8 Best Croquet Set Reviews – Play Croquet With Style
Croquet is one of the most entertaining games you can play with friends and family right there in your backyard. A fun game with easy to follow rules, croquet is gaining popularity as an outdoor game. Of course, you’ll need the best croquet set to get you started and help you make the most out of this fun game.
Croquet sets are not easy to distinguish from one another. This is especially true if you’re new to the game and don’t have much experience. We put together these top croquet set reviews to help you get a good idea of what to look for in the ultimate croquet set and make an informed decision. For the most part, you’re looking for a reliable croquet set that is durable, matches the number of players, and is suitable for different age groups.
So how do you weed out the subpar sets that don’t match your expectations and find the right croquet set that works well for players of all skill levels? This buying guide at the end of this article highlights the best features that make a croquet set stand out. But first, let’s take a look at reviews of the best croquet sets that made the cut.
Best Croquet Set Reviews
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced player, fit or out of shape, when it comes to croquet, having the right mallet in your hands makes all the difference. Here are the top croquet sets in the market today.
1. GoSports Six Player Croquet Set for Adults & Kids
In the world of consumer products, reputation matters. This applies to croquet sets as much as it applies to the smartphone you carry around wherever you go. But it’s not just the GoSports good reputation as a brand that made GoSports Six Player Croquet Set for Adults & Kids our top choice. This product practically delivers on all fronts from the quality of the materials and its durability to the color options and suitability for all ages and skill levels.
We start with the mallets as the most important parts of the set. These mallets are made from good quality hardwood and come equipped with a leather grip for easy handling. In addition, both the modern design and top-notch finish make this set really stand out in your yard.
The handle of the mallet is about 35 inches in the deluxe edition. This extra length makes them suitable for people of all ages and heights to handle the mallet comfortably.
The set includes 6 color mallets, 9 wickets, 6 balls, 2 end posts, and a rules book to get you started. The different color designs of the mallets have more than just an aesthetic value. They make it easier to separate players into teams. There’s also a carrying case included which is handy to store the set and carry it to the park or your friends’ house.
On the downside, the balls which are made of plastic tend to chip easily and can’t handle rough treatment. This is an unfortunate drawback to an otherwise good quality croquet set. This, however, might not be a problem if you are an experienced player who knows how to hit the ball.
Pros
- Modern colorful design.
- Durable set made of high-quality hardwood.
- Extra-long mallet handles suitable for kids and adults.
- Leather handles for a comfortable grip.
- Different colors for mallets and balls.
- A handy carrying case.
Cons
- The balls are made of plastic and chip easily.
2. Juegoal Six Player Croquet Set
If you’re looking for a good croquet set that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket yet doesn’t skimp on the quality of the build or the design, you might want to consider the Juegoal Six Player Croquet Set. We chose this product as our best value pick not just because it’s inexpensive, but also because it gives you a bang for your buck.
The sets include 6 mallets made of hardwood, each with a 28-inch handle and caps for extra protection. The set is distinguished by its durability and resistance to rain. The 6 molded balls have different colors matching the mallets while the 9 wickets are made of steel and coated with vinyl. All in all, this portable set weighs about 9.5 pounds so it’s easy to carry and transport.
Although the set comes pre-assembled, it’s usually easy to put together. The mallet heads and handles come separately but all you need to do is match each mallet to its handle and screw them together.
The set is suitable for six players although any number of players between 2 to 6 can enjoy a good croquet game. The 28-inch handles make it a breeze to get a good grip on the mallet no matter what age group you are or your physical shape. Designed for easy handling, these durable mallets are a good fit for kids looking to learn the game.
The one downside we had with this set was that the carrying case was too tight to fit the whole set in with ease. It takes a lot of maneuvering to squeeze in all the mallets, wickets, and balls together. One way to get around that is to dismantle the mallets before storing them which would require reassembling them before you start the game.
Pros
- Affordable price.
- Good quality hardwood mallets.
- Lightweight and easy to transport.
- Suitable for 2 to 6 players.
- Molded balls.
Cons
- Carrying bag too small for the whole set.
- Requires assembling.
3. ROPODA Six-Player Croquet Set
Some products set themselves up for success by paying extra attention to the little details. ROPODA Six-Player Croquet Set fits the bill and earns our award for top value set. As a stylish and durable set, it makes your croquet game both enjoyable and easy to learn. The set is designed for as many as 6 players or as few as two to use whether they’re adults, kids, or in-betweens.
What this means is the set is durable and won’t break if a novice player or a child handles the mallets clumsily. This durability is due to the premium hardwood. And although this set requires assembling, the mallets are easy to put together in a matter of minutes.
The set includes 6 mallets, 9 steel wickets, 6 balls, and 2 ending stakes. The mallets have an extra cover to protect the players as well as the balls. As for the balls, they’re compact and made of resin which resists damage. You won’t have to worry about your child hitting the ball the wrong way and cracking or chipping it.
The carrying case is convenient and lets you carry the whole set and transport it in the back of your trunk without much hassle. It fits all the pieces of the set comfortably and there’s no need to disassemble the mallets every time you want to store them as we have seen in other products on this list.
On the downside, the handles stand at 26 inches which makes them more suitable for kids. Adults would have to bend a little to get a good grip on the mallet. But apart from this disadvantage, this set deserves its place as our top pick.
Pros
- Good quality mallets made of premium hardwood.
- Damage resistant balls made of resin.
- Stylish design.
- Convenient carrying case.
Cons
- Handles are a little too short for adults.
- Needs assembling.
4. ApudArmis Six Player Croquet Set
While croquet is both an easy and fun game to play, a lot rides on the set you choose. That’s what gives ApudArmis Six Player Croquet Set an edge over other sets. It was designed for simplicity and practicality. Although it might lack the bells and ribbons that would increase its appeal and price, the set has everything else you need to enjoy a good game of croquet with family and friends.
The mallets are made from two types of wood. The rubberwood heads are extra durable and sturdy. The handles are made from poplar wood which doesn’t interact with sweat and is corrosion-resistant. The six mallets have different colors and so are the 6 balls which are made from Elastic Polymer. Overall, the whole set has a spotless finish and the handles are the right size standing at 28 inches each.
As usual, there’s always a downside to every moderately priced product. In this case, the weakest link in the set is the balls. They dent easily, especially with rough handling. But for balls that are designed to be hit by a mallet, one would expect more durability. The balls are quick to show dents even after using them only a few times. So if you have kids with little experience in the game, you might look for another product on the list with sturdier balls.
Pros
- Simple and Practical design.
- Moderate price.
- Durable mallet heads and corrosive-resistant handles.
Cons
- Balls easy to dent.
5. Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Game Set
If you have a few extra bucks to splurge on a luxurious croquet set that dazzles with its design and delivers both in quality and durability, then you couldn’t go wrong with the Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Game Set. Although a little pricey, this set is worth every penny you invest in it.
We start with the mallets. They are made from maple hardwood which is a luxurious and long-lasting wood. There’s an elegance to the design that is only matched by the thoughtfulness put into the finish. As the name implies, this set was handcrafted from start to finish. Every little detail speaks volumes about the amount of work that went into creating this piece of artwork. This is undoubtedly a set for those who value their croquet game and wouldn’t mind spending a little more for high craftsmanship.
Unlike other sets on this list, this deluxe set caters to 8 players. It comes with 8 mallets, 8 balls, two stakes, and 9 steel wickets. Every part of the set has been meticulously designed and hand-painted to perfection. The mallet heads are protected with brass rings to prevent wood chipping. The handles are about 32 inches long each which makes them suitable for kids to use them. Adults won’t have to bend over to get a good grip on the long handle either.
To top this luxury, the set comes with a wood stand that is both stylish and convenient to keep your mallets and balls.
The only downside we could find with this set was the steep price. But then again, this is no ordinary run of the mill croquet set. It’s a collectible in every sense of the word.
Pros
- Mallets made from maple hardwood.
- Stylish and luxurious design.
- High craftsmanship and hand-painted.
- A wood stand to keep the mallets and balls.
Cons
- High price tag.
6. Hey! Play! Croquet Set-Wooden Outdoor Deluxe Sports Set
A set that favors aesthetics over functionality, the Croquet Set-Wooden Outdoor Deluxe Sports Set stresses the fun and sociable side of croquet over its competitive aspects. That in itself is not bad for some people. After all, the main goal of this traditional game is to bring people together for a little sport and a lot of laughs.
If you’re one of those people who don’t take their sport too seriously, then you’ll enjoy this set. It’s made of hardwood and puts a little extra work on the design. Ever mallet dazzles with its sleek design and precision painting. But that’s as far as you’ll go with this set.
The mallets are good-looking but they’re also lightweight. You’ll need to wield a little extra force to hit the balls. As for the handles, they’re only 26 inches long each. This could be a problem for adults who would have to stoop down a little depending on how tall they are. Kids, on the other hand, would enjoy playing with these mallets since they’re not that heavy.
Designed for up to 6 players, the set includes 6 mallets, 6 color-matching balls, 9 vinyl-coated metal wickets, and 2 wood posts. The whole set can be stored conveniently in a travel bag.
As we mentioned this is a set for easy play not a competitive game of croquet. So don’t expect much in the way of durability or serious gamesmanship. You’ll definitely look good posing with the stylish mallet for a photo, but if you’re looking to win a croquet game against an experienced player, this set is not for you.
Pros
- Good design and lightweight set.
- Easy to transport in the included travel bag.
- Affordable price.
Cons
- Short handles could be a challenge for tall people.
- Mallets need to be disassembled before storing.
7. Baden Deluxe Series Croquet Set
If croquet and BBQ go together, the Baden Deluxe Series Croquet Set brings a different flavor to this popular yard game. The Baden brand is famous for its high-quality backyard game equipment and this Deluxe croquet set comes as a welcome addition. There’s a good balance between quality and aesthetics that will make the game fun and enjoyable for people of all ages and skill levels.
The attractive mallets are made of hardwood and are designed with endurance and style in mind. The set is suitable for any number of players between 2 to 6. And although the mallets arrive pre-assembled, it will only take you a few minutes to screw the handles into the mallet heads and you’re good to go.
This ease of set up is the prevailing theme of the Deluxe set. The handles of the mallets are 27 inches long making them easy to use for people of different ages and heights. The 6 multi-colored balls that match the colors of the mallets are made from poly-resin, a hard material that resists dents and damage.
A guide book is also included to help you get up to speed with the rules of the game. Overall, this complete set has everything you need to enjoy a good game of croquet over BBQ, a family gathering, or a small get-together.
But the price tag attached to this set is a little too steep. And for that steep price, you’d still have to dismantle the mallets before you can fit them into the included nylon bag. It’s a little inconvenience for sure, but when you pay extra, you’d expect to get a more spacious carrying case.
Pros
- Solid set with an emphasis on good design and quality.
- 27-inch handles suitable for all ages.
- Balls made of poly-resin.
Cons
- High price tag.
- Need to dismantle mallets to fit them into the carrying case.
8. Crown Sporting Goods Six-Player Deluxe Croquet Set
We finish our review with a set that falls neatly in the middle of the spectrum. It’s neither too expensive nor too cheap. It’s not the most luxurious set on the list nor does it have an appealing modern design. Instead, what the Crown Sporting Goods Six-Player Deluxe Croquet Set has going for it is its faithful adherence to the vintage look and feel. This is a traditional set through and through.
This is obvious in the whooping 32-inch handles, the rubber caps that protect the heads, and the simple, yet appealing, design of the mallets. With its aesthetic eye set on the past, Crown Sporting Goods spares no effort in delivering a sturdy set that focuses on durability and performance.
Along with the 6 elegant mallets, the set includes 6 polymer balls of different colors, 2 stakes, and 9 vinyl-coated steel wickets. The whole set is neatly packed in a black zip-up carrying bag for easy storage and transportation.
The only issue we had with this set apart from the need to disassemble the mallets to fit in the zip-up bag is that the wicket legs are a little too short. If you don’t have an ideal yard with dense soil, the wickets would have to be driven deeper into the ground to stand firm.
Pros
- Vintage set with a classy look and feel.
- Focus on sturdiness and performance.
- 32-inch handles.
- Mallet heads covered with rubber caps.
Cons
- Wicket legs too short.
Croquet Set Buying Guide
With so many options and competing sets, and if you’re not on a budget, then choosing a good croquet set might seem difficult. That’s why we put together this croquet set buying guide to help you. It highlights the key features to look for in a croquet set.
Number of Players
Naturally, you’d want to buy a croquet set that matches the number of players. The last thing you’d want is to have some people in the get-together standing around to watch because the set is not enough for everyone. A small group of players would need a regular set like GoSports Six Player Croquet Set or ROPODA Six-Player Croquet Set. They both are designed for 6 players.
However, if you have a larger group, then Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Game Set is a better option. It has 8 mallets and 8 balls so everyone gets to play and share in the fun.
As for the age of the players, most of the sets we reviewed here are suitable for both adults and kids. Usually, lanky people will have difficulty playing with a short mallet. If the players are mainly adults, then choose a set with a mallet handle 28 inches long and above.
Mallets
Mallets are naturally the most important part of the croquet set. A good sturdy mallet makes it easy to hit the ball and ace your shot. Also, pick a set where the mallet head is protected with a rubber cover such as Crown Sporting Goods Six-Player Deluxe Croquet Set or ROPODA Six-Player Croquet Set. These covers protect the head against chipping and protect the players as well. A round head shape is popular these days, although people serious about their croquet game prefer a square head mallet.
To give you a good swing, choose a mallet with a heavy head and a round handle that gives you a good grip. As every experienced croquet player knows, these are the ideal mallets to give you that pendulum swing motion.
Balls
Balls are the second part of the croquet equation. They take their fair share of rough treatment. You’d want to choose balls that average about 3 inches in diameter and weigh between 10 to 12 ounces. Balls larger than 3 inches and weighing more than 12 ounces are not suitable for kids.
The material and quality of the balls matter a lot in your game. Usually, kids and inexperienced players tend to damage the balls. So make sure the balls are made from either resin or polymer for extra resistance to denting and damage.
Wickets
The croquet set wouldn’t be complete without wickets and stakes. You’d need to set the wickets in the ground that act as goalposts. The ball has to pass through the wicket to score in croquet. You’d need to make sure the wickets are made of steel and preferably vinyl coated for protection. The legs of the wickets should be long enough to fit in different types of soil. If the legs are too short, the wicket will be too low for the ball to pass under. Every set should have 9 wickets included no matter how many players it’s designed for.
Croquet Set FAQs
If you still have questions lingering without answers about the best croquet set to purchase, here are the answers to the most common questions.
What is the best place to play croquet?
As an outdoor game, croquet is easy to play in just about any space you have. A front yard, back yard, or even side yard will do. The only time you’ll have to worry about the space is if you have a large group of people. But for two players, for example, you won’t need much space. The game is all about skill rather than force or distance. Unlike golf, croquet is about getting the ball to pass through the wicket rather than sending it across the lawn.
Even if you don’t have a lawn, you can still enjoy a good game of croquet in a public park or even on a camping site with suitable grounds.
Can kids play too?
Yes of course. One of the attractive qualities of croquet is that it’s suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. By design, the mallets are easy for kids to carry and wield. As long as the mallet head is not too heavy, children won’t have trouble joining in on the fun.
The rules of the game are quite straightforward as well. Some of the products we reviewed including GoSports Six Player Croquet Set and Baden Deluxe Series Croquet Set come with a simple guidebook to get everyone up to speed with the rules of the game.
I’m a lanky person, what mallet size should work for me?
When it comes to mallets, the length of the handle is what you should focus on if you’re exceptionally tall. Children and young people of medium height won’t have a problem with mallet handles averaging 26 inches or shorter. But a taller person will need to bend down to get a good grip over such a handle.
For lanky people, a handle around 32 inches is the ideal length to look for. Long-handle mallets are suitable for everyone to play with. The extra length doesn’t come in the way of children when they swing the mallet. As long as the handles have a good grip, then both adults and kids can use them with ease. However, the extra length of the handles could increase the weight of the mallet making them unwieldy for small children.
I’m a casual player, should I focus on quality or style?
Most croquet sets in the market are suitable for casual players. For example, the standard weight of the croquet ball in official games and competitions is 16 ounces. However, the balls included in the sets you’ll buy in the market average between 10 to 12 ounces. These lighter balls are easier to handle for people of all ages. The same goes for the mallets. A lightweight mallet is a good choice for both adults and children. So Unless you’re a competitive croquet player, you can choose a croquet set that strikes a good balance between quality and style. This is a fun game at its heart, and you’d want every player regardless of their age and body shape to enjoy it as well. As long as the balls are damage-resistant and the mallet heads have rubber covers to protect both the players and the balls, you’re good to go.
The Last Word
We reviewed the best croquet sets in the market and covered the top features to look for. Our editor’s choice is the GoSports Six Player Croquet Set, which hits the mark both in quality and modern design. The set emphasizes durability and performance without taking away from the fun aspects of the game. The mallets have 35-inch long handles that both adults and children will find convenient while the mallet heads remain lightweight for easy handling. The leather wrap around the handles gives you a good and comfortable grip. The premium hardwood gives the mallets durability and good performance.
For those who are on a budget, we recommend the Juegoal Six Player Croquet Set. It’s a basic set that comes at an affordable price without reducing the quality of the materials. The molded balls are damage-resistant and the sturdy mallets are made from hardwood that every casual player will enjoy regardless of age or experience levels.
To round up our review, no list would be complete without the ROPODA Six-Player Croquet Set. This is our top value pick not just because of its high quality but also because of the top-notch customer service the company provides. This set gives you good value for your money and is suitable for both adults and kids making it a good choice for the whole family.