Polo mallets are used to hit the ball. Polo mallets consists of 3 parts–cane shaft, sling, and head. The cane is naturally made from Rattan cane or the best viable alternative Macau cane/malacca or Manila cane (as it is known in different states). In the advanced age of composite mallets, many still prefer to use cane mallets because they absorb vibrations better than composite material. Slings are the thermoplastic grip of cotton on strong polypropylene handles. The polo mallet head is usually made of hardwood tipa. It is 9 ¼ inches long and weighs in between 160g (5.6 oz) – 240g (8.5oz).
Villamil polo mallets are made of carefully selected and cured rattan cane (bamboo). Curing time is critical to the strength and durability of a cane and is determined by the weight of each. When answering the question, of what polo mallets are made of, Cane and composites are used to make the best polo mallets in the world. Although it has been discovered that composite mallets are more durable than cane polo mallets.
Zappala polo mallets, Logi polo mallets, and Nanos polo mallets are some well-known polo mallet manufacturers around the world.
What are Pollo mallets made of- Polo Mallet basics and Polo mallets woods
The Strength and size of a player and horse is a key factors taken into consideration when choosing a polo mallet. For higher horses, 5′ 2”,5′ 3″, and 5′ 4″ sticks can do wonders. While for short horses 5′ 1″ does the magic. Particularly for Manipur horses 4’5″, 4’6″, and 4’7″ is highly suitable and for Ladakh horses, 4’4″, and 4’2″ are usually preferred. The weight of Polo mallets ranges between 400-500g. Some players prefer 550g of Polo stick. The player’s hitting style and playing position determine the selection of the polo mallet. Other factors such as ground conditions can’t be ignored. Handicap level is an important factor as well. Female players prefer lighter mallets for easy handling and smooth movement of arms.
Players often prefer polo mallets between 127cm to 134cm. The cane should be flexible below 40 inches. The flexibility allows a little sling which facilitates hard strikes on the ball and takes the shape of the flick of the wrist.
Evolution
Over the years, polo mallets have seen a ground-breaking evolution, from arc-shaped heads to cigar shaped. Japan and Byzantium sticks had racquets attached on top instead of polo mallet heads.
Fine-quality cane polo mallets have been deteriorating over the years due to deforestation and ecological disturbances. Macau cane is getting eliminated from the Amazon forests and thus it is becoming unavailable. Amidst all this, new polo mallets manufactured are breakable and less durable. Many manufacturers find solace in hybrid polo mallets which have substituted cane polo mallets to a large extent. These hybrid polo mallets are lighter and easy to repair. Fiber-cane polo mallets are strong & light and have a foam-filled tapered shaft with resin-infused carbon fiber.
Brands and mallets- Polo Mallets Ralph Lauren
Brands such as Ralph Lauren’s polo mallets, USPA, HACKETT, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, and Jaeger LeCoultre have been designing an exclusive range of polo apparel such as t-shirts, watches, etc. Their brand logos more or less involve Polo mallets at the core center, in an attempt to portray their association with the sport. HACKETT polo shirts’ trademark logo of two mallets in cross position has also appealed to players. Many brands have been associated with the sport. For example, Jaeger LeCoultre was the official timepiece sponsor for the German Polo Tour in 2019. They gifted a Reverso Classic Large Small Seconds to the winner of the tour.
Sporting groups such as the Suneendra Group own a polo team and have invested in horses and polo players. “Polo is a great platform for people to get their brands tagged with the most elitist sport in the world,” says Kanna Phaneendra, co-owner of the team and polo player.
Brands have customized, designed, and advertised their clothing apparel and other tangible goods in a way that makes polo players enjoy an exclusive vibe.
