Bocce balls are most commonly made of wood (wood is the oldest traditional material), but can also be made of metal, clay, resin, or various types of plastic. For bocce tournaments, resin balls tend to be used because of their durability and weight.
For serious bocce competitions, you’ll want to make sure you choose size and weight based on official game regulations. However, good quality bocce balls do come in different weights and sizes, and the best bocce balls for each player can vary for different ages, skill levels, and type of court.
When looking for a bocce ball set, the most important indicators of product quality are: the material used, the weight, and the size of the ball.
A good quality bocce ball set should have a balanced weight and durability to last for years of play. Though prices can help determine quality, there are more important characteristics that you must consider. Ultimately, your personal preference is what matters when picking the best bocce ball sets for your situation. Below we’ll discuss the different materials used to make bocce balls and how they can influence your game.
Price Range of Bocce Ball Sets
It’s always tempting to go for the cheapest bocce set you can find. Alternately, you might think the most expensive set is the best. However, while the cheapest bocce ball sets do tend to use cheaper materials, a high price may not necessarily signal high quality. While the price can give you an initial feeling about the material and construction of the ball, you can also find low-priced bocce ball sets that can be a good fit depending on your purpose.
Cheap Bocce Balls (Under $35)
$35 or less: Not that it’s too surprising, but I’ve noticed that many sets in the lowest price range are not particularly high quality. The typical manufacturer in this range makes bocce balls that target either kids or portability and lighter weight, and so they choose bocce ball materials accordingly. However, if you’re just looking for a casual set to play with the kids at a picnic in the park, balls in this range can be a good deal. Just don’t expect the bocce balls to be made of material with high durability or to have the heavier professional or regulation weight.
Mid-Range Bocce Balls ($35-100)
$35-$100: In this range there can be pretty significant differences in quality, despite similar price points, so make sure to check out bocce ball reviews before you pick a set. Bocce sets in the range are mainly aimed at casual bocce players, but there are some good sets using solid material especially toward the upper half of this middle price range.
High-End Bocce Balls (Over $100)
Bocce ball materials in the $100 or higher range are targeted more toward true bocce enthusiasts. These bocce balls are made from material types that can last for many years of play. They often are sold together with an attractive travel case that is great for storing your balls or bringing them out to a park or a tournament. In this range quality tends to be high, but if you only plan to play occasionally and not too seriously, it may not be worth the higher price (unless you really want a fancier decorative set that looks and feels more premium, and is likely to last longer.)
What Are Bocce Balls Made Of?
To know if a bocce ball set is high quality, it’s important to consider the material and the type of construction used to make the balls. Some may be of higher quality, but skill level and play are also essential factors in choosing the right material for you. The following are different types of materials that have been used to make bocce balls.
Wood
Throughout the early part of bocce’s history, players originally only tossed stones. As the game became more popular in different locations, people began to use wooden balls, typically made from wood such as elm, beech, and boxwood up through the middle of the 1800’s. However, these wooden balls would wear easily and be damaged over time from play on rough or rocky surfaces.
By the 1870s, bocce players would use nails to make the balls more durable and last longer. Some even added their own flair by creating unique designs. Over time, other more durable materials became more commonly used.
While you can still find wood bocce balls today, most are only used for decoration rather than in actual games. Most sets come at a cheap price since they do not typically last very long when used often to play. But if you want a nice looking, lightweight set for occasional playing in your backyard with kids and family, then a set of wooden bocce balls is a good choice.
Metal
As wooden balls started going out of use, bocce players turned to other materials for greater durability. By the 1920s, metal craft became more popular. You could find bocce balls made of bronze and other metals, much like the petanque balls of the French. They came in varying weights and sizes (90mm to 110mm diameter) to accommodate hands of different people and could be hollow or filled with heavier material for less bounce and greater durability.
Today, most metal bocce balls are made of stainless steel so they won’t rust and you can play with them in different ground conditions or weather. Metal bocce balls do tend to last longer and usually have a more consistent balance compared to wooden sets.
Plastic
As a cheaper alternative to bocce balls made of metal, companies started making plastic bocce balls. Plastic bocce balls are lightweight but the weight typically doesn’t feel as balanced compared with other common materials. A plastic bocce ball set is a great choice for children and new players as they are light and easy to handle, especially softer plastic types like PVC and polyethylene.
As you can guess, plastic balls are not the most durable and are not ideal for competitive games or veteran players. Plastic is cheaper and may not last very long. The paint can also chip and fade, although it won’t necessarily affect the quality of the ball. Hard plastic bocce balls may be a solid choice if you usually only play on grass or turf courts with softer surfaces. Playing on rough areas such as gravel or sand may wear out the plastic easier.
Many lighted bocce ball sets are made of plastic, but still fun for a summer night of bocce with family.
Resin
The newest type of material used to make bocce balls is resin. Resin can be naturally or synthetically produced and can be considered just unprocessed plastic. This is the material of choice for many competitive players and used in professional tournaments.
Regulation bocce balls are typically made of resin as they offer excellent balance and the heaviness that gives players better control over the ball path. They tend to be as durable and damage-resistant as stainless steel bocce balls. They are also available in a range of sizes for different types of players and court areas.
Bocce Ball Sizes
Bocce ball size is generally independent from the ball’s material and quality. Any type of material used can vary greatly in size. Smaller balls can either be cheap or more expensive depending on how they are made. Sizes typically range from 74mm to 110mm or about 3 to 4.3 inches. Of course, the right size for you depends on your intended purpose. A small ball, no matter the material, may be ideal for a small child learning how to play bocce but not for serious players.
Smaller size bocce balls are around 74 to 100mm. They are typically lightweight, and therefore are easier to hold, making them a great choice for playing with family and friends of all ages. Smaller bocce sets are perfect for kids or anyone starting to learn to play. All types of materials are available in smaller sizes, typically at least 90mm to 100mm, or even smaller in diameter.
Larger bocce balls can be 100 to 115mm across. Adult players may opt for a set of bocce balls within this range as they give you the closest experience to professional games. The regulation size for bocce balls is 107mm and this size should be available in all types of materials.
Weight of Bocce Balls
Weight is a key factor to consider when choosing the right bocce set. While it doesn’t necessarily affect the quality of the balls, it can affect the experience of each player based on age and level of skill. Regulation weight bocce balls weigh 920 grams or 2.03 pounds.
Typically, a bocce ball made of heavier material gives you more control when you toss or roll it. More weight offers better grip and lands the ball more precisely and with less bounce. However, children are most definitely more suitable to use lighter balls so they can have a better grip on the ball as they learn to play and also to avoid any accidents that can result from the heaviness of the balls.
In any case, choose a bocce ball set to accommodate the players and the level of play. If you want to play professional bocce ball, look for the regulation sizes and weights. But for casual games, especially with younger players, you may opt for a more lightweight set or a ball size that is slightly smaller.
Summary
Bocce ball is a fairly simple and fun game with quite a long history. As the game developed into its present form, different types of materials have been used to make bocce balls. While there are more durable and lasting materials, the best bocce ball set for you depends on factors such as the age and experience of the players in playing bocce. Tournament players typically use regulation balls made of resin, although metals and some harder plastics may offer a similar durability. But for occasional games on the beach or in your backyard, then a smaller or more lightweight bocce set is perfect for players of any age and skill level. You may opt for wood, metal, plastic, or resin bocce balls depending on your personal preference.
