by SmudgeMartens on August 14, 2010

SMUDGEMARTENS 8/14/2010 11:27:45 AM This is such a great deal that I originally thought that the price was a misprint. I was lucky to start playing Petanque with Obut Match competition boules that start at $91 for three or about $30/boule - a set of 8 Play-A-Boule boules is $33 or about $4/boule. I purchased two sets of 8 Play-A-Boules boules for practice (setting up pointing scenarios and shooting drills) and for use with friends and newbies who happen to stop by the Petanaque courts. Although it can be intense and competitive, Petanque is also extremely social so you’ll what to have at least 12 boules on hand to support doublette and triplette play. So what’s the difference between competition boules and these inexpensive Play-A-Boule boules? Competition boules are certified to meet rigorous diameter and weight manufacturing tolerances and the center must be a void (not filled with any other material.) I’ve never sawed a Play-A-Boule boule in half so I don’t know what’s inside, but they throw just fine. I measured my 16 Play-A-Boules boules with calipers and a scale and determined that the diameter varied by about 1.5mm (0.06 inches) and about 3.0 grams (0.1 oz). Well within reasonable recreational standards. However, the grooves are cast into the boule, not etched - so they don’t provide as much tactical feedback as etched competition boules. Be prepared that after a few hours of use the beautiful chrome finish becomes scratched, marred and pock-marked. Most Petanque pistes (courts) are composed of DG (Decomposed Granite) and other course and abrasive rock and sand that tears boules up. This happens even with hard, competition boules and has little effect on performance and accuracy. In fact, roughing up a boule significantly improves the grip. Expect your boules to provide several years of play. Also remember that these balls are carbon steel, not stainless steel - they will rust if stored wet. If you play in wet conditions frequently, always wipe the boules dry and store in a lightly oiled rage. Like the scratches and scarring, many people feel that a little rust improves the grip. The bottom line is that even if you eventually compete and purchase certified boules, this is a still an unbelievably inexpensive introduction to Petanque and you’ll always need spare boules for practice drills and casual play with friends that don’t own their own equipment and to introduce new players to Petanque.

by Anonymous on May 24, 2010

Just received my set. We went straight to the park from the post office & played our first game - more or less following the rules. My husband is legally blind but is able to play with ease. Only downside is zipper on the case which is a double zipper but only works with one side.