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How to Choose Lawn Bowls: Size, Grip and Your First Set
A first set of lawn bowls should make it easier to practise a comfortable, repeatable delivery. Colour and price matter, but fit, the line of the bowl and the conditions where you play deserve attention first. Use these questions to prepare for a useful conversation with your club coach or bowls retailer.
Start with your greens and your current experience
Write down where you play most often, the surface, the typical speed and your usual position. If you already borrow club bowls, note the model, size and grip, plus what you like or find difficult. This is more informative than asking for the most popular bowl without describing your game.
Try not to change several things at once without understanding why. If a borrowed set feels comfortable but draws differently from what you need, ask about the model. If the line suits you but the bowl feels awkward in your hand, explore size and grip before assuming the whole model is wrong.
Compare sizes in your normal delivery
Handle nearby sizes and, where you can, try them on a green under the guidance of your club coach. Look for a hold that feels secure without squeezing hard and a release you can repeat. A size that feels manageable for a few seconds in a shop may feel different during a full game.
Do not select a size solely because another player uses it. Hands, delivery styles and personal preferences differ. When ordering online, confirm the exact model, size and grip rather than relying on a photograph to identify them.
Choose a model for your conditions
Different models follow different bias lines. Ask what a model is intended to do on the greens you play, and compare it with something you have used. A manufacturer's description is helpful context, but a visual preview cannot simulate your delivery or the day's conditions.
Wicklow carries several brands, including Henselite, Aero, Taylor and Drakes Pride. Comparing brands is useful when you have a clear reference point. Avoid assuming that the same size number or similar-looking grip will feel identical across every model.
New, custom or second-hand?
A new in-stock set can be useful when timing is important and the available specification suits you. A custom set lets you choose from the builder's current finishes and personalisation options, but production timing needs to be checked. Ask about the current estimate before ordering for a fixed date.
When considering a second-hand set, check the exact specification, condition and any details relevant to the competitions you intend to play. Ask for clarification if a listing does not answer your questions. Compare the complete cost with a new set rather than comparing the headline price alone.
Before you buy online
Read the product details, check whether you are buying a complete set, confirm the size and grip, and review delivery or collection options. For a custom order, check spelling and design choices carefully. Read the store policies before ordering, and contact the shop if anything is unclear.
Wicklow Bowls is at Unit 9, 11 Davies Road, Padstow NSW 2211. Call (02) 9771 2187 for help narrowing down the options. Tell the team what you currently use and what you want to improve so they can offer relevant guidance.
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