Choose Your Bowl

Choosing Your Bowl

Flat Green Bowls

Our flat green bowls are supplied as sets of four and are engraved with the World Bowls ten-year date stamp, which means they can be used in any competition during this period. There are, however, several factors to consider when choosing the right bowl for you.

Model

The model of the bowl you choose depends largely on the speed of the greens you play on. Green speed is measured in seconds and indicates how long it takes for a bowl to come to a stop.

For instance, faster greens, like those in Australia, may have speeds ranging from 14 to 17 seconds, while slower greens in the UK might have speeds between 9 to 12 seconds. Indoor carpets tend to be quite fast, though speeds can vary by club.

The bias of a bowl is determined by its shape. It is the bowl’s profile that dictates how much it deviates from a straight line when delivered. Slower greens lessen the impact of the bowl's bias, requiring bowls with a stronger bias. On faster greens, a tighter bias is more suitable, whereas slower greens require a wider draw.

Due to significant differences in green speeds across regions, bowls are designed to perform optimally under specific conditions. It is important to select a bowl model suited to the region where you will be playing.

Available Models

Professional
A highly successful and widely used model among top-ranking players. It features a mid-bias with a gradual and consistent finish, offering versatility for both indoor and outdoor play.

PRO-50
Identical in performance to the Professional model but features a unique Channel Grip. This grip creates two deep channels, improving control and allowing players to comfortably use a larger bowl size.

d-tec
Designed with a bias slightly stronger than the Professional model and a smooth flat finish, making it ideal for indoor play and tighter lines.

XP
A well-balanced model with slightly more bias than the Professional, making it an excellent choice for outdoor greens and occasionally slow indoor surfaces.

Size

Drakes Pride flat green bowls are available in eight sizes:
0000, 000, 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 (smallest to largest).

Choosing the right size depends on your hand size, grip strength, and comfort. Larger bowls generally require less effort to deliver and are less likely to be displaced, but you must be able to hold and control them comfortably.

Some models include a Channel Grip, which reduces circumference in the grip area, allowing players to use a larger size more easily.

Ladies: commonly use sizes 0 and 1
Gents: commonly use sizes 2 and 3

However, personal comfort should always be the deciding factor.

For beginners, it is best to try different sizes at your local club. Coaches or retailers often provide practice bowls for testing.

Weight

Most modern flat green bowls are classified as Heavy weight, as this density suits nearly all playing conditions.

Color

Color and pattern selection is purely based on personal preference and does not affect performance. A wide range of options is available and updated regularly.