Croquet mallets and balls in Bradford on Avon
The short answer: croquet players in Bradford on Avon can order an Invictus mallet made to their exact handle length and sent to west Wiltshire, and the club can buy championship approved balls one set at a time. Our first suggestion would be the Invictus Rise.
Croquet in Bradford on Avon
The town's croquet is played by the croquet section of Bradford on Avon Bowls and Croquet Club, at Culver Close. The section describes itself as a friendly, mixed ability club of about thirty members, playing golf croquet and association croquet along with some short croquet on a single lawn it rates among the best surfaces in the area. Roll-ups run on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 10 o'clock between mid April and mid September, and visitors may come and try.
The parent club has deep roots. Its history page records a bowling club formed in 1911, a first recorded match in May 1912, and a move to Culver Close from Barton Farm in the mid 1960s, when the present green opened. Bath Croquet Club has reported matches on the manicured lawn shared with the bowls club.
What Bradford on Avon's lawns and weather mean for your mallet
Bradford on Avon climbs the side of the Avon valley, and a lawn shared with a bowls green is usually mown close and kept level, so the ball runs further than on rougher grass. Morning roll-ups can begin on dewy turf that quickens as the sun dries it in mild, often damp West Country weather. Touch matters more than power.
Which Invictus mallet suits Bradford on Avon players
Invictus Rise, £525. Our most popular mallet. A roughly 3 lb aluminium head gives a slightly larger sweet spot, so it is a little easier to control when a fast surface punishes a mishit. We generally recommend it with an 11 inch head.
RF Pro, £975. The flagship, developed with World Champion Robert Fletcher. Its 3D printed aluminium head carries brass weights and composite faces, and at around 2 lb 12 oz it is lighter and very precise.
Both mallets are built after you order, to your handle length, with an 11 or 12 inch head. Graphite Black is included; Snow White, NRA Blue, Rose Gold and Deep Purple are an extra £89. You cannot choose the weight. See our fitting guide and care advice.
Balls for Bradford on Avon clubs
Made entirely in Australia, the Invictus X weighs 450 g and has World Croquet Federation championship approval. A set is £479. One set of first colours and one of second per lawn is a sensible guide; see ball colours explained.
Delivery to Bradford on Avon
Every mallet is made to order, so we estimate 4 to 8 weeks from purchase to arrival in Wiltshire. The timing is a guide only.
Questions Bradford on Avon players ask
Do these mallets suit short croquet? Yes, the same mallet serves every version of the game.
Which is better on a fast lawn? The lighter RF Pro gives the finest control; the Rise is the more forgiving.
What if I am unsure? Add the optional 30-day satisfaction guarantee, £75.
Other towns in England: croquet mallets and balls in England.
Designed in Queensland, made in Australia.