Choosing your first or next set of bowls is one of the most exciting decisions you'll make in the sport! I’ve been around bowls for over 30 years, and I can tell you that the right set feels like an extension of your own arm. The wrong set, however, can be a source of constant frustration.
A new set of bowls is an investment in your game, so it's worth taking the time to understand the differences between them. It’s not just about colour and emblem! Factors like bias, size, weight, and grip all play a massive part in how the bowl performs for you. This guide will walk you through everything you need to consider to find a set that truly matches your playing style and helps you perform your best on the green.
Understanding the Heart of the Bowl: Bias
The bias is what gives a lawn bowl its signature curve. It's the magic that makes this sport so wonderfully challenging. Bowls are not perfectly symmetrical; they have a weighted side that causes them to turn towards it as they lose momentum. Understanding the different bias profiles is your first step.
Narrow Bias (or "Tighter Line") Bowls
These bowls have the straightest trajectory. They are designed for fast, modern greens and are often favoured by lead players who need to draw accurately without navigating around a lot of traffic.
- Best for: Fast greens, indoor surfaces, lead players.
- Challenge: They can be less forgiving if your aim is slightly off, as they don't bend back as much at the end.
Mid-Bias Bowls
This is the all-rounder and probably the most popular choice for club bowlers. A mid-bias bowl offers a noticeable but predictable turn, making it versatile enough for most green speeds and player positions. I often recommend these for players moving on from their first set.
- Best for: A wide range of green speeds, players in any position (lead, second, third, or skip).
- Benefit: They provide a great balance between a controlled draw and the ability to curve around other bowls in the head.
Wide Bias (or "Swinging") Bowls
These bowls have the most pronounced curve. They are traditionally suited to slow or heavy outdoor greens where you need the bowl to 'take more grass' to get to the jack. They are fantastic for playing around blocker bowls.
- Best for: Slow or heavy outdoor greens, players who need to navigate a crowded head.
- Challenge: They require more skill to control on fast greens, as the turn can be exaggerated.
Getting the Perfect Fit: Size and Weight
Feeling comfortable with your bowl is non-negotiable. If it's too big or heavy, you'll struggle with consistency and might even risk injury.
Finding Your Size: The Hand-Fit Test
The size of a bowl is numbered from 00 (smallest) to 5 (largest). The right size is entirely dependent on your hand span. Here’s a simple test I use in the shop all the time:
- Pick up a bowl.
- Place your thumb in the centre of one side and your middle finger in the centre of the other, wrapping your fingers around the running surface.
- Your thumb and middle finger should be touching or very nearly touching.
- Your other fingers should be able to rest comfortably on the bowl's surface without straining.
If you have to stretch your hand to hold it, the bowl is too big. If your fingers overlap significantly, it's likely too small. Don't be tempted to go for a bigger bowl thinking it will be more stable—a comfortable grip is far more important for control.
Heavyweight vs. Medium Weight
Most bowls are available in heavyweight or, less commonly, medium weight. Heavyweight bowls are the standard and are better at holding their line in windy conditions and are less likely to be knocked off course by other bowls. Medium weight can be an option for players who struggle with the strain of a heavier bowl over a long game, but they are becoming rarer. For most players, a heavyweight bowl of the correct size is the best choice.
Get a Grip: Which Type is for You?
The grip doesn't change how the bowl performs, but it massively affects how it feels in your hand, especially in different weather conditions.
- Plain Rings (or "No Grip"): These bowls are smooth between the outer rings. Some players love the clean release, but they can be slippery in wet weather.
- Dimple Grip: Features a pattern of small indentations, offering a reliable surface without being too aggressive. This is a very popular all-weather option.
- Deep-Dimple or Channel Grips: These have deeper channels or grooves, providing maximum purchase. They are fantastic for players who want extra security or struggle with grip strength, particularly in the rain.
Your choice of grip is purely personal preference. If you can, try holding different types to see what feels most secure and comfortable for you. You can browse a great selection of lawn bowls with various grips to see the options.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Bowls
Do you need different sets for playing indoors and outdoors? Not necessarily, but many serious players do have two sets.
- Outdoor Greens: These are typically slower and more affected by weather. A mid-to-wide bias bowl can be advantageous.
- Indoor Greens: These are almost always very fast and consistent. A narrower bias bowl is often preferred as it requires less adjustment and has a flatter, more direct path to the jack.
If you only want one set, a mid-bias bowl is the perfect compromise that will perform well on any surface.
Match Point: Checking Your Set
When you buy a new or second-hand set, always check that they are a matching set. All four bowls must have the same serial number, size, weight, and model. They will also have a World Bowls stamp with a date. Bowls must be re-tested and re-stamped every 10 years to be legal for tournament play, so check this if you plan on competing.
When Should You Consider a Change?
Players often ask me when it's time to get a new set. Here are a few signs:
- Your delivery has improved: You may find your beginner set now feels too light or the bias isn't suiting your more advanced game.
- You're playing on different surfaces: If you've moved from playing outdoors to indoors, you might benefit from a tighter-lined bowl.
- You're experiencing discomfort: If you feel wrist or finger strain, you may need a smaller or lighter bowl.
Ultimately, you’ll know. If you start to feel that your bowls are holding you back rather than helping you, it's time to start looking. For expert guidance, a specialist supplier like Bowls World can provide the advice you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does it matter if I'm left- or right-handed?
A: No, the bowls themselves are not "handed." Your choice of forehand or backhand delivery determines which way the bowl will curve. A right-hander's forehand becomes a left-hander's backhand, and vice-versa.
Q: Can I try bowls before I buy them?
A: Absolutely! Many clubs have spare sets you can borrow. Some specialist retailers also have arrangements where you can test bowls. It's the best way to be sure about your choice.
Q: What material are bowls made from?
A: Modern bowls are made from a dense plastic composite, most commonly bakelite or melamine. This makes them incredibly durable and resistant to damage.
Choosing the right lawn bowls is a personal journey. It’s about finding the perfect combination of bias, size, weight, and grip that gives you the confidence to step onto the mat and deliver your best shot. Happy bowling!