Table of Contents
Do You Need Your Own Equipment to Start?
The short answer is no. Every lawn bowling club maintains a set of club bowls in various sizes that members and visitors can use. Most clubs also have loaner flat-soled shoes. When you are just starting out, the club will provide everything you need.
That said, once you decide lawn bowls is your sport — and it usually does not take long — investing in your own equipment makes a meaningful difference. Your own bowls will feel familiar in your hand, and you will develop consistency faster when you are always using the same set.
This guide covers everything from the must-have items to the nice-to-have accessories, with advice on what to prioritize at each stage of your bowling journey.
The Bowls: Your Most Important Equipment
What Are Lawn Bowls?
Lawn bowls are precision-engineered balls made of composite resin (historically made of lignum vitae wood, hence the term "woods"). They are not round like a bocce ball — they are slightly flattened and asymmetrical, which creates the bias that makes them curve as they travel.
Each bowl has concentric rings (called discs) engraved on both sides:
- The small ring marks the bias side — the side toward which the bowl will curve.
- The large ring marks the non-bias side.
Choosing the Right Size
Lawn bowls come in 9 standard sizes, numbered 0000 (smallest) through 5 (largest). The right size depends on the span of your hand:
| Size | Typical User |
|---|---|
| 0000–00 | Small hands, juniors |
| 0–1 | Women with smaller hands |
| 2–3 | Women with larger hands, men with smaller hands |
| 3–4 | Most men |
| 4–5 | Men with larger hands |
The best way to find your size is at a club, where you can try different sizes during practice sessions.
Understanding Bias
Different bowl models have different amounts of bias — the degree of curve in the bowl's path:
- Narrow bias: The bowl takes a relatively straight path with a gentle curve at the end. Preferred by leads who need to draw consistently to the jack, and for fast greens where a wide-bias bowl would curve too much.
- Medium bias: A versatile middle ground suitable for most positions and conditions. The best choice for beginners.
- Wide bias: The bowl takes a pronounced curved path. Preferred by skips who need to draw around obstacles in the head, and for slow greens where more curve is needed.
The Big Four Bowl Manufacturers
Four brands dominate the lawn bowls market worldwide:
Henselite (Australia)
- Popular models: Tiger, Tiger II, Tiger Evo, Tiger Pro, Dreamline XG
- Price: $600–$650+ per set of 4
- Known for: Mega Grip technology, 10-year guarantee
- Best for: All levels; Tiger II is an excellent all-around choice for beginners
- Popular models: Ace, Blaze, Vector VS, International
- Price: $400–$600 per set of 4
- Known for: Precision engineering, oldest brand in the sport
- Best for: Leads (Ace/Blaze for narrow bias), all-rounders (Vector VS)
- Popular models: Professional, XP, Pro-50
- Price: $400–$550 per set of 4
- Known for: Consistent performance, preferred supplier for many UK clubs
- Best for: Club players wanting reliable, mid-range bowls
- Popular models: Quantum, GrooVe, Sonic, Optima, Z Scoop
- Price: $500–$650+ per set of 4
- Known for: Most grip styles and color options of any brand
- Best for: Players wanting extensive customization
New vs Second-Hand Bowls
A new set of quality bowls costs $400–$650. That is a significant investment for a new player. The good news is that there is an active second-hand market for lawn bowls:
- Used bowls typically sell for $100–$250 per set, depending on age, condition, and model.
- Many clubs maintain a collection of second-hand bowls for sale to new members.
- Online marketplaces (eBay, Facebook groups, specialized bowls forums) list used sets regularly.
- Check that the bowls have a valid bias stamp (a small stamp on the bowl indicating it has been tested and approved). Stamps expire and bowls can be re-tested.
- Look for wear on the running surface — excessive flatting or chips affect performance.
- Make sure all bowls in the set are the same size, weight, and model.
- Test the grip — heavily polished bowls can become slippery.
Shoes: A Mandatory Investment
Why Flat Soles Matter
This is non-negotiable: you must wear flat-soled shoes on a bowling green. Regular athletic shoes, sneakers, or dress shoes with textured soles will damage the carefully maintained grass surface. Every club enforces this rule.
"Flat-soled" means the sole has no tread pattern, no heels, and no grip texture — just a smooth, uniform surface. This allows you to move on the green without tearing or marking the turf.
Shoe Options
| Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated lawn bowling shoes | $30–$120 | Regular players who want purpose-built footwear |
| Flat-soled sneakers/plimsolls | $20–$50 | Budget-conscious beginners |
| Club loaner shoes | Free | First-time visitors |
- Henselite (Seneca, Pro Flex) — premium, $80–$120
- DEK — budget entry-level, $30–$50
- Drakes Pride — mid-range, $50–$90
- Asics Gel Rink Scorcher 4 — athletic crossover, $80–$110
Bags: Carrying Your Kit
Once you have your own bowls, you need something to carry them in. Bowls are heavy — a set of 4 weighs about 6.5 kg (14 lbs) — so a proper bag matters.
Types of Bowling Bags
| Type | Capacity | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-bowl carrier | 2 bowls | $20–$40 | Quick social games, players using only 2 bowls |
| 4-bowl bag | 4 bowls + accessories | $40–$80 | Most players — the standard choice |
| Trolley bag (wheeled) | 4 bowls + shoes + accessories | $80–$200 | Players who prefer not to carry weight |
| Backpack style | 4 bowls + accessories | $50–$100 | Younger players, those walking/cycling to the club |
Trolley bags (wheeled bags) are very popular, especially among players who play frequently or have mobility considerations. They typically have space for bowls, shoes, waterproofs, and accessories all in one unit.
Measuring Equipment
Why You Need a Measure
At the end of each end, someone needs to determine which bowl is closest to the jack. Often it is obvious, but close calls require measurement. In team games (Fours), the thirds (vice-skips) are responsible for measuring.
Types of Measures
| Tool | Price | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Retractable tape measure | $10–$20 | Most common. Extends from the jack to each bowl to compare distances. |
| String measure | $5–$15 | A string with a peg at each end. Place one end at the jack and stretch to each bowl. |
| Calipers | $15–$35 | For extremely close calls. One arm at the jack, one at the bowl. |
| Wedge measure | $10–$20 | A tapered gauge that fits between the bowl and the jack. |
Accessories: The Essentials and the Nice-to-Haves
Must-Have Accessories
Chalk spray or stick ($5–$12)
- Used to mark touchers — bowls that have touched the jack during delivery. A small chalk mark on the bowl indicates it is a toucher, which matters because touchers remain alive even if they fall in the ditch.
- "Toucha" brand spray chalk is the most popular choice.
- A soft cloth for wiping your bowls before play. Removes moisture, dirt, and ensures a consistent grip.
- Some players use specialist bowl polish for a deeper clean.
Nice-to-Have Accessories
Bowl grip/wax ($5–$15)
- Applied to your hands or the bowl surface to improve grip in damp conditions.
- Particularly useful in early morning or evening play when dew is present.
- Keeps your bowls in top condition and maintains their surface finish.
- Applied and buffed with a polishing cloth.
- For tracking scores end by end. Many clubs provide these, but having your own is convenient for social games.
- Alternatively, use a scoring app on your phone.
- Small pegs or markers for identifying rink boundaries in practice or informal play.
- Grip-enhancing gloves for cold or wet conditions. Not commonly used in warm weather.
- A mechanical delivery aid for players with disabilities or limited mobility. Allows delivery without bending. Not commonly needed but an important accessibility tool.
The Beginner's Shopping List
Here is a prioritized list of what to buy and when:
Before Your First Game
- Nothing. Use club equipment. Just bring flat-soled shoes if you have them, or ask the club about loaners.
After You Decide to Join (Month 1–3)
- 1Flat-soled shoes ($30–$80) — your first purchase
- 2A set of bowls ($100–$250 used, $400–$650 new) — try different sizes at the club first
- 3A 4-bowl bag ($40–$80) — to carry your investment
As You Get More Involved (Month 3–6)
- 1A retractable measure ($10–$20)
- 2Chalk spray ($5–$12)
- 3A polishing cloth ($5–$10)
For the Committed Player (Month 6+)
- 1Calipers ($15–$35) — for competition play
- 2Bowl polish ($8–$15) — for maintenance
- 3A trolley bag ($80–$200) — if you want the upgrade
Where to Buy Lawn Bowling Equipment
In the USA
The US lawn bowling equipment market is small but served by several authorized dealers:
- Henselite USA — Exclusive US distributor for Henselite bowls
- Aero Bowls USA — Exclusive US/Canada distributor for Aero bowls
- Bowls America — US supplier for Taylor bowls
- Your local club — Many clubs sell second-hand bowls and basic accessories
Online (International)
- Bowls World (UK) — Large online selection, ships internationally
- The Bowls Shop (UK) — Comprehensive accessories, shoes, clothing
- Various eBay sellers — Good source for second-hand bowls
What About Amazon?
Amazon carries some lawn bowling equipment, but be cautious:
- Most "lawn bowling sets" on Amazon are recreational/backyard sets, not competition-grade equipment. They are fine for casual garden play but are not suitable for use at a bowling club.
- Genuine competition bowls from brands like Henselite are available on Amazon through third-party sellers, but prices may be higher than buying from an authorized dealer.
- Accessories (measures, chalk, bags) are reasonably available on Amazon.
Caring for Your Equipment
Bowl Maintenance
- Clean your bowls after every session with a soft, damp cloth. Remove any green stains, dirt, or moisture.
- Polish occasionally (every few weeks) with a dedicated bowl polish to maintain the surface finish.
- Store in your bag in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme temperatures — heat can cause resin to warp over time.
- Re-test the bias every 10 years (or as required by your national body). Bowls can lose their bias certification over time.
Shoe Maintenance
- Clean the soles before stepping onto the green — pick up any debris, stones, or grit.
- Dry thoroughly after use, especially if the green was damp.
- Do not wear them off the green — save the flat soles for bowling only.
Ready to Get Equipped?
The beauty of lawn bowling is that you can start with nothing and gradually build your kit as your commitment grows. Every club will have equipment you can borrow, and the community is always willing to help beginners find the right gear.
Start by visiting a club near you and trying the sport with borrowed equipment. When you are ready to buy, come back to this guide for reference.
New to the sport entirely? Read our complete beginner's guide or rules explanation to get up to speed before your first visit.
Already playing and want to track your games? Sign up and start recording your results, connecting with other players, and managing your club's tournaments.
Lawnbowling Team
We are passionate about making lawn bowling accessible to everyone. Our guides are researched using official World Bowls laws, club resources, and input from experienced players across the USA, Australia, and the UK.