A Guide to Bocce Ball Size: How Big Are Bocce Balls?

Bocce balls are sold in different sizes to accommodate various needs and style preference. But there is an official bocce ball size according to tournament rules. Let’s take a look at the most common sizes vs. regulation bocce ball size.

comparing the size of bocce balls, green red and white balls

When shopping for a bocce ball set, it is important to be aware of how big the balls are. You do not want to be stuck playing with small bocce balls intended for a child (unless you are shopping for your kids!). At the same time, while bigger balls look cool and can have an impressive weight, not everyone can handle larger balls well if they have smaller hands.

So, let’s walk through the different common sizes of bocce balls. I will discuss how each one can affect the way you play the game.

How Big are Bocce Balls?

If you are looking for a bocce ball set, you are likely to come across products of different sizes. It is essential to take this factor into consideration because it can change how you use each ball during the game.

Below are the common bocce ball sizes available on the market today.

  • 74mm to 100mm diameter – These bocce balls are smaller than the official regulation-sized balls. Thus, they are easy to grasp and handle. Their smaller size is ideal for children, adults with smaller hands, or if you need compact bocce balls for travel. You can still have a fun game with these.
  • 100mm to 115mm diameter – These bocce ball sizes are very common in many stores and generally considered more tournament-grade. That simply means they are suitable for more competitive games. They also give backyard bocce ball games a bit more weight and credibility.
  • 107mm diameter – This bocce ball size meets regulation rules. It offers the most authentic and ‘official’ gameplay possible. Hence, it is perfect for professional and highly competitive bocce ball players.

What is the Official Bocce Ball Size?

If you want a professional regulation-size bocce ball set, you need to buy balls with a diameter of 107mm. This official bocce size is what professionals use in international leagues and tournaments. 

A regulation-size set can also take your game to the highest level possible. So even if you are not a pro in bocce, you can get a set at this size for more competitive gameplay.

How Heavy is a Bocce Ball?

Now that you know the answer to how big bocce balls are, you are probably curious about their weight.

Bocce ball sets are available in different weights, depending on the material and size used.

According to the Bocce Standards Association, regulation weight balls with 107mm diameters must be two pounds or 920 grams each. However, the standard US Bocce Federation size balls weigh around 1.2 pounds. Most bocce ball sets are lighter than the average, ideal for younger players.

It is essential to choose the bocce ball weight that fits your skill level and the play style.

Heavier bocce balls give you more control when rolling them. That is because the greater load can grip the ground better, which increases bounce and minimize changes in direction. Thus, these regulation bocce balls are ideal for bocce enthusiasts. On the other hand, lighter bocce sets are easier to handle for young players and beginners. There are eight balls in a set suitable for casual play and a fun game in the park.

What are Different Bocce Ball Materials?

Besides the size and weight of bocce balls, it is also essential to consider their construction material. This factor will determine the quality and how long the bocce set will last you. It can also affect your level of play.

Let’s look at some of the most common bocce ball materials and how they can impact your game.

Wood

Wood is among the oldest materials used for bocce balls. It is cheap and easily accessible. 

Unfortunately, this material gets dinged easily, especially when playing on rough ground. As such, it lost popularity over time compared to more versatile and durable materials.

Today, wooden bocce ball sets are still available. However, they are often used as decorative sets rather than in an actual match. Based on our research they are not often recommended by bocce experts as the overall best bocce ball sets.

Metal

Players used to add nails to wooden bocce balls to fortify them. But as metal manufacturing advances enables lower prices, they started to create balls out of bronze. These were usually custom-made in varied sizes and weights to accommodate the needs of the players throwing them. They are also available in a hollow form or filled with other materials to avoid excessive bouncing.

These days, modern metal bocce balls typically feature stainless steel construction. This material will not rust and can withstand any type of weather condition. It also lasts longer than wood. Moreover, it offers better balance.

The only downsides of metal bocce balls are their heavy load and high price. They can be relatively challenging to handle, especially if you are a beginner.

Plastic

Plastic is a cheap alternative to metal. This material is also lightweight and easier to handle.

However, plastic bocce balls are not quite as durable. They use cheaper materials, which can result in cracking, chipping, and fading.

Overall, a quality plastic ball set is not ideal for pros or anyone who likes to play competitively. However, if you are a beginner or looking for a set for kids, then plastic can be just fine.

Polymer

If you like the lightweight quality of plastic bocce balls but prefer something more durable, consider a double polymer set.

This material has a similar feel to hard plastic but is actually much stronger.  A polymer bocce ball can handle rough playing areas, such as your backyard, gravel, or the beach. It can also take a beating without resulting in much wear and tear.

However, double polymer bocce balls are less common, which makes them more expensive. So if you play on clay or natural grass courts, polymer balls are probably not worth the cost. That is because you also have to take into account how much it costs to maintain these court surfaces.

Resin

Another more recent material option for bocce balls is resin. Resin construction offers a hefty weight that gives you more control over the ball. It also tends to be really well balanced compared to some other bocce ball materials.

Furthermore, resin bocce balls offer added durability comparable to other sets like polymer or stainless.

How Much is an Official Bocce Ball Set?

The price of an official bocce ball set does not always indicate its quality. For instance, there are various lower-priced bocce balls with high-quality construction.

However, the cost can tell you a lot about the bocce set and which audience it is aimed at.

Below are the price ranges of bocce ball sets.

  • $40 or less – Bocce ball sets in this price range will probably not use quality materials. Hence, they might not last you for a long time. However, feel free to buy these cheaper sets if you are on a tight budget or intend to use them a few times only. You might also find some hidden gems.
  • $40-$100 – It is the most common price range for bocce playing sets. Thus, you can expect to find a wide variety of sets with different qualities. Make sure to shop around to find the highest quality balls in the market.
  • $100 and above – Any sets in the $100 or higher range are suitable for bocce ball enthusiasts and pros. These usually feature regulation-size balls made of high-quality materials, such as resin. Thus, these resin bocce balls can last you for years to come. However, they are considered expensive bocce sets. And they are probably not worth the cost if you will only play once in a while. 

Conclusion

That sums up this article about bocce ball sizes and weights. I hope that this article gave you an insight into how big bocce balls are, along with other essential information. They can help you choose the best bocce ball set according to your needs and personal preferences.

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