Croquet is another summer game. I already wrote about field hockey sticks. Now consider croquet.
There are many things to consider when purchasing the best croquet set. Depending on the type of gameplay you have planned and the skill level and age of the players, you may need different accessories, styles, and quality of the game pieces than you initially thought you needed.
Contents
- Best Croquet Sets For Sale in January 2023
- 1. Best Cheap Croquet Set: [amazon link=”B07597J7NL” title=”Juegoal Six Player Croquet Set”]
- 2. Best Croquet Set: [amazon link=”B00HIL51T4″ title=”Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Game Set”]
- 3. Best Wooden Croquet Set for the Price: [amazon link=”B004A135S4″ title=”Baden Deluxe Series”]
- 4. Best Quality for the Money Croquet Set: [amazon link=”B075QVT6RM” title=”GoSports Premium Croquet Set”]
- 5. Highest Quality Croquet Set: [amazon link=”B06XP87N9D” title=”Wood Mallets Premium Garden”]
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I buy a professional croquet set?
- Can I get a croquet set at Costco?
- Is there a best heavy-duty croquet set?
- Where can I buy a vintage croquet set?
- Where can I buy a Forster Croquet Set?
- What is the best croquet set for adults?
- Which croquet sets have a stand?
- What is the best Amish croquet set?
- What is the best wooden croquet set?
- What is the best hardwood croquet set?
- What is a regulation croquet set?
- Where can I buy croquet sets with wooden balls?
- What is the best 8 player croquet set?
- Buying Guide Croquet Set of 2023
Here are a few tips on what to look for in the best croquet set for sale in 2023 and a few reviews to help you start shopping.
Best Croquet Sets For Sale in January 2023
Brand, Model | Handles | Mallets | Balls | Wickets | Carrying Case | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Juegoal Six Player (Best Budget Choice) | 26" | 6 | 6 | 9 | yes | [amazon fields="B07597J7NL" value="button"] |
Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8 Player (Editor’s Choice) | 28" or 32" | 8 | 8 | 9 | yes | [amazon fields="B00HIL51T4" value="button"] |
Baden Deluxe Series Croquet Set | 27" | 6 | 6 | 9 | yes | [amazon fields="B004A135S4" value="button"] |
GoSports Premium Croquet Set | 36" | 6 | 6 | 9 | yes | [amazon fields="B075QVT6RM" value="button"] |
Wood Mallets Premium Garden Croquet Set | 36" | 4 | 4 | 6 | yes | [amazon fields="B06XP87N9D" value="button"] |
1. Best Cheap Croquet Set: [amazon link=”B07597J7NL” title=”Juegoal Six Player Croquet Set”]
When you are looking for a fun game for your family and friends that all ages can enjoy, try a croquet set that not only gives you outdoor fun but will also help to improve motor skills. The Juegoal Six Player Croquet Set is a great game for parties, picnics, and family events.The set comes equipped with six 26 inch hardwood handles and six molded balls that are weather resistant. Plus, you get nine steel wickets that include a vinyl coating.
The mallet and their handles are simple to put together as the handle only needs to be screwed into the mallet which will take only a couple of seconds.
Customers liked how easy it was to carry, that it was lightweight, and came with a carrying case. Others liked the quality and how easy it was to set up.
- It has a great price and it comes with a carrying case
- Comes equipped with protective caps on the mallets
- Mallets come apart for compact storage
- Not a very sturdy set
2. Best Croquet Set: [amazon link=”B00HIL51T4″ title=”Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Game Set”]
It is not uncommon to see Amish families out enjoying a croquet game in their yard on a leisurely Sunday afternoon. Your family can also have these same fond memories with the Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8 Player Croquet Set. This set is constructed by Amish Craftsmen right in the middle of Amish Country in Pennsylvania at Groffdale Machine Shop for incredible quality and durability.
Every set comes equipped with eight Maple mallets that are not only lathe-turned but the section rings are hand painted with matching colors to the corresponding balls. On each mallet head, there are two rings made with polished brass adorn that keep the wood from breaking apart or cracking. Also, lathe-turned are the two stakes made of hardwoods that feature multicolored sections.
Mallet and ball game
There are nine wickets that measure 5/32″ in diameter made of metal with a vinyl-coating so they do not bend easily and are pretty substantial so they can take a beating. Made from plastic polymer, the eight balls measure 3-5/16″ in diameter.
Plus, there are three different handle lengths on the mallet including standard 24-inch handles that are great for kids or smaller adults, 28-inch handles that fit the average adult, and the 32-inch handles for taller adults.
Also included is a beautiful pinewood holder that includes a carrying handle making your croquet set portable and well-organized.
Customer loved how good the quality of the product is and the materials that were used in its construction. They also felt it was a good price considering the quality.
- The set features wonderful quality craftsmanship
- This set allows eight players to use it at the same time
- Made of high-quality materials
- The rack is not very stable.
[amazon box=”B00HIL51T4″]If the Deluxe 8-Player Croquet set is out of stock, these Amish also make a 31-inch handle length set made in Ohio.
3. Best Wooden Croquet Set for the Price: [amazon link=”B004A135S4″ title=”Baden Deluxe Series”]
Summer becomes more enjoyable when you add the classic game of croquet to your backyard fun.
The Baden’s Deluxe Series Croquet Set is very portable making it ideal for a leisurely afternoon game play with family and friends in the park or in the comfort of your own yard. This set comes equipped with all the pieces you need to set up a game quickly whenever you are ready to play.
With the detachable croquet mallet heads, the Baden Deluxe Series Croquet Set easily packs up into its nylon carrying case. Still, it is also straightforward to put together with the included connector pieces.
You also get durable steel wickets that keep their shape even after being hammered into the ground. This set is designed more for backyard croquet and is also a very affordable set for casual family use. Plus, it is excellent for camping, social events, and family picnics.
Customers felt that this was an excellent inexpensive set that was perfect for casual play in the backyard. Not everyone was happy with the quality but thought acceptable for the price.
- Affordable set that is great for those on a budget
- The set includes a nice, durable carrying bag for easy storage
- This set is easy to set up and play
- Designed more for backyard play
4. Best Quality for the Money Croquet Set: [amazon link=”B075QVT6RM” title=”GoSports Premium Croquet Set”]
Even though many consider croquet a game of the past, some manufacturers have been updating this classic game so families and friends can once again enjoy it. The GoSports Premium Croquet Set includes a modern color scheme and design that helps them to stand out from the dates sets on the market.
The handles and mallets are made from hardwoods to give you the most durability while the leather handles give you extra comfort.
Full Size for Adults & Kids
All ages can use the 35″ handles, and adults won’t hurt their back bending over too far. The set comes equipped with nine wickets, six balls, six mallets, a set of rules, and a carrying case so you can stay organized or take the game to the park. This set also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Customers like that it was made of real wood and not plastic. Others found it sturdy and appreciated the long handles and carrying case.
- Nice quality set that is made of real wood
- Comes equipped with a great quality carrying case
- Perfect size for both adults and kids to play comfortably
- The heads of mallets are a little smaller than other sets on the market
5. Highest Quality Croquet Set: [amazon link=”B06XP87N9D” title=”Wood Mallets Premium Garden”]
Enhance your croquet experience with the Wood Mallets 4-Player Garden Croquet Set. Perfect for beginners or seasoned players, this set provides everything you need to have a fun-filled and competitive croquet game.
Using the finest materials, this handcrafted set includes four mallets measuring 36-inches long that are made from hardwood giving you an effective and accurate driving experience. The mallets were robust and durable enough to take on the hard play with handles octagonal shaped and cylindrical shaped heads. It includes four balls made of a composite of molded plastic that included a lightly milled surface giving the set a dynamic rebound and is the perfect choice for playing croquet at home.
The set also comes with six wickets that are powder-coated and constructed of tubular steel measuring ½ inch and a solid crossbar measuring 5/8 inch. The wickets also have a hard-wearing but smooth finish. The hardwood center stakes come in four colors that include a peg that won’t be damaged when knocked to the ground.
The Wood Mallets Premium Set also includes a beautiful pine box for storage that features steel latches, sturdy back hinges, metal corner plates, and reinforced rope carrying handles. This elegantly appointed storage box is finely crafted and feature finger joints. The set also comes with a 28-page rule and tactics book.
Customers that bought this product loved the quality of everything from the mallets to the box everything is stored in. They also felt the price was fair considering the quality of the set.
- Nice quality and good space between wicket legs
- Sturdy hood with nice and heavy mallets
- Beautiful wood box to store the set in
- A little on the expensive side for casual use
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy a professional croquet set?
A professional croquet set will cost $300-$500, according to the United States Croquet Association. There are few such professional sets available at Amazon, but one company that does sell professional sets, and is available on Amazon is Oakley Woods Croquet. The [amazon link=”B002YRKEJY” title=”Extreme 6-player Set”] is the most professional croquet set available on Amazon. You can find other sets online, but you usually have to order directly from the manufacturer. A professional mallet can be any length; there is no “professional” length mallet. Mallets can be made of any material, so long as it does not provide an advantage over wood.
Can I get a croquet set at Costco?
NO. Unfortunately, croquet sets are not usually sold at Costco. I was just there last Sunday in 2023 and they only had a few sports sets, and nothing croquet related. While Costco is awesome, and has good cornhole and Bocce Ball sets, they often do not carry a single croquet set. Sad, I know. The good news is that Amazon is chock full of a solid selection of croquet sets.
Is there a best heavy-duty croquet set?
There are a handful of excellent heavy-duty croquet sets available to buy. The first would be the [amazon link=”B002YRKEJY” title=”Oakley Woods Extreme 6-player Set”]. While not cheap, this is a set you could bring to a professional event, and while you would still be on the lower-end price-wise of most mallets, you could compete. The second heavy-duty set I like is the [amazon link=”B00HIL51T4″ title=”Amish made 8-Player Deluxe Set”] with a storage rack. The Amish set is all-wooden that looks and feels heavy duty.
Where can I buy a vintage croquet set?
My go-to is Etsy for a new vintage croquet set and eBay for old classic vintage croquet sets. Most vintage sets will be north of $100, so don’t expect a bargain just because it looks old. The whole point of a vintage set is that it looks old! On Amazon, Crown Sporting Goods has a [amazon link=”B07K2D33C7″ title=”4-player Vintage Croquet Set”] that looks pretty retro, even including wooden balls.
Where can I buy a Forster Croquet Set?
For a classic vintage Forster croquet set, your best bet is on Ebay. They have dozens of the classic Forster croquet sets available. A decent used set will be around $100. Nicer Forster sets will be priced more near $300 They are mostly used of course, but a good value for a really nice vintage set.
What is the best croquet set for adults?
The best croquet sets for adults have a longer mallet length. With a longer mallet, you are bending over less, and makes the game more enjoyable for. A full size handle of 35 to 36 inches is best for adults when playing croquet.
Some sets sell smaller size handles at a cheaper price, that are more targeted to kids and families. I have two really good picks with longer handle sizes. The first is the affordable [amazon link=”B075QVT6RM” title=”GoSports 35 inch Deluxe set”]. Just make sure to get the Deluxe set with the longer handles and not the smaller standard size
The other really good set for adults is pricier, but includes killer 36″ handles. That set is the [amazon link”B002YRKEJY” title=”Oakley Woods Extreme 6-Player”] set. This is an expensive bit of croquet kit, but you get the longest handles around and a set you could pass down for generations.
Which croquet sets have a stand?
Not all croquet sets come with a stand. Usually the lower priced sets include a bag, but no stand. Also, older more vintage sets usually included a stand. For new sets today, here’s a list that include a stand:
- [amazon link=”B00HIL51T4″ title=”Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Set”]
- [amazon link=”B07PGBQDGF” title=”AmishToyBox.com Deluxe Set”]
- Ebay Croquet Sets with Stands
What is the best Amish croquet set?
There are two major Amish croquet set manufacturers; AmishToyBox.com and AmishShop.com. If I had to pick one best Amish set, I would go with the [amazon link=”B00HIL51T4″ title=”Amish Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Game Set”] as it has consistently high ratings on Amazon and has been in stock most of the time this summer.
Both sets come in 32″ or 28″ handle models, thought the AmishShop set gives you the option of 3 and 3 (three handles with 32″ length and three of the 28″ length, so could be good for families).
What is the best wooden croquet set?
Most croquet sets are wooden, but my best pick is the [amazon link=”B00HIL51T4″ title=”Amish made 8-Player Deluxe Set”], made in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The set includes a wooden holder as well, which is a nice plus for a wooden set like this. The set comes with 28″ handle or 32″ options, as well as a [amazon link=”B073YFZY9M” title=”31-inch handle option made from Amish”] in Ohio.
What is the best hardwood croquet set?
Hardwoods are a specific type of wood that is, well, harder. They are deciduous trees, and produce a fruit or nut. Woods like maple, cherry, alder, beech, black walnut and cottonwood are considered hardwood trees.
There are few hardwood croquet sets available, but two I like are the [amazon link=”B00HIL51SK” title=”Amish Maple Set”] and the [amazon link=”B07P1RPHL4″ title=”Himal Premium Six Player Set”]. Both sets use a hardwood in the handle of the mallet.
What is a regulation croquet set?
A regulation, tournament level croquet set for 9-wicket croquet must include: 9 wickets, 2 stakes, Mallets for all players (2, 4, or 6), 4 flags, and 1 deadness board (if playing the American option). Deadness is not commonly played in backyard games, but often is in regulation games. A whiteboard can suffice to keep track of deadness in place of a specific board.
A great regulation, professional croquet set is the [amazon link=”B002YRKEJY” title=”Oakley Woods 6-Player Set”].
Where can I buy croquet sets with wooden balls?
The only set I could find easily buyable is this [amazon link=”B07K2D33C7″ title=”Vintage Croquet set from Crown Sporting Goods”]. Most other sets use synthetic balls, not wooden ones. Ebay and Etsy would be a good place to look for croquet sets with wooden balls. Sets with wooden balls will usually be more expensive then more modern ball sets.
What is the best 8 player croquet set?
The best 8-player croquet set is the [amazon link=”B00HIL51T4″ title=”Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8 Player Croquet Set”]
Buying Guide Croquet Set of 2023
How to Choose your Croquet Set
One of the most important considerations when choosing a croquet set is to think about the players’ age that will be using the set. Ages will differ if an entire family uses it, so a good choice is the [amazon link=”B07597J7NL” title=”Juegoal Lawn Croquet Set”]. Not only is it a lightweight set, but the hoops, balls, and mallets will weigh less than a set with full-size accessories which guarantees that both the adults and children will be able to use the set comfortably. The set is also a good choice for beginners. Even adults may feel more comfortable with the stable and lightweight croquet set until they gain some experience of moving around a weighted ball around for an extended time. Even though the Lawn Croquet set is easier physically, it still creates a game with great precision.
For those that are more experienced and confident in their playing abilities. You will want to purchase a set that has mallets that weight up to 1.3kg. More advanced croquet sets will have croquet balls that weigh sixteen ounces and include high-quality structured mallets and 16oz croquet balls. This type of set will guarantee the highest accuracy and precision and encourage fast skill development that provides for an exciting croquet game.
Considerations When Buying a Croquet Set
Mallets
Depending on the set’s specific purpose, the number of mallets will vary. A mallet is a stick you hit the ball with, and it features a round head that is attached to the bottom of a long stick.
Also, consider weight when buying the best croquet set. Mallets can come in different materials like aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon fiber or woods like tawa, hickory, or ash. Wooden mallets will be heavier. Wooden mallets work well for older players, younger players, and beginners. Wood provides more power to your hits. The other materials are suitable for more experienced players with the strength to hit the ball with ease.
Other considerations when considering a mallet:
- Weight – Beginners tend to use a mallet that is too lightweight, so if you are having a hard time hitting shots a long distance. You may want to consider using a heavier mallet, especially if you aren’t particularly strong. The average weight of a mallet is between 2 pounds 10 ounces to 3 pounds 4 ounces while carbon fiber mallets tend to be the lightest.
- Length – The length of the shaft that is right for you will depend on your style and stance.
- Shaft shape – Many players tend to like octagonal or hexagonal shafts instead of round ones which will help them hold the mallet at a consistent angle.
- Rigidity of shaft – If you have a rigid shaft, you will usually have better control, specifically for stop shots.
- Peripheral weighting – If you have lead weights on the sides of the head or a shape that puts most of the material on the sides, you will have a mallet that swings in a straight line.
- Size of head – Mallets with a large cross-section is usually preferred by beginners. This size reduces the chance of hitting mallet’s edge while more experienced players prefer smaller cross-section mallets.
- Shape of head – Most of the modern mallets have a square head instead of a round one.
- Materials used – Cheaper mallets use wood, and more technically advanced mallets use carbon fiber or metal.
Croquet Balls
The next important part of the best croquet set is the balls. Available in a variety of colors, the balls usually come in orange, green, yellow, black, red, or blue colors and will correspond to the mallet you are using. Colors can be helpful to those players who get distracted when playing as well as the custom of croquet play. You use the same ball that you start with throughout the game. But in some variations, you may use more than one ball at a time.
Varying in weight, the ball can depend on the type of game you are playing. Serious matches will need a regulation ball weighing sixteen ounces while casual games can just adjust to your needs. Lighter balls can be a great way for older and younger players who don’t have the same strength as the other players, so you can always look for balls made of plastic or other materials.
Stakes
Next in the croquet set are the stakes. These are the actual target you are aiming for as you play, and they usually have the colors of the balls on them, which indicate that you are to hit them with your ball. After hitting every stake and zigzagging through the wickets, you have won the game. Make sure to buy stakes that are sturdy and can take a beating.
Wickets
One of the last parts of croquet sets to consider are the wickets. You navigate through the wickets in a specific direction to win the game.
You must have sturdy wickets since it is more than likely that they will get hit by both balls and mallets.
In some cases, a ball can hit a wicket so hard it can move if the wicket is poor quality. You also want a wicket that will keep its shape after being hammered into the ground.
Wickets can be made of plastic, wood, steel, or wired hoops. The least expensive wickets are the wired hoops, but they also tend to be the least sturdy over a long period. Wood, plastic, or steel are good choices that are long-lasting.
Add-Ons
There are also adds on that can help make your game a little better, including corner pegs and boundary string. Boundary string consists of construction nylon that you can purchase in 500-foot spools in either fluorescent pink or white yellow. Corner pegs are either made of narrow board or dowel and can be painted yellow, black, red, or blue. You can even add flags in these colors making your game look very official. Add some bright, colored wicket clips in each of your balls’ colors to help remind you where you and the other players are on the court. For those that are very serious, you may want to use the Carryover Deadness Challenging Optional Rule that requires a Deadness board that can be pretty expensive. They can also be hard to make, but you can use colored markers a dry erase board effectively.
Additional Information to Know About Croquet
Surfaces
One of the best parts of croquet is that you can play it on a variety of surfaces. Since the surfaces are all different, this can affect how you play the game. For example, “golf croquet” is played on a surface similar to a golf green where the grass is short, allowing the ball to move further and hit more accurately.
However, most games are in backyards so that the game will depend entirely on the condition of your yard. It may have low or high grass, which can have a significant impact on how the game will play out. Accurate players can have less ball control than when they play on tall or less well-kept lawns. You can also play on an artificial surface, which is becoming a more common trend for those living in weather that varies a lot or where the weather is cold, or it is hard to keep grass maintained.
Croquet is similar to bocce ball and is an excellent pastime for seniors making artificial turf a superb choice. The grass is then uniform and allows for the ball to be hit more accurately and struck harder. With artificial turf, you can play croquet indoors. You can also play on Clay, giving you a uniform surface that allows the balls to go further, although it won’t go as far as it would if it was on grass.
Variations
You can vary your game of croquet depending on the number of players you have. Most commonly, you will see the game played with either four or six players. You will also find most sets in either a four or six player configuration. If you think you will ever have six players, it’s good to get that six players set instead of getting the four-ball set and then buying extra mallets and balls later. If you go for the four-ball set, you can undoubtedly play a format where you rotate players in and out to keep the game fresh and allow everyone to play.
When you do want to purchase your set a la carte, find stores that have a good choice of sets and accessories that will let you add on as you go. Buying piecemeal can be more expensive than just purchasing a complete set. But it will give you get the pieces that you want when you need them. Purchasing individual parts can also be helpful if you have an older set that you may want to add a couple of mallets or balls to upgrade.
Formal or Informal
Surprisingly, there is quite a difference between the informal and formal versions of croquet. Official versions let a player only use their mallets while informal versions allow you to trade out your mallet. Casual games also enable the players to decide on the rules. All rules are pretty much negotiable and can change at any time in the game when there is a dispute where the players will then decide by voting on the decision. Formal croquet requires players to follow a set of etiquette and rules that cannot be changed.
Seasoned players, as well as kids and beginners, love croquet. Croquet is an exceptional game for the backyard. You can drink a cold beer and spend time with friends and family. It even gives you a great way to exercise and spend time outside during the summer. So it’s an excellent investment for anyone, even if you don’t enjoy anything too athletic.