Aero Quantum vs Drakes Pride D-TEC | Which is Best?

Hey there, are you new to the world of lawn bowls and feeling overwhelmed by the variety of options? I totally understand! That’s why I wrote this blog post to help you compare two of the most popular models: the Aero Quantum and the Drakes Pride D-TEC.

Throughout this guide, I’ll be breaking down the specifications, bias, grip options, price, and target audience for each bowl. Trust me, by the time you finish reading, you’ll have a much better idea of which bowl is the perfect match for you. Let’s dive in!

Spec

The Aero Quantum is a narrow bias lawn bowl that is ideal for indoor play and fast outdoor play. It is best suited for indoor bowlers or those who play lead on fast outdoor greens. The bowl is available in sizes 00 to 5, but only in the UK market. If you’re looking to purchase an Aero Quantum, it may be difficult to find them on online second-hand marketplaces, such as eBay, so buying new may be your best option.

The Drakes Pride D-TEC is a narrow biased lawn bowl suitable for indoor play and fast outdoor greens. It is available in sizes 00 to 5 exclusively for the UK market, making it less common on online second hand marketplaces. The D-TEC is a great choice for indoor bowlers and those who play lead on fast greens.

Bias

Both the Aero Quantum and the Drakes Pride D-TEC lawn bowls are narrow biased, making them ideal for indoor rinks and outdoor greens. However, there are some differences in their biases and ideal playing conditions.

The Aero Quantum is the narrowest bowl in the Aero range and is suitable for indoor and outdoor bowlers. It is a versatile bowl that performs well in various conditions.
On the other hand, the Drakes Pride D-TEC is the narrowest bowl in the Drakes Pride range, but it is best suited for indoor rinks and fast outdoor greens. It may not perform well on slower outdoor greens commonly found in the UK. Therefore, it is recommended primarily for indoor bowlers.

In summary, the key differences between these bowls lie in their biases and ideal playing conditions, which should be considered when selecting the right bowl for your needs.

Grips

When it comes to grip options, the Aero Quantum takes the lead. This model offers a variety of grip styles, including dimple, embedded, and non-gripped options. What’s more, these grips come as standard and are available on the whole range of Aero bowls. In contrast, the Drakes Pride D-TEC only comes with their standard dimple grip.

It’s worth noting that an embedded grip is set deeper into the bowl, which can make it feel smaller in your hand. This is a good option for bowlers who struggle to grip the bowl properly. On the other hand, a dimple grip features small divots that run along the shoulder of the bowl. The idea here is that your fingertips sit in these dimples, providing a better grip.

Overall, the Aero Quantum offers more flexibility when it comes to grip options, making it an ideal choice for bowlers who crave customization. The Drakes Pride D-TEC’s standard dimple grip may be a good option for those who don’t require as much variety.

Price

When it comes to price comparison, the Aero Quantum lawn bowl is considerably more expensive than the Drakes Pride D-TEC. A new set of Aero Quantum bowls will set you back around £400, whereas a new set of Drakes Pride D-TEC bowls can be purchased for around £290. However, it’s worth noting that second-hand Aero Quantum bowls can be found for around £300-£360, while second-hand D-TEC bowls can be bought for £120-£200.

While the Aero Quantum does come with a higher price point, it’s important to consider the materials and manufacturing processes used to create these bowls. Aero bowls are known for their precision-machined construction and high-tech materials, which can contribute to their higher cost. On the other hand, Drakes Pride bowls are made using a more traditional manufacturing process, which can result in a lower price point.

Ultimately, the decision between these two popular lawn bowl models will depend on a variety of factors, including personal preference, performance, and budget. Whether you choose the Aero Quantum or the Drakes Pride D-TEC, both models have been recognized for their quality and durability on the green.

Performance

Both the Aero Quantum and the Drakes Pride D-TEC are narrow biased bowls, but they have different features that make them better suited for different bowlers. The Aero Quantum is a versatile bowl that can be used for both indoor and outdoor play and is ideal for lead bowlers when used outdoors. The Drakes Pride D-TEC, on the other hand, is primarily designed for indoor play but can be used on faster outdoor surfaces. It is best suited for lead bowlers who play a lot of indoor games.

Overall, the choice between the Aero Quantum and the Drakes Pride D-TEC will depend on the individual bowler’s playing style and environment. If you are looking for a dual-purpose bowl that can handle both indoor and outdoor games, the Aero Quantum is a good choice. However, if you are an indoor bowler who wants a bowl that is designed specifically for your style of play, the Drakes Pride D-TEC would be your best option. It is always important to consider your individual needs and preferences before investing in any piece of equipment.

Conclusion

Ultimately, both the Aero Quantum and the Drakes Pride D-TEC are popular choices for indoor and fast-playing outdoor greens. They are both narrow biased and available in various sizes, and while they can be challenging to find second hand, they are readily available to purchase new. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and playing style, as both are highly regarded by bowlers.