My son's used this bat for over half a season and he's delighted with it. Hastily produced and released to coincide with Phil Hughes' breakthrough into Australias test side the bat disappeared almost as quickly as Hughes himself did. A very light bat the 2lb 6oz version has a featherlite pick up but is still chunky enough to hit the ball out of the park. The willow is bleached which is something that is usually found on lower grade willow but the bat I bought had an unblemished face and nine lovely straight grains. After being oiled and knocked in 'properly' I found that the bats middle almost extended the full length of the face from the toe to the splice! I've used the bat myself and for less than £100 I can honestly say that this bat is exceptionally good and fantastic vfm. If you see one buy the Kookaburra Blade 'Special Edition' with confidence. If it's anything like my sons I can guarentee you won't be disappointed.