Croquet User's Comments

The following comments are from recent croquet customers of Wood Mallets. In accordance with our privacy policy customers e-mail addresses are not supplied but the contents of their messages are guaranteed genuine.

George,

I received the mallet and played yesterday. My roquets have never been more true. Thanks for the great mallet!

Mitch Gershefeld QLD

Hi George,
Our Mallets arrived on Friday morning . The weather in Perth has been terrible and this morning was the first opportunity we have to test them out. They are sensational and look magnificent and gives me such confidence when going for the shots.
Thank you for your patience and understanding , and excellent service. You certainley got them right
Regards
Gill and Ben Boehm

Hi George.

My mallet arrived safely on Wednesday -- just 14 days after it was ordered.

To make a mallet to order and to get it to regional NSW in that time is exceptional service.

The mallet looks good, and feels good.

Thank you very much for the thicker-than-normal grip. It is much appreciated by my arthritic wrist.

I had a win yesterday over a lady whom I don't think I have beaten this century -- probably coincidence, but maybe not.

In either case, I love the mallet.

Your service, workmanship, and price are outstanding. You may add me to your list of satisfied customers.

Kind regards

John Bruce.

Dear George,

My mallet arrived today safe and sound.

Thank you for your prompt and efficient service.

I'm now looking forward to my first game with it.

It may interest you to know that our small club on Phillip Island in Victoria has 31 members, four of whom now use Wood Mallets.

Cheers,

Ken Walter VIC Australia

Hi George, Feel free to post this in your testimonials: "When I told my wife I was ordering a croquet mallet in NZ, via internet, she thought I had stayed a bit too long in the sunshine... In fact it was like dealing with a shop next door: very quick and good feedback, record delivery time (3 days from Auckland to Geneva CH) and... a superb mallet which not only handles very well but also looks beautiful. I won my first game with it!

Thank you George."

Luc, Geneva, Switzerland

hi george, my mallet arrived safely this morning, it is beautifully crafted and a joy to play with.. all we have do now is improve the concentration.

Many thanks and regards from Bright. John Hart

George:

I got the mallets in today and they look fantastic! The additional touch of the nail for the Ole is what makes you guys the best.

Now we will have to wait and see if you put enough magic dust in them for us to defeat St. John's this year =)

Thank you again and I am sure that next year we will have another set of mallets to order.

v/r,

Bryan Carlson
MIDN 1/C, USN

George, Just wanted to send you a quick note. We continue to be very pleased with our Wood mallets. They make a world of difference with the fine quality and craftsmanship. This year we had a family sweep at our local tournament. My teammate and I outlasted and outplayed 100 teams to win the championship in the adult division and my daughter and her partner won the youth division championship. Keep up the good work George.... We love our mallets!!!!

Dennis Camlin Greensburg, PA USA

"Thank you for the AWESOME mallets! They arrived in only four days from when you would have received my order. Now THAT's service! I have never owned a quality mallet before I bought your Hurlinghams, and now I see the difference! Thank you for adding a whole new element of precision and power to our croquet games of South West Missouri."

Todd

"Hello, I just wanted to thank you for my new croquet set. I was nervous about buying the set sight unseen but my expectations have been exceeded. A bargain at the price and prompt delivery too. Thanks, David W. Bates
P.S. Feel free to post this."

David W. Bates

"Dear George, Thank you for the mallet and getting it to me before Christmas. It is truly made of the finest materials available and exceeded my expectations. All of my friends are extremely jealous . So be expecting more orders from Houston. Once again thank you for the fast service and superb craftsmanship."

Jon T Buchanan

"I've been meaning to write you for several days to let you know how well the mallets you sent us have served us. Two weeks ago we played our first USCA sanctioned tournament using the mallets and I'm pleased (and proud) to report that we placed second! We were overjoyed, first time out with a new mallet, we expected it was going to require more adjustment time.

We were also very proud to show them off, and when we revealed the price....jaws dropped! The best part was I was able to sell my Solomon for more than the price I paid for one of yours.

We also took with us the set of balls we got from you, just to show them off, and to inquire how we might go about getting them approved for sanctioned play. The first comment everyone made was how well they sounded when struck, you had a very good idea of your stroke before looking up. Of course we were not permitted to use them, and we only bought the first colour set anyway, but we wanted people to see that there was something out there that is a worthy rival for Barlow."

Donald L McPeek. Tulsa OK USA

"My wife took delivery of the set about 4:00pm CDT this afternoon while I was at work. I can't believe you delivered on such short notice.

I immediately took a mallet and ball out of the case and just began hitting them around getting the feel of it. I anticipate we will spend many hours playing and bringing our game to a whole new level.

Thanks for your excellent product and service."

Richard

"The set arrived promptly and safely, about 3 days! It is a wonderful set and did indeed surpas my expectations. Thank you."

Rick

"They’re HERE!!! Oh my goodness….they are wonderful! You did an outstanding job on the crest, too! It looks so very “regal”!! Croquet now takes on a new dimension with this terrific equipment.

I can’t begin to tell you how exciting it was to see those green boxes arrive and popping open the lids. It was just like Christmas!!

Many, many thanks for doing all the extras: crest, trophy box, crest on the boxes. To say that the workmanship and set exceed my expectations is an understatement. I can’t wait to put them to use.

It has been an absolute pleasure working with you, George. Thank you. I wish you the very best in the coming year.

Happy Croquet to you, too!"

Barbara

"My mallet arrived in the mail today. I'm very pleased, it's quite beautiful.
Thanks again,"

David Yaw

"I received my Croquet Set.

I cannot describe my excitement when I opened the packaging and seen the wooden container. It was spectacular!!

I would like to say that it is more beautiful than I ever could have predicted or imagined! (Inside & Out)

I would like to congratulate you and your craftsmen on a job that truly exceeded my expectations.

PS - Please pass on to your craftsmen that I REALLY appreciate the superior workmanship they have put forth in producing my Croquet Set!! Thanks Again!"

Robert K. Craig USA

"My croquet mallet arrived yesterday. I am very impressed. It is a beauty! In todays world it is not often you get superior craftsmanship and quality materials when ordering a product through the mail or on the Internet. Also, thank you for you the prompt, and efficient, response to my order."

Robert Sageser Astoria, Oregon, USA

"I just wanted to tell you that your croquet-set arrived yesterday. I was really speechless when I opened the box. It's simply great!!! You really did a fantastic job! I can't wait to test it this weekend.
Thanks again for everything"

Jörg

"WOW! What a nice mallet! It's beautifull. And it got here so quickly too. I am very impressed. I suspect I'll be ordering one or two more very soon. I'm going out right now to play and I think my buddies will be very envious, so you'll probably be hearing from me very soon. Thank you much. Cheers!"

Dan

"Thanks for the quick delivery at the other end of the world! (about 1 week from order to receipt from N.Z. to Austria!!!)

For my feeling you do not only offer wonderful croquet equipment: Your service beginning from answering inquiries by e-mail up to info by mail that the mallets are shipped and status of shipping in your homepage...........that`s really unique and shows that you are taking all your customers very seriously.

Good luck for the future - I am sure you will be successful..."

Heinz Hackl, Austria

"Thank you for the Hurlingham Croquet set which arrived safely late yesterday afternoon. It is excellent value and the quality of your company's business operation is very very impressive ... from packaging to production, service and marketing ... all are neat.

The website is one of the best I have seen and your company's
remarkably fast response to simple enquiries is just great.

A special thank you for including a copy of the American rules as it does help provide a broader perspective to the game.

Wishing you all continuing success and thank you all for providing a quality croquet set that will be enjoyed by friends and neighbours."

David R. Merttens, Tangiteroria, New Zealand

"My mallet arrived a couple of days ago, taking a little less than a week to arrive. I played my first game with it just last night and I must say, I would never have imagined that a mallet would improve my game so much. I wouldn't be surprised if you receive a spate of orders from Marietta, GA in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your craftsmanship."

Patrick Chisholm, USA

From the website http://insearchoftheperfectmallet.com/

Other Mallet Makers

There are several excellent mallet makers out there.

Of the makers of traditional mallets, Wood Mallets are hard to beat. They are made in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, but are shipped anywhere. At US$150 each, they are excellent value, and play as well or better than any other traditional mallet that I have yet tried. My mates who play polo say that George Wood’s polo mallets are great too.

"Aloha,
I received my 6 Player Croquet Association Set today, and I must declare the complete delight I experienced when opening the wooden box. The photo on your web site looks great, but the genuine article surpassed the image on the Internet. I love the personal touch with my surname in gold on the side of my mallets.
This is an item my family and I will enjoy for the rest of my life. It's sturdy construction and great looks make it a pleasure to use and the low price is unbelievable for a product of such high quality and excellent craftsmanship. If I ever need to purchase any accessories or extra Mallets, I will definitely order from Wood Mallets LTD. Thank you for your super quick delivery (my husband ordered this set for me on Friday and I received it on Wednesday). This croquet set is a top of the line product.
You have a customer for life, and I will recommend you to all my friends.
Mahalo,"

Lilia Roberts, Kailua, Hawaii USA

"Dear George,

Received my mallet yesterday just in time to use it in our league and got lots of compliments. I love the mallet - it looks and feels great. If you are ever in Michigan (from April to October), stop in to play a round. You can check out my friends course at: www.waterloocroquetclub.com It's modest, but full sized and a hell of a lot of fun. Thanks again.
Sincerely,"

Jack Spack Jr.

"George:
The croquet set arrived today and to say my husband was thrilled (it was a birthday present) is an understatement! He appreciates fine wood working and was quite enthusiastic about the high quality.
Thanks very much. I'm delighted to have found you!
Best regards, Diana"

Diana Scott, New York

"Hello George,

Just to say my set arrived safely on Friday and I'm very pleased with it.

I have been playing all weekend and I find the quality is very impressive. I think the set offers far better value than comparable Jacques sets.
Wishing you every success,"

Andrew Tarpey, UK

"Hi George:
It's Thursday here in the US and I wanted you to know that the shipment was delivered in perfect condition this morning! What incredible service you offer.
When I saw your address, I knew I had to make this purchase from you. We'll be getting more shortly.
Sincerest thanks
Yours,"

Roy, Bainbridge Island, WA

"Dear George,
Yesterday UPS delivered your goods, they're in perfect shape.
I'm perfectly satisfied with your products, some brilliant craftsmanship!
Thank you for doing business with me, perhaps we will meet again.
Yours sincerely,"

Champ Bouwman, Netherlands

"Hi George,

I received my mallet on Monday and had a hit with it on Tuesday in less than ideal conditions.... (lawn I was playing on was more like a paddock and weather very humid so hands felt like slipping on bare wood handle)..... my initial feelings about the mallet are very good, and I played a few croquet shots that I would have struggled to achieve with my other mallet (accuracy wise).

I wish to thank you for the work you have done for me.
Cheers"

Paul STUART, Gisborne NZ

"Dear George,
the case and clips arrived today. And I just wanted you to know the case is extremely nice, and it happily fits my 38" mallet which I purchased from you last year. There is just one problem. It is so nice I don't want to get it scratched by checking it on the airplane. I am going to see if they will let me take it on as a carry-on item. :)
Cheers,"

Tim Rapuano, Ramsey NJ USA

"George,
Thank you for the recent shipment of the mallet for my father. He loved it, and the carrying case. It made his Christmas (again!)
Thanks again. You do a great job."

Emily Karstetter, Boston, MA 02108

"Thanks for your excellent service. We very much appreciate it and expect to enjoy our new mallets. Occasionally, we have been using Wood Mallets NZ that our friends have let us borrow when they are not using them. We have been very impressed and decided that this was the model we wanted to purchase for ourselves. We are looking forward to their arrival.

Regards,"

Kenneth Anderson

"Wednesday, 15 December (right on schedule), we received the mallets you made for us. Thank you very much for your excellent service. The mallets are beautiful and we can hardly wait to use them."

Kenneth Anderson, Bluffton SC USA

"Your service and delivery is quite phenomenal. When you have product in stock, you get it here quicker than people in our next State, and when you have to make it - well then you are only on par with normal US stocked items!
I would also complement you in keeping your customers informed about deliveries and tracking info.
The other day you said you thought your web site was a bit basic; I don't agree. With exception of the comment I made, I think it is really very well done - clear, informative, good graphics and enjoyable to read!
Many thanks!"

Chris Smith, Vinyard Haven MA USA

"Hi George
Initial impressions of my new mallet
It's very efficient. Power is not a problem. It's 4 ounces lighter that my other mallet but rushes more efficiently and handles all the rolls well. I was playing reasonably well with it pretty much straight out of the box.
It is very stable in it's swing and can handle hitting a bit off centre without any mistracking. It certainly seems to have a larger 'sweet spot'
Stop shot ratios have gone from my usual 1:4 to 1:7 largely with reduction in weight but the handle maintains enough stiffness.
Very positive feel with helps adjustment of shots.
The reduction down from a 12" head has resolved the slight digging in problem I had without sacrificing any stability.The new one is more stable.
Having such a stable mallet allows considerable weight reduction and this is really noticeable in the amount of extra control I have.
It's got a really nice crisp sound to it.
The handle shape gives me good feel. I play with a Solomon grip and the mallet is automatically aligned as soon as I pick it up (this is for roll shots as well). I've put on hockey stick grips that have some padding.
It looks fantastic
It certainly raised a lot of interest over the weekend when I was playing in Perth . The State Coach was impressed with it's swing.
I was recently selected to be in the State Team Squad so I'm sure the others will give it quite a look over next squad training.
Only downside: wood is very soft - which just means I have to treat it very gently and definitely no trundling with the sides - I got caught out once.
I'd be more than happy to point prospective buyers your way.
Thanks again "

David Ward, Narrogin Western Australia

"Hey George,
I just wanted to let you know that I received my croquet set over the weekend and took them out for a knock around yesterday evening with my Kiwi buddy and we had a blast! They are trully lovely mallets and play exceptionally.
Cheers,"

Laurent de Janvry, Berkeley CA USA

"Dear Pilar,

The croquet sets arrived in good order and they are absolutely beautiful. Please thank your team for producing such finely crafted sets.

Regards,"

Elaine, Kirkland, WA USA

"Just to let you know that I received my Mallet in avery timely manner 4 days only very fast. I am very surprised of the very good workmanship . It is all that your WEB Site says it is.
My friend Pat Elliott just purchased one from you also and just received his today.
If you can send me some literature then I can give them to the Croquet members. Thank you again"

Monroe Township, New Jersey. USA

"Dear Mr. Wood,
My mallet arrived this morning and I am very pleased with it. It was nice doing business with you and I shall tout your product to my fellow players."

Patrick Elliott, Monroe Township NJ USA

"just received your beautiful croquet set ,absolutely delighted with the quality and speed of delivery ,happy to recommend you in future and look forward to some fun croquet.regards stuart tizzard UK
Just a note to thank you for the unbelievably quick delivery of the lovely croquet set. I am very impressed with both the quality of the set and the ease and speed of ordering and delivery.
Many thanks."

Allison Woolston, Mrs. W. Woolston, Bernardston, Ma USA

"Just wanted to thank you for the fast executing of my new mallet. I plan to try it out today and tomorrow. It looks beautiful and I am anxious to use it."

Ellen Van Winkle, FL USA

"hi George,
I am sorry i have not emailed you since. I received the mallet. i have not played with it yet but i hope to do that this weekend. it looks and feels fantastic though. very good recommendation and build by yourself. thank you very much.
thanks once again."

bode

"Dear George,
I just wanted to compliment you and the team on the quality of your craftmanship. Thankyou all for taking the time to make the mallet to my exact specifications...the end result has really impessed me and the performance of the mallet is truly better than I even dared to hope for. Clubmembers thought a lot of you personalising the mallets for your clients. Thanks again George, I won't hesitate to recommend your product to anyone who enquires.
Kindest regards,"

Anton Kursar, Brentwood Western Australia

"Thank you so much for the superb delivery of my new mallet. Delivery from New Zealand was faster than the U.S. Post Office delivery of mail from here in Florida to New York (it can take from 5 -7 days).

I am really pleased with the experience of ordering from your company from the ease of the online ordering via your website, your customer service, i.e. email notification of receipt of order and then notice of shipment, and the fast delivery that arrived when promised. Thank you."

Beth Ferguson, FL USA

"George....Ups delivered at 6:00 Friday evening, exactly as you projected...
.the set that you made is even better than I expected...every component is professionally constructed, the mallets are not only a joy to hold but very beautiful to look at....... I will tell all of my friends that the only place in the world to purchase the finest quality croquet set with honorable and efficient service is from the great country of New Zealand and from the fine business of George Wood...Thankyou very much.S. LarsonPS. George...your website is very good...but...take it from someone who could not finalize an order in that in my case, and it could be unique to to me,{ Apple} that the lower bar interfered with your submit command....
the submit command was so low I could not activate it.......this may only be unique to me but since you obviously have such a fine company I just wanted to pass along my issue...Again, thankyou very much!"

Steve Larson, Arizona USA

"Dear George, The 2 mallets arrived here on Monday morning! We opened them this morning and they are LOVELY! I really like my red handle which will distinguish it from the other players mallets! And I love the initials you did on mine. I just have to know that Mr. Stautberg will be thrilled with his mallet and case as well! I did leave the cardboard surrounding his mallet head so he would have something to open when he fetches it. Many thanks for filling our orders so quickly and efficiently, "

Martha Hunnewell, Rhode Island USA

"George, Received replacement mallet and hardware just moments ago. Mallet arrived safe and sound and it is georgeous as anticipated. If there were a word in the dictionary that ment combination of fantastic person with fabulous product and wonderful service, Your name and company would be the example. Thanks so much again for your patience. Will speak soon regarding set for tournament. Best to you and your lovely family, "

Dennis Camlin PA USA

"George, Just wanted you to know your company is incredible !!!! The mallet was received Dec. 20th in Florida. My father-in-law called me this morning and said it was beautiful. He was so happy this morning when he phoned. He said he couldn't wait to show his friends. Thank you for making his a special Christmas. "

Nickie (Evelyn Rutter) FL USA

"Dear George,

just a quick message to let you know that it's a pleasure doing business with you chaps, as nothing seems to be too much trouble. As I said to you on the phone the other day, all I have to do is pick up the phone, place the order, and a week or so later all the gear is here. You organise everything: the freight, delivery, courier etc., etc. All time consuming stuff. Door-to-door service !!
Makes my job very easy, and for that I thank you.
Thanks also for getting back to me with the $conversion, now if our head-office is half as efficient as you guys, then you should your money in no time.
Courtesy, professionalism, and efficiency. Very important ingredients for a successful business. And you have all 3 !!
Thanks again, Gentlemen, rest assured your efforts do not go un-noticed !!
Keep up the excellent work !"

Kris Mick Simmons, Sydney
Home of sports since 1877

"Hi george,
I received my mallets this morning and I love them! The grips are the perfect size and the colors look awesome! The red and blue strips look very nice, I am playing with them in a game this afternoon.
THANKS for your great service and speedy delivery!"

Mary Simonson, Menlo Park, CA

"George

I am not sure I can find words that can express how much I lovr the Mallet. It far exceeds my expectations in both look and feel. (Especially look). The inlays are beautiful and really make the mallet shine. I love the look on the side with the logo and I am glad we were able to keep it in place. I think that turned out perfect. I am also pleased with our choice for the inlay. I was afraid that it might not match well, but it is exceptional. I can imagine that you will make many more wonderful mallets using this design and I am certain that they will become even better looking in time (but mine can always be the first and for now, in this little moment in time it might actually be one of the best looking mallets in the world. (Okay that may be a bit of an exageration but it sure feels that way to me.)

My kids and I played tonight and they were upset because I now have a lucky mallet. (I always let them win but tonight I kept it really close and they figure the mallet must be lucky.)

We have three girls and a boy with the last due in November - we learned last month she will be a she so my son and I are feeling a bit out numbered. I hope you get your girl they are a lot of fun and awfully cute. Altough they seem to be a bit (no a lot) more demanding.

My best to you, your family and staff. Sell lots of mallets."

Dyke Huish, CA USA

P.S. Did I mention I love the mallet.

"Pilar,
I wanted to take a moment and tell you how pleased my wife and I are with our croquet set. This was a special present for our 17th wedding anniversary. From ordering through receiving the set your organization was terrific.. We played yesterday and although we don't have an official court yet it was alot of fun..... I have to say the quality of the product and your organization are really top drawer. I would recommend your product and service to anyone.
Regards, "

Randy Steyer, San Mateo, CA

"Dear George: Thanks for your response. My wife and I played with the new mallets on Saturday: we loved them. They were much admired by other club members (except for the one chap who has two of his own and who pointed us in your direction two weeks ago). We will take good care of them - no hitting rocks, etc. - and will keep them in their covers when not in use.
Many thanks for a product that lives up to its advertising - and to the customers' expectations! Walt Plummer MD USA
Hello George,
The mallet arrived this morning about 11:00 A.M. EST. I am extremely pleased with the quality and appearance of it. I commend you on your workmanship and in the future will be ordering more products. I will distribute copies of the price list and other information included in the package to others in my local croquet club. I hope my new mallet performs as well in play as it appears when resting. Thank you again."

Richard Cox, FL USA

"George

Just a note to say we received the croquet set on Saturday. We're really pleased with it and have been very impressed with your service, shame more co's aren't like you!"

Deborah Good, Singapore

"George,
My mallet arrived a couple of days ago, taking a little less than a week to arrive. I played my first game with it just last night and I must say, I would never have imagined that a mallet would improve my game so much. Plus the ladies tell me it lends sex appeal. I wouldn't be surprised if you receive a spate of orders from Marietta, GA in the coming weeks.
Thank you for your craftsmanship,"

Patrick Chisholm

'Sirs:
Thanks for your prompt attention to my order! The mallet got here on Wednesday, two days after I ordered it. I would love to know how that was managed!
Again - my thanks. I will be ordering again in the spring!
All the Best for a Great Holiday "

Don Bowen, GA USA

"Dear Mr. Wood,
thanks for the quick delivery at the other end of the world! (about 1 week from order to receipt from N.Z. to Austria!!!)
For my feeling you do not only offer wonderful croquet equipment: Your service beginning from answering inquiries by e-mail up to info by mail that the mallets are shipped and status of shipping in your homepage...........that`s really unique and shows that you are taking all your customers very serious.
Good luck for the future - I am sure you will be successful..........
Kind regards,"

Heinz Hackl, Germany

"Dear George,
I apologize for not writing sooner, but I wanted to let you know that my new mallet arrived in a very timely fashion; it took about 5 days from New Zealand to Connecticut. I was thrilled by both the look and the feel of the mallet. More importantly, I won the first two games that I played using the new mallet!
Thanks again, the service and quality of the mallet are outstanding.
Best regards,"

Charles Greer, New Haven, CT USA