Congratulations! You’ve chosen to take up a fun sport that you’ll play for a lifetime, sharing it with family and friends. Now that you’ve made this choice, it’s time to purchase a set of boules, and we can help you choose the right ones for your needs.
It’s generally best to obtain a set of competition boules right from the start. These are made by one of several French manufacturers, and they are marked with the manufacturer’s name, the boule’s model number, its weight, and in some cases, are custom engraved with the player’s name or club name.
As discussed on the Equipment page, there are less expensive leisure boules (for casual picnic play) produced in France, China and elsewhere, and these can be purchased from a variety of sources. These boules are usually (but not always) of legal diameter and weight, but not of surface hardness (sometimes denting easily), may lack required markings to identify the boule’s properties to other players, and they cannot be used in competitions.
The information below is provided to assist you in selecting the right boule for you, which will vary based on your size, preferences, and style of play. Use this information as a guide, but remember to choose a boule that you are happy with.
There are, in fact, thousands of possible combinations of characteristics for a boule. Don’t let this overwhelm you or delay the purchase of your first set, as you’ll quickly adapt to your chosen boule (and should you change sets in the future, you’ll have a spare set to share with a friend or family member).
Diameter
To conform to the official competition standard, a boule must measure between 70.5mm and 80mm in diameter. However, within this range, the size you would need is governed largely by the size of your hand, although Shooters tend to prefer a larger boule and Pointers may prefer a smaller boule. (Please see the FAQ page for explanation of Shooters and Pointers) Too big or too small can affect the control you have over your boule, so choose whatever feels most comfortable in your hand.
Try holding a boule palm down at arms length with little or no help from your thumb, your fingers should wrap just over halfway round the boule and the boule should not slip from your grasp.
If it is slipping it is too big, and if it is too small it will not release cleanly from the fingers and will in both cases affect the direction and distance the boule travels.
If you are not able to try different sizes in person to see what fits best, then here are some general measurements sometimes used when outfitting a player. Open your throwing hand wide, and measure the distance in centimeters between the tip of your thumb and the tip of your middle finger.
Hand Measurement = Common Boule Size:
18 cm or less = 71 mm
19 cm = 72 mm
20 cm = 73 mm
21 cm = 74 mm
21.5 cm = 75 mm
22 cm = 76 mm
22.5 cm = 77 mm
23 cm = 78 mm
23.5 cm = 79 mm
24 cm = 80 mm
Weight
The official standard states that boules must weigh between 650 grams (minimum) and 800 grams (maximum). The trademark of the manufacturer and the weight must be imprinted on the boules and must always be legible. They must not be weighted nor sanded down.
Shooters tend to prefer weights 710 grams and below (650-710). The shooter will often need to throw the full length to strike boule to boule. The weight is critical, 680 grams to 700 grams are usually preferred and the bigger the better.
Pointers tend to prefer weights 710 grams and above (710-800). On a gravel surface a smaller and heavier boule will take a straighter and more consistent path through the variations of the surface. A heavy boule may cause problems in throwing to 10 metres, but the boule can roll some of the way.
Players who wish to shoot and point may wish to consider 680 to 730 grams.
Note: Some loss of weight may occur over time as boules begin to wear during regular play. A boule may not be used in competition if it has lost more than 15 grams from its original weight, or if the markings have worn off. (another good reason not to purchase used boules)
Hardness
The surface of a competition boule is tempered to an exact hardness, measured and reported as kg/mm2. This formula results in a rating between 110 (Very Soft) and 140 (Very Hard) for each model of boule.
A softer boule will rebound less when shooting, giving an improved chance to stay in and take the point after impact. Soft boules mark easily and quickly begin to show scratches and other markings from play. Soft boules used regularly for shooting may gradually develop a textured pattern of tiny indentations, thus shortening the life expectancy of the boule.
A harder boule may roll a bit straighter over rough terrain with pebbles and rocks, and will mark less.
Alloy
Boules must be made of metal, never wood or resin as Bocce balls, but there several metal alloys available to choose from.
Carbon Steel
Carbon Steel boules are susceptible to rust, and should usually be maintained by regular cleaning and oiling. These boules may have matte or colored finishes, and may provide a better grip in the hand.
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel boules come in a variety of surface finishes, and usually do not require maintenance.
Bronze Alloy
A bronze alloy boule will not rust, cannot be picked up using a boule lifter magnet (used by some players to pick up their boules without bending over), and produces a unique tone when struck. However, a bronze boule is also very soft and will dent more easily than a harder steel boule.
Pattern
The pattern of grooves or lines (striation) on the boule affects the grip of the ball in the hand and on the ground. They also help distinguish boules among players.
Many shooters prefer a smooth boule, with few markings, for an easy release from the hand. Many pointers prefer a greater number of lines for grip, and control of spin in the hand and on the ground. The choice here is one of comfort, practicality, and aesthetics.
Below are examples of some of the patterns (and codes) you will find are available for different models of boules. These will differ by manufacturer and model.
Coatings
Some boules are coated with a finish color (such as black, gold, or blue) that will wear off over time. Some are coated to prevent or discourage rust (in some cases when the alloy used is susceptible to rust). Coatings will depend on the model of boule selected.
Engravings
For a slightly higher cost to special order your boules (and a longer wait), they can be engraved with your initials or name at the factory during manufacture. The number of character spaces available is reduced on boules with more lined patterns. If you enjoy the game enough to play long-term (as many do), then this certainly adds a nice personal touch to your boules.
The Pétanque Club of Chattanooga 