How much does a bocce ball weigh? Is this something you even need to know? The answer is yes because it matters when choosing the right bocce ball set.
Regulation bocce balls weigh 2lbs (920 grams) and are 4.2 inches (107mm) in diameter. The pallino ball will be smaller in dimension but there is no standard weight assigned to a pallino. Bocce balls can be made from several different materials including wood, metal, plastic, or resin which all affect the weight of the balls.
Bocce balls were traditionally made from wood when the game was first developed. Now different materials are used, and this impacts the weight.
Depending on the surface you play on, you will use different bocce balls. For example, playing indoors or at the beach typically involves softer balls.
For more information on where to play bocce ball, check out my article What Is Bocce Ball Played On.
The material used for the bocce balls will influence play as well as longevity. Since materials will warp over time. Since the game of bocce ball relies heavily on aiming a ball and straight rolling, any warped balls is going to mess up everything.
Our guide will take you through the different types of bocce balls you can get, so you can learn which size and weight is best for you to win with.
A standard set of bocce balls will consist of eight colored balls. They traditionally are red and green, four balls of each color. These two colors are not suited for color blind individuals, so other colors have now become available.
Each of these 8 balls are to be the same width, and weight. The set will also contain a smaller white ball, the pallino. This will be made of the same material usually but will be smaller and lighter.
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How Heavy Is A Bocce Ball
Regulation bocce balls need to weigh 2lbs each. This is the weight that is designated to allow for perfect and powerful throws. There are lighter balls available in non-regulation sets.
You can also find lighter balls in cheaper sets as they will be made from material other than solid resin. These lighter balls are better suited for children and seniors as they are easier to hold.
The pallino ball will be smaller in dimensions but there is no standard weight assigned to a pallino. It is not as important as the balls used in play, so regulations do not apply as strictly to the pallino. It simply must be smaller and colored white.
Because bocce ball developed in Europe, specifically Italy, there are different European versions of the game too. Volo and Raffa are sanctioned sports similar to bocce ball. It is important to know the difference, so you don’t get the wrong set of balls for the game you are trying to play.
- Volo: This is the most traditional form of bocce ball but is still practiced in tournaments today. Regulation Volo balls must be made from metal and will weigh between 2 and 2.5 lbs.
- Raffa: This is a newer form of bocce ball played with synthetic material and the game is also played on a synthetic surface. The balls will weigh 2 lbs like standard bocce balls but will be made from high-grade plastic instead of resin or wood. These are usually more expensive than standard bocce ball sets.
The French game of Pentanque is also similar to bocce ball, and you may come across these balls when you are shopping for a set. Pentanque balls are typically silver and will weigh 1.3 to 1.7 lbs.
Croquet balls are also similar to bocce balls, although the game is played much differently. Croquet balls will be a similar size, but will be lighter, typically weighing between 1 and 1.5 lbs.
What Are Bocce Balls Made Of
Bocce balls can be made from several materials. Most commonly you will find sets with balls made from metal, plastic, or resin. The material determines the price, longevity, and playability as well as the weight and appearance.
Bocce balls used to be made from wood, but they are now usually made from solid resin. This makes them more durable and better quality. You can still find wooden balls too as well as cheaper sets that are made from plastic or recycled material.
Some indoor bocce ball sets and beach sets are also made from different materials. Materials other than resin are not as durable and will have their own weight.
Bocce balls are most often made from resin. They are made by suspending a foam core within a mold of the ball and resin is poured around the mold. Once it has cooled, the ball is sanded, painted, and finally polished.
Resin is preferred in professional settings over wood, metal or plastic, because it can be made more uniformly. This allows for more accuracy in playing.
- Metal Bocce Balls look and feel the best and they are super durable. They are also more expensive. Stainless steel is the best metal to go with as it will not rust.
- Plastic Bocce Balls are cheaper and lighter. They are designed for more casual play rather than professional. Children and those learning to play the game can benefit from plastic balls as they are inexpensive. They are not well balanced however, so play will not be accurate.
- Solid Resin Bocce Balls are the most commonly used material today. They are heavier in weight than plastic, balanced for accurate play, and cheaper than metal balls. They are also very durable making them a preferred option over most other materials.
- Wood Bocce Balls were the traditional choice and can still be found in sets today. Wood is durable but needs to be painted and coated to prevent splitting. Wood bocce balls can also be expensive but are great for those who want a professional and unique set.
What Size Are Bocce Balls
The size of bocce balls can vary from place to place and set to set. The size can range from 75mm to 109mm. Some are even higher than that measuring 115mm.
That is within the regulations although not typically the standard size that people use. The bigger sizes are better for larger hands.
Standard sizes that are around 100mm will fit most people. If you have smaller or larger hands, you may want to look for a different size to make play more comfortable. If you cannot grip the ball properly, your game will not be accurate.
The grip matters when playing bocce ball as you need to be able to control the way the ball is thrown. Therefore, you need to find a size that works best for you, even if it is not the standard size for regulation play.
Remember regulations allow as small as 75mm and as big as 115mm, so you can play a tournament with any size that falls between these two.
What Is Official Bocce Ball Size
Regulation size bocce balls must measure between 100mm and 115mm in diameter. Most commonly used for professional play are bocce balls of dimension 107mm.
Standard regulations for a pallino ball deem it must be between 40mm and 60mm in diameter. 50mm is more commonly seen as the average in the United States, whereas other countries use a pallino that is 40mm.
What Size Bocce Balls Should I Get
Standard bocce balls are around 107mm in diameter, so this is the size to look for when buying a bocce ball set. You may want to get slightly smaller to accommodate smaller hands but going below 100mm is not a good idea.
This can get you into lighter balls that may not be as easy to control when playing. Lighter balls can also be easily knocked out of the way by the opposing team.
GoSports offers an affordable and reliable set with balls measuring 100mm and weighing 2 lbs each. The set also comes with a measuring rope to help you accurately score each game.
- OFFICIAL SIZE: Complete Set of 100mm (3.94 in) Bocce Balls (4 Green + 4 Red with circle and square markings)
- CANVAS BOCCE BAG: Includes durable canvas carrying case with ball dividers and shoulder strap for easy portability and storage
- REGULATION MARKINGS: 8 high gloss balls with 4 red (2 square cut, 2 circle cut) and 4 green (2 square cut, 2 circle cut) and 45 mm white pallino
- PREMIUM RESIN: Compare against other low quality brands that use cheap resin leading to cloudy finishes
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These balls are made from durable resin and come in the classic red and green colors. For an affordable price you get a great bocce ball set that will last a lifetime. You also get a carrying case, so you can take the game anywhere and never have to worry about losing anything.
For a slightly more professional set, St. Pierre Sport offers tournament-grade balls perfect for competitive individuals. The solid resin balls measure 100mm in diameter and weigh 2 lbs, meeting all regulation requirements.
You will feel and look like a professional with the carrying case, and uniquely striped balls. Coming in red and blue with a yellow pallino, you get a unique set to set you apart from the traditional players.
You will pay a little more for this set, but everyone will definitely know you are a pro.
- High-Quality Solid All-Resin Balls
- Manufactured to Tournament Grade Standards
- Precision Roundness and Balance
- Ideal for Families Backyards Beaches and Serious Competitions
- 100mm bocce balls (4 red 4 blue) 50mm pallino rulebook and 600D Nylon Carry Bag
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When you need a lighter set for kids or beginners, Hey!Play! has the best set and carrying case. The plastic balls are lightweight and filled with water to give them additional weight.
Each ball may not end up being exactly the same weight which can play problematic. But this set is still a great way to learn the basics of the games and develop a playing style.
- FUN OUTDOOR GAME - Bocce Ball is the ultimate leisure game and is best played on outdoor surfaces such as a lawn, sand, or dirt. It is the perfect activity to get kids get outside and exercising, while also developing their hand-eye coordination.
- GREAT FOR KIDS AND BEGINNERS - With bocce balls that are lighter, easier, and safer to toss than a standard set, the Hey! Play! Bocce set is ideal for kids or beginners to use to learn and play this classic game.
- QUALITY MATERIAL - This beginning set is made with high quality, durable plastic for long-lasting fun, year after year!
- COMPLETE SET - This Hey! Play! set comes with everything you need to play this exciting game. It includes 8 water-filled balls in blue, red, yellow, and green, one white pallino ball and a convenient plastic carrying case.
- PRODUCT DETAILS - Includes 8 balls (2 blue, 2 red, 2 green, 2 yellow), 1 pallino that is 1.25" in diameter, and plastic carrying case. Balls are 2.875" in diameter and weigh .45 pounds.
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How To Carry Heavy Bocce Balls
Most bocce ball sets you buy will come with a carrying case. If you have an old set that does not, or need a replacement carrying bag, you can get them on Amazon for a reasonable price.
You want a carrying case that is lightweight yet durable as the weight of all 8 balls is 16 lbs. A nylon bag will be best and can keep your balls safe as well as portable in case you need to take your game on the road.
Another item to consider include a bocce ball retriever. The game may be fun but collecting all the balls for the next frame is not. A ball retriever makes the job easy, moving up to 4 balls at a time.
Amazon has a great bocce ball retriever that is lightweight and durable. You want to have this handy for any game, because picking up balls after each frame will definitely kill the vibe.
- WORLD’S lightest and quickest MULTIPLE bocce ball retriever
- Weighs under ONE pound - 6 oz.
- Pick up as many as 2 large bocce balls and a pallino
- Retrieves 2 bocce balls in 4 SECONDS OR LESS
- Allows you to push a 4th bocce ball with the weight of 3 balls in the scoops
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Helpful Tips To Find The Right Bocce Ball Set
As you can see the materials will vary for bocce balls, but the weight should be pretty standard. Depending on what your goals are, you need to find the best bocce ball set for your budget.
Materials like wood and metal will be pricier but the balls will be heavier. If you want cheap and light, you will choose plastic balls.
A few tips to help you get the right bocce balls:
- Keep in mind who will be using them. Children and seniors may require lighter balls which of course will also be lighter. You may also need to choose specific colors for children or those with vision impairments.
- Keep your hand size in mind. Bocce balls can range from 75mm to 115mm, so find the size that works best for your hand. If you have people of different ages and sizes playing, stick with an average size ball which is around 100mm.
- Consider how long you want the set to last for. The material used for the balls affects the weight as well as the longevity of the balls. If you want a set for the kids to learn with, lightweight, plastic balls are the way to go. You will want to spend more money and choose more durable materials like resin for a set you plan on keeping.
Final Thoughts
Bocce ball is a game your family can enjoy forever. It is a timeless classic. Bocce ball sets now come in all materials and colors, giving this classic game the makeover for today’s generations.
When it comes to the weight of bocce balls, you need to consider how much does a bocce ball weigh. You want a weight that is heavy enough but not too heavy.
The regulation weight of 2lbs is fair as this is easy to hold and easy to control as you throw it into play.
The material of bocce balls you choose will influence the final weight, but when you stick with the commonly used materials like resin, you can be assured of a durable, affordable and perfectly weighted ball. This way you can always play a perfectly bowled game.