Quite possibly the most important piece of equipment in the entire croquet set is the mallet, simply because of all the abuse it takes. So before you run out and buy your new croquet set, there are few things you should know about croquet mallets:
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- Standard mallet size is a 36-inch shaft.
- Mallet heads are usually 9 inches by 2 and one-half inches, length and width.
- Standard croquet mallets weigh about 3 pounds, give or take an ounce or two.
- Most modern mallets have square heads and plastic faces.
- Most croquet mallet shafts are lightweight, with the majority of the weight concentrated in the head.
- Mallet shafts are usually manufactured from wood, carbon fiber, and fiberglass.
- Modern mallet faces are usually composed of a hard plastic or metal.
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Variations
- Taller or shorter people may adjust the length of their croquet mallets accordingly.
- Slightly heavier croquet mallets help with longer shots but are more difficult to control. Lighter mallets are better for stop shots.
- Experienced players sometimes use longer heads up to nearly a foot in length instead of the standard 9 inches. They also prefer narrower heads.
- Split leather grips are the most popular and comfortable, although there are a variety of materials available including synthetic cushion, cord binding, pigskin, and rubber.
- Wooden handles are the most popular because of their cost, shock absorption, and style; however, fiberglass shafts are becoming increasingly popular because of their driving power and durability.
A Head of the Pack
Choosing the right head for your croquet mallet might be the most difficult decision you make. You not only have to decide between the different types of wood, but whether it will be round or square, or even outfitted with brass rings. This is all according to your own personal tastes, so have a little fun with it!
