard. It helps the face cope with regular use.
Kahuna High Sweet Spot: The Kahuna profile with the middle placed high. It rewards back foot shots like the pull and cut.
Balanced Weight Distribution: Kookaburra spread the weight for balance and power. Young players can control the bat through a full session.
Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Range |
Kahuna, endorsed by Jos Buttler |
| Grade |
7.1 |
| Willow |
Grade 2 unbleached alternative willow |
| Face |
Non-oil Armourtec |
| Profile |
Kahuna, high sweet spot |
| Sizes |
Harrow, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 |
| Harrow and Size 6 |
165cm to 169cm, 160cm to 164cm |
| Size 5 and Size 4 |
152cm to 159cm, 145cm to 151cm |
| Size 3 and Size 2 |
137cm to 144cm, 130cm to 136cm |
| Size 1 |
122cm to 129cm |
VKS Review
This Kookaburra Kahuna junior cricket bat is a sound choice for a young player starting out. The Armourtec face and alternative willow make it tough. The low price takes the sting out of buying a new size each year.
It suits beginners, school cricketers and juniors in their first seasons at a club. When a player is ready for English willow, the junior Kahuna Hybrid 6.3 Select is the next step. You can also visit our London store in Ealing to check the size before you buy.
Q&A Section
What is alternative willow?
It is a willow used as a lower cost option to English willow. Kookaburra say alternative willow bats perform better than Kashmir willow bats. They also have a better look.
Which size should I choose?
Go by height using Kookaburra's size guide in the table above. Size 1 starts at 122cm and Harrow runs to 169cm. Between sizes, choose the one your child can swing comfortably.
Is the Kookaburra Kahuna junior cricket bat in 7.1 grade good for beginners?
Yes. It is durable and low cost, and it keeps the Kahuna shape. It is a good choice while a young player is still growing and learning.
Can it be used in junior matches?
Alternative willow bats are widely used in junior cricket. Some leagues and competitions set their own equipment rules, so check yours before match day.
Does the Kahuna 7.1 junior bat need knocking in?
We recommend it, even with the Armourtec face. Knocking in firms up the edges and toe so they cope with a hard ball. VKS offers a knocking-in service, priced at 25 pounds for bats bought from us.
How does it compare with the junior Kahuna Hybrid 6.3 Select?
The 6.3 Select has an English willow face laminated into the blade. The 7.1 is all alternative willow, which costs less. The 7.1 also comes in smaller sizes, down to Size 1.
