Why Choosing the Right Bowl Matters
Your bowls are the single most important piece of equipment in your game. Too heavy and you'll struggle to control your delivery; too narrow a bias and you'll fight the conditions on a slow green. Getting the right combination of size, weight, and bias gives you a platform to develop your technique without fighting your equipment.
Understanding Bias
Bias is the built-in curve a bowl follows as it decelerates. It's created by the asymmetrical shape of the bowl — one side is slightly flattened. The degree of bias determines how much the bowl curves before stopping.
Bias Scales
Most manufacturers use a numerical scale, though the exact numbers vary by brand. As a general guide:
| Bias Type | Best For | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow / Low bias | Experienced players, indoor bowls | Precise draw shots on fast greens |
| Mid bias | All-round players | Versatile across surfaces and conditions |
| Wide / High bias | Beginners, slow outdoor greens | Easier to draw on heavy or slow greens |
For most beginners playing outdoor bowls, a mid-to-wide bias is the recommended starting point. It gives you more margin for error and works well across varying conditions.
Choosing the Right Size
Bowls come in sizes ranging from 00 (smallest) to 6 (largest). The right size is one you can comfortably grip and control throughout a full game without tiring.
The Basic Size Test
- Hold the bowl in your bowling hand with fingers spread around the running surface.
- Your middle fingers should be able to reach the middle of the bowl.
- Your thumbs should meet (or nearly meet) underneath.
- You should be able to swing the bowl freely without gripping too tightly.
Many bowls retailers and clubs can help you with a proper fitting. Don't skip this step — an ill-fitting bowl causes grip tension that will affect your delivery.
Weight Considerations
Within each size, bowls are available in different weights — typically medium and heavy. Heavier bowls tend to be more stable in windy conditions and are preferred by some experienced players for their resistance to disturbance. For beginners, medium weight is usually the better starting point.
Popular Bowl Brands
Several well-established manufacturers produce quality lawn bowls. Some of the most widely used brands include:
- Taylor Bowls — a Scottish manufacturer known for excellent build quality and a wide range of bias options.
- Drakes Pride — a popular English brand offering a broad selection of shapes and bias strengths.
- Henselite — an Australian manufacturer with a strong reputation especially in the southern hemisphere.
- Aero Bowls — known for innovative design and a wide range of customisation options.
New vs. Second-Hand Bowls
For a beginner, buying second-hand bowls is a perfectly sensible option. Bowls are durable and a good-condition second-hand set from a reputable brand will serve you well. Check that the bowls are a matching set (same brand, model, and bias) and that they haven't been re-stamped, which can indicate illegal modification.
As you develop your game and better understand your playing style, investing in a new set tailored to your needs becomes more worthwhile.
Final Checklist Before You Buy
- ✅ Have you tried the size in your hand?
- ✅ Does the bias suit the greens you'll play on most?
- ✅ Are they approved by World Bowls for competitive play?
- ✅ Do you have a budget in mind (new vs. second-hand)?
When in doubt, ask your club coach or a more experienced player for guidance — most bowlers are happy to let you try their set before you commit.