Polo Mallets

Mallet Length

Polo mallets range in size from 49 to 54 inches in length. The specific mallet length is usually on the head of the polo mallet.

Mallet Head

Polo mallet heads are available in a variety of weights and shapes. Polo mallet heads are generally made of ash wood or maple. The striking head is 8 1/2 to 9 1/2 inches long. Different polo mallet head shapes enable a player to hit the ball in different ways. A polo mallet that is too heavy can eventually lead to muscle fatigue, wrist strain or even an injury.

Whippiness

The "whippiness" of a mallet refers to the flexibility of its shaft. Varying degrees of shaft flexibility provide increased control. Polo players have individual preferences for the amount of whippiness they need to properly time the hitting of a polo ball. A more flexible shaft allows better hitting distance but less control when in close.

Shaft

The stalks used for polo mallet shafts come from a cane called Manau, a member of the palm family. Searching for sunlight, this cane reaches a height of 600 feet in about 15 years.

Cane

The cane itself is cut close to the root where it is the strongest. Nine foot lengths of the cane are boiled in coconut and diesel oil for about 10 to 15 minutes or until they turn yellow. Next, the boiled cane is cleaned in a washing mixture of sand and water. Then the canes are bundled and stacked to dry. The canes are heated over an open fire to straighten them and cured in a oven. The length of curing time is determined by the weight of the cane, and affects its long term strength and durability.

Polo players have individual preferences regarding the flexibility and weight of their mallets. Some prefer to select their own canes before they are attached to the mallet head. It's important that finished cane and the head be compatible in terms of weight.

Finally, the cane is attached to the mallet head, a cigar shaped piece of wood cut from a Tipa tree which is found only in northern Argentina and parts of Brazil and Paraguay.