Croquet mallets and balls in Thames and the Coromandel

The short answer: players in Thames and around the Coromandel can order an Invictus mallet made to their handle length and delivered to them, and clubs can buy Invictus X balls approved for championship play. For most club players on Thames's five courts beside the Firth, we would start with the Invictus Rise.

Croquet in Thames and the Coromandel

Thames Croquet Club has its clubrooms at 101 Beach Road and five full-sized courts. Club history tells how, when the club left the bowling club's greens for courts of its own, one member spent a month on his tractor levelling soil over an old rubbish dump to create them. The club celebrated its 117th birthday with a tournament in late 2023.

In January 2024 Thames hosted the Croquet New Zealand 3+ Championship, drawing players from as far apart as Canterbury and Northland. The club has advertised golf and rush croquet sessions on Monday and Thursday mornings, Wednesday late afternoons and Saturday middays, with mallets supplied and the first game free.

Over the range on the east coast, Whangamatā Croquet Club plays at the combined sports centre on Bond Street and runs a twilight competition through the summer.

What Thames's lawns and weather mean for your mallet

Thames is squeezed between the Coromandel Range and the shallow Firth of Thames, and its summers are warm and humid. Courts at sea level near the shore can hold morning moisture, so early play is slower and needs a positive stroke; on a calm, sunny afternoon the same lawn quickens and touch takes over.

Which Invictus mallet suits Thames players

Invictus Rise. Our best-selling model has an aluminium head of about 3 lb with a slightly larger sweet spot, so it is a little easier to control, especially in golf and rush croquet. Most players take the 11 inch head.

RF Pro. Developed with World Champion Robert Fletcher, the flagship pairs a 3D printed aluminium head with brass weights and composite faces. It weighs about 2 lb 12 oz and is lighter and very precise.

Both are built to order to the handle length you give us, in an 11 or 12 inch head. Graphite Black is the standard colour, and Snow White, NRA Blue, Rose Gold or Deep Purple can be added at extra cost. Weight cannot be specified. See the fitting guide.

Balls for Coromandel clubs

Invictus X balls weigh 450 g, are made entirely in Australia and are approved by the World Croquet Federation for championship play. The guide is one first-colour and one second-colour set per court; choosing balls for a club explains more.

Delivery to Thames

Each mallet is made after you order, and delivery to Thames is usually 4 to 8 weeks from order. That is an estimate, not a guarantee. Prices are on the product pages.

Questions Thames players ask

Does sea air affect an aluminium mallet? No; just wipe off any salt spray and dry it.

Is the Rise good for rush croquet? Yes. Its larger sweet spot forgives the quick, short shots rush croquet asks for.

Can I try one before I commit? Yes. Add the optional 30-day satisfaction guarantee and play with it at your club.

More towns: croquet mallets and balls across New Zealand.

Designed in Queensland, made in Australia.