SELECTING A MALLET
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| HEIGHT
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Selecting the right mallet heights is dependent upon several factors. - Player height - Simply put, the taller the player, the taller the mallet. That sounds simple enough but doesn't determine a specific height, but rather, a range. For example: at 6' tall, you may fit a 36" - 38" OR you may need something altogether different, based on other criteria.
- Grip - The 3 commonly used gripping positions
are the Standard grip, Irish grip and the Solomon grip. Each of these can influence mallet height.
- Stance - Some players prefer to bend over when shooting while others have adopted an upright posture. This too, will have an effect on mallet heights.
Before
deciding on a mallet height, new players should try out a range of
mallet heights in order to decide which is most comfortable.
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WEIGHT |
Physically stronger players can play better with a lighter
mallet. Conversely, if you are not, a heavier mallet will help you accomplish longer
shots. The downside to a heavy mallet is that certain shots, such as stop shots, are more
difficult to control.
Mallets designed for use with the tournament balls, weighing 16 oz, should not
be
used to hit lighter weight balls made for recreational play. By the same token, lighter
mallets will suffer premature wear and possible breakage if paired with the
heavier tournament balls.
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HEAD SIZE
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There is
no regulation dictating the size of a mallet head, although if it is
longer than 9", it must have marks
clearly showing the 9" distance from each striking face. This
is to position a ball that has crossed the boundary in a USCA-rules
game.
Longer heads distribute more of the head's weight further from shaft. This results in greater stability. This benefit, however, comes at a price. Longer heads create a need to change one's swing as a longer head is more likely to make a divot if not swung correctly. Longer heads must also be smaller in their cross-section (face size) so they don't add more weight to the mallet. This smaller face size is better suited to lower handicap players who consistently hit the center of the mallet face.
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SHAFT TYPE
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American white ash is the typical choice
of shaft for this mallet. The
overall mallet weights are precision-weighted to match these shafts. Ash
is an ideal wood for croquet mallets thanks
to its long grain structure and natural bond between fibers. The shaft's octagonal upper section
is designed to comfortably and securely fit the player's hand. This is usually wrapped in
our cushion grip, available in your choice of colors (see below). The lower section is lathe-turned to a diameter that
provides the optimum torsional strength .
Aluminum
would suit those looking for a slightly heavier mallet, the
high-performance aluminum shaft adds about 4 ounces. The brass
Taperlock aides in lowering the center of gravity, allowing for more
controlled power .The upper section of the aluminum is sandwiched by an
octagonal wood grip section and wrapped in our cushion grip in your
choice of colors (see below). The lower section is fitted with a black
neoprene grip, providing a firm hold for controlled roll shots. |
CUSHION GRIP
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Grips are a matter of personal preference.
Most players like to have some cushioning between their hands and the
mallet. For those players, we offer you a selection of colors to chose
from. The grip covers about 15" of the upper section of the shaft.
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BLUE |
RED | BLACK
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TAN | BLUE/BLACK | RED/YELLOW |
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ENGRAVING |
Add a personal touch to your
new mallet with a laser engraved head. Thanks to computer technology, you
can let your imagination soar with what we can engrave on the side of any
square mallet head. Add your name, initials, perhaps a club logo or a
tournament name.
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