Croquet mallets and balls in Wells
The short answer: croquet players in Wells can order an Invictus mallet cut to their handle length and have it delivered to Somerset, and the club can buy World Croquet Federation approved balls one set at a time. For relaxed afternoon play on the Palace lawn, the Invictus Rise is where we would begin.
Croquet in Wells
The Palace Croquet Club plays on the lawns inside the Bishop's Palace, beside Wells Cathedral; Croquet England lists it as Wells Palace, with one and a half lawns. According to the Palace, croquet was last played there in the time of Bishop Kennion (1894 to 1921) and returned in 1976 when the bishop of the day allowed it. The Bishop of Bath and Wells is club president and traditionally opens each season.
Play runs from April to the end of September, most afternoons of the week, in whites and in a social spirit. Complete beginners are welcome: introductory sessions are usually held in the morning and last about an hour, refreshers are arranged at the start of each year, and the club plays friendlies against neighbours such as Wrington.
What Wells's lawns and weather mean for your mallet
Wells sits at the foot of the Mendip Hills, and Somerset is mild but often wet. A lawn inside old palace walls is sheltered from the worst of the wind, yet damp mornings and showers can leave the grass slow until it dries, while a warm, settled August speeds it up. On a smaller lawn, gentle hoop approaches and short, accurate shots count for more than distance.
Which Invictus mallet suits Wells players
Invictus Rise, £525. Our most popular mallet has an aluminium head of roughly 3 lb with a slightly bigger sweet spot, forgiving on slow, damp grass. We would normally fit an 11 inch head.
RF Pro, £975. The flagship was developed alongside World Champion Robert Fletcher. Brass weights and composite faces sit in a 3D printed aluminium head, and the whole mallet comes in near 2 lb 12 oz: lighter, and very precise for a delicate touch.
Both are built to order to your handle length, with 11 or 12 inch heads available. Graphite Black is standard; Snow White, NRA Blue, Rose Gold or Deep Purple cost £89 more. Weight is not adjustable. Read the fitting guide and caring for your mallet first.
Balls for Wells clubs
Invictus X balls carry World Croquet Federation championship approval, weigh 450 g, are made entirely in Australia and cost £479 a set. Allow one first-colour and one second-colour set per lawn; our page on croquet ball colours explains the two.
Delivery to Wells
Mallets are made once you order, and reaching Wells usually takes somewhere between 4 and 8 weeks. That is a guide, not a guarantee.
Questions Wells players ask
Do I need my own mallet to start? No. Take the introductory sessions and buy once you know the game suits you.
Will a metal head look out of place on a historic lawn? Not in play. Graphite Black is understated, and a mallet is judged by how it hits.
Can I change my mind? The optional 30-day satisfaction guarantee, £75, gives you a month of play to decide.
More English towns: croquet mallets and balls in England.
Designed in Queensland, made in Australia.