There are a few things which need to be taken into consideration when choosing a croquet mallet.
The Mallet Head
There are different types of mallet head on the croquet equipment market. It is important to consider that a mallet with rounded edges on the face will make the croquet mallet last longer as the head is less likely to chip and wear. The harder the wood of the mallet head, the longer the croquet mallet is likely to last also - soft woods will wear away and dent very easily and quickly.
The narrower the mallet head, the harder it will be to make an accurate shot - so if you are new to the game try to find a mallet head which has a bigger face.
Square versus round is usually down to personal preference and the difference is quite small. Most serious mallets used in competitions will have a square head as it is easier to play some more difficult shots, but for most the differences are unnoticeable.
The Mallet Shaft
These can be bought in different materials also. The length should be chosen on the height of the player - if you are unsure it is better to have one that is too long than too short so we would recommend going longer.
They come in different shapes - round, octagonal and oval and can be solid or spliced. Spliced will give a strength from two different woods, but also be a little less expensive than the solid varieties. These vary in stiffness with solid varieties usually being less stiff. The weight is also a consideration and woods like Ash are beneficial as they are light but maintain the strength.
The Mallet Weight
The overall weight of your croquet mallet is also a consideration when buying a croquet mallet. The heavier mallets will be more difficult for children to play with, but better at longer shots for adults. A lighter mallet will be more suited to delicate strokes - especially if you have a very well maintained, fast croquet lawn.
Most people will have a mallet around 1.2 - 1.5kg in weight.