Equipment

Equipment Details and Classifications

The selection of croquet equipment can be a daunting task without some background information. Croquet is played at many different levels — from casual garden play to world-class tournament competition. Equipment varies significantly in quality, durability, precision, and price.

The classifications below are a practical guide based on standards from Croquet England, Croquet Canada, and major suppliers. They help you choose equipment suited to your intended use.

Class Mallet Wicket (Hoop) Ball Stake (Peg) Court Use
Class A
(Tournament / Championship)		 36" tall, head min. 9", weight 3 lb+ 5/8" thick uprights, 12" high, 3¾" opening 3⅝" (92 mm), 15.5–16.5 oz 18" above ground, 1½" diameter with clip 105' x 84', very short grass (¼"), bowling-green flat Official tournament play under Croquet England / Croquet Canada / WCF rules
Class B
(Club / Serious Recreational)		 32"–36" tall, head min. 9", 2 lb 4 oz – 3+ lb 7/16"–5/8" uprights, 12" high, ~4" opening 3⅝", 14–16 oz 18" above ground, 1½" diameter Full size or scaled (min. ½ size), short grass ¼"–¾" Club level, competitive social play, introductory tournaments
Class C
(Informal Club / Good Garden)		 32"–36" tall, head min. 9", 2–3 lb 5/16"–7/16" uprights, ~4" opening 3⅝", 12–14 oz 18" above ground Full size or scaled, grass up to ¾", fairway smoothness Collegiate, club social play, better backyard games
Class D
(Standard Garden / Family)		 30"–36" tall, head 8"+, 1½–2½ lb Up to 5/16" wire, 4"–5" opening 3⅝" or smaller, 9–14 oz Two stakes, 12"–18" high, 1"+ diameter Any available space, grass up to 1½". Often 9-wicket School, family, and casual garden play
Class E
(Children's / Beginner)		 24"–33" tall, head 6"+, under 2 lb Lightweight bent wire, 4"–5"+ opening 3"–3¼", 9+ oz Two shorter stakes Any space that fits, grass up to 2" Children’s sets and very casual garden play (often 9-wicket)
Notes:
  • Class A equipment is required for official sanctioned tournaments.
  • Many players start with Class C or D and upgrade as their interest grows.
  • Canadian players can source high-quality Class A–D equipment domestically from Oakley Woods Croquet in Brighton, Ontario.

Links to Equipment Suppliers

Mallets Wickets / Hoops Balls Court Accessories & Complete Sets Court Maintenance
  • John Deere, local Canadian landscape suppliers (mowers, aerators, etc.)

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Miscellaneous