Joseph works as an editor in one of the magazines dedicated to video games. Here, at RecRoomPick, he’s given the opportunity to enjoy the reverse of the medal – the no less engaging world of offline games.
Ryan knows everything when it comes to gaming, both online and offline. Since his early years he’s been in love with arcades, air hockey, and foosball. Finally, he’s given the opportunity to share his knowledge and opinion on the hobby of his life (and even get paid for it!).
Last updated: February 28, 2024
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Bocce game, also known as bocci is one of the most accessible games to play. While it seems to be a more relaxed kind of game, its players need high strategic techniques to win. Although it is a game well known among the Italian people, it’s gaining popularity worldwide. To play the bocce game, you need bocce balls. These balls are available in sets – usually of eight balls. A target ball popularly known as Pallino is inclusive. We review the best bocce ball sets on the market today.
In this article, we have a list of ten bocce balls with Viva Sol Resin Bocce Ball Set, the editor’s choice sitting on top. It’s one of the best ball sets with perfect weight, well built, and comes in a beautiful carrying case. Read more about it in the review section below. Also, the rest of the bocce ball sets are unique with amazing features. They all serve their purposes and are ideal for different situations and people.
We were keen on several critical features during our product selection. The features include the diameter of a ball, Pallino diameter, material, and weight. All of these four elements play a significant role in a bocce ball. For instance, the material determines the longevity of the ball, diameter dictates the size, and the weight affects the accuracy of the throws. We have a comparison table for you, in-depth reviews of each product, and a buying guide towards the end of the article that explains all the essential features.
Viva Sol Resin Bocce Ball Set is a high-quality, beautiful bocce ball set. The set contains eight regulation-sized bocce balls and a Pallino. All these eight balls come in different bright colors, including yellow, green, solid blue, and orange. The Pallino, on the other hand, is creamy white and small. This premium bocce set is not complete without a beautiful solid wood case providing a storage area for the balls. A perfect game instruction and a website address for more information are inclusive in the package. Meaning nobody is stuck on how to play the game or handling the balls.
When it comes to moving around with the set, bronze hardware and an exciting rope carry-handle make it a breeze. Also, the case is a two-tone walnut finish all wood with foam lining and has a built-in bottle opener. Although it’s a fantastic set, this professional bocce set has one concern; its latches are delicate and can’t withstand the weight of the balls. But that’s not a dealbreaker. There are two ways to fix it. One, you can opt to buy an alternative storage unit such as a wire basket, or you can replace the latches. Everything about Viva Sol Resin Bocce Ball Set is exciting. They’re one of the best bocce balls set for recreational play.
If you’ve been looking around for the best professional bocce set, then you might want to pay attention to this brand. First, they have excellent craftsmanship, and second, they are of tournament quality. They’re of high-quality and role pretty well on the surface. What’s more, Perfetta Club Pro Bocce Ball Set is not only perfect for tournaments but also for fun. These balls meet all the Bocce Standards Association specifications. All the excitement and pleasure to play on a bocce court are in this set. When you purchase this set, you get eight balls with a Pallino. These balls have brilliant colors such as green and red, while the target ball (Pallino) is white.
Although they come mainly in green and red colors, you can substitute for blue and yellow colors. The standard carrying bag of these balls is a plus. It is compact and accommodates the balls’ weight nicely. As much as the bag is sufficient, most users feel it would be much better if it had dividers. The balls hold up well and accommodate folks who play on clay bocce courts. For those looking for bocce balls set for home, go ahead and build a bocce court in your backyard and get these official balls.
ROPODA Bocce Ball set is a beautiful kit. Since the set comes with four different color balls with two of each color, it’s an excellent kit for home. The balls feel beautiful in the hands, and their weights seem perfect – they also throw high. Bright colored balls bring more excitement in the game. Carrying them around is stress-free, thanks to the convenient carrying bag that not only makes carrying easy but also enhances longevity. The bag contains a cardboard box that supports and prevents the balls from smacking each other. Each ball wraps up nicely in plastic bags. Also, the set comes with easy to follow directions that’s handy for new players.
Unlike the first two sets we’ve reviewed above, ROPODA Bocce set comes with a measuring rope that fits in a back pocket of the carrying case. These waterproof balls are made from robust material – high-quality resin – that are not only crack-resistant but also have a comfortable touch. The colorful and beautiful set comes with two red, two green, two, yellow, and two blue balls. A lovely white Pallino is inclusive. Surprisingly, this fascinating bocce ball set is ideal for all ages and perfect bocce ball set for home. Minimum players are two, and the maximum is eight – making it interesting for kids, teens, and adults. If you are having a party or friends are coming over, and you have no idea what to do, maybe you should try these bocce balls.
GoSports Backyard Bocce Set is unique in two ways. They come in hard classic and soft rubber and are 90 mm in size. These intelligent designs cater to every bocce lover. If you were born in a family that is into bocce and you’d like to pass it to your kids, then you have a better chance with GoSports bocce set. The soft rubber balls are ideal for all ages but mostly kids. The hard-classic balls, on the other hand, are for ages twelve and beyond. These balls are not hard and soft because of ages only. For instance, the hard-classic balls are for playing on bocce courts, grass, and sand, while the soft rubber bocce balls are for indoor, on hardwood blacktop, sand, grass, and carpet.
The balls hold well and utilize four colors with each color for two balls – also, they have two different patterns making them ideal for groups of players. While the other eight balls are 90 mm, the Pallino is white. If you’re wondering about the colors, there are two red, two blue, two green, and two yellow balls. Each is having a unique pattern. These are the best lightweight bocce ball set you’d find on the market today. Besides, the soft rubber balls could be the best bocce ball set for inside for the indoor players. A complete set includes a sturdy carrying bag and a measuring rope.
Franklin Sports Soft Bocce Ball Set is all you need if you’re looking for something soft and fun. This four-player set includes eight soft PVC bocce balls with two red, two green, two yellow, and two blue balls. These eight balls are all-weather and 90 mm while the Pallino is 40 mm and blue. Soft material makes them ideal for kids and great for indoor playing. Some folks confuse the balls with being filled with air, that’s not true, they’re partially filled with sand and have some give such that they won’t travel far from where they land. Although they’re great recreational bocce ball sets, they are not much interesting for a competitive game.
The balls are soft and squishy, having a nice texture that feels nice in the hands. They roll well on the sand but not as high on grass. You should play on trimmed grass for better results. The scoring jack is hard when compared with the other balls and rolls pretty well on a hard surface. What’s more, the balls are lightweight and ideal for teaching little kids how to play bocce. A compact carrying case is inclusive to facilitate moving with them around. On the downside, these balls do not roll that much. That’s why we said they’re an excellent fit for tournaments. They’re a good buy, though.
Harvil 90 mm bocce set includes eight poly-resin balls and one Pallino. Also, the kit comes in a nylon zip-up carrying case and a 1.5-meter measuring rope. Just like many other bocce brands, the eight bocce balls come in four colors. Two blue, two green, two red, and two yellow balls. Two deeply carved patterns per color make these balls distinct. These patterns are not for fun but to allow more than two people to enjoy the game. A set of instruction manual for proper bocce rules and scoring is available to guide beginners. It is exciting that these balls are great for both amateur and pro players, as well as all age levels.
It’s saying that the balls are not only high-quality but also decent. The weight and the feel of the balls are also exciting. These solidly made balls have bright colors that are true but scuff after some plays. Although that’s something to expect from most of the bocce balls as they crash into one another. Unlike many brands that have flimsy carrying bags, Harvil Bocce has a high-quality carrying case with straps sewn down along the sides of the pack. If you love the beach, then this is the best beach bocce ball set for you.
Franklin Sports Bocce Ball Set contains eight all-weather balls and one Pallino. The balls are ideal for the beach and backyard lawn. Apart from these balls being for professional players – although they’re not experts, there is a starter set option. When you make your order, you’ll receive eight resin bocce balls whereby two are yellow, two are blue, two are red, and the other two are green. Each of these balls is 100mm. To make the set complete, a while 50mm scoring jack is inclusive. Note that the balls are not soft; they are hard and heavy but not that heavy.
As we mentioned earlier, these balls are not exactly professional, and if you’re looking for best bocce professional balls, then you need to look elsewhere. That said, the balls are solid and should last for years. Besides, it’s a beautiful and sturdy casual set and arrives in a rectangular-like shape case. The bag would have been better if the cardboard box was permanent and not disposable. The bag is sturdy altogether and performs okay. We would recommend these balls for mostly beginner players, but for those with a lot of experience, you might want to consider other options that we have for you.
Are you looking for bocce balls for playing at night or dusk? Then look no further. Playaboule Lighted is the best night bocce set you’d find on the market today. Why should you consider this brand? We have a few exciting elements that make us think these balls are worth your attention. First, the original batteries last for over 20 hours of play. Secondly, these balls have a nice light texture and are easy to grip. Putting in the cells and taking out the lights is straightforward. What’s fascinating is the great colors that are so bright – you’d receive a lot of wow from others. They’re amazing and make the bocce game more fun that everyone would want to play.
You’re wondering what would happen if the balls hit the concrete. Well, it is surprising that they hold up nicely with a few chips. If you love camping or the beach and it happens that you’re a bocce fun, then this is it! Although these balls are water-resistant, you should not be tempted to play them in pools. What that means is that they will still work if the rain started falling while you play. They have excellent o ring-like seals that prevent water from entering inside them.
ApudArmis bocce balls are fun and fascinating. These balls are made of premium quality poly-resin material and are waterproof. You get four different color balls that are standard size 90mm each. There are two red, two green, two, yellow, and two blue balls. These balls have two different patterns to accommodate larger groups of players. It is an ideal setting for either beaches, camps, picnics, or parties. The package includes a sturdy zip-up canvas case for the storage and transportation of the balls. This classic outdoor game set is perfect for official bocce courts as well as free play bocce. ApudArmis bocce balls are suitable for families and groups of all ages. You can have these balls as an addition to your camping games or as a gift for your loved ones.
It’s worth mentioning that the make of this set is adorable. Its storage case design allows it to take minimum space in the cabinet. Inside the bag is a cardboard box that not only gives the bag support but also keeps the balls in good shape. All the balls in this set feel well made, and they throw great. A measuring rope and instruction guideline on how to play are inclusive in the kit. The balls hold up well and are ideal for playing on grass, sand, and hard surface. If you love having fun on beaches, then make this set your beach bocce ball set. No regrets at all.
Just like many other bocce balls, the Play Platoon bocce ball set comes with eight balls – two red, two blue, two yellow, and two green. One Pallino is included to make the collection complete. Also, there is a measuring rope that comes with the balls. All these are put in a free carrying bag. Note that this brand is quite different such that they manufacture 90mm and 100mm bocce balls. The difference between the two is not only their size but also their colors. You’ll realize that the four different colors of two balls each we’ve mentioned above are for the 90mm set. The 100mm set, on the other hand, comes in only two multicolor balls. Four red and four green.
All the balls are made with premium resin that is crack and damage resistant as well as waterproof. Meaning they’re durable and can last for years. What’s more, these balls are ideal for all ages and great for playing indoors and outdoors. You can take them to the beach, bocce courts or wherever you like and have lots of fun with your loved ones. However, there are a few things to note about this set. The carrying case is quite small, and the balls scratch easily but not harmful to lose their colors. All in all, we would say that they throw well and roll nicely on grass, making them one of the new bocce ball set for a lawn.
What stands out?
Good quality
Waterproof
Sturdy
Durable
Good customer service
Good weight
What cons did we manage to find?
Scratches easily
Small carrying case
Things to Consider
Although the bocce game is the easiest to play, buying great bocce balls that satisfy your needs is not easy. The whole process can be overwhelming, especially when all the balls look alike. Things may get more complicated for new players who are beginning to build interest in playing the game. We have prepared this buying guide to lay off the buying burden from your shoulders. If you’re new to this game, below is a short guide on how to play it. Do not forget to go through our guide to understand what we feel are the key elements to look for while buying a bocce ball set.
How to play bocce?
Playing bocce is the easiest. We summarize it for you below, and by the time you read the last point, you’ll be able to play it already. There are no technical skills needed.
Players start by marking off a court if one is not available. The court measures 90 feet long by 13 feet wide.
Next is to divide the court into areas by drawing five lines. These lines are drawn four and ten feet from either end of the court. The fifth line should be brought in the center.
It’s time to have fun. Bocce ball can be played by either two, four, or eight players. A team consists of either one player, two, or four players. Each side throws four balls per frame. But before the game begins, the players agree and toss a coin to determine who starts the game.
The winner of the coin toss begins the frames by tossing the Pallino. Then throws their first bocce ball, trying to throw it as close to the Pallino as possible. The opposing team throws theirs as well. Next, the team with their bocce furthest throws their remaining balls. The other side does the same.
The team with the bocce closest to the Pallino wins the frame. The winning team begins the next frame from the alternating side of the court. The game goes on until one team reaches a pre-determined score of 12; or whatever they had to agree before, either below or above 12.
Don’t worry, and you’ll always find the playing instructions with your bocce ball set.
Features to consider before you buy a bocce ball set
Before you decide to buy your first or second set of bocce balls, consider reading through these elements to understand why they’re critical and how they could affect your whole bocce game experience. Based on our research, we have the diameter of the ball, Pallino diameter, material, and weight as the main features to consider. Don’t forget that who is playing and the level of play is also essential.
Diameter of a ball
In other words, we are referring to the size of the ball. As you may already know, bocce ball is a game that’s ideal for everyone. From kids to the elderly and from those playing for fun to those doing it as a profession.
The best way to decide on the diameter of the ball is by knowing the person and the level to play.
Also, don’t forget the purpose of the play. While playing for fun doesn’t care much about the diameter, a tournament has to be specific about it. Remember, there are rules of the game. Most bocce balls range from 74mm to 107mm. Note that 107mm is the typical size for professional plays. Viva Sol Resin Bocce Ball Set is a perfect example of a professional bocce ball set. Balls of 74mm to 100mm are great for kids. Franklin Sports Soft Bocce Ball Set, on the other hand, is 90mm and weighs 4.9lbs only – making them ideal for kids. We have a bunch of different balls that are 90mm on our list above. You can go through it and find out which suits your kids best.
Pallino diameter
While the size of the Pallino is much less imperative than the bocce ball size, it’s still a good practice to consider it. So, what do you need to know about the Pallino or the jack?
The International Standard diameter size is 40mm (around 1.6 inches). However, the most common diameter sizes in the U.S are 50mm (about 1.97 inches) and 60mm (about 2.375 inches).
The dimensions of the target balls are less significant in tournament plays but critical for top-level players who go to international competitions. For instance, on our list above, different bocce ball set has different Pallino sizes. While GoSports Backyard Bocce Set Pallino diameter is 40mm, Viva Sol Resin Bocce Ball Set target ball is 60mm. Note that some brands do not specify their Pallino’s widths. Always ask for the correct size before you buy it.
Material
The material of a bocce ball is one feature that you cannot afford to leave out. There are three common types of materials that make bocce balls.
High-quality bocce balls are made from solid resin while the rest are made from plastic or soft rubber. Some are made from recycled materials, although they’re less common.
Balls made from low-quality materials usually fade and also tear quickly. Factors such as the frequency, purpose, and playing location should always be on the lead when considering the ball’s material. If you wish to buy soft bocce balls for your kids, then consider GoSports Backyard Bocce Set from our list. The rest of the balls are either resin, plastic, or a combination.
Weight
The weight of the balls is crucial because it determines the accuracy of your throws. Just like the diameter whereby people to play influence your choice, the people to play should also determine the weight you pick. Note that weight also affects handling comfort. The weight of a typical bocce ball is 2lbs. Weight is also substantial when it comes to the level of play – higher competitive levels require the right weighted balls. Again, if you’ll be playing with kids, consider buying balls that they’ll be comfortable throwing. Franklin Sports Soft Bocce Ball Set weighs the least on our list while Viva Sol Resin Bocce Ball Set weighs just about the standard weight.
Professional bocce ball sets differ from the standard sets in several ways. First, their diameters are specific, measuring 107mm. Second, professional balls weigh 920 grams. Finally, they are of high-quality material. Standard bocce balls could measure and weigh anything, and people will still enjoy playing with them. Note that it’s not easy to tell whether or not a bocce ball is professional. Only the pro guys can tell the difference.
The first reason you’ll see such balls is because of different brands. What makes most of these balls come in four different colors is to accommodate a large group of players. When many people are playing, it will be challenging to differentiate their balls if they were in the same color.
Absolutely! One of the most common locations for playing bocce is on a beach. Playing on a beach is more exciting and brings a lot of fun. Other common areas include the grass and hard surface.
Yes. Most of the sets suitable for beginners and kids do not adhere to the International Standards. Kids’ bocce balls are usually small in size and weigh less. Some are soft and squishy to give them more control as they play. Generally, most of the bocce balls are beginner-friendly.
Wrapping It Up
As we wrap this review and buying guide for bocce balls, we would like to urge you to use our guide wisely while shopping for your next set. Our selection includes professional bocce ball set, night or lighted bocce ball set, and some of the best bocce ball sets for recreational play. Do not rush in making any buying decisions; remember to consider who is playing and their level of play. The first bocce ball set on our list, which is Viva Sol Resin Bocce Ball Set and the editor’s choice, is all you could ever need. One thing that we like most about it is that it’s well built. Our premium pick, Perfetta Club Pro Bocce Ball Set, on the other side, is durable and has standard measurements. Franklin Sports Soft Bocce Ball Set is our best value, and one thing that we like most about this set is that it’s compact and soft at the same time. We hope our guide and selection will help you find the best bocce ball set you desire.
