Cane Polo Mallets

Despite the advances of modern technology, many polo players still prefer the feel of cane as opposed to composite materials for the shaft of mallets.

Canes

As the saying goes, “you can’t make a silk purse out of a sows ear”. The selection of raw materials is critical to the performance of what we firmly believe to be the best cane polo mallets in the world.

The cane used is a species called manau, of which only the root end can be used due to the stiffness and taper required from the handle.

The best manau roots only come from the virgin hillside forests of Malaysia and Sumatra and can take up to 70 years to grow and they can reach up to 100m in length. Our stringent selection process rejects over 97% of the canes that are cut from the jungles. Established in 1982, we have dedicated ourselves to sourcing only the best materials available.

One of the most important stages of manufacturing a cane mallet is seasoning the canes to reduce the moisture content and temper the shaft so that it reaches it’s optimum tension while retaining in ‘memory’. This is done over a long period of time using a low temperature oven regular straightening. After cutting to the required lengths the handles are fitted and an epoxy resin binding is applied to the shaft just above where the head is fitted. This is allowed to set before being ground smooth and the traditional cotton tape binding is applied over the top. Although this takes considerable time and expense, it adds tremendous extra strength to the mallets most vulnerable area, almost eliminating ‘wringers’. Just another example of the extra lengths we go to guarantee performance.

Semi processed root canes

Cane Selection

The selection of canes is critical to the quality of the final mallet. In the past, the majority of mallet makers simply ordered their canes from cane merchants in Asia although most of these suppliers have ceased trading. Some atrocious quality canes have and are, being sold as "selected polo canes". Of course payment must be made in advance and there are no refunds given. It can be quite a costly exercise. Over the past few years the supply of root manau cane has become increasingly difficult to source. There are alternative species of canes being used such as white cane, moonah and tohiti, some of which look OK, but their strength and performance is considerably less than that of Manau. The quality of cane mallets being produced around the world has decreased dramatically over the past few years. Really "good" canes are few and far between.

Wood Mallets formed a joint venture factory in Jakarta in 1990 to process polo canes for export. Since then a large proportion of the factory's revenue has come from the manufacture of cricket bat handles which have been made from the excess root cane. As we use only 3% of the root canes for polo mallets, it's crucial that we have a use for the left over canes. Over the years, our Indonesian partners have scoured the whole of Indonesia for the most suitable canes available and they've built up a large network of suppliers. Quality control is imperative. The selection process is always done by myself. We're now supplying a growing number of polo mallet makers around the world with good quality canes in a semi processed form. We also supply splicing canes, polo crosse racquet handles and numerous specialized cane items. To discuss your requirements email George

Heads

The most preferred timber for mallet heads is Argentine Tipa. Each year, our own staff select some 8,000 blocks in Argentina prior to manufacture in New Zealand. Heads are made to a cigar pattern in weights of 185 grams and upwards, although Skene, RNPA and Cambiaso patterns are available. For head weights of less than 185 grams we laminate tipa on the hitting surfaces and use a cross laminated central core which allows for a large diameter, strong head with weights as light as 160 grams. The most popular head weight used is around 190-195 grams. For further information regarding heads click here.

Custom Made

Cane Stock

Every aspect of the mallet may be custom made exactly to the customer's requirements at no extra charge. The handles are available in a range of sizes: small, medium, large, and extra large. Unless specified, the slings are kept at 19 1/2" long.

We have two types of grip material available. Imported Argentine material, and our longer lasting black butyl grips.

The art of a mallet maker is to match the tension and weight of each cane to exactly the right weight head to produce the perfect balance that makes the mallet feel like a natural extension of the arm. Having played 35 seasons of polo, I am well aware of this requirement.

Competitively priced at NZ$140.00 plus shipping. Orders are generally dispatched within a few days. For shipping rates visit our shipping page or contact George.

For true connoisseurs, we have a "private bin" of mallets which are selected from the top 10-20% of our canes. Each cane must display the exceptional qualities normally only reserved for a privileged few. I personally guarantee that the quality of these mallets is as high as can be found anywhere in the world. Known as "Gold Bands" they're priced accordingly at NZ$190.00 each plus shipping.