Few backyard games strike the balance between relaxing and competitive quite like bocce. You do not need to be athletic or a huge lawn, and everyone from grandparents to grade schoolers can pick it up in about thirty seconds. Roll the little target ball, called the pallino, out onto the grass, then take turns rolling your heavier balls as close to it as you can. That simple premise has kept bocce popular from Italian piazzas to American cookouts for generations.
The catch is that not all bocce sets are built the same. Regulation sets use 107mm balls, though most quality backyard sets land at a very playable 100mm, while casual and kids sets shrink down to 90mm or smaller. Material matters too. Premium polyresin holds up to weather, wood feels traditional but wants a little care, and softer plastic is friendlier for young kids and paved surfaces. A good set also includes a pallino, eight color-coded balls in two clear patterns, a measuring rope for close calls, and ideally a carry case.
We dug into specs and owner feedback across the most popular sets to sort the durable from the disposable. Whether you want a tournament-ready set for the patio or a light-up version for after dark, there is an option below for you. And if you are building out a whole evening of outdoor fun, pair your new set with our roundup of backyard party ideas to keep the good times rolling well past sundown.
Our Quick Picks
- Best For Most People: GoSports 100mm Regulation Bocce Set, a near-regulation polyresin set with a case and measuring rope that covers casual and serious play.
- Best Premium Feel: GoSports 100mm Hardwood Bocce Set, solid varnished wood balls for players who want that classic look and heft.
- Best For Night Play: GoSports LED Bocce Ball Game Set, light-up balls that keep the game going after sunset.
- Best Budget Pick: GoSports 90mm Composite Bocce Ball Set, a lighter, smaller set that keeps the price friendly.
- Best For Families and Kids: GoSports Backyard Bocce Set, offered in soft and classic resin options that suit smaller hands.
- Best Name-Brand Value: Franklin Sports Intermediate 100mm Bocce Set, a widely available set that hits the sweet spot of size and price.
All 6 Bocce Sets at a Glance
| Product | Ball Size | Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoSports 100mm Regulation Bocce Set | 100mm | Polyresin | Most people, all-around play |
| GoSports 100mm Hardwood Bocce Set | 100mm | Solid wood | Traditional, premium feel |
| GoSports LED Bocce Ball Game Set | 100mm (85mm option) | LED-lit resin | Night and evening play |
| GoSports 90mm Composite Bocce Ball Set | 90mm | Composite | Budget and casual play |
| GoSports Backyard Bocce Set | 100mm | Soft or classic resin | Families and kids |
| Franklin Sports Intermediate 100mm Bocce Set | 100mm | Molded resin | Name-brand value |
The 6 Best Bocce Ball Sets, Reviewed
The GoSports 100mm Regulation Set is the one we would hand to almost anyone
This is the set that keeps showing up in backyards for good reason. The 100mm polyresin balls sit just under true regulation 107mm size, which means the game feels authentic without the extra bulk and cost of tournament balls. You get eight balls split into four red and four green, with each color offered in two cut patterns so partners can tell their throws apart at a glance. A 45mm pallino, a measuring rope, and a canvas carry case with a shoulder strap round it out, so this genuinely is a complete kit rather than just a bag of balls.
Owners consistently praise the high-gloss finish and the reassuring weight, with each ball coming in right around two pounds. That heft makes for a satisfying roll on grass, though it is worth keeping in mind if young kids will be playing.
Pros
- Near-regulation size and weight
- Durable polyresin build
- Complete kit with case
- Includes measuring rope
Cons
- Heavy for young kids
- Higher casual price
The verdict: Buy it if you want one do-it-all set that handles casual games and serious matches alike. Skip it if your main players are small children who will struggle with the weight.
The GoSports Hardwood Set brings classic wood feel to the backyard
If you love the traditional look of bocce, wood balls are hard to beat. This GoSports set uses solid natural hardwood balls at 100mm with a varnished finish and hand-painted striping in four colors, so it looks the part on any lawn or patio. You still get eight balls, a 40mm pallino, a measuring device, and a canvas carry case with a shoulder strap, so it is every bit as complete as the resin version.
The big difference is feel. At around 12 ounces per ball, these are noticeably lighter than the two-pound resin set, which many casual players prefer for a gentler roll. The tradeoff is that wood wants more care, and should be dried off and stored out of prolonged damp to keep the finish sharp.
Pros
- Handsome natural wood
- Manageable 12-ounce weight
- Complete kit with case
- Classic traditional look
Cons
- Needs to stay dry
- Lighter than regulation roll
The verdict: Buy it if you want that classic wood look and a lighter roll. Skip it if your set will live outdoors year-round or take a lot of abuse from kids.
The GoSports LED Set keeps the game going long after dark
This LED set means the game does not have to end just because the sun went down. Each of the eight balls houses an ultra-bright battery-powered LED in four glowing colors, two red, two yellow, two green, and two blue, plus a light-up pallino. A twist-off cap tool makes swapping batteries easy, and it all packs into a durable canvas case. You can choose between 100mm and 85mm ball sizes.
Owners love these for evening cookouts, camping, and pool parties, where the glowing balls are easy to track across a dark yard. Just remember the electronics inside mean you should treat them more gently than solid resin and keep them out of standing water.
Pros
- Bright easy-to-see LEDs
- Color for every player
- Battery tool included
- Two ball size options
Cons
- Priciest set here
- Electronics need extra care
The verdict: Buy it if you host evening gatherings and want a game that shines after sunset. Skip it if you only ever play in daylight and want to save some money.
The GoSports 90mm Composite Set is the easy budget entry point
Not everyone needs a two-pound regulation ball, and this composite set proves it. At 90mm, the balls are a step down in size and weight from the flagship set, which keeps the price low and makes them easier for more players to roll comfortably. You still get the full eight color-coded balls plus a pallino, so the game plays the way it should.
This is the set we would point casual players toward when the goal is simple weekend fun. The smaller composite balls suit mixed-age groups where a lighter roll is welcome, and they travel well to the park or campsite.
Pros
- Wallet-friendly price
- Lighter 90mm size
- Easy for more players
- Complete eight-ball set
Cons
- Less authoritative roll
- Not true regulation feel
The verdict: Buy it if you want an affordable, easy-rolling set for casual backyard play. Skip it if you are chasing a true regulation experience.
The GoSports Backyard Set is the friendliest choice for families
This flexible line lets you choose the ball style that fits your household, with classic resin, softer balls, and even a light-up option available. The soft version is the standout for families, because gentler balls are safer around young kids and kinder to bare feet, decks, and pavers. Like the other GoSports sets, it includes eight balls, a pallino, a measuring rope, and a canvas carry case, so it stays organized between games.
We like that one product family covers several needs. Grab the soft set for the kids, or step up to classic resin as they grow into a firmer roll, all in the same complete, easy-to-store package.
Pros
- Multiple ball styles
- Family-friendly soft option
- Safer for young kids
- Complete kit with case
Cons
- Check variant before buying
- Soft balls roll lighter
The verdict: Buy it if you want a set kids can safely enjoy and the flexibility to pick your ball style. Skip it if you specifically want a heavy regulation roll for competitive adults.
The Franklin Sports Intermediate 100mm Set is a dependable name-brand value
Franklin Sports has been making backyard game gear for decades, and this intermediate set is an easy, widely available pick. The molded balls come in at 100mm, the same size class as our top overall pick, so the game feels satisfying and true without stepping all the way up to premium pricing. You get eight balls in two colors with distinguishing patterns plus a pallino, everything you need to start a match.
This is the set to reach for when you want a trusted brand at a friendly price without every premium extra. It is a great first bocce set for a household that is still deciding how often it will play.
Pros
- Recognized trusted brand
- Full 100mm ball size
- Friendly value price
Cons
- Basic finish and storage
- No case or rope
The verdict: Buy it if you want a proven brand at an approachable price. Skip it if you want the plushest case and accessories or true regulation weight.
How to Choose the Right Bocce Ball Set
Regulation size versus recreational size
True regulation bocce balls measure 107mm, but the vast majority of excellent backyard sets use 100mm balls that play almost identically while costing less and weighing a little less. Step down to 90mm or smaller and you enter casual and kids territory, where lighter balls are easier to roll but do not carry the same authority across a lawn. If you want your set to feel like the real thing for adults, aim for 100mm or larger. If comfort and price matter more than authenticity, a smaller recreational size is a smart trade.
Ball material and durability
Material shapes both feel and longevity. Polyresin is our default recommendation for backyards because it shrugs off weather, resists chipping, and delivers a heavy, consistent roll. Solid wood looks beautiful and rolls a touch lighter, but it needs to be dried and stored indoors to keep its finish. Softer plastic and composite balls are the most forgiving for kids and hard surfaces, though they sacrifice the dense, satisfying weight that makes bocce feel serious. Match the material to where and with whom you will play most.
Players, playing surface, and extras
Think about who is rolling and where. Heavy 100mm resin balls reward adults on grass or a court, while lighter or soft balls are better for young kids, patios, and pavers where a two-pound ball could hurt a toe. Bocce plays fine on grass, gravel, sand, or hardpack, though shorter, level grass gives the most predictable roll. Finally, weigh the extras. A measuring rope settles close calls, and a sturdy carry case keeps all nine balls together so your set survives more than one summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size bocce balls should I buy
For adults who want an authentic game, 100mm balls hit the sweet spot, playing nearly like true 107mm regulation balls at a friendlier size and price. For kids or casual mixed-age play, 90mm or smaller sets are lighter and easier to handle. If you are unsure, 100mm is the most versatile choice.
How many balls come in a bocce set
A standard bocce set includes eight larger balls plus one smaller target ball called the pallino, for nine total. The eight split into two colors of four, and each color usually comes in two patterns so partners can tell their throws apart. Every set on our list follows this format.
Can you play bocce on grass
Absolutely. Grass is the most common backyard surface for bocce, and shorter, level grass gives the most predictable roll. You can also play on gravel, sand, dirt, or a hardpack court. Longer grass slows the balls and adds unpredictability, so trim the lawn if you want a faster game.
Are wood or resin bocce balls better
It depends on your priorities. Resin balls are more weather resistant and low maintenance, which makes them our pick for most backyards. Wood balls offer a classic look and a lighter roll many casual players enjoy, but they need to be kept dry and stored indoors to last.
Do bocce sets come with a carry case
Many do, but not all. The premium GoSports sets include a durable canvas carry case with a shoulder strap plus a measuring rope, which we consider worth the extra cost for keeping everything together. Budget and intermediate sets sometimes ship in a simpler box or bag, so check the listing if a proper case matters to you.
Our Pick for Most People
If you just want one set that does everything well, we would hand almost anyone the GoSports 100mm Regulation Bocce Set. Its near-regulation size and weight make casual games feel authentic and competitive matches feel legitimate, the polyresin build holds up to weather, and the included measuring rope and canvas carry case mean you are ready to play the day it arrives. Families with young kids may prefer the lighter soft or 90mm composite options, and anyone who loves evening gatherings should look hard at the LED set. But for the widest range of players and backyards, the 100mm Regulation set is the one we would put on the lawn first.
Last update on 2026-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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