A Tough First Bat for Young Players: the Kahuna 9.1 in Kashmir Willow
Overview
The Kookaburra Kahuna junior cricket bat in 9.1 grade is a Kashmir willow bat for beginners and developing players. It has a non-oil Pro Shield face with a natural back. It keeps the Kahuna high sweet spot. It comes in Harrow and Sizes 6 down to 0.
Kookaburra describe the 9.1 as dependable performance and outstanding value. It is aimed at young players who want reliability, control and easy stroke play. The pick up is balanced, so smaller players can swing it freely.
With eight junior sizes, it covers children from under 122cm up to 169cm tall. That makes it a sensible bat for growing players who change size often. Buy it this autumn and they can get used to it before the April start.
Features
- Kashmir willow: naturally dense willow for extra durability.
- Non-oil Pro Shield face: a durable, lightweight anti-scuff face with a printed grain finish.
- Natural back: the back of the blade is left in natural willow.
- Kahuna profile: the shape used by Jos Buttler, with a high sweet spot.
- Balanced pick up: easy for young players to control.
- Eight junior sizes: Harrow down to Size 0, for players up to 169cm tall.
Design and Materials
The Kahuna 9.1 is made from Kashmir willow. Kookaburra say Kashmir willow is naturally more dense, which adds durability. It lacks the famous ping of English willow. Kookaburra still call it a great choice for most entry level and amateur cricketers.
The face has Kookaburra's non-oil Pro Shield cover. Pro Shield is a durable, lightweight anti-scuff material with the grain of a cricket bat printed onto it. It protects the face and gives the bat a clean look. The back is left natural.
The shape is the classic Kahuna profile, with a high sweet spot and a balanced pick up. Be realistic about the trade-off. A Kashmir bat will not hit like English willow. It is a tough, low cost bat for learning the game.
Key Technologies
Kashmir Willow: Naturally more dense than English willow. Kookaburra say this density adds to the durability of the bat.
Non-Oil Pro Shield Face: A durable, lightweight anti-scuff cover with a bat grain printed onto it. It protects the face and looks smart.
Natural Back: The back of the blade is left in natural willow rather than painted or wrapped.
Kahuna High Sweet Spot: The classic Kahuna profile with the middle placed high. It rewards back foot shots like the pull and cut.
Balanced Pick Up: Kookaburra design it for control and easy stroke play. Young players can swing it freely through a session.
Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Range |
Kahuna, endorsed by Jos Buttler |
| Grade |
9.1 |
| Willow |
Kashmir willow |
| Face and back |
Non-oil Pro Shield face, natural back |
| Profile |
Classic Kahuna, high sweet spot |
| Sizes |
Harrow, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and 0 |
| 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 and Size 0 |
122cm to 129cm, under 122cm |
VKS Review
This Kookaburra Kahuna junior cricket bat is a sound first bat for a young player. Kashmir willow and the Pro Shield face make it tough. The low price takes the sting out of buying a new size each year.
It suits beginners, garden and school cricketers, and juniors trying the game for the first time. When a player wants more performance, the junior Kahuna 7.1 in alternative willow 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 Kashmir willow?
It is a denser willow than English willow, which makes it durable. It lacks the ping of English willow. Kookaburra call it a great choice for most entry level and amateur cricketers.
What is a Pro Shield face?
Pro Shield is Kookaburra's non-oil face cover. It is a durable, lightweight anti-scuff material with a bat grain printed onto it. It protects the face and gives a clean look.
Which size should I choose?
Go by height using Kookaburra's size guide in the table above. Size 0 is for players under 122cm, and Harrow runs to 169cm. Between sizes, choose the one your child can swing comfortably.
Is the Kookaburra Kahuna junior cricket bat in 9.1 grade good for beginners?
Yes. It is tough, low cost and keeps the Kahuna shape. It is a good first bat while a young player is growing and learning.
Does the Kahuna 9.1 junior bat need knocking in?
If it will face a hard ball, we recommend it. Knocking in firms up the edges and toe. VKS offers a knocking-in service, priced at 25 pounds for bats bought from us.
How does it compare with the junior Kahuna 7.1?
The 7.1 uses alternative willow, which Kookaburra say outperforms Kashmir willow. The 9.1 costs less and also comes in Size 0 for the youngest players.
