In polo, one of the most important pieces of equipment you need is the mallet. Each mallet has different specifications suited to the rider that will help them hit the ball more accurately. The type of mallet you should buy will depend on your own height and strength, the size of your glove and the height of the pony you will be riding.
Length of the mallet
This factor is determined by the height of the horse you will be riding. Most mallets come in 3 sizes: 51”, 52” 53”. The 52” is the most popular as it will suit most ponies. If you have a taller pony, say approximately 15.3hh and above, you will need the 53” mallet.
The best thing about mallets is that they can be custom made. For even taller polo ponies, you can request a longer mallets or if a child would like to give polo a try, they can request a shorter mallet.
Head weight
Most mallets start from 160g and go up to 240g, with little variation between brands. It is important to get a weight suited to the you. If a mallet is too heavy, this will greatly affect your shot during play: you will run out of strength and can also hurt your wrist. Meanwhile, the lighter weights are suited to players with less strength. However, if your mallet is too light for you, this may also throw your shot out. That’s why it is best to trial as many mallets as you can to see what works for you.
The Shaft
The shaft of the mallet can also add weight. There are mallets with a very thick shaft which is a lot heavier, and also thinner/lighter ones. This will affect the total weight of the mallet. So don’t forget to consider this when gauging the weight of a mallet.
Handle size
Handle sizes come in small, medium and large. This usually depends on the size of your right hand. If the handle is too small, it will most likely have a tendency to turn in your hand as you’re taking the shot. Again, try a few different sizes before you buy your mallet to see what’s best for you.
Remember that mallets are definitely not one size fits all. What’s good for other players might not be suitable for you, so don’t rush it and take your time trying out as many different mallets as you can. Try different brands, weights, and handle sizes until you find the perfect one for you!
