Ladderball, also known as ladder toss, is a staple of backyard barbecues, tailgate parties, and family gatherings. Its simple rules and competitive fun make it a perfect game for players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re aiming for a ringer on the top rung or strategizing to knock off your opponent’s bolas, it provides hours of engaging entertainment.
With so many sets on the market, choosing the right one can be tricky. The best ladderball set for you depends on factors like durability, portability, and where you plan to play. This roundup features nine top-rated options, from heavy-duty steel constructions to lightweight PVC sets perfect for travel, to help you find the ideal game for your next event.
Our Top Picks for Ladderball Sets
- GoSports Premium Metal Ladder Toss Game Set
- Win SPORTS Indoor Ladder Ball Toss Game
- Sports Festival Metal Ladder Ball Game Set
- Amazon Basics Ladder Toss Game Set
- GoSports Ladder Toss Game Set – Perfect Holiday Gift
- GoSports Premium Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set
- EastPoint Sports Go! Gater Premium Steel Ladderball Set
- GoSports Indoor/Outdoor Ladder Toss Game Set
- Franklin Sports Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set
GoSports Premium Metal Ladder Toss Game Set
For those seeking maximum durability, the GoSports Premium Metal Set is a standout choice. Its frame is constructed from solid, powder-coated steel, designed to withstand years of active play in any outdoor environment. This robust build ensures the ladders remain stable and upright during intense gameplay.
The set includes six bolos made from soft rubber, which are safe for both indoor and outdoor use. The thick connecting strings are specifically designed to resist tangling, keeping the game flowing smoothly. Complete with a premium carrying case, this set is built to last and is an excellent investment for frequent players.
Win SPORTS Indoor Ladder Ball Toss Game
This Win SPORTS set is a versatile option that performs well indoors and out. The plastic ladders are sturdy and feature convenient score trackers on the side, making it easy to keep track of points during friendly competition. The weighted bolos have thick ropes to prevent tangling, and the entire set packs neatly into a nylon carry bag with a shoulder strap.
Setup is quick and simple thanks to partially pre-assembled targets. Its design is particularly considerate for indoor play, as the bolos are less likely to cause damage to walls or furniture. This makes it a great year-round game for family rooms, basements, or garages when the weather turns.
Sports Festival Metal Ladder Ball Game Set
The Sports Festival set focuses on quick setup and reliable stability. It uses a telescopic and snap-joint design, allowing you to assemble or break down the entire game in about two minutes. The PVC targets are durable, and the bases can be filled with sand for added weight, preventing them from tipping over in windy conditions or during spirited play.
Weighing less than eight pounds and packing into a compact carrying case, this set is highly portable. It’s an ideal choice for picnics, camping trips, or taking to the beach, where easy transport and fast setup are major advantages.
Amazon Basics Ladder Toss Game Set
As an Amazon Basics product, this set delivers straightforward value and functionality. It includes all the essential components: two ladder-shaped targets made from PVC piping and six bolos (three red, three blue). The design is simple, effective, and easy for anyone to learn.
This is a no-frills option that provides classic ladder toss fun at a very accessible point. It’s a solid choice for casual players, beginners, or anyone who wants a reliable game without extra features. The set gets you playing quickly with a familiar and proven design.
GoSports Ladder Toss Game Set – Perfect Holiday Gift
This GoSports Pro set is built with reinforced PVC for enhanced durability and a modern aesthetic. It’s designed to withstand active gameplay, making it a reliable choice for frequent use at parties and events. The set is noted for being a highly regarded gift option due to its sturdy construction and broad appeal.
Complete with six soft rubber bolo balls and a travel carrying case, it’s ready for any social occasion. Whether it’s a tailgate, family reunion, or holiday gathering, this set is built to be a centerpiece of fun and friendly competition for kids and adults alike.
GoSports Premium Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set
As a best-selling ladder toss set, this GoSports Premium version emphasizes quality and convenience. The PVC targets come pre-glued, which reduces assembly time to under two minutes—a significant advantage over sets that require more complex construction. The ladders also include integrated score trackers.
The full set comes with two targets, six golf ball bolos, a carrying case, and rules. Its popularity is driven by a strong balance of durable materials, thoughtful design, and user-friendly setup, making it a consistently reliable pick for most buyers.
EastPoint Sports Go! Gater Premium Steel Ladderball Set
The EastPoint Sports Go! Gater set features a sturdy steel construction that promises long-term durability. A key highlight is its built-in slide scoring system, which provides a clear and physical way to track points for each team, eliminating any score disputes.
It includes two steel ladder targets, six soft-touch weighted bolos in yellow and green, and a rules handbook. The game is easy to learn for all skill levels, following the familiar objective of being the first to score 21 points by tossing bolos onto the ladder rungs.
GoSports Indoor/Outdoor Ladder Toss Game Set
This GoSports set is specifically designed with versatility in mind. It comes with soft rubber bolos that are kid-friendly and suitable for indoor use, so you can play regardless of the weather. The extra-thick bolo ropes are again engineered to prevent frustrating tangles.
Like other GoSports sets, the PVC targets are pre-glued for assembly in under two minutes. With two targets featuring score trackers, six bolos, a carrying case, and rules, it provides a complete package that easily transitions from a backyard lawn to a basement rec room.
Franklin Sports Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set
Franklin Sports is a trusted name in recreational games, and their ladder toss set is a popular choice for family fun. While specific features for this model are not listed in detail, Franklin Sports products are generally known for good value, durability, and straightforward design meant for outdoor use.
You can expect a complete set that includes the necessary ladders and bolos to get a game started quickly. For those who recognize and prefer the Franklin Sports brand for their lawn games, this set is a reliable contender worth considering for your collection.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Ladderball Set
I’ve spent a lot of afternoons playing ladderball in my backyard, and I can tell you that not all sets are created equal. If you’re looking at the 9 best ladderball sets you can buy, you need to know what separates a great set from one that will fall apart after a few games. The first thing I always check is the build material. PVC sets are common, affordable, and lightweight, making them easy to move around. However, for something that feels more solid and will last for years, look for sets made from sturdy steel or heavy-duty plastic. The joints, especially where the ladder rungs connect to the poles, should feel secure and not wobble easily.
Next, consider the bolas—the two golf balls connected by a rope. This is where quality really shows. The balls should be made of a durable, solid rubber or plastic that can take a beating on concrete or grass. I avoid sets with hollow, brittle plastic balls that can crack. The connecting cord is just as important; it should be a strong nylon rope, securely knotted inside each ball. Cheap, thin string will snap, and then you’re left with a useless set. Some premium sets even use a molded, one-piece bola design, which is virtually indestructible.
Portability and setup are huge factors for me. A good set should break down into compact pieces without needing any tools. Many use a simple push-button or slide-lock system for the ladder rungs, which lets you set up or pack away the game in under two minutes. If you plan to take it to the beach, a park, or tailgates, a carrying bag is a must-have feature. It keeps everything together and makes transport a breeze. Finally, don’t forget the official rules! A proper set should include a clear rule sheet, as scoring can confuse new players. By focusing on these key areas—sturdy construction, quality bolas, easy portability, and clear instructions—you’ll find a set that provides endless fun without any frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the official ladderball rules and how do you score?
While house rules are common, the official way to play is pretty straightforward. You set the two ladders about 15 feet apart (though many sets suggest a shorter “kids” distance). Each player or team gets three bolas. You take turns tossing all three, aiming to wrap them around the ladder rungs. The top rung is worth 3 points, the middle is 2, and the bottom is 1. The trick is that you can cancel out your opponent’s score. If I score 5 points in a round and you score 3, only my 2-point difference is added to my total. The first player or team to reach exactly 21 points wins, but if you go over, your score drops back down to what it was before that round.
Can you play ladderball on any surface?
You can play on most surfaces, but some are better than others. Short, flat grass is the classic and most forgiving surface. Hard-packed sand at the beach works well too. I’d be cautious on very hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. While the game is durable, repeatedly slamming bolas on pavement will wear down the balls and ropes much faster. It also makes the bolas bounce and roll away more, which means you’ll be chasing them a lot. If you do play on a hard surface, look for one of the 9 best ladderball sets you can buy that specifically mentions durable, all-weather materials designed for that kind of use.
Are ladderball sets safe for kids to play with?
Generally, yes, ladderball is a very family-safe game. The bolas are soft and lightweight, posing little risk of injury. The main thing to watch for is the swinging motion—make sure kids have enough space so they don’t accidentally hit someone next to them during their toss. For younger children, you can easily shorten the throwing distance to make the game more fun and achievable for them. Always supervise very small children, as the balls could be a choking hazard if they were to somehow break apart, though this is rare with quality sets.
What’s the best way to store a ladderball set?
To make your set last, proper storage is key. If it comes with a carrying bag, always break it down and put all the pieces back in the bag. This prevents loss and protects the components. Store it in a garage, shed, or closet, out of direct sunlight and away from extreme dampness. Prolonged sun exposure can make plastic brittle and fade colors, while constant moisture can weaken ropes and cause metal to rust. Taking that extra minute to pack it away neatly will ensure it’s ready to go for your next barbecue or family gathering.