best croquet sets to buy

Best Croquet Sets To Buy In 2021

There are many things to consider when buying a croquet set that will heavily influence your experience with this game.

This guide here will help you learn everything related to croquet sets and how to get started.

In case you still new to the game, here is how you can play croquet.

Without further ado, let us jump right to it and discover the best croquet set you can buy in 2021.

Best Croquet Sets Reviews In 2021

1. Harvil 6-Player Croquet Set

Croquet is a vibrant game, so why not play it using colorful components that add to the fun of the game?

The colorful mallets in this set ate designed to match the colors on the balls.

This way, players can always remember their ball color because they just have to look at the mallet they are holding!

These 30” hardwood mallet shafts are attached to bamboo heads which are designed to be chip-resistant.

This enhances the durability of the mallets meaning, your croquet set will look just as attractive even after years of heavy use.

The six balls are made from resilient polymer, and they are gentle on the mallet heads.

This reduces the chances of chipping even when you make powerful swings.

The balls measuring 2.9” in diameter are weighty enough to allow for smooth rolling.

When not in use, pack your croquet set away in the heavy-duty nylon carrying bag and store it in your closet till the next time you want to play.

Pros
  • Guarantees value for money.
  • It has chip-resistant mallet heads.
  • Vinyl-coated steel hoops are rust-resistant.
  • The balls and mallets are color-matched.
  • It comes with a durable carrying bag.
Cons
  • The soft balls might deform over time.

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2. GoSports 6-Player Croquet Set

Similar to the Harvil croquet set, this GoSports set also comes with color-matched balls and mallets.

Such a design can be very convenient, especially if you happen to be drinking during a game or are playing with kids and older adults who might easily forget their ball color.

Another convenient feature is the grip design on the circular shaft of the 35” mallets.

While the mallets are made from hardwoods, the top of the handle has a leather strap wrapped around it.

This enhances the player’s grip on the mallet, so even when playing on a hot summer afternoon, your sweaty hands won’t compromise your swing.

The glossy balls are made from textured polyethylene, and they each weigh 10 ounces with a 3-inch diameter.

This set additionally comes with nine wickets made from plastic-coated wire, and a convenient canvas carrying case is also included.

Pros
  • Lightweight yet durable croquet set.
  • The 35” mallets are quite long.
  • The balls and mallets are color-matched.
  • Mallets have an enhanced grip feature.
  • It comes with a strong carrying case.
Cons
  • The small mallet heads might not be suitable for beginners.

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3. Crown Sporting Goods 6-Player Deluxe Croquet Set

This set comes with 32” mallets, which is a great size for use by kids and adults alike. Taller people would especially enjoy playing using these mallets.

Besides that, the two faces of the mallet head have rubber caps that prevent chipping and splitting, thereby enhancing the durability of the mallets.

Better yet, the rubber-capped faces allow the players to use these mallets to drive the hoops into the ground without having to worry about damaging them.

The nine steel wickets are very sturdy, and they come with a vinyl coating to prevent rusting.

The 3” balls in this croquet set are made from polymer, and they hold up pretty well even when put to rough use by children.

This lightweight croquet set is ideal for use by the whole family, kids, and adults alike.

Pros
  • Color-matched balls and mallets.
  • The 32” mallets are pleasantly long.
  • Rubber faces allow for enhanced durability.
  • Lightweight croquet set ideal for beginners.
  • The hoops are strong and sturdy.
Cons
  • The mallets don’t all fit in the bag once assembled.

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4. North Meadow Scottsdale 6-Player Croquet Set

This premium croquet set has been endorsed and rated by the United States Croquet Association for Advanced Recreational Backyard Play. So, it is perfectly designed for more serious croquet players.

The 30” mallets are made from hardwoods, which makes them robust.

The durable hard maple mallets are conveniently color-matched with the balls, so each player knows which playing gear to use when it’s their turn to strike.

The cross-section of the mallet head measures 8.5” in diameter, which is a great size for hampered shots.

Additionally, the head of this mallet is well weighted and feels great to hold. The 3-5/6” diameter polymer balls also have some good heft suitable for straight shots.

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The hardwood stakes can stand up to the abuse of powerful shots, and you don’t have to worry about the powder-coated hoops developing rust.

Pros
  • A weighty set ideal for advanced players.
  • A very durable set offering value for money.
  • Color-matches balls and mallets.
  • Rust-resistant wickets.
  • 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Cons
  • This set is quite costly.

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5. Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Game Set

4-player and 6-player croquet sets are often the standard sizes. However, why settle for less when you can get an 8-player set?

The more the players, the more fun playing croquet is, don’t you agree?

This deluxe croquet set comes with lathe-turned hardwood maple mallets, which are very durable.

The durability of the mallets is further enhanced by the use of brass bands placed on either end of the mallet head.

These brass rings prevent the wood from cracking and smashing even when subjected to harsh strikes.

The craftsmanship of this set speaks for itself, and it is reflected in the price point of this croquet set.

The highlight, however, is the wooden holder, which comes with the components.

This high-quality wooden stand is not only very functional, but it also makes for a great aesthetic addition to any home.

Why not display your croquet set in style?

Pros
  • It features very high-quality craftsmanship.
  • It can accommodate eight players.
  • The attractive wooden rack keeps the set organized.
  • Durable and stylish components.
  • Color-matched balls and mallets.
Cons
  • The set doesn’t come with a carrying case.

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6. Hey! Play! 6-Player Croquet Set

This croquet set by Hey! Play! Colmes with mallets which are 26” tall, which would be the perfect length for younger players.

At the same time, the mallets are still well made from solid wood, and they even have cushion-capped heads for enhanced durability.

The lightweight mallets and balls make this a great set for beginner players who may have a little difficulty playing with heavier equipment.

Despite the lightweight nature, the components of this set can withstand frequent use without splitting, cracking, or denting.

The gap in the hoops is 6.25” wide, which is conveniently large, unlike what you’d find in tournament-grade croquet sets.

This large opening allows for a larger margin of error suitable for amateur croquet players, kids, and the elderly.

The sturdy and durable nylon bag include with this set allows for easy portability whenever you need to transport the croquet set.

Pros
  • A perfect set for beginners.
  • Lightweight yet durable
  • Color-matches balls and mallets.
  • Mallet’s heads are cushion-capped to withstand abuse.
  • Wire hoops are vinyl-coated for durability.
Cons
  • The mallets would be too short for taller players.

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7. Juegoal 6-Player Croquet Set

If you do not play croquet too often. Or, if you are on a tight budget, then this Juegoal croquet set would offer great value for your money.

It is an affordably-priced set that doesn’t compromise on quality.

The 28” mallets are suitable for use by kids and adults, and the hardwood construction holds up well even after years of use.

Better yet, to prevent splitting and cracking, the face of the mallet features a cushioned cap.

Besides enhancing the durability of the mallets, the cushioned caps can also help you drive the wickets into the ground without damaging them.

The balls, mallets, stakes, and wickets are all designed to be water-resistant.

So, if you happen to leave the equipment outside during a downpour, you don’t have to worry about the set getting damaged.

It isn’t advisable that you make a habit of it, however.

Pros
  • Mallet’s heads have protective caps.
  • Affordably priced croquet set.
  • Fairly durable.
  • Mallet head and shaft can be dismantled for compact storage.
  • Comes with a sturdy carrying case.
Cons
  • Not a tournament-grade playing set.

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8. Hape 2-player Croquet Set

If you want to get a set that will keep the kids busy and stop them from interfering with your grown-up croquet game, then this colorful set is sure to do the trick.

This croquet set by Hape is a toy designed to keep the kids busy for hours!

Besides keeping them distracted, this toy croquet set will help kids develop their motor skills and well as give them some physical exercise, as they try to get the ball through the hoops.

The mallets are short enough for use by a toddle as young as 3 years old, and they are perfectly weighted for easy control by babies.

The colorful hoops help develop the toddler’s color recognition while at the same time stimulating their imagination.

Is it raining outside? Well, set this game up indoors.

Toddlers are always full of energy, so why not help them dispense it in a productive and educative manner?

Pros
  • It can be used both indoors and outdoors.
  • Develops a toddler’s motor skills.
  • Made from non-toxic materials.
  • Thoroughly tested for child safety.
  • Encourages active play and exercise.
Cons
  • It is only a 2-player game.

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9. ROPODA 6-Player Croquet Set

This is another great quality croquet set at an affordable price. Who said you have to break the bank when looking for a reliable croquet set?

This ROPODA set will serve the purpose just fine, especially if you are just starting out and don’t intend to play frequently.

The hardwood shafts screw into the hardwood mallet heads, and once you are done playing, simply unscrew and store the equipment away until next time.

The use of hardwood material gives the mallet and the stakes strength and durability even when making powerful shots.

Additionally, the mallet head comes with a protective cap that protects the face of the mallet from damage.

At the same time, the caps offer nice feedback when striking a ball. The 31.1” long mallets can be used by kids and adults alike, and the 8” head is large and forgiving.

The 2.8” molded balls are weather-resistant, and they do not dent or lose shape easily even when abused.

The steel wickets are equally weather-resistant, and they also have a vinyl coating to prevent rust.

Pros
  • Lightweight set ideal for beginners.
  • It is reasonably priced.
  • Has weather-resistant playing balls.
  • Molded balls hold up their shape really well.
  • A durable carrying bag is included.
Cons
  • Mallets do not fit in the bag when assembled.

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10. Uber Games 4-Player Croquet Set

Finally, a croquet set that comes with corner flags! Of course, you can demarcate the playing area using many objects.

However, using colorful flags simply infuses a jovial mood into the game, as you will come to find out while using this croquet set.

The 38” mallets in this set are surprisingly long, which is quite a nice touch.

This means taller players can use the mallets without stooping uncomfortably and compromising their swing in the process.

The mallets additionally come with an enhanced grip near the handle, and this offers better control.

Each mallet weighs around 3 pounds, which is the standard weight in most croquet sets.

The weight gives a nice balance of feel and power, allowing the players to make pendulum-style swings with ease.

The balls in this set are made from very sturdy composite material while the wickets are made from steel finished with a powder coating for durability.

Pros
  • Very durable heavy-duty set.
  • Mallets have enhanced grip handles.
  • The set comes with corner flags.
  • Mallets are conveniently tall.
  • Mallet’s heads don’t unscrew.
Cons
  • No carrying bag is included.

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How to Play Croquet

Croquet is a lawn game whereby you hit balls with a mallet with the aim of passing the balls through hoops driven into the ground.

The hoops are set up in a particular order, and players are required to follow this sequence as they try to pass their balls through the hoops/wickets.

The number of hoops present may vary between 6 and 9 depending on the version of croquet you are playing.

Once a team or player has passed all their balls through the required hoops, the final move involves striking a central peg with the ball, then that ball is taken out of play.

This is known as pegging out, and it is an indication that that ball has completed its course.

The first player to peg out all their balls becomes the winner of the game. The winning score will, again, depend on the number of hoops in play.

Whenever a ball passes through a hoop, the player gains one point, and striking the peg in the final turn again attracts one point.

Once you get the hang of it, you will find that croquet is quite easy to play.

However, besides mastering the rules of the game and finding the perfect striking stance, a player needs good quality playing equipment as well.

A good croquet set will not only last for years, but it will also enhance your play, ultimately making you better at the game.

What Comes in A Croquet Set?

Croquet Balls

All croquet sets come with balls that are color-coded as blue, black, red, yellow, orange, and green. The number of balls in a croquet set will depend on the number of players the set is designed for.

A regulation-size croquet ball typically measures 3.625” in diameter and weighs 16 ounces.

However, balls come in various sizes to suit different players. You have the option of getting a smaller, lighter weight ball if the set will be used by children or the elderly.

The balls in most garden croquet sets weigh 12 ounces, which is a good size for amateur players who are just starting out.

The majority of the croquet balls in the market are manufactured from solid plastic or composite polymer.

Traditionally, the game used wooden balls, and these felt great to hit. The disadvantage, however, is that wooden balls proved to be less durable and would need to be replaced frequently.

Mallets

There aren’t many regulations governing the mallets used in croquet. So, the player is free to pick a mallet size and shape which will best suit their physique as well as their style of play.

Mallets vary in weight ranging from 2 pounds 12 ounces to 3 pounds 4 ounces. However, 3-pound mallets are the most common.

When buying a mallet, you want something heavy enough to allow for long straight shots. As well as something heavy enough to give power to your swings.

Always pick a mallet length that’s too long for you. You will not only grow with this mallet, but you can also adjust your grip accordingly to achieve the desired length.

Besides, you can ways trim the end of a long mallet, but there isn’t much you can do about a mallet that’s too short.

The face of the mallet could either be square or rounded.

A mallet head with a square cross-section has a reduced head width, and advanced players prefer this because such a mallet is better when making hampered shots.

A hampered shot is when the hoop is in the way of your swing.

On the other hand, beginners might prefer a mallet head that has a larger cross-section because such a mallet will be more forgiving.

The shape of the mallet shaft is also another factor to take into consideration.

Hexagonal and octagonal shafts are preferred to rounded shafts because they allow for a better grip and at a consistent angle.

A mallet shaft may be made from hardwood fiber-glass, carbon-fiber, or aluminum.

Fiber-glass, carbon-fiber, and aluminum shafts are more lightweight and therefore allow for a better pendulum swing.

The mallet heads are manufactured from wood. You will often find that higher-end mallet heads come with brass rings or end faceplates that keep the wood from splitting.

Besides strengthening the mallet head, the brass rings also help make it weightier, therefore, allowing for a straighter swing.

Wickets / Hoops

Wickets are driven into the ground either by hand or by using a mallet. The wickets in a croquet set should be strong enough to withstand the force of a fast ball.

Ideally, you want a wicket made out of plastic, steel, or wood, seeing as there are durable options.

Wire wickets are the inexpensive option, but these easily give way so you could have hard shots forcing their way through the hoop.

Of course, you do not want such a scenario because this will only give an unfair advantage to power players.

A good hoop should have the opening measuring between 3.75”– 4” wide and a 12” high crown. The frame of the hoop is usually 5/8-inch in diameter.

Stakes / Pegs

The pegs in a croquet set are color-coded in similar colors as the color-coded balls.

The color-coding order on the stakes – blue, green, yellow, red, orange, and black – shows the sequence in which the balls should be played.

This way, the players do not have to memorize the playing sequence. The stakes will always act as a reminder.

Croque pegs are usually made from plastic, wood metal.

You want a steak that is sturdy enough to remain grounded even when struck by a ball, so heavier materials are preferred.

Typically, stakes measure 1.5” in diameter and with a length of 18”.

Packaging

A croquet set has quite a number of equipment, so how will you store all that without losing some components?

Well, worry, not. All croquet sets come with some form of storage bag or case.

Higher-end sets will have a wooden box for storing your croquet equipment.

Mid-priced and lower end croquet sets may provide various options, including a nylon bag, a toolkit bag, or a trolley.

When looking at croquet set packaging options, consider how often you will be traveling with the playing equipment as well as how often you intend to use the set.

Things to Consider When Buying a Croquet Set

Age of Players

This will dictate whether you need a lightweight croquet set of a tournament-grade croquet set.

If the intended players are kids, beginners, and the elderly, then you are better off getting a lightweight set.

Indoor or Outdoor Use?

While most croquet sets are designed for outdoor use, that’s not to mean that you still cannot enjoy playing the game indoors.

When it comes to indoor croquet sets, you will find that the balls and mallets are smaller, and the hoops and pegs are weighted to eliminate the need to drive them into the ground for sturdiness.

Number of Players

Do you need a 4-person croquet set or a 6-person set? The number of balls and mallets in a croquet set depends on the intended number of users.

So, if you want a large set for many people, consider getting the 6-person set, which comes with six balls and six mallets.

Accessories

Besides the standard components of a croquet set (balls, mallet, hoops, and pegs), some sets may come with additional accessories.

You might want to buy these separately, or you might want to look for a set that has everything included.

The extra accessories might include:

  • Corner flags for marking out the playing court
  • Hoop drill to help drive the hoops into the ground
  • Rubber-headed hoop mallet to avoid damaging the hoops during installation
  • Wicket clips to help keep track of the score

How to Set Up Croquet

The set up on a croquet playing court will vary depending on whether you are setting up a 6-hoop game or a 9-hoop game.

Both setups can be used to play garden croquet, but the hoop variation will affect the duration of the game as well as its complexity.

Whichever way you have it, remember to make sure that the longer side of the playing court is 1.25 times as long as the shorter side of the playing court.

Use flags or pegs to define the corners of the court then outline the boundary using a string that’s easily visible.

Here, you might opt to use construction string in a bright color such as white yellow or fluorescent pink.

Next, place the pegs going by whether you are playing using six hoops or nine hoops. Finish by placing the hoops in the correct sequence.

In both 6-hoop and 9-hoop croquet, you should position all the wickets such that they are parallel to the shorter side of the court.

The playing sequence in 6-hoop croquet is a loop, while the sequence in 9-hoop croquet is a double diamond.