Bowls – Bowls Academy

If you're new to the world of lawn bowls and wondering which brand of bowls is right for you, you've probably come across four major names: Taylor, Henselite, Drakes Pride, and Aero. Each of these manufacturers has a long-standing reputation in the sport, and they all offer something slightly different when it comes to bowl shape, bias, grip, and feel. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at each brand - where they come from, what they're known for, and a brief overview of the bowls in their range. Whether you’re looking for your first set or thinking of switching models, this guide will help steer you in the right direction. Taylor Bowls (Scotland) Founded: 1796 | Based in: Glasgow, Scotland Taylor is one of the oldest and most respected names in bowls. Known for precision engineering, they pioneered coloured bowls and bias testing over two centuries ago. Still family-owned and proudly Scottish. Notable Models: Lazer – Very narrow bias, ideal for fast indoor rinks. Vector VS – Slightly wider than the Lazer, perfect for indoor and fast outdoor greens. Ace – Mid-bias all-rounder. Great starting point for club players. International – Finishes with a strong draw; slightly more outdoor-friendly. Legacy SL & Lignoid – Wide drawing bowls for outdoor play and skips. Why choose Taylor? High-quality finish, consistent bias, great model range for all positions and surfaces. Henselite (Australia) Founded: Early 1900s | Based in: Melbourne, Australia Henselite made the world’s first plastic bowl and continues to innovate with new materials and shapes. Their bowls are used worldwide, especially in Australia and New Zealand. Notable Models: Classic II – Traditional wide bias. Reliable and consistent. Dreamline XG – A best-seller; banana bias with excellent control. Tiger & Tiger II – Strong, predictable draw; good for skips. Fusion & Cruze – Narrower line bowls, great for fast greens. Alpha, Impact, ABT-2000 – Blends of narrow and mid-bias shapes. Why choose Henselite? Great range for all conditions. Especially popular for outdoor play and international competition. Drakes Pride (England) Founded: 1820 | Based in: Liverpool, England A trusted UK brand, Drakes Pride is known for its consistent performance and being the preferred supplier for many clubs across the UK. Notable Models: Professional – Traditional mid-to-wide bias. Reliable and well-balanced. XP – Narrow bias, ideal for indoor rinks. Pro 50 – Slightly tighter line than Professional with a clean finish. Fineline – Narrow to mid bias, smooth running. Advantage – Entry-level bowl, slightly larger grip ideal for beginners. Why choose Drakes Pride? Traditional feel, dependable across surfaces, good UK availability and support. Aero Bowls (Australia) Founded: 2012 | Based in: New South Wales, Australia The newest of the big four, Aero uses advanced manufacturing techniques to produce perfectly matched sets. They offer more grip styles and colours than any other brand. Notable Models: GrooVe – Narrow bias, smooth hold. Great for indoor players. Revolution – Mid bias, very stable and forgiving. Dynamic – Outdoor-friendly draw with a strong finish. TurboPro – Slightly wider again for outdoor use. Optima – Their widest bias bowl for slower greens and skips. Why choose Aero? Modern styling, huge grip and colour options, exacting bias consistency. At a Glance: Bias Comparison Chart ModelBrandBias TypeBest ForLazerTaylorVery NarrowFast indoor greensVector VSTaylorNarrowIndoors & fast outdoorsAceTaylorMidAll-round playClassic IIHenseliteWideOutdoor greensDreamline XGHenseliteMidVersatile, controlled finishTigerHenseliteWideSlower greens, skipsProfessionalDrakes PrideMid/WideClub play, skipsPro 50Drakes PrideMidIndoor and outdoorRevolutionAeroMidModern, stable drawOptimaAeroWideOutdoor or slow surfaces Which One’s Right for You? Choosing a bowl isn’t just about brand loyalty - it’s about matching your bowl to your green, position, and playing style. Indoors or out? Lead or skip? Fast or slow greens? Here are a few quick tips: Just starting out? Try a mid-bias bowl like the Taylor Ace or Drakes Pride Pro 50. Playing mostly indoors? Look at narrow bias options like the Aero GrooVe or Taylor Vector VS. Outdoor leagues or skips? A wider drawing bowl like the Henselite Tiger or Taylor Legacy SL might be better suited. Bonus Tip Most clubs will let you try different models before buying. Always test a couple of sets before you commit - how a bowl feels in your hand matters just as much as how it draws! You may find that sets you can borrow are different from the ranges here - they may well be old models. If you like these and look to purchase, you may well need to find one of the second hand markets such as Ebay or Facebook Marketplace. Final Thoughts All four brands - Taylor, Henselite, Drakes Pride, and Aero - produce excellent quality bowls. You really can’t go wrong, but the key is to find the right model for your hand, your green, and your game. Try many different sets within a couple of sizes to find what suits you. Still not sure where to start? Check out our detailed guides to each brand, or check out our post “What Size Lawn Bowl Should I Use?”