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Buying Guide

Equipment & Gear Guide

Everything you need to get started or upgrade your lawn bowling kit. Expert buying tips plus links to trusted retailers.

BowlsShoesBagsAccessoriesBooks & Learning

Bowls

Your bowls are the most important piece of equipment. They come in sizes 00 to 5 with various bias profiles for different playing styles and positions.

Buying Tips
  • Size matters: bowls should feel comfortable in your hand. Visit a pro shop or try club bowls to get fitted before buying.
  • Bias: narrow-bias bowls suit leads (draw shots), wider bias suits skips (tactical shots around other bowls).
  • Popular brands: Henselite, Taylor, Drakes Pride, Aero.
  • New bowlers: consider second-hand bowls until you know your preferred size and bias. Many clubs sell used sets.
  • Budget $400-$650 for a new set of four bowls. Second-hand sets can be found for $100-$250.

Henselite Tiger II

World's most popular bowl. Medium bias, suitable for all positions and conditions.

Henselite$450-$650

Taylor Ace

Narrow to mid-bias bowl, ideal for leads. Excellent draw line and consistency.

Taylor Bowls$400-$600

Drakes Pride Professional

Mid-bias bowl suitable for all conditions. A reliable all-rounder at a competitive price.

Drakes Pride$350-$550

Aero Quantum

Modern design with ergonomic dimple grip. Mid-to-wide bias for versatile play.

Aero Bowls$500-$700

Shoes

Flat-soled shoes are required on the green to protect the playing surface. Comfort and grip are essential for long matches.

Buying Tips
  • Flat soles only -- heels and treaded soles damage the green and are not permitted.
  • White is traditional, but many clubs now accept coloured shoes.
  • Waterproof options are great for dewy morning games.
  • Good arch support is essential if you play regularly -- matches can last 2-3 hours.

Henselite Pro Sport

Lightweight with excellent grip. Approved by World Bowls. Available in white and grey.

Henselite$90-$140

Drakes Pride Cosmic

Comfortable everyday bowling shoe with reinforced toe. Great value for beginners.

Drakes Pride$60-$90

Dek Bowling Shoes

Budget-friendly flat-sole shoes ideal for casual bowlers getting started.

Amazon$30-$50

Bags

A proper bowls bag protects your investment and keeps gear organized. Sizes range from 2-bowl carry bags to large trolley bags.

Buying Tips
  • Two-bowl bags are great for triples/fours players who carry fewer bowls.
  • Four-bowl bags with wheels save your back over a long season.
  • Look for padded dividers to prevent bowl-to-bowl damage.
  • External pockets for a measure, chalk spray, and towel are essential.

Henselite Pro Trolley Bag

4-bowl trolley bag with telescopic handle and multiple accessory pockets.

Henselite$120-$180

Taylor Bowls Midi Bag

Compact 2-bowl shoulder bag, perfect for pairs and triples.

Taylor Bowls$40-$60

Drakes Pride Locker Bag

Full-size locker bag fits 4 bowls, shoes, and accessories.

Drakes Pride$80-$120

Accessories

Essential accessories every bowler needs -- from measures and chalk spray to grip aids and rain gear.

Buying Tips
  • A string measure is required for close shots -- keep one in your bag.
  • Chalk spray marks touchers (bowls that touch the jack).
  • A bowls towel keeps your bowls clean and dry between deliveries.
  • Grip wax helps maintain control in humid or cold conditions.

Retractable Bowls Measure

String measure with belt clip. Essential for determining shot in close situations.

Amazon$8-$15

Henselite Chalk Spray

Quick-drying chalk spray for marking touchers. Standard white.

Amazon$5-$10

Grip Wax & Grip Aids

Bowling grip wax and aids for better control in all weather conditions.

Amazon$8-$20

Books & Learning

Level up your game with instruction books, strategy guides, and lawn bowls history.

Buying Tips
  • Start with a beginner's guide if you are new to the sport.
  • Strategy books help intermediate players improve shot selection and green reading.
  • Historical books provide wonderful context and appreciation for the sport's rich heritage.

Lawn Bowls: A Beginner's Guide

Comprehensive introduction covering rules, techniques, etiquette and tips.

Amazon$12-$18

The Complete Book of Bowls

In-depth guide covering advanced tactics, green reading, and competitive play.

Amazon$20-$30

Authorized Dealers & Retailers

Manufacturer

Henselite

World's leading manufacturer of lawn bowls and accessories.

Visit Store
Manufacturer

Taylor Bowls

Premium Scottish bowls manufacturer since 1796.

Visit Store
Manufacturer

Drakes Pride

Quality bowls, clothing and accessories for all levels.

Visit Store
General Retailer

Amazon

Wide selection of bowling accessories, books, and entry-level gear.

Visit Store
Links on this page may be affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you when you purchase through these links. This helps support the Lawnbowling app. Prices shown are approximate and may vary by retailer.
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