The 5 Best Croquet Sets in 2020 -Reviews and Buying Guide

Croquet is one of the easy outdoor games that everyone can learn and play. It is an esteemed backyard game that requires skills, strategy, and minimal force. And that’s just one of the many reasons why it’s loved by countless Americans. Its light-hearted nature makes it the perfect game for family recreation. Even the older members can join in!

The GoSports Croquet Set is one of the best for its premium construction and included goodies. This set comes with six mallets and six balls. And it even features nine wickets along with two end posts.

While croquet is a great game, the wrong equipment can ruin the fun. That is why it is crucial to invest in a croquet set that is strong, light, and highly affordable. 

So here are the best croquet sets which fit that sketch. Scroll down to see our top picks. And don’t forget to check out our buying guide!

Contents

Top Croquet Sets Reviewed:

 Product's nameHandle LengthNumber of PlayersMore information
[amazon fields="B075QVT6RM" value="thumb"][amazon fields="B075QVT6RM" value="title" title_length="50"]35 inches6
Best Overall
[amazon fields="B075QVT6RM" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B07Q7GPF7D" value="thumb"][amazon fields="B07Q7GPF7D" value="title" title_length="50"]30 inches6[amazon fields="B07Q7GPF7D" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B07H8YTX25" value="thumb"][amazon fields="B07H8YTX25" value="title" title_length="50"]29 inches6[amazon fields="B07H8YTX25" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B07CN6ZFWR" value="thumb"][amazon fields="B07CN6ZFWR" value="title" title_length="50"]28 inches and 32 inches8
Higher End
[amazon fields="B07CN6ZFWR" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B07L2G48YJ" value="thumb"][amazon fields="B07L2G48YJ" value="title" title_length="50"]28 inches6
Affordable
[amazon fields="B07L2G48YJ" value="button"]

Find the right Croquet Set for You 

#1 – GoSports Croquet Set for Adults and Kids

The GoSports croquet set comes with six mallets and six balls. Each mallet is made from top-quality hardwood and is color-coded for each player. The handles of the mallets are 35 inches long, providing for a more natural torque. Each handle has a spiral grip design to prevent slipping. 

The balls are 3 inches in diameter and 10 ounces in weight. Each ball is color-coded to match the mallets. 

The bundle comes in its carry bag, allowing for easier transportation. It is why it’s the best croquet set to carry to cookouts and.

However, the durability of the balls is something you’ll need to consider deeply. Normally, plastic balls will get dents when hit by a mallet multiple times. 

So you can expect a few dents on your first few games. It doesn’t affect the game experience, but it’s unsatisfying nonetheless.

Pros

  • Perfect for the whole family.
  • It comes color-coded to keep track of the balls.
  • Better grip on the mallets.
  • Easy to screw the heads in place.
  • It comes with its carry bag.

Cons

  • Balls may lack durability.

#2 – ROPODA Deluxe Croquet Set

ROPODA deluxe croquet set is a perfect playing set to enjoy playing with your family. The set includes six handles, six balls, six mallets, nine ending stakes, and nine steel wickets. 

Croquet balls are made from resin, making it tough to get cracked or damaged. The mallets are made of durable woodwork for longer life. 

The handle is almost indestructible with hardwood construction. Kids are often rough with sports goods. With ROPODA set, you and your closed one can play without fearing the breaking of wickets and mallets. The colors on the ball are lustrous and attractive.

The set comes with a durable carrying bag for easy storage. The design of the set’s components is pretty compact and portable. You can move it around by burdening it on yourself or another. All of the objects can be placed properly in the bag for frequent transportation.

Pros

  • The set is wonderfully crafted.
  • Made of durable wood material.
  • Matching and bright colors.
  • Rubber caped mallets.
  • Accompanied carrying bag.

Cons

  • Not sturdy enough.

Franklin Sports Croquet Set

If you are professional and want a standard croquet set, the Franklin Sports croquet set is for you. There are three options available with it, professional family and starter. A professional version is more expensive than the other two. 

It has 29 inches long mallet handles. It can be a little longer for kids to play. The family option is best because, with this croquet set, six persons can easily play at the same time.

All the basis of construction has been addressed with great details. Mallets are made of bulky wood, which prevents it from chipping. It has metallic joint locks at the end of mallets. It adds extra strength and life to it. 

The balls, wickets, and stakes are all made of quality material. They are weather-resistant so that you can play in any outdoor circumstances.

There’s a bonus carrying bag for easy transportation. The nylon bag is pretty basic and simple. You can manage to fit it all in one bag. 

Pros

  • Sturdy wooden mallets.
  • Metallic joint locks for durability.
  • All weather-resistant balls.
  • Rubber coating for better ball contact.

Cons

  • Paint might rub off.

Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Game Set

After first glance on the Amish-crafted croquet set, you are going to realize that it is worth every penny. The design and craftsmanship make it more attractive to play. Made out of top quality Maplewood, it is going to last much longer than related products. 

The mallets are available in multiple handle sizes. You can choose from it the way you want to enjoy your game. Besides maple hardwood, there are brass rings at the end of mallets. That’s why, even after a hard beating from the players throughout summers, it will not crack or chip.  

The plastic polymer balls are firm and sturdy. They can survive the onslaught of the players for many years. Balls are weather-resistant as well, so that the forces of nature don’t spoil your outdoor gaming adventure.

To inspire you to play more, the manufacturer has designed the balls and the mallets in wonderful matching colors. It will make your experience more enjoyable. This feature differentiates it from the rest of the products out there in the market. 

Pros

  • Vibrant colors and deluxe finish.
  • Maple wood construction.
  • Brass rings around mallets for extra protection.
  • Dual handle length for adults and kids.

Cons

  • Holder occupies some space to be placed.

Mr. CHIP Croquet Game Set

Mr. CHIP is another popular name in croquet set production. The set is easy to install at any place outdoors. The overall design and look of this gaming set is lavish and attractive. 6 players can play at the same time. 

The mallets are pretty handy in size. The 28” size makes it perfect for both grown and kids alike. The vibrant colors on the handle are satisfying to the eyes. You will enjoy every moment playing with it. Mallets come with plastic at the end for maximum protection.

The set of balls are solid and heavy-duty. In comparison with other balls sets, the quality of these balls is high at these prices. Buying this set has great value for money. 

One unique feature that is very useful when you are outdoors—Neoprene drink koozies. The three bottle slots will keep you hydrated throughout the day.

The handles and the heads can be separated from for the mallets, allowing compact placement while traveling. The stylish multi-purpose bag comes with it for easy handling and compact usage.

Pros

  • Six people can play with it.
  • Excellent built quality.
  • Colorful design.

Cons

  • Wood quality is not outstanding.

Best Croquet Buying Guide

No. of Players

It is the first thing you need to consider. Decide on the number of players you want. It is always better to get a set of at least one player more than you need, in case someone decides to join in. 

Croquet is normally played with as little as two players. If you want to play croquet with your entire family, get a 6-player set. 

8-players is the maximum a standard game of croquet allows, and that’s the most you’ll find in the market.

Build Quality of Mallets

Most croquet mallets are made from hardwood or some other type of wood. Hardwood is strong and transfers all of the force to the ball. This type of wood is also more durable, though that largely varies among brands. 

Maple and ash wood is preferred for mallet heads and handles. Bamboo is another option, though not as sturdy. The manufacturer may or may not mention the specific type of wood. But it’s always a good idea to ask about it, for precaution, of course.

Handle Length

Handle size is not an issue, as most handles are suited for the average adult. However, if you have kids who need to play the sport, consider investing in a shorter handle. Or teach the child to hold the handle from the middle rather than the end.

Normally handles come in sizes 28 and 35 inches. The 28 inches option is best for kids, while the 35 inch is the most common and preferred option for adults.

Head Protection

Even though you’re only hitting some plastic balls, the mallet’s head takes quite a lot of damage. You can see this in the form of dents and scratches on the front face of the mallet. While this doesn’t concern many people, an uneven mallet surface can result in inaccuracy when hitting the ball.

Some manufacturers will include a metal or plastic cap at the end of the mallet, to protect the inner wood. Plastic is the cheaper of the two, but it’s weaker than the original wood. So the cap will need a replacement quite often, which isn’t readily available in most circumstances.

Balls

Finally, consider the material, size, and weight of the balls. Croquet balls are either made of hardwood or plastic. Plastic balls are lighter, and as such, can tend to veer off-course. Hardwood balls are more accurate, but they are rarer to find and damage the mallet too much.

Invest in plastic croquet balls, as these will reduce damage on the mallet’s head. Buy an extra set in case the balls of the first set become indented.

Other Stuff

Aside from the mallet and the balls, most croquet sets will come with end posts and wickets. Small lawn games require no more than nine wickets. You can also just play a standard 6-wicket game. You may also find a carry bag with an included handle. These make transportation and storage easier, but not every manufacturer will offer them. 

FAQs for the Best Croquet Sets 

What weight should croquet balls be?

Croquet balls should weigh no more than 16 ounces. A heavier ball will require more force to hit (and thus will get indented faster). 
Lighter balls will be easier to hit and thus reduce pressure on the ball’s surface. Lighter balls are also better if you’re trying to teach a child or a beginner about croquet.

What happens if you hit someone’s ball in a croquet?

If your mallet accidentally hits someone else’s ball in croquet, then you must replay the entire shot. But you won’t lose a turn. However, if your ball hits another ball, you gain two bonus strikes. 
The first one is a “croquet stroke,” and the other is a normal strike. You can’t gain more than two bonus strikes.

Is croquet a rich-person sport?

Anyone who can afford a croquet set and at least two players can play croquet. However, since the price of a typical croquet set can go as high as $300, it’s not considered as an expensive sport. 

Conclusion

Playing a game of recreational croquet lightens the mood and brightens up the day. But only the best croquet sets can keep you satisfied for longer. We looked at the best croquet sets, and honestly, all of them were outstanding.

But the GoSports croquet set stood out from among the rest. It’s highly durable, made from the best materials, and keeps the balls in a line. Plus, you get all those goodies with it that it’s just hard not to love.

So there you have it! The best croquet sets in the online market! Don’t forget to look at the buying guide, and have an awesome summer!

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