Petanque, pronounced "pay-tahnk", one of Europe's most popular outdoor games, is a distant relative of horseshoes, and a first cousin of the Italian 'bocce'. The game originated in Provence in the early 1900's. The aim is to toss, or roll a number of hollow steel balls ("boules") as close as possible to a small wooden target ball, called "but" or "cochonnet" (meaning "piglet" in French). Players take turns and the team that ends up nearest to the target ball when all balls are played, wins. Unlike horseshoes, where the aim stake is fixed, petanques' target ball may be hit at any time, which can completely turn around the score at the last second. And whereas the official bocce rules call for a smooth, prepared court with markers and sideboards, petanque can be played on most outdoor surfaces, without any setup.
No special skill is required, adults can play with children, and the equipment is inexpensive. The game of petanque is simple, relaxing, lots of fun, and a perfect way to make new friends. Last but not least, petanque can be - and usually is - played while enjoying a cool drink (the French will often go for pastis) and some tasty snacks! No wonder this extremely pleasant game is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide.
Petanque Boules and Accessories Suppliers
The basics of Competition Boules
The most important part is that you have a good hold on the boule: 72, 73 & 74 mm correspond to the average hand sizes.
Pointers usually prefer small boules (71/73), on the heavier side (720/730).
Shooters usually prefer bigger boules (74/75), on the lighter side (680/700).
Remember though that 1mm is only 1/25th of an inch, and 10 grams only 1/3 of an ounce, so the differences are small.
Patterns are very much a personal preference.
"Soft" boules play better as they have less rebound. But they may get dented a bit over time.
"Hard" boules last longer.
More about competition requirements at the bottom of this page.
The specifics of Competition Boules
Weight
All weights are in grams (g): 1 ounce is 28 grams.
An average 720 gram ball thus weighs 1 Lb & 9 3/4 oz
Diameter
All diameters are in millimeter (mm): 1 inch is 25.4 mm.
An average 73 mm boule thus has a diameter of 2-7/8"
Pattern
Boules are either plain (like a billiard ball ) or have a pattern in the form of circles engraved in the ball. These patterns may differ from one alloy to the other. They are also called "stripes" and then referred to as 1, 2, 3 or 4 stripes. Stripes enhance friction on the ground, and make it easier to identify your balls.
Official Regulation Size & Weight
Article 2 of the International Rules of Petanque reads as follows:
Petanque is played with boules approved by the Federation and are subject to the following conditions:
a) The boules must be made of metal.
b) The diameter of the boules must be between 70.5 mm. (min) and 80.0 mm (max).
c) The boules must weigh between 650 g. (min) and 800 g. (max). The trademark of the manufacturer and the weight should be engraved on the boules and must be always legible.
d) The boules must not be weighted, sanded down or tampered with in any way, nor changed or modified after production by the Federation approved manufacturer. However the name(s) or initials of the player can be engraved on them.
About Us & Contact
We have been selling Petanque boules & equipment by mail order in the Sabah and Sarawak since Jan 2000. Our goal is to make petanque as popular in the Malaysia as it is in many other countries, one player at a time. Most encouraging is the growing amount of repeat orders, which proves that our boules do not end up in garages or attics as a fad, but are enjoyed by friends, family and neighbors as well, who in turn want their own set of boules. We will do whatever we can to help, advise and accommodate you.Don't hesitate to call us for any queries you may have. If we are not immediately available, do leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.
SARAWAK BRANCH;
George Aiman Milin
D/A ANGKASA Cawangan Sarawak
No.19 Jalan Kulas
93400 Kuching Sarawak
Tel: 082-239406 / 019-8884070
Fax: 082-236390
Email: gm_aiman@yahoo.com
SABAH BRANCH;
Antony Barubui
D/A ANGKASA Cawangan Sabah
Lot 13, Lorong Grace Square 1, Sembulan
88100 Kota Kinabalu Sabah
Tel: 088-258190 / 013-5551010
Fax: 088-250266
Email: a_gura70@yahoo.com