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Croquet Buying Guide

A famous recreational pastime dating back to the 1900s, croquet comes in many versions and can be played by all ages.  Because the game play and player type can vary--from competitive to weekender and eXtreme croquet to classic golf croquet--there is a wide array of sets  you can purchase.  Each set, however, should include a certain number of mallets,  wickets,  stakes,  stands  and balls  that is appropriate for  the number of players you have and the wear and tear they will receive.  Check out the rest of this guide to get more details on all the necessary croquet equipment--it could make or break your game.

Types of Sets

If you are playing croquet as a competitive sport,  you should pick up a set that says it's designed especially for the enthusiast.  These sets are usually made from fine pines and come with lifetime guarantees as well as practical carrying cases for easy transportation from game to game.  Almost all sets come with enough equipment, particularly mallets, for each player.  Exceptions to this rule include family sets  which can accommodate more players or children's  and collector's sets  which can accommodate less.   Super-size croquet sets  are also noteworthy, as they come with a new set of equipment altogether, which includes flags and inflatable balls to kick through the wickets or hoops.

Different Variations

Different variations on croquet might also affect the type of set you decide to purchase.  Some of the styles currently being played include:

  • Association Croquet: This type is played competitively, and on an international level.
  • Golf Croquet: The player who hits their ball through the most hoops first wins.
  • Mondo Croquet: The object of the game is to get your ball through all the hoops in the proper order, hit the flags, become a zombie, and knock out all your opponents.
  • eXtreme Croquet: This game lacks any rules pertaining to what's out-of-bounds, and thus can be played on rough, unique terrain outdoors.
  • Bicycle Croquet: The shots are timed (10 secs per player) and no part of your body is allowed to touch the ground during game play (aside from your feet, of course).
  • Backyard Croquet: Leisurely variation on association croquet.
  • Wacko Croquet: Wickets and stakes made out of PVC piping, various objects in the room or in the backyard can be described as "in play" so that you may bounce your balls off of them.
  • Six Wicket Croquet: The American version of croquet.
  • Gateball: The balls are numbered and each player gets points for hitting balls through gates or off the goal poles.

The Goods

  • The Mallet: Usually around 92 centimetres in length, the average croquet mallet is made out of a hard wood or an equally sturdy composite material, and it is used to hit croquet balls through wickets during a croquet match.  Aspects of the mallet that can vary and thus, should be considered by the player before purchase include the weight, the head size, the head shape, the grips and the head protection.  Heavier heads may allow for more stability during play, while brass rings or plastic casing on the head may keep it from splitting during game play.  Specifically, round heads are used by more recreational players, while square heads are used for competitive players.
  • The Stakes: These are the sall goal posts are painted with different colour rings so that they are easily spotted by the player. They can be made out of wood or plastic, depending upon the quality of the set you purchase.
  • The Balls: The balls that you hit through the hoops or wickets are usually made out of plastic or wood. Plastic may prove to be more weather resistant than the wood, but wood gives players a more classic feel. The balls usually come in several colours, so that each player may choose a colour with which to correspond. Recreational balls are often lighter than those used for competition, and thus should be matched with more lightweight mallets.
  • The Wickets: Also called hoops, these pieces can be plastic, carbon fibre or cast iron or wrought iron. Once again, more competitive players should opt for the weightier materials, which are durable and allow for more intense gameplay. Hoops with carrots which help them to stay more securely positioned in the ground are also a good choice for competitive players.

Related Guides

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Bocce and Lawn Bowling

Table Tennis

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Classic Toys

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