You can choose the length of the mallets, available with either 28” or 32” shafts. Longer mallets are often the safer option to ensure that they are long enough for all players. They also come in a wooden storage holder to keep them well-protected. This set is among the top in price point, but the quality you get makes it well worth the investment.
What We Like
- Reinforced mallet head with metal bands to prevent cracks or breaks with frequent ball contact
- Available with eight mallets to allow for more players (also drives per-unit cost down compared to most 4 to 6 person sets)
- Heavier mallets and balls compared to standard sets allow for greater precision and performance during play
- Consumers found customer service to be helpful in replacing parts damaged during shipping and responding to customer needs
What We Don’t
- This set is quite expensive which may not fit the budget for many seasonal or infrequent users
This croquet is also highly regarded among users for its beautiful construction, quality, and performance while playing. This set is designed for adult use with the heavier components. It can be easily stored and transported on the wooden rack.
Wood Mallets Premium Garden Croquet Set
The Wood Mallets Premium Garden Croquet Set is another well-crafted choice for regulation gameplay.
Designed specifically for garden use, the mallets are heavy-duty to ensure that the 1-pound balls can be accurately hit. Wood Mallets prides itself on developing croquet sets that are built for high performance and serious gameplay.
Whether or not you choose to play croquet competitively, these sets will allow you to play casually or for competition play.
The sets are available in 4 or 6 player options and can be easily transported in a nylon or wooden box. This particular set is very popular among users because it is well-constructed and affordable as far as top quality croquet sets go.
We recommend Wood Mallet sets as another top of the line option that is competitively priced compared to similar sets of similar quality. All pieces within the set, beyond the mallet and balls, are solidly constructed for official play.
What We Like
- Octagonal-shaped handles with ash hardwood improve grip and precision in shots
- Set comes with powder-coated hoops and a rulebook with Association and Golf croquet rules
- 36” mallets are versatile for players of all sizes to comfortably hit the ball
What We Don’t
- Price point may still be high for seasonal and casual players
- FUN FOR ALL: This 6-player croquet set is the perfect way to get family and friends of all ages out...
- DURABLE BALLS: This set comes with (6) durable, 3.5" all-weather croquet balls that are built to...
- WOODEN MALLETS: This set comes with (6) 29.5" color coordinated wooden mallets that are engineered...
Franklin Sports Classic Croquet Sets
Franklin Sports offers croquet sets at every price point, ranging from family-friendly budget sets to “expert” level for better adult gameplay. We have two recommendations in their product line, including the Classic Croquet Set and the Expert Croquet Set.
- COMPLETE SET comes with (6) 9" x 2.5" wood mallet heads and 36" wood mallet shafts. (6) 3.31" all...
- WICKETS AND SCORING STICKS: This set comes with all-weather steel wickets and (2) 24" colorful wood...
- DURABLE BALLS: All-weather croquet balls that are built to last year after year
They are both cheaper than the Amish premium product but are in a class above the medium quality products that dominate the market.
The Classic comes with square-shaped mallet heads. They have been touted for increased precision in more difficult shots and are more in line with traditional designs. The set comes with six mallets and weather-coated balls to prolong the life of the equipment. We recommend this set for seasonal or infrequent use as it is not as durable as higher-end options.
The Expert set is superior in quality while still sitting at an affordable price point compared to the standard for most adult sets. This set uses lacquered cherry hardwood (composite) for greater durability as well as brass fittings to prevent cracks with extended use. These sets are designed well but may wear easily with the lack of true hardwood construction.
What We Like
- Franklin is a trusted sports brand and makes quality equipment across their line of products
- Comes with a rolling carrying bag to easily transport without having to bear any weight
- Classic and Expert sets are longer and designed for adult play.
What We Don’t
- Some consumers found the balls to lack durability and become damaged after consistent use
- DELUXE CROQUET SET: The classic backyard Croquet set. Includes everything needed to play 6-player...
- VINTAGE HARDWOOD MALLETS: 32" hardwood mallets with rubber caps, each mallet Is colored-coated and...
- BLACK CARRYING CASE: Features black zip-up carrying case for easy transporting and storage. Has a...
Crown Sporting Goods Six-Player Deluxe Croquet Set
Of the budget croquet sets, the Crown Sporting Goods Six-Player Deluxe Croquet Set is our top pick with six mallets and balls. The mallets are made of hardwood with their heads coated in rubber to prevent premature cracking. With a 32” shaft length, they can be easily used by players of varying heights.
Unlike the other budget sets at similar price points, these are more durable and not designed with children in mind. We recommend this set if you want to give croquet a try but are not willing to pay for a premium product. With proper technique, the equipment will stay intact and prevent breaks in the mallet head.
With a vintage style and design, each mallet has a matching colored polymer ball. The mallet heads can be easily screwed onto the handles and securely sit in place. With the carrying bag, the mallets often sit better unscrewed, but this can be a little unpractical. They can easily stick out the side outside of the bag as golf clubs would.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly set that makes croquet accessible to all groups (can be easily played with adults and children)
- Comes with a convenient carrying bag to easily store all pieces and transport for on-the-go playing
What We Don’t
- This set will not be as long-lasting as the others on our list due to the quality of construction and cheaper hardwood
Choosing a Croquet Set
While we have provided you with the best croquet sets to make your purchase, being able to identify the qualities of a good croquet set is helpful in narrowing down your choice or doing additional research. The qualities mentioned are important among great sets, but they also will depend on your playing style and priorities in playing the game.
What to Look For in a Croquet Set
Beyond the overall quality and characteristics in choosing croquet sets, it is important to look at the technical design and make-up of the set to choose one that best fits your playing style and needs.
