As a rule of thumb , the softer ( narrow grain ) willow has excellent performance qualities but shorter lifespan , .
The harder ( broader grain ) willow tends to last longer but takes time before you get optimum performance from it .
As a rule of thumb , the softer ( narrow grain ) willow has excellent performance qualities but shorter lifespan , whereas the harder ( broader grain ) willow tends to last longer but takes time before you get optimum performance from it .