When looking for the best soft bocce ball set, the most important factors to consider are the material, size, and weight. Below, I have summed up my top picks based on these features. Read on to learn more about why they might matter to you.
Do you like playing outdoor games with your family? Bocce ball is an excellent choice, as it’s a game that all ages can enjoy. Not only is it easy to set up and fun to play, but bocce ball is also great for teaching children the importance of cooperation and problem-solving.
One challenge with bocce is the standard ball type. Kids will be kids, and there are situations where I am afraid the kids might get hurt (or break something) if they start playing rough with standard bocce balls which are both hard and heavy. Luckily, there’s a solution – soft bocce!
With the right soft bocce ball set, your family can play worry free until everyone’s old enough to play with the standard set. Below, I have shared three of my favorite soft bocce ball sets, so you can sit back and watch your kids play bocce without breaking something.
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3 Best Soft Bocce Ball Sets
Below are my top picks for the best soft bocce ball sets available today. Each product will include a detailed review and a brief list of pros and cons to help you choose the right set for your needs.
1. GoSports Backyard Bocce Set – Editor’s Pick
The GoSports Backyard Bocce Set includes eight balls with a heavy-duty composite rubber surface. This material offers soft bocce balls that are safe to use around children.
At the same time, this soft rubber construction can effectively resist cracks and harsh outdoor elements. Thus, it can last you for years to come.
Furthermore, these 90mm bocce balls weigh a pound each. They offer a balanced weight, which makes it easy to take aim and toss the balls into the bocce court.
There are even a measuring rope and a carrying bag included in the package. The former ensures accurate bocce scoring. Meanwhile, the latter offers convenience when traveling with the best soft bocce set.
On top of all these benefits, most customer reviews for this product were positive. If there is any criticism, it would be the quality of the paint. Some users said that it was easy to fade. A few customers also received deflated balls.
The pros far outweigh the cons, though. For this reason, I picked the GoSports Backyard Bocce Set as the best bocce ball set on the market today.
Pros:
- A soft rubber material ensures durability and safety around children
- The 90mm bocce ball size is ideal for both casual and competitive play
- It includes a measuring tape and a storage bag for traveling
- It comes in four different colors for convenient team delegation
Cons:
- Some users noticed chipped paint after a few weeks of use
- A few customers said that some balls arrived deflated
2. Franklin Sports Bocce Ball Set
The Franklin Sports Bocce Ball Set is another high-quality product to consider for both beginners and bocce enthusiasts.
It features eight balls that use polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This plastic material is soft to the touch to ensure safety for players of all ages. At the same time, this best bocce ball set offers durability that can withstand most bocce court surfaces.
Additionally, these soft bocce balls are available in four different colors. These shades include two red, two yellow, two green, and two blue. They make it easier to identify the balls of one team from those of the other team.
Moreover, this best soft bocce set comes with a 40mm soft pallino or jack ball. It allows you to play bocce with your family and friends right away.
Finally, a carrying bag is included in the package. It allows you to store and organize all the soft bocce balls you need for a fun game.
However, the bocce set lacks a measuring rope. A few users might also find the bocce balls lighter than expected. Hence, they might not be suitable for more competitive games.
Overall, though, the Franklin Sports Bocce Ball Set is still worth looking into. It is one of the best bocce ball sets today.
Pros:
- A soft yet durable PVC material is safe to use for children
- It comes in four different colors for identifying the balls of one team from those of another
- It has a soft scoring jack, so you can play bocce right away
- The soft bocce set provides a free carry bag to ensure convenience when traveling
Cons:
- It does not come with a measuring tape
- The bocce balls are lighter, which might not be suitable for those looking to play more competitively
3. Rally and Roar Soft Rubber Bocce Ball Game Set
The Rally and Roar Soft Rubber Bocce Ball Set features eight bocce balls filled with pliable sand. This material makes the bocce balls light and soft, which are ideal for children and beginners.
This soft rubber bocce set also has a plastic surface. It can effectively resist cracks and damage to last you for a long time.
Moreover, these bocce balls have a diameter of 84mm. They are smaller than regulation-size balls, but they can still offer fun for players of all ages.
There is also a measuring tape included in the package. It allows you to measure the distance of bocce balls from the jack ball.
Finally, it comes with a free carrying case. It allows you to bring the bocce balls to the park, beach, or anywhere you like.
Despite these benefits, it is best to consider the downsides of this soft bocce set. First, the balls might be a little off balance due to the sand in them. Second, some users noticed molds and mildew from the case.
With that said, the Rally and Roar Soft Rubber Bocce Set is still among the best soft bocce ball sets available today.
Pros:
- Soft bocce balls filled with pliable sand are safe to use around children
- The 84mm diameter is ideal for both beginners and bocce enthusiasts
- It includes a measuring tape for accurate bocce scoring
- The storage bag is handy when traveling
Cons:
- The soft bocce balls might be a little off balance due to having sand in them
- A few customers noticed molds and mildew from the case
How to Choose the Best Soft Bocce Ball Set
With so many products on the market, it can be quite difficult to choose the best soft bocce ball set for your needs.
Below I will walk you through the factors you should think about when buying a bocce ball set.
Material
One of the first factors to consider when shopping for a soft bocce ball set is its material.
You will often come across bocce sets with rubber or plastic construction. Regardless of which one you choose, make sure that they are durable enough to withstand rough play. If possible, look into crack- and water-resistant surfaces.
Size
Soft bocce ball sets are available in different sizes. The diameter of the ball is suitable for a particular skill level or need.
For instance, soft bocce balls with a 90mm diameter and below are smaller than regulation-size balls. They are usually lighter and a little easier to handle in particular for children or individuals with a weaker grip.
On the other hand, regulation bocce balls have a 107mm diameter. They are large with enough heft to them, which gives you balance. They are commonly used in official leagues and tournaments.
Weight
You might also want to look into the weight of a soft bocce ball set.
If you intend to play in tournaments, it is a must to buy soft bocce balls that weigh 920 grams or around two pounds. This is the official regulation weight for bocce balls.
Those who want to enjoy a casual game can opt for lighter balls that weigh a pound or so. You will be able to carry and handle them with ease, which makes them ideal for traveling.
As much as possible, avoid soft bocce balls that weigh less than a pound. They can affect your balance and the way you toss the ball.
Storage Bag
Do you want to bring your bocce set to the beach or public park? If so, you will want to invest in soft bocce set with a free carrying bag.
This item allows you to store and organize the balls with relative ease. It is ideal for those who like traveling and playing bocce in different places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bocce balls hard or soft?
Most bocce ball sets use hard materials, such as metal, resin, and wood. They can hurt children if they are not careful when playing with these kinds of balls.
Fortunately, soft bocce balls made from rubber and plastic are now widely available. So even if one of your kids accidentally got hit, the ball is less likely to hurt them.
What is the best material for bocce balls?
There is no one best material for bocce balls. It will all depend on the needs, skill level, and personal preferences of each player.
Some professionals prefer stainless steel or hard resin balls. These have enough heft, which gives them much-needed balance when tossing the ball into the bocce court.
However, others like to play with soft plastic bocce balls. These tend to be lighter and easier to handle, which are ideal for casual play and traveling.
What is the average cost of a bocce ball set?
A quality bocce ball set typically costs around $40 to $80. Meanwhile, regulation-size and tournament-grade balls retail at $100 and higher. Finally, cheaper bocce sets can cost $30 and below.
Conclusion
There you have it—my top picks for the best soft bocce ball sets on the market today! I highly recommend every product on this list for its quality construction that will not hurt children.
However, in my opinion, the GoSports Backyard Bocce Set is the top product on this list. It features eight bocce balls with a soft yet heavy-duty composite rubber surface. This material is safe to use around children. Additionally, the soft bocce set offers four different colors to identify the balls of one team from those of the other team. Moreover, it includes a measuring rope for accurate scoring. Finally, a carrying bag allows you to store and bring the bocce balls to the beach, park, or anywhere you like.
