Premium Willow for Rising Batters: the Kahuna Pro 1.1 Players Select in Junior Sizes
Overview
The Kookaburra Kahuna junior cricket bat in Pro 1.1 Players Select grade is a premium Grade 1 English willow bat. It sits just below the Pro Players Edition in the 2027 junior Kahuna range. It comes in Small Adult, Harrow and Size 6.
This is the bat for a keen young batter who wants top quality willow at a lower price. Kookaburra build it in the Kahuna shape, the range endorsed by Jos Buttler. The junior profile is balanced, with a mid to high sweet spot for shots all round the wicket.
Size 6, Harrow and Small Adult are the three largest junior sizes. They suit players from about 160cm up to 174cm tall. Buy it this autumn and there is plenty of time to prepare it before the April start.
Features
- Premium Grade 1 English willow: visually very close to the Pro Players Edition, at a lower price.
- Unbleached willow: the natural colour of the wood is left on show.
- Kahuna shape: the range used by Jos Buttler, scaled for younger players.
- Balanced junior profile: a mid to high sweet spot for all round shot making.
- Small Adult, Harrow and Size 6: for players roughly 160cm to 174cm tall.
- Senior style finish: the look matches the senior Kahuna bats.
- Kookaburra Pre-Prepared (KPP): a head start on getting the bat ready for match play.
Design and Materials
Kookaburra make every bat by hand. The bat makers grade each cleft on five points. These are performance, appearance, imperfections, colour and density. Pro 1.1 Players Select is the second grade in the junior Kahuna range.
Kookaburra say this grade is visually very similar to the Pro Players Edition. There will usually be more red wood on show. You may also see the odd blemish or butterfly mark in the grain on the face. Kookaburra state these marks do not affect performance.
Kookaburra pair the classic Kahuna shape with a modern finish that matches the senior bats. The willow is left unbleached. The junior profile aims for a light pick up while keeping hitting power.
Kookaburra also share an honest note on grains. Narrow grains come from older willow, which can play well quickly but tends to be more brittle. A bat with a few wider grains often lasts longer.
Key Technologies
Premium Grade 1 English Willow: Visually very similar to the Pro Players Edition grade. Expect more red wood and the odd cosmetic mark.
Unbleached Willow: The blade is not bleached, so the natural colour of the willow shows through.
Kahuna Junior Profile: A balanced shape with a mid to high sweet spot. It suits young batters who score all round the wicket.
Light Pick Up: Kookaburra design the junior profile for a light pick up. It helps young players keep control without losing hitting power.
Handmade Construction: Every Kookaburra bat is made by hand. Each cleft is graded on performance, appearance, imperfections, colour and density.
Kookaburra Pre-Prepared (KPP): Kookaburra carry out preparation on the blade before it leaves the factory. It shortens the work needed before match play.
Senior Style Finish: The classic Kahuna shape with a modern look. It matches the finish of the senior Kahuna bats.
Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Range |
Kahuna, endorsed by Jos Buttler |
| Grade |
Pro 1.1 Players Select |
| Willow |
Premium Grade 1 unbleached English willow |
| Grain guide |
Similar to Pro Players Edition, more red wood, odd blemish |
| Profile |
Balanced, mid to high sweet spot |
| Sizes |
Small Adult, Harrow and Size 6 |
| Small Adult height guide |
170cm to 174cm (around 5ft 7in) |
| Harrow height guide |
165cm to 169cm (around 5ft 5in) |
| Size 6 height guide |
160cm to 164cm (around 5ft 3in) |
| Preparation |
Kookaburra Pre-Prepared (KPP) |
VKS Review
This Kookaburra Kahuna junior cricket bat gives a young batter premium Grade 1 willow. It costs less than the Pro Players Edition. The balanced profile is easy to control. The light pick up helps players stay quick on short balls.
It suits strong junior batters in county age group squads and teenagers already playing senior club cricket. The junior Pro Players Edition adds cleaner willow and a free padded cover. The Hybrid Pro 3.1 Icon is a lower cost option. You can also visit our London store in Ealing to check the size before you buy.
Q&A Section
Which size should I choose?
Kookaburra's size guide suggests Size 6 for 160cm to 164cm and Harrow for 165cm to 169cm. Small Adult suits players 170cm to 174cm. If your child is between sizes, choose the one they can lift and swing comfortably.
Is the Kookaburra Kahuna junior cricket bat the same shape as the senior bat?
It uses the classic Kahuna shape, scaled for younger players. Kookaburra give it a balanced profile and a mid to high sweet spot. The finish matches the senior Kahuna bats.
What is the difference between the 1.1 Players Select and the Pro Players Edition?
Both are Grade 1 English willow. The Pro Players Edition is specially selected and comes with a free padded cover. The 1.1 usually shows more red wood, which keeps the price lower.
Does the Kahuna Pro 1.1 junior bat need knocking in?
We recommend it, even though the bat arrives Kookaburra Pre-Prepared. 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.
Do the marks on the face affect performance?
No. Kookaburra state that the odd blemish or butterfly mark in the grain does not affect performance. These marks are cosmetic.
Is a Grade 1 willow bat worth it for a junior?
For a committed young batter, often yes. Top grade willow gives better feedback on timing. Larger junior sizes are also used for longer, as players are closer to adult height.
