The Hurlingham Croquet Mallet has a square head turned from Rockwood, which is a darker, slightly heavier wood. The head features Tuftex faces which protect mallets from damage caused by miss-hits. Many professional croquet players prefer square mallets as the narrower width of the head makes it easier to play hoop shots. There may also be some advantage sometimes in being able to stand a square headed mallet upright and stepping back from it to check alignment.English made octagonal handle made of premium Hickory features colorful, wind-on Takair grip. It also has a wedging system which lessens the chance of water penetration in damp conditions. Medium-high weight square rockwood mallet. Hickory octagonal handle with Takair grip. Stable, square head for alignment. Square mallet head: 9L x 2.25W x 2.25H inches. Handle length: 37.5 inches.