Pallino size is one of those bocce specifications that most casual players never think about and most serious players get specific about. The three most common pallino sizes are 57mm, 60mm, and 63mm. Each fits a different bocce ball size, court surface, and play context. This guide compares the three sizes head to head, explains which ball sets pair with each pallino, and gives you the practical pick for your setup in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- 57mm pallinos pair with 100 mm and smaller bocce ball sets.
- 60mm pallinos are the most common regulation size for 107 mm tournament play.
- 63mm pallinos suit larger 110 mm and 114 mm backyard ball sets.
- The pallino should be visibly smaller than the bocce balls but not lost in long grass.
- The FIB regulation range covers all three sizes.
Why Pallino Size Matters
The pallino is the target ball in every bocce frame. Its size matters for two reasons. First, visibility. A pallino too small can disappear in long grass or against a busy court surface. A pallino too large blends with the bocce balls themselves and complicates judging close frames. Second, proportion. The pallino should look visibly different from the bocce balls so players can quickly distinguish target from competitor on the court. The Federazione Italiana Bocce regulation permits 48 to 63 mm pallinos for tournament 107 mm bocce play.
57mm Pallino: For Smaller Ball Sets
The 57mm pallino is the right size for bocce sets under 107 mm. Compact 100 mm sets and historical European sets in the 95 to 100 mm range pair naturally with the 57mm pallino. The smaller pallino keeps the visual proportion between target and ball consistent. For 107 mm regulation play, the 57mm pallino sits at the small end of the legal range and works but is not the most common choice.
60mm Pallino: The Regulation Standard
The 60mm pallino is the most common size for 107 mm tournament bocce play. The proportion between target and ball reads cleanly across regulation court conditions. The size is large enough to remain visible on packed clay, oyster shell, or short grass. The United States Bocce Federation sanctioned league play uses the 60mm pallino as the default at most US tournaments.
Regulation EPCO Pallino in Yellow
Best for: 107 mm regulation tournament play. The 60mm yellow EPCO pallino is the most common configuration at US sanctioned league venues.
63mm Pallino: For Larger Ball Sets
The 63mm pallino pairs with 110 mm and 114 mm backyard ball sets. The slightly larger pallino keeps the proportional relationship to the larger balls. Larger backyard sets are most often used on grass yards where the wider grass blades can partially obscure smaller pallinos, and the 63mm size addresses that visibility issue. Wirecutter coverage of recreational outdoor equipment consistently positions visibility as a meaningful selection factor for casual play.
Regulation EPCO Pallino in Red
Best for: backyard 110 mm or 114 mm sets played on grass. Red contrasts cleanly with green turf at the larger 63mm size.
How to Choose by Ball Size
The practical rule: match the pallino to the bocce ball size you actually own. For 107 mm regulation tournament sets, choose 60mm. For 110 mm or 114 mm backyard sets, choose 63mm. For 73 mm metal pétanque sets, the target ball is called a wooden jack rather than a pallino and is around 30 mm. The 57mm pallino is rare in 2026 US use but appears in some imported European sets.
For households with multiple bocce sets in different sizes, owning multiple pallinos in matching sizes simplifies play. Coverage of bocce in Britannica traces the long tradition of size-matched equipment in the game.
Color and Material at Each Size
Pallino color and material specifications stay consistent across the three sizes. The standard colors (yellow, red, white, orange) are available across all three sizes. The standard materials (hard plastic and phenolic resin) cover all three sizes. The choice across sizes does not affect color or material decisions, which depend on court surface and bocce set colorway.
Regulation EPCO Pallino in White
Best for: packed clay or oyster shell courts where white reads cleanly against the lighter surface. Available across all three regulation sizes.
Replacement Pallinos by Size
Replacement pallinos in single-color packs and mixed-color packs are available across the three regulation sizes. When ordering replacements, match the size to the ball set you own. A 60mm pallino in a household using 114 mm backyard sets will be undersized for the visual proportion buyers expect. A 63mm pallino in a household using 107 mm tournament sets will be slightly oversized but still tournament-legal.
Why Buy Sized Pallinos from BuyBocceBalls
We carry regulation pallinos across the standard sizes and color range. Every pallino ships from our US warehouse in one to two business days. For league coordinators outfitting multiple sets, bulk pricing is available. Engraved pallinos in all three sizes are completed in-house at our US facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pallino should I buy?
60mm for 107 mm regulation tournament play. 63mm for 110 mm or 114 mm backyard sets. 57mm for compact 100 mm or smaller sets.
What is the regulation pallino size?
The FIB regulation permits 48 to 63 mm pallinos for tournament 107 mm bocce play. 60mm is the most common.
Does pallino size affect play?
Only marginally. The proportional relationship between pallino and ball is the main visual difference. Roll behavior is unaffected.
Can I use a 63mm pallino with a 107 mm bocce set?
Yes. The 63mm size sits at the upper end of the FIB regulation range and is tournament-legal for 107 mm play.
What pallino size pairs with 73 mm metal pétanque sets?
None. Pétanque uses a smaller target ball called a cochonnet or wooden jack, typically around 30 mm.
