Bocce ball is one of the oldest sports known to man. It is a great game to play with family and friends and can be enjoyed by all ages. Bocce can be learned quickly and allows for hours of entertainment. 

It isn’t easy to pick the right bocce set for you and your family, so we’ve written all you need to know about bocce. We’ve even included our favorite picks of bocce sets in this article.

The Top 5 Bocce Ball Sets

St Pierre Sports Professional Bocce Set

• 107 mm
• Thermostat composite resin
• Wood carrying case

This 107 mm set provides balls in two traditional colors, red and green, with different etching on each of the four sets. It made from thermoset composite resin.

The bocce set includes instructions for the game, and the pallino is yellow, unlike the standard white pallino. The carrying case has a single handle and is made from mahogany-stained pine. 

This particular set is the official set for the U.S. Bocce Federation and meets all the requirements therein. At a higher price point, this is a quality-made set to last a lifetime.

Pros:

• Colorful and attractive
• The balls feel weighty and well-made
• They are durable and long-lasting
• The set meets criteria for professional use

Cons:

• The set is expensive

GoSports Backyard Bocce Set

• 100 mm
• Case with shoulder strap
• Mid-price

The balls in the GoSports set are on the smaller side, measuring in at 100 mm. They come in the classic bocce colors, red and green with circle and square markings. The included case comes with ball dividers and a shoulder strap for easy carrying.

The set is priced in the medium-range and reasonable for semi-competitive gameplay.

Pros:

• Multi-colored balls with mid-range weight for casual play
• Solid build and bright appearance
• Includes a measuring rope
• Manufacturer provides excellent customer service 

Cons: 

• Set isn’t regulation size 
• Bag that comes with the set is flimsy 

SeaTurtle Sports Luxury Beach Ball Crack and Rust Proof Set

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• Mould injected
• Designed for playing by the ocean
• Rustproof balls

The SeaTurtle Sports Luxury Beach Bocce ball set is one of the more unique types you will find on the market. This set has been mold injected to make them more durable. This increases the weight a great deal and might not be for some of the weaker players or children.

The set is designed for playing close to the ocean. The balls are rustproof (but not waterproof), and the set includes everything needed to enjoy a few games of bocce ball at the beach. 

The balls set is also one of the most expensive you will find, but it is widely regarded as one of the top bocce sets, especially if you plan on playing at the beach. The travel case has a stylish design and holds everything that you need to play.

Pros: 

• Unique design
• Rustproof
• Adds a new dimension to the game
• Durable

Cons: 

• High Price
• Heavy

Hey! Play! Family Bocce Ball Set

• 88.9 mm poly-resin
• Lightweight
• Dual strap carrying case

This bocce ball set includes eight bocce balls in the classic Italian colors, green and red. These 88.9 mm balls are made up of a poly-resin. This will result in a lighter weight and an inconsistent roll, which is better for playing on uneven ground.

It comes with a carrying case with dual straps. This bocce set is best suited for casual play with its smaller size.

Pros:

• Reasonable price tag
• Ideal for teaching novices or family leisure time
• Backed by the company’s satisfaction guarantee 

Cons:

• Finish on the balls scratches easily
• Carrying case is flimsy
• Balls aren’t regulation size 

Baden Champions Bocce Ball Set

• 107 mm poly-resin
• Weather-resistant carrying case
• Measuring tape

This 107 mm set provides balls of two classic colors, red and green, with square and circle markings, from poly-resin material. It includes a black, weather-resistant bag, with a strap for easy carrying. It also comes with a measuring tape for deciding the closeness of the player’s balls to the pallino.

Detailed rules of the Bocce game are included in the set, both courted and free-form.  

Pros:

• Great for tournament and backyard play
• Balls have a solid feel
• Carrying case is sturdy
• Includes a measuring tape 

Cons 

• Rare reports of the balls being slightly smaller than regulation size
• Mixed opinion on the set’s durability
• Somewhat pricey

What to Consider When Choosing a Bocce Ball Set

Size

Bocce balls come in a wide variety of sizes, from 74 mm to 109 mm. According to the Bocce Standards Association, the balls should be 107 mm in diameter, so if you’ll be playing professionally, that’s the size to go with. Smaller balls are easier for little or old hands to handle if you’ll be playing with the young or elderly.

Weight

More diameter means more weight when it comes to bocce balls. Heavier balls are more durable, but lighter balls are easier to handle for the weaker players. The standard bocce ball weight is 920 grams.

Level of Play

Competitive playing will require a more expensive set that meets the Bocce Standards Association requirements. A cheaper, smaller set will be fine for casual playing in the backyard at family parties. 

Durability

The heavier balls tend to be more durable and expensive, while the lighter balls break more easily but are cheaper and easier to handle.

Balance

Well-balanced balls are important for competitive playing on even surfaces. Balance doesn’t matter much in casual play on uneven surfaces like grass or sand.

Costs

Bocce sets can range from $15-$100, and you get what you pay for. Sets under $35 are only suitable for beginners and children. Sets between $35-$75 are of okay quality and are nice for playing casually with friends and family. Sets above $75 are good for professional use, and you will enjoy years of playing with them.

Carrying Case

A carrying case is handy if you’ll be traveling often with your set. You can get them in various materials, including wood cases and nylon bags. They can come with the set, or you can purchase it separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in a bocce ball set?

The standard set includes eight bocce balls, typically four green balls, four red balls, as well as the white pallino. Some sets also come with a carrying case and a measuring rope to measure the closeness of the balls to the pallino.

Are cheap bocce ball sets worth buying?

Sets under $35 are usually not worth buying unless you are getting a set for kids or beginners for casual play. Bocce involves hitting the balls against each other, and cheap balls will chip and break when they collide. 

Are there special bocce ball sets for kids?

There are lighter, cheaper, brightly colored bocce ball sets on the market geared towards young players. They won’t be as durable, but they are great for some casual family fun. 

Can you play bocce ball at night?

It’s hard to play bocce ball at night in most cases unless you’re playing in a well light area or with a lighted bocce ball set.

Conclusion

There’s a lot to think about when choosing a bocce ball set, whether it’s for some casual family play or you want to try competing. There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your bocce ball set. It all depends on your skill level and how serious you are about playing.