Bowls – Bowls Academy

Stepping onto the green with the right set of bowls can make all the difference to your game. With so many options available, understanding the key characteristics of each model, particularly its "bias," is crucial. The bias determines the bowl's trajectory - a narrower bias is ideal for straight shots on faster greens, while a wider bias is better for navigating around other bowls on slower surfaces. To help you get started, I've compiled a handy table of popular makes and models, detailing their bias type and what they're best suited for. Use this as your go-to guide for finding the bowl that complements your style of play. MakeModelBias TypeDescription & Best ForAeroEvolveMid-NarrowA mid-bias bowl with a smooth draw, designed for a gentle turn. Good for a range of green speeds.GrooveNarrowA very narrow-bias bowl, ideal for fast indoor surfaces and artificial greens. Known for a smooth hold.RevolutionMid-BiasA stable, all-rounder bowl with a forgiving draw. A popular choice for a variety of conditions.OptimaMid-WideA wider-drawing bowl, well-suited for slower outdoor greens and for the skip position.HenseliteDreamline XGMid-BiasA best-seller known for its versatility. It has a 'banana' bias with a controlled, reliable finish.TigerWideA full-bias bowl with a strong, predictable draw. Excellent for slower outdoor greens and skips.Tiger IIMid-WideA stable and predictable bowl with a holding finish. A great all-rounder for a variety of shots.Tiger ProMid-BiasA popular mid-bias bowl with a holding finish, suitable for both indoor and outdoor play.Classic IIMid-WideA traditional, wide-bias bowl that runs straighter and is ideal for attacking difficult heads.TaylorLazerVery NarrowThe narrowest bias in the Taylor range. Best for fast indoor or artificial surfaces.Vector VSNarrowA best-selling indoor bowl with a gentle draw and no hook at the finish. Ideal for front-end bowlers.AceMid-BiasA highly popular all-rounder, suitable for any position on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.Legacy SLMid-WideA slimmer-shaped, wider-drawing bowl designed for heavier grass greens and players with smaller hands.LignoidWideThe widest-drawing bowl in the Taylor range, recommended for slower outdoor grass surfaces.Drakes PrideProfessionalMid-WideA traditional and reliable bowl with a mid-to-wide bias, popular with club players and skips.XPNarrowA narrow-bias bowl designed specifically for fast indoor rinks.Pro 50Mid-BiasA mid-bias bowl with a tighter line than the Professional, suitable for all-round play. Ultimately, the best way to find your ideal set of bowls is to try a few different types on the green. While this guide provides a great starting point, nothing beats feeling the bowl in your hand and seeing how it performs on your local surface. Enjoy your game and happy bowling! Lawn Bowls: A Visual Guide to Makes & Models The Bowler's Guide An Infographic of Lawn Bowls Makes & Models 4 Aero Models 5 Henselite Models 5 Taylor Models 3 Drakes Pride Models Understanding Bias Narrow Bias ● ● Ideal for fast indoor greens. Wide Bias ● ● Suited for slower outdoor greens. Models per Brand A look at the variety of models offered by each of the top four lawn bowl manufacturers. Bias Type Distribution The proportion of bowl types across all listed models, showing the popularity of different biases. The Bowls Showcase Which Bowl is Right for You? Playing Surface? Indoor Outdoor → Your Position? Lead Skip → Consider This Bias: Narrow / Mid Mid / Wide This guide offers a starting point. Leads often prefer a narrower bias for a direct line, while skips might use a wider bias to navigate around other bowls.