The Top 5 Croquet Sets
Croquet is a great way to have some fun in the sun. Perfect for barbecues, beach parties, and outdoor festivities, its a classic yard game with origins reaching back centuries. Be warned, however, that croquet can get fiercely competitive, so only grant these giant wooden mallets to people you trust. Those in the market for a new croquet set have come to the right place. Here, we've whittled down the list to the best of the best. Read on to discover our top five favorites, from the inexpensive option to the premium pick.
Six-Player Deluxe Croquet Set with Wooden Mallets, Colored Balls, & Sturdy Carrying Bag, Crown Sporting Goods
Crown is King
Croquet is all about fair play. In fact, it was one of the first lawn sports in which men and women played together. Thus, those in the market for a new croquet set are going to want something balanced and well-made. You don’t want people fighting over the one good mallet. That’s why we recommend this quality set from Crown Sporting Goods. Featuring superb craftsmanship and top-notch durability, it’s a set built to last. For example, each of the 32-inch mallets is fitted with rubber caps and feels hefty in the hand. Better yet, the balls themselves are made out of a weather-proof polymer that won’t chip or crack. Even the thick, vinyl-coated wickets can take a beating. So for those looking for a croquet set that’s fit for a royal family, go with Crown Sporting Goods.
Pros
- Includes carrying case
- Great value for the price
- Weather-resistant materials
- Well-made and consistent quality
Cons
- Mallets must be disassembled to fit in case
Juegoal Six Player Croquet Set with Drawstring Bag, 28 Inch
Smack more for less
For those hunting for a croquet set that won’t break the bank, search no further. This pick costs just shy of fifty bucks and has everything needed for backyard shenanigans. The six mallets are well-made and their heads screw on tightly for wobble-free putting. Perhaps the only difference between this and the pricier options is the length of the handles, which measure 28 inches long. Nonetheless, although the mallets are a bit short, they still deliver a smooth swing even in the hands of taller folks. And although the price might suggest otherwise, the mallets are also surprisingly tough and durable, thanks to their hardwood materials and water-repellent varnish. Just like our Top Overall pick, this option from Juegoal features weather-resistant balls and vinyl-coated wickets that can handle a stormy game.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Vibrant, colorful design
- Weather-resistant
Cons
- Slightly shorter handles
Baden Deluxe Series Croquet Set
Baden is a instant classic
To the veteran croquet player, rubber-tipped mallets and fat heavy balls probably seem like a crazy new-age trend in the world of lawn sports. So, for those looking for a classic-style set, we present our top premium pick. For starters, the mallet heads are made out of a strong hardwood and feature no rubber ends. To compensate for the lack of shock-absorbing ends, the mallet handle screws onto the head via a tight brass thread. The balls are also ready for a beating and are made out of a poly-resin that’s responsive and satisfying to smack. Even the aesthetic is classic. Bright and colorful, the polished wood and six colors are poetically simple in design. So for those looking for a croquet experience that brings back memories of a simpler time, go with Baden.
Pros
- Classic design
- Metal mallet head attachment
- Sturdy hardwood materials
Cons
- Balls are light
- Pricey
Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Game Set, Maple Hardwood
The Amish know woodworking
In the fast-moving culture of the 21st century, it’s easy to overlook the value of longevity. But for the few folks in the market for a croquet set that will last long enough to become a family heirloom, we suggest this handsome 8-player set from Amish Toy Box. The Amish have certainly not adopted the throw-away culture of today and build their products to last a long time. This premium pick features a super hard maple construction with a smooth shiny varnish to keep out the moisture. Better yet, the mallet heads have brass bands around their ends to prevent the wood from cracking or splitting through years of smacks. Even the balls are durable, shiny, and strong. Thus, although the price is high, think of this set as an investment for the future generations.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Gorgeous maple wood
- Quality craftsmanship
- Up to eight players
Cons
- Super expensive
Vintage Wood Premium Croquet Set, 4-Player Outdoor Backyard Family Game, Deluxe Set stores in Heavy Canvas Bag
Swing in style
This set from Crown Sporting Goods has an awesome aesthetic. Hand-painted and coated in a woody dark finish, it’s made entirely out of solid wood. Even the balls are wooden and molded by hand for efficient rolling through grass. It makes for a vintage look that’s chic and classy. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend a croquet set based on appearances alone. This option is another high-quality pick from Crown Sporting Goods and is as functional as it is stylish. In fact, the mallets and balls are exceptional in their hardiness, and you can really give the balls a hard smack without having to worry about a crack or chip. Fantastic for full-sized players, the mallets are a whopping 38 inches in length. Functional and beautiful, this set takes top prize for best in show.
Pros
- Cool vintage style
- Long handles
- Includes tough canvas bag
Cons
- Pricey
- Only six wickets
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the setup for a game of croquet?
There are numerous variations of the game of croquet. Although we can’t go through them all here, we can still outline the basic setup and play of the game. To set up the game for Nine-Wicket Croquet, prep the field as follows:
Find a wide, open, and relatively flat grassy field. Tournament rules require a field at least 100 feet in length and 50 feet wide. If you don’t have such a large space, you can always shrink the proportions. Place the wickets in a double-diamond shape across the length of the field with an additional wicket at both ends. The wicket openings should all be parallel. For those that need a visual representation, your croquet set likely came with a diagram and you can always conduct a quick web search. Finally, place the stakes at both ends.
What are the rules of croquet?
In Nine-Wicket Croquet, players hit their balls through the wickets in a clockwise direction. In other words, players must pass their ball through the leftmost wickets first, hit the far stake, and then continue back towards the starter stake on the right side. Players are permitted to hit opponents’ balls with their own. This is where the game can get quite viscous and competitive. The rules regarding “roquetting,” or what occurs when an opponent’s ball is hit, vary considerably across different cultures and circles, so we recommend conducting a web search to find which “roquetting” rules you wish to follow.
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