Bocce ball is one of the most well-known and oldest games played in people’s past times ever. The game is also one of the most sophisticated if you are new, but can quickly be learned to play. Now there are even tournaments set up all over the world that allows the top players to come together and showcase their skills in a game of bocce ball.
Finding the best bocce ball sets was not an easy task and there are many to choose from, with most of them being quite similar to one another, but we set out to try and find the best bocce ball sets that you could buy. These sets are really affordable and they will make an average day out a little more fun.
Bocce ball sets do, however, range in quality and sometimes the cheapest sets might not be as durable or provide the consistency to truly test out your skill. But luckily, even some of the high-end bocce ball sets are not that expensive and we have set out to look at some of the most important features that you should consider before buying your forts bocce ball set.
Top Bocce Ball Set Comparison Chart
Buying Guide
While bocce ball is a really simple game once you understand it, we have mentioned that the quality of the set will affect the fun and the consistency you are having. We tried to find some of the unique features that set apart the top bocce ball set from the cheaper low-end sets and show you what you need to look for when you buy your next set:
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Durability
Since the bocce ball game will require you to sometimes smash the other person’s balls out of the way, you will need to ensure that the balls are durable enough to take these hits. Some of the high-end bocce ball sets do have better quality balls that will take the hits and still remain intact, thus also allowing you longer playing time before needing a new set or the balls splitting.
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Balance
Nothing can be as irritating as throwing your ball to have the perfect line and then you miss the target and the ball rolls in a different direction. The balance of the balls will impact this and if there is not enough care taken to make the balls even in terms of balance, you will certainly have some weird-looking throws off the mark.
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Weight
The weight of the balls will vary depending on the materials, but if you are not a strong player, you should not be looking for the heaviest balls on the market. Buying a weight you and the average person is comfortable with, will ensure that you can have more fun and actually reach your target.
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Storage
Since bocce ball is a game you will most likely be playing at the park, it is important to have a method of storing the bocce balls in a way that it could easily be carried. There are many storage methods and we have found the nylon bag to be the best and most flexible option as the wooden box might lack in durability and portability.
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Size
One of the key differences you will note when comparing the cheaper bocce balls to some of the more expensive or high-end balls, is that the best balls are shaped more to precision. The cheaper balls might not be shaped perfectly and this could impact the game with some weird-looking throws and bad bounces. It’s also important to buy regulation sized balls if you are planning to play in a full size bocce ball court.
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Cost
While this is not exactly a feature, it is still something that you will need to consider when looking for a bocce ball set. The cheaper sets will be perfect for uneven surfaces in the backyard and if you only play once or twice a month, but if you plan on playing more often, you might want to consider investing in a better bocce ball set. This will help you elevate your game and also have more fun in the process.
These six things are what we consider to be the most important when it comes to selecting your bocce ball set. Casual players might still be happy with some of the lower quality sets, but we always try to ensure that you do get great value for your money. In our reviews, you will find a greater selection of price ranges, but they are all good quality sets.
Bocce Ball Set Reviews
1. Trademark Games Bocce Ball Set with Carrying Case
For our first pick, we probably have the best set you could find on the market. The Trademark Games Bocce ball set with carrying case is one of the number one bocce ball sets that people turn to when they need to find a set for casual play. The set includes all the necessary equipment needed for bocce ball and it also includes a durable carrying case that will make the ball easier to carry around.
For a few extra dollars, you will be able to upgrade you bocce balls to some of the more stylish Coca-Cola and other brand named designs. The balls 3.5 inches in diameter and they are considered to be the standard recommended size in terms of what you will play with during competition as well as the recommended size for uneven surfaces.
The Palino or Jack ball is also included in the set and in terms of durability; this set certainly stands out as one of the top sets you will find on the market today. We highly recommend this set to anyone looking to get into the sport of bocce balls and this includes people playing for fun and even those planning to go pro. The set is definitely one of the cheapest you will find and it provides great value for your money.
Pros:
- Includes licensed designs
- Complete set with carrying case
- Extremely durable
- Really affordable
Cons:
- The case is not very durable
2. AmazonBasics Bocce Ball Set with Soft Carry Case
Next, we have the top-selling AmazonBasics Bocce ball set, which includes a soft carrying case for you to tag the balls along. The balls in this set are also regulated and designed to meet the recommended size and weight for pro tournaments and players. You will also get the full set including the Palino or Jack ball to enjoy your outdoor adventure.
The balls have been constructed with a poly-resin composite and this certainly does make these balls some of the more durable that you could select for your bocce ball game. The carrying bag is decent and it is also very durable, thus meaning that you will be able to carry this bag effortlessly without having to fear that the straps will break off.
Since the balls have been perfectly balanced and sized for any uneven or even outdoor environment and they are also some of the cheaper balls that you find, we highly recommend them for casual players. The price is extremely affordable and this does not mean that they lack in quality and you will also have a trusted company in Amazon to back you if anything does go wrong or if you receive a faulty batch.
Pros:
- Durable and stylish design
- Really affordable
- Designed for all surfaces
- Includes a durable carrying bag
Cons:
- Balls do scratch quite easily
3. Baden Champions Bocce Ball Set 107mm & 90mm, Weather Resistant Carrying Case
The Baden Champions Bocce ball set is one of the more expensive set you will find on the market, but it is also considered to be more of a professional set. The set comes with everything you need to play a game of bocce ball and it also includes a durable weather resistance bag, which means that the combination of cold and warm weather will not compromise the bag and make it weaker.
With this set, you will also receive a measuring tape and while this is not always necessary, you might occasionally find a stubborn friend who will not give you the benefit of the doubt. The balls are also comprised of poly-resin and this will not only ensure that they do roll much better and work on all surfaces, but it will also make the balls more durable. For 1 on 1 play, you could use one color with the design differences.
This set is quite expensive and we definitely do recommend it to players who are extremely serious about the game or even players who like to play quite often. The bag also features an added strap and this will make carrying around these balls easier and a little more comfortable without having to fear that balls fall out of your hands.
Pros:
- High-end quality
- Perfectly balanced
- Comes with a weather-resistant case
- Great for all surfaces
Cons:
- Quite expensive
4. GoSports Premium Bocce Set with 8 Balls, Pallino, Case and Measuring Rope
While most bocce ball sets are dark red and green, the GoSports Premium bocce ball set does go a little lighter, but while this will make the balls easier to see in bad outdoor lighting and in the dark, the balls are also varied in terms of designs and this will allow you to play with one color in 1 vs. 1 games.
The high gloss finish on the balls will also make them stand out more from the crowd and they also feature a durable resin to ensure that you do have multiple years and hours of play. The set includes everything needed to play a game of bocce ball and the added measuring tape will once again prove to be useful in situations where you find yourself playing against a few stubborn friends.
This set also comes with a stylish carrying case and once you look at the case, you will see that it is not as bulky to carry and will be great to carry for long distances. The case also makes the balls easier to store when not playing.
We highly recommend this set to casual players looking for great durability. Compared to some of the cheaper brands, this bocce ball set will assert itself from the crowd in terms of the design and the durability and it is also easy to use on any surface.
Pros:
- Stylish high-gloss finish
- Extremely durable
- Great for all surfaces
- Easy to carry case
Cons:
- The price might be a little too high for some casual players
5. Triumph Competition Resin Bocce Ball Outdoor Game Set
The Triumph 100mm resin bocce ball set is a no-nonsense set for a very good price. We found the balls did scuff a tiny bit while smashing into other balls, but it only makes sense, and it’s only to the extent they are thrown. One owner had a neighbour chuck one of the balls way up in the air and it landed on a hard, concrete sidewalk. The result? Only a small scuff rather than 6 pieces of hard plastic strewn across the sidewalk!
The balls are 100 mm in size (diameter) with 4 red and 4 black. There’s also a 50mm white jack, and carry bag for storage and transport. The bag is not the best quality, but we like the “decent” quality of the balls for an insanely low price (as of our review, the price is under $40 with an Amazon discount!).
Please note that EVEN THE HIGHEST RATED set on Amazon will have users with their stories of broken/chipped balls and cries that “this is a cheap piece of junk from China”. Here’s the thing! NO MATTER what set we researched, whether “professional” or “premium” quality, super-expensive or whatever, there was always someone who said that the balls chipped or broke shortly after purchase. I think that’s the nature of the beast folks. If you’re throwing solid, hard, very heavy balls at each other from great distances, you WILL CHIP anything eventually – even steel! Nuff said!
Pros:
- Durable (as far as any bocce ball set is concerned)
- Looks nice
- Includes a heavy-duty carry bag
- Very well priced
Cons:
- Lacks a measuring tape
- Can definitely chip (like any, and I mean ANY bocce ball set)
6. SeaTurtle Sports Luxury Beach Bocce Ball Injection Molded Crack and Rust Proof Set
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, but this also substantially increases the overall weight and might not be for some of the weaker players.
The set is not really designed for a normal game of bocce ball and the focus has been placed on the ability to play close to the ocean. The balls are also rust proof and the set includes everything needed to enjoy few games of bocce ball at the ocean. These balls are also a little smoother and when you take the weight into account, you will notice how little the wind can affect the balls on the beach, but we do not recommend playing too close to the water as they are not waterproof.
The balls set is also one of the most expensive you will find, but it is widely regarded as one of the top and unique set you could buy to enjoy the outdoors to the fullest, especially at the beach. The travel case is also stylishly designed and will hold everything that you need to play, which will certainly make this set very easy to travel with.
Pros:
- Unique design
- Rustproof
- Adds a new dimension to the game
- Extremely durable
Cons:
- Really expensive
- Really heavy
7. Franklin Sports Bocce Ball Set
Last, but certainly not least, we have the Franklin Sports Bocce ball set. This bocce ball set has been designed in different classes and the classes also vary in price with the more expensive class or version of the set, being designed for the pro level players. The set is also extremely colorful and the balls do come in various colors for you to choose from.
The balls have also been carefully molded to make them weatherproof and to ensure that they do not suck up moisture when playing on a wet field and the set will include everything needed to play a game of bocce ball. The bag is also standard and while it might not be as flashy as some of the other bocce ball brands, the bag is still solid and will certainly do its job.
In terms of pricing, it is hard to recommend and the balls will vary in quality with the classical or advanced being the best type. The vintage balls are also quite stylish in design and might let you feel like you are once again playing in the 80s.
Pros:
- Stylish vintage design
- Reasonably durable
- Includes a carry bag
- Quite affordable
- Balls are colorful
Cons:
- Lacks a little in durability and flexibility
How To Choose The Right Bocce Set!
We would like to thank you for reading this article and we do hope that you are ready to gather some friends and get outdoors to enjoy a few games of bocce ball. We do recommend the Baden Champions Bocce Ball Set 107mm & 90mm, Weather Resistant Carrying Case as our number one selection when it comes to playing bocce ball, but you will also find the others quite useful.
We would like you to let us know in the comment section what you thought of our selection and if you think we might have missed any of your favorite bocce ball sets.
