6 Best Croquet Sets – Enjoy the Game at Any Age!

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Last updatedLast updated: October 25, 2023
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You don’t have to wait to attend a classy garden party at some bourgeois neighborhood with manicured lawns to play croquet at all. You can get a reliable set and enjoy a lighthearted game with your friends and family in your backyard. The best croquet set will give you a seamless enjoyment of the game as it is built to last with impeccable craftsmanship. Finding a reliable set isn’t the easiest of tasks as you’d imagine because there is a lot to consider apart from the numerous brands and models on the market.

We rounded up the best 6 top-rated croquet sets in the market to help you make a choice. Some of the features we considered in the review that you should keenly look out for when making a purchase include materials, accessories, height, and permanent vs. portable among others. The features determine the suitability of the croquet set based on your skill level, age, or the type of game you intend to play.

Top 6 Croquet Sets Reviewed 2023

Features
  • Number of mallets: 6
  • Handle length: 36”
  • Number of balls: 6
  • Ball diameter: 3-5/16
  • Number of wickets: 9
  • Warranty: 1-year

Other features: powder-coated steel wickets, hardwood goal stakes, 18” hoops, 4-1/2” opening Taper-lock fastening system

Though you would have to pay a pretty penny for this set, it is the ultimate choice built to last you a lifetime. You will literally pass it down to your kids. Oakley is a respectable croquet brand. What’s more, you can get a customized purchase if your order directly from the retailer. This way, you don’t have to break the bank for a super-costly pro-set.

The 6-player set has mallets with that are solidly built with indestructible polyethylene and shafts made of ash. The upper section of the mallets have an octagonal shape for the most secure and comfortable grip.

Moreover, the mallets utilize the Taper-lock fastening system that allows you to change the heads quickly especially when you upgrade.

Also features in the package are 6 polymer balls that weigh about 12 ounces and measure at 3-5/16-inch diameter. They are much tougher than the typical recreational balls in their build. They are made with a compressed cork center and a robust urethane jacket on the outside.

Because of the nature of their build, it will be extremely hard to displace the balls when playing. Additionally, they have equally tough goal stakes made from a naturally finished ash that makes them strikingly beautiful. Thanks to the steel ground pin, inserting them to the ground is completely hassle-free.

Along with the set, comes a 9-wicket rule book and instructions that will save the day if you are a croquet novice. You also get a durable nylon Cordura bag that you can use to carry the set around easily.

As if that’s enough, Oakman backs up this reliable set with a 1-year warranty against defects in workmanship and materials.

Overall, this is a fantastic option to consider whether you are a beginner, an enthusiast, or a professional belonging to some club. It is conveniently priced and you can always get your order customized if you can’t afford the entire set.

What makes it special?

  • Customizable purchase
  • Super-durable
  • Easy to carry around
  • Offers excellent value for money
  • Excellent customer service
  • 1-year warranty

What cons did we find?

  • Not found
Features
  • Number of mallets: 4+4
  • Handle length: 28” and 32”
  • Number of balls: 8
  • Ball diameter: 3-5/16
  • Number of wickets: 9
  • Warranty: n/a

Other features: made with maple hardwood, 2 lathe-turned stakes, 5/32 diameter vinyl-coated wickets, plastic polymer balls come with wooden storage holder

You must have heard of the century-old astonishing woodworking and handcrafting skills of the Amish community. This classic all-wooden Amish-crafted croquet set is no different. It will give you that traditional feel and touch to remind you of the old times of croquet.

The set includes 8 wooden mallets, 8 balls, 9 wickets, and wooden storage that keeps the entire set well-organized.

The mallets are a stunning beauty with a super tough build. They are made with top quality maple hardwood then lathe-turned. The solid brass rings fixed on both ends of the mallets contribute largely to the aesthetics and durability. They prevent the mallets from chipping or breaking thus offering you a lifetime play.

The mallets are hand-painted and color-matched with the corresponding balls in the set. The balls measure 3-5/16 inches diameter and are ultra-durable to withstand continuous harsh whacking from the mallets.

The 9 wickets measure 5/32 inches in diameter and they are made with metal, coated with vinyl to prevent bending and harden them enough to take a few good beatings often.

Also featured are 2 hardwood stakes that are lathe-turned as well with multi-colored sections.

The wooden stand in the package holds the mallets, the balls, and the 9 metal wickets. It is has a brass handle that makes holding and transportation easy for you.

Whether you are a beginner, enthusiast, or professional club player, this set will cater to your needs. And you can enjoy the game with different heights and capabilities thanks to the 6/8 mallet variants and the 28-inch and 32-inch handle length options.

With a 1-year warranty, this is one of the best vintage croquet sets that money can buy. It has a premium price but is totally worth the buy.

What are its best features?

  • Superior build quality
  • Beautiful vintage look
  • Allows many players (8) to play at the same time
  • Handle length options
  • 6 or 8 mallet variants
  • 1-year warranty

What could be improved?

  • Premium price
  • Complaints about the rack being unsteady
Features
  • Number of mallets: 8
  • Handle length: 31”
  • Number of balls: 8
  • Ball diameter: 3-5/16
  • Number of wickets: 9
  • Warranty: 5 years

Other features: made with hard maple wood, two maple wood stakes, 5/32 diameter vinyl-coated wickets, plastic polymer balls come with convenient carry duffel bag

Here is another premium quality croquet set from the super-talented and professional Amish craftsmen. The 8-player croquet set will not only give you outdoor fun but also help you refine your motor skills to become a pro.

The croquet set features 8 balls, 8 mallets, and 9 wickets. Set up is a breeze as all you have to do is screw the handles onto the mallets which should take seconds.

2 to 8 players can play with this set thus an ideal choice for parties, family gatherings, or picnics. The mallets are made with hard maple wood for increased durability and high-effectiveness. They are 31-inches long, ideal for a variety of players’ heights and they are rectangular in shape for increased durability and extra weight.

The balls are also built tough with an almost-indestructible polymer material to be able to handle every-day abuse for a long time. They measure 3-5/16 inches in diameter. The substantial 9 wickets measure 5/32 inches and they are made of metal, coated with vinyl to prevent bending and to increase their sturdiness.

Also included in the set are 2 maple hardwood stakes.

Essentially, the croquet set comes with game rules and instructions for novices as well as a durable duffel carry bag that makes it easy to transport.

With a 5 year warranty, this Croquet set is worth considering. It is one of the best family croquet sets you can get out there. The balls, mallets, and stakes will get replaced with zero charges in case of any damages within the 5 years.

Why are we impressed?

  • Premium quality build
  • Allows many players-(2 to 8)
  • Comes with game instructions
  • 5-year warranty

What negatives must you be aware of?

  • Complaints about some mallets not having clear-grain wood
4.

Baden Champions Croquet SetBest Portable

Features
  • Number of mallets: 6
  • Handle length: 14”
  • Number of balls: 6
  • Ball diameter: 6
  • Number of wickets: 9
  • Warranty: 90-day

Other features: soft-grip handles, multi-colored poly-resin balls, two 24” hardwood scoring posts, weather-resistant carrying case

Make your summer memorable by adding this highly durable and portable croquet set to your backyard fun with family and friends. It is a fantastic option for anyone looking for an inexpensive set they can use for a perfect casual play in their backyard.

The set allows 2 to 6 players to play at a go. It features 6 mallets, 6 balls, and 9 wickets. Set up is pretty straightforward and it comes with all the pieces you would need for a quick and complete game set up.

The mallets have a solid cottonwood construction with a colorful touch and a soft grip that allows you to have better control when playing. The colored poly-resin balls not only have a sturdy build to take a good whacking every time but also pretty. If you care for aesthetics, this should be your go-to croquet set.

Like many croquet sets, the set features nine 14-inch wickets made of durable steel. They maintain their shape even after a good hammering into the ground. The set however sets itself apart with the two 24-inch hardwood scoring posts included in the package.

It also comes with a rule book, not only for first-timers but also for solving conflicts with your mates during the game. Additionally, the weather-resistant carrying case featured makes it one of the best portable croquet sets out there.

To top it all, you get a 90-day satisfaction warranty. Though not as generous as on other brands, the warranty allows you to return the set in case you are dissatisfied with its performance.

All considered, this is a wonderful set for a casual play with family and friends at the park, when you go backpacking or in your home backyard.

Why did it make our list?

  • Durable build
  • Includes a weather-proof carry bag
  • Comes with a rule book
  • 90-day satisfaction warranty

What is not ideal about it?

  • Does not have a long warranty like other sets in its range
5.

Baden Deluxe Series Croquet SetBest for Casual Games

Features
  • Number of mallets: 6
  • Handle length: 27”
  • Number of balls: 6
  • Ball diameter: 2.5”
  • Number of wickets: 9
  • Warranty: n/a

Other features: multi-colored poly-resin croquet balls, 8. 25” steel wickets, 24” hardwood scoring posts

This is like Baden Champion’s cousin. The only difference between them is the handle length. The Champion has a 14-inch long handle and the Deluxe has a 27-inch long handle, otherwise, it is also a solid choice for anyone looking for a portable croquet set for leisurely afternoons at the park or in your backyard.

The set includes everything 2 to 6 players would need like 6 mallets, 6 balls, and 9 wickets. The Mallets have a sturdy wood build and the handles have a super comfortable soft grip. If you’re a sucker for superior comfort, this should be your prime pick.

Also, if you care for aesthetics, this set fits the bill pretty well. It has multi-colored balls made to last with tough poly-resin material. Also featured are nine 25-inch wickets.

For added convenience, the set comes with a nylon carrying bag that packs up the entire set. The cherry on top is that it comes with 24-inch hardwood scoring posts which is quite uncommon with other sets.

Aside from the complaints from customers claiming that you need a perfectly level lawn or cut your grass really short to be able to play with this set well, it is a fantastic choice for casual gaming.

What are our favorite features?

  • Sturdily built
  • Easy to set up and play
  • Affordable
  • Comes with a durable carrying bag

What could be better?

  • Needs a perfectly manicured lawn
Features
  • Number of mallets: 6
  • Handle length: 28”
  • Number of balls: 6
  • Ball diameter: 2.75”
  • Number of wickets: 9
  • Warranty: n/a

Other features: 2 end posts and rules, the standard option includes a handy storage bag

This is the ultimate croquet set for anyone on a tight budget. The GoSports premium croquet set literally tarnishes the stereotype of croquet being a ‘rich-people’ game. The croquet sets itself apart from other dated sets with its super attractive modern color scheme and design.

The set includes 6 balls, 6 mallets, 9 wickets, and 2 end posts for 2 to 6 players. All the handles and mallets are made with real hardwood for added durability. What’s more, the handles have leather attached to them for premium comfort and secure grip.

Measuring 35 inches long, the handles are ideal for players with varying heights. You and your kids would be comfortable without having to bend too far down.

Thanks to the handy storage bag included in the set’s package, you can carry the game far beyond your backyard to the park or anywhere far from home.

A set of rules is also included not only for people new to the game but also for reference when you disagree with your playmates.

With the 100% satisfaction guarantee offered this is one gem of a product. Plus, it has an attractive price tag.

Why is it special?

  • Made with real wood
  • Durable
  • High-quality carrying case
  • Perfect handle length for both adults and kids
  • Colorful and attractive design

What are the flaws?

  • The mallets have smaller heads compared to others within its range

Things to Consider

Croquet is a dun game but like with everything in life, if you get the set wrong, you get the game wrong. This section contains all the essential information you need to make the best-informed choice when buying a croquet set including; details on the croquet game and its rules and the features to consider when choosing a croquet set.

What is a croquet?

Croquet is a popular and fun-filled game played by 2 teams in an open yard as big as 2 tennis courts. The game involves wooden or plastic balls being hit by a mallet through several hoops, or wickets placed on a grass playing court.

Croquet rules

6 Best Croquet Sets - Enjoy the Game at Any Age!

Here are some of the common rules in different types of croquet:

  • There are 4 colored balls; blue, red, black, and yellow and they all have to be played in that order.
  • The wickets/hoops, pegs, and other balls must not be moved to make the game easy.
  • To strike is to make just one turner. A striker is a player whose turn it is to strike. When there are only 2 players; one player uses the blue and black balls and the other uses red and yellow. When there are more players, each player strikes their own ball.
  • After the 1st person strikes the blue ball, every other player should strike the ball within 1 yard of the corner closest to the 4th In the succeeding turns each player should strike their ball from where it lies.
  • Once a player runs wicket 1 the next proceeds to run wicket 2 and so on and so forth.
  • A hook is run or scored when no part of the ball protrudes beyond the part of the hoop from which it began and it can take more than one turn to score a hoop.
  • If any other ball gets hit by the striker’s ball and it goes through the hoop, then it’s a score for it even if the striker’s ball goes through the hoop as well.
  • A player should not strike another ball with their mallet. It is also not right to hit a ball twice or crush the ball on a wicket or peg. If you play the wrong ball or play out of turn your opponent gains the right to choose the ball to restart with and whether or not to replace them. plus, a hoop run by a wrong ball doesn’t count.
  • When it is a player’s turn to strike, they have to take it. A ‘Pass’ is not allowed.
  • Any ball that leaves the court is replaced at the boundary of the place where it took off.

Features to consider when choosing a croquet set

Here are some of the features that you have got to be keen on when choosing a croquet set:

Number of players

The number of people you intend to play with largely determines the type of set you should go. If you want to have so many players on board you should go for a set with 8 balls and mallets like the Family Traditions 8 Player Wooden Croquet Set above.

Mallets

Ensure the mallets are made with high-quality material that is anti-chip or doesn’t break easily so they can serve you longer. Maple hardwood is one of the best durable materials used to make the mallets. If they are lathe-turned then they are bound to last you longer even a lifetime.

Balls

Go for durable balls with a reasonable size. Standard balls measure about 3-5/16-inches in diameter and usually have colors that correspond to the mallets.
You should opt for balls with an average weight that both younger and older players can handle.  Though if you are looking to have serious matches, then you should go for heavier balls.

Wickets

Most sets have between 6 and 9 wickets. There are plastic, wired, steel, and wood wickets. Wired hoops are the least expensive but steel wood and plastic are better durable options.

Stakes

These are the actual targets of the game. Since winning the game involves hitting the stakes with the ball so much and zigzagging through the wickets or hoops, be sure to get stakes that can take a good beating. Maple hardwood stakes are sturdy enough to last you a good while.

Warranty

Go for croquet sets that have a warranty cover for the mallets, balls, and wickets. You could get a free replacement for either of those and some manufacturers even offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee that allows you to return the entire set if you don’t like its performance.

Carrying bag

If you want to move the game away from your backyard once in a while then go for a set that comes with a durable carrying bag that can pack the entire set and allow you to carry it from one place to another with ease.

FAQ

Croquet is a lawn game and it is best played in natural grass that has been nicely cut short to allow the balls to move smoothly and easily. The area should be rectangular and flat without patches or unevenness in the terrain.

Yes. You can play at a park or a playing field with a rough surface as long as it is flat but you will have to make the court smaller to facilitate the game.

First off, you have to demarcate the playing court and you can use flags to mark each corner. Then place a peg in the middle of the demarcated court and mark out a rectangle that measures approximately 7 by 10.5meters. Place hoops or wickets on every corner of this smaller rectangle and 2 along the centerline of the playing area 3.5 meters away from the peg. The 4 corner hoops should all be equidistant from the hoop.

Wrapping It Up

Croquet is one of the rare games that have many uses and purposes. With all the tips in our extensive review, you shouldn’t have any trouble choosing the best croquet set. The sets we reviewed in-depth are among the best rated in the market. The Oakley Woods Extreme 6-Player Croquet Set was our best overall choice. It stood out with the superb features that make it one of those unique sets that can be used by different types of players from young and old to beginners and seasoned players.

The Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Game Set and the Family Traditions 8 Player Wooden Croquet Set followed in ranking and are both great family set choices. They are both from the same manufacturer and they offer premium quality in their build since they are carefully handcrafted with durable materials. They also have a generous warranty of 5 years and are suitable for players of different ages and capabilities.

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