It is tricky to find the best bocce ball set for your next face-off. Many would consider that price is the only variable that makes a set of bocce balls worth buying, but there are many other variables that you need to consider before you buy one.
Not everyone will buy a bocce ball set for the same purpose. Some buy it for professional training or gameplay, while others just want a fun outdoor activity in their spare time.
Whatever the purpose, there are different sets of bocce balls available in the market that will make the game fun to play.
We’ve reviewed several products to find you the best ball set for various purposes. Here is a quick rundown:
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Reviews of Best Bocce Ball Sets
1. Go Sports 90mm Backyard Bocce Set—Our Top Pick
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Taking several factors like durability, gameplay, price, and post-sales service into consideration, this 90mm (3.5 inches) bocce ball set from GoSports is our top pick.
They bundle eight balls of four different colors – yellow, blue, green, and red. Each color has two different designs to distinguish them in play, i.e., square cut and circle cut.
Choose between two different material options depending on where (and how) you’ll be using them. The classic hard resin set is ideal for soft surfaces, whereas the soft rubber set is more suited for hard surfaces.
These bocce balls are ideal for beginners, kids, and seniors as they’re easy to handle. It is important to mention that the color coating fades easily, but it won’t significantly affect your gameplay.
On top of all, the after-sales service of GoSports offers prompt replacements for broken or missing items.
Pros
- Good value.
- Well-built and durable.
- Two different material options.
- Exceptional after-sales service.
Cons
- Not suitable for professionals.
- Bag doesn’t come with sections and padding.
- Color doesn’t last long.
2. Amazon Basics Millimeter Bocce Ball—For Those Who Prefer Heft
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From Amazon’s own brand, the Millimeter Bocce Ball set comes in two different sizes – 90mm and 100mm (3.5 and 3.9 inches). Each ball weighs 2.45lbs, making them a perfect pick for players who prefer heft.
Although they aren’t of regulation size, they’re tournament-grade and are perfect for serious players who want to practice. The smaller size will fit seniors and kids as they’re easy to handle.
Disappointingly, the set comes with a flimsy carry bag that doesn’t offer any reinforcements to store the balls properly. The balls seem not built to last.
Pros
- Reasonably priced.
- Two sizes to choose between.
- After-sales service.
Cons
- The carry bag doesn’t separate balls.
- Not of regulation size.
3. Franklin Sports Bocce Ball Set—Most Affordable Set
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Franklin Sports Bocce Ball Set is among the best-rated online. The brand offers three different varieties – starter, American, and professional. They’ve constructed the starter set of solid moulded polyethylene, American is resin (but low quality), and the professional set is solid resin.
The starter set is ideal for beginners and seniors with weak muscles, with each ball weighing about 1lb each— it also costs the least.
Surprisingly, the professional set’s balls don’t meet the regulation size, but the weight is right at around 2lbs each. Still, this is a good choice for casual players who prefer heft. Although, they’re costlier than other available options in 100mm size.
Similar to the two sets mentioned above, the Franklin Sports bocce ball set’s carrying bag is disappointing. Also, the coating on the balls is prone to scuffing, but this doesn’t significantly affect gameplay.
Pros
- Good quality at a lesser cost.
- Comes in three different varieties.
- The starter set is a good bang for the buck.
- The professional set has ample weight for serious players.
Cons
- Non-regulation size.
- Prone to surface scratches.
- The professional set is costlier.
- Carrying bag quality is poor.
4. Bocce Deluxe Ball Set—Best for Casual Players
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The Deluxe Ball Set from Crown Sporting Goods is among the best bocce ball sets for casual players. They come in a glossy finish with four different colors – green, blue, red, and yellow. The 90mm (3.5 Inches) isn’t regulation size but is perfect for casual players and kids.
Weighing 1.6lbs each, this Bocce Deluxe Ball Set is appealing to the eye when it’s new. However, it does scratch quite easily. If aesthetics is a prime motivator to you, this ball set certainly looks the part.
Once again, the product’s carry bag is poor and, as it is soft, doesn’t support or separate the balls. However, using a cardboard box inside can go some way to resolving this.
Pros
- Great aesthetics with a glossy finish.
- Adequate weight for amateurs and kids.
Cons
- Can be easily scratched and chipped.
- Flimsy carrying bag.
5. Bocce Ball Set by Hey! Play!—Best Fun-Day Set
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This Bocce ball set from Hey! Pay! is worth considering as an alternative to our top pick from GoSports. Most of their aesthetics are quite similar too, except the weight. The bocce ball set by Hay! Play! is heavier by 1.5 oz.
These balls are good-quality poly-resin and have a solid feel to provide pleasing gameplay for casual players. As they’re relatively inexpensive, they are ideal for seniors who just want to enjoy play with their family and friends.
The balls may crack upon their first use. The good news is that the seller has promptly replaced the products.
Pros
- Value for money.
- Feels solid, weighty and balanced.
Cons
- Prone to scratches.
- Reportedly cracks after some usage.
6. Triumph Competition 100mm Resin Bocce Ball—Best Serious Amateur Set
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Although this Resin Bocce Ball set from Triumph isn’t full regulation-size of 107mm (4.2 inches), it’s a great companion for casual games.
They’re the same size at 100mm (3.9 inches) as the larger sets from Franklin Sports and AmazonBasics. So if you don’t only mind having a two-color set, these could be a suitable alternative.
Bocce ball sets often come in green and red or bright colors like yellow, orange, and blue. You’ll rarely find sets with black balls, and therefore, the black and red Triumph Competition sets can be a preferable choice for some due to their aesthetics.
Pros
- Appealing black and red colors.
- Competitively priced.
- Decent weight and solid feel for great gameplay.
Cons
- Non-regulation size.
- The bag is too flimsy.
7. EastPoint Sports Resin Bocce ball Set—Best Regulation Bocce Ball Set
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If you’re looking for a set of the best professional bocce ball sets, your hunt ends here. EastPoint Sports offers two amazing bocce ball sets. One for professionals and one for casual gameplay.
The professional one is 110mm (4.33 inches) in size and ideal for tournaments. They are durable, and of resin, so they feel premium quality.
Both the recreational and professional ones look and feel great while playing at the beach, at the park, or wherever you want to play. The carrying case is far better than the other products we’ve discussed so far, which is a bonus.
Pros
- Both professional and backyard sizes available.
- Superior quality.
- Comes with a great case for portability.
- Comes with measuring tape.
Cons
- Can scuff.
- Expensive.
Considerations Before Buying the Best Bocce Ball Set For You
Size
Like many other sports, bocce is regulated. Hence, there are rules regarding the size and weight of balls. Casual players can choose a size and weight that’s convenient, but for professional games, all bocce balls should be identical in weight and size.
Tournament-grade Bocce ball sets range from 100mm to 115mm (3.9–4.5 Inches) in diameter. However, the Bocce Standards Association has made the balls weighing 2lbs (920 grams) with a diameter of 107mm (4.2 inches) as the standard size.
The Bocce Standards Association does, however, allow some flexibility in these measurements.
The size of the pallino should be 40–60 mm (1.5–2.4 Inches)
A smaller set of bocce balls made with plastic or rubber might be the best for more senior players and children with less strength. Despite not having much precision and durability, these lighter balls will ensure safe and effortless gameplay, and more fun, for the very young and very old.
Material
The material of bocce balls determines their weight, feel, durability, and balance. Metal is the most durable option and feels great. People prefer buying stainless steel versions as it lasts a long time.
Resin bocce balls are extremely popular and favored by professional bocce players due to their heavyweight and balanced design. They’re incredibly durable too.
Plastic-made bocce balls aren’t well-balanced due to their lightness, so they’re ideally suited only for children and seniors’ casual play.
Carrying cases
Most of the bocce ball sets come with a carrying case. The ones made of plastic don’t offer much protection and tear easily. Nylon bags are usually provided with mid-range ball sets and are stylish. However, they don’t often have separate compartments for each ball, creating a risk of balls scratching each other.
Wooden cases are the most expensive. They ensure maximum safety for your bocce balls.
Price
You can get a cheap set of bocce balls for around $15. The low-priced ones are generally plastic. Midrange sets cost from about $65 and are of decent quality. Professional bocce ball sets cost upward of $100.
FAQs
Where did the Bocce ball game originate?
Bocce ball developed into today’s game in Italy as far back as 264 B.C. It was spread throughout Europe, America, and Australia by Italian migrants to those areas.
How do you pick a Bocce ball set?
If you are buying a set for backyard play or older adults, it’s okay to go with a lighter set between 90mm (3.5 Inches) and 107mm (4.2 Inches). People usually buy the heavier sets to get a more accurate roll and a better feel of the ball.
For professional buyers, always go for the regulation-size bocce ball sets.
How is Petanque different from Bocce?
The key difference between a petanque game and a bocce ball game is the playing technique. Petanque is a tossing game where players throw the boule. While in a bocce ball game, you bowl the boule. Bocce ball players also often take a small run-up before release, just like bowling.
Why are Bocce balls different colors?
Generally, bocce ball is played with eight large game balls and one smaller object ball called a pallino. Every team has four balls of a different color or markings to their opponent. This distinguishes the balls easily when they are thrown towards the pallino, resulting in clear play.
How Long Would a Bocce Ball Set Last?
It depends on their material and how well you store the balls. High-quality resin balls and metal ones last well if taken care of, while the plastic ones won’t stay intact for as long with the same amount of use.
Conclusion
Bocce is an incredible game for seniors. It is easy to learn, and you can play it almost anywhere. Plus, the sports equipment is affordable to buy and replace.
We’ve researched and provided you with the best bocce ball sets you can buy according to your game nature, age, and skill level. We found the Go Sports 90mm Backyard Bocce Set is the best one you can buy. It is a well-built value-for-money product that has two material options.
Our second pick is Bocce Ball Set by Hey! Play! While they’re great value, too, they are heavier than Go Spots bocce ball set by 1.5 oz, so they may not be so well suited to much older and very young players.
Last but not least, we would recommend that you avoid the plastic-made bocce ball sets unless you’re buying them for fun with the grandkids or lack of muscle strength.
