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

Hey there! Are you new to the game of lawn bowls and feeling overwhelmed by the various choices out there? Trust me, I know the feeling! That’s why I’m excited to walk you through a comparison of two of the most popular options – the Aero Sonic and the Drakes Pride D-TEC.

In this detailed guide, I’ll break down all the important factors to consider such as the specs, bias, grip options, and price. Plus, I’ll give you my honest opinion on which type of player each bowl would be best suited for. By the time we’re done, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which lawn bowl would be the perfect match for you.

Spec

The Aero Sonic lawn bowl is a wide biased bowl designed for outdoor play. It is well-suited for skips and can be used on all outdoor surfaces. The bowl is available in sizes 00 to 5 but is only marketed and sold within the UK. Due to its rarity, the Aero Sonic is difficult to find on online second-hand marketplaces such as eBay, and it may be necessary to purchase new.

The Drakes Pride D-TEC is a narrow biased lawn bowl that’s designed for indoor play or fast outdoor greens. It’s available in sizes 00 to 5, but only for the UK market. It’s an excellent option for indoor bowlers or those who play lead position, but it can be challenging to find on online second hand marketplaces. You may have to buy them new instead.

Bias

When comparing the bias of the Drakes Pride D-TEC and the Aero Sonic lawn bowls, it is clear that they differ significantly.

The Aero Sonic is a mid-biased/wide biased bowl and is the widest bowl in the Aero range, making it ideal for outdoor greens and suitable for all outdoor surfaces.

On the other hand, the D-TEC is a narrow biased bowl and is the narrowest biased bowl in the Drakes Pride range. It is best suited for indoor rinks and fast outdoor greens, and should be avoided if you primarily play outdoors in the UK.

Ultimately, the choice between the two bowls will depend on personal preference and the playing conditions. If you primarily play outdoors and want a wider bias, the Aero Sonic may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a narrower bias or play mostly indoors, the Drakes Pride D-TEC may be the better option. It’s important to consider all factors and test both bowls before making a final decision.

Grips

When it comes to grip options, the Aero Sonic has the upper hand as they offer a wider variety. Bowlers can choose between a dimple, embedded grip, or even a non-gripped option depending on their preferences. Unlike other brands, all of Aero’s grips are available across their entire product range, including the Quantum and GrooVe. On the other hand, the Drakes Pride D-TEC only comes with their standard dimple grip, limiting the options for bowlers.

An embedded grip in the Aero Sonic sits deeper into the bowl, making it feel smaller in the hand. This is advantageous for bowlers who have trouble gripping the bowl properly. Meanwhile, the classic dimple grip in the D-TEC features small divots along the bowl’s shoulder that allow the fingers to sit in, providing a better grip. Ultimately, deciding on which model to use will depend on the bowler’s personal grip preferences and playing style.

Price

When considering the cost of these two popular lawn bowls, it is clear that the Aero Sonic is significantly more expensive than the Drakes Pride D-TEC. A new set of Aero Sonic’s can cost around £400, while the D-TEC is priced at around £290. Even when purchased second hand, the Aero Sonics are still more expensive, with prices ranging from £300-£360 compared to the D-TEC’s second-hand cost of £120-£200.

It is important to note that the price difference between these two models may be reflective of the materials used and the manufacturing process. The Aero Sonic is made with a special composite material that is designed to provide a consistent and accurate bowl weight. The Drakes Pride D-TEC, on the other hand, is made from a durable and high-quality material that is designed to last for years of use on the green.

When considering the price of these two lawn bowls, it is important to take into account your own personal preferences and requirements. While the Aero Sonic may offer a consistent bowl weight, the Drakes Pride D-TEC may offer other benefits such as durability and affordability. Ultimately, it is up to the individual bowler to decide which option is best suited for their needs and budget.

Performance

The Aero Sonic is best suited for those who enjoy playing outdoor lawn bowling and want a bowl that offers flexibility in team play. Its design makes it easy to adapt to different positions within a team, making it a great choice for those who want to stay active and diverse in their play.

The Drakes Pride D-TEC, on the other hand, is a narrow biased bowl that is ideal for indoor bowlers. It can also be played on faster outdoor surfaces, but it is primarily meant for indoor use. This bowl is best suited for those who often play lead, as its design allows for precision and accuracy in that position.

Overall, the Aero Sonic and the Drakes Pride D-TEC cater to different types of lawn bowlers. The Aero Sonic is ideal for those who want to explore different positions and play outdoor lawn bowls, while the Drakes Pride D-TEC is best for indoor bowlers and those who regularly play lead.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both the Aero Sonic and the Drakes Pride D-TEC are popular models of lawn bowls, they are designed for different playing conditions. The Aero Sonic is a wide biased bowl ideal for outdoor play, while the Drakes Pride D-TEC is a narrow biased bowl ideal for indoor play. Both are available in sizes 00 to 5 for the UK market only and can be hard to find on online second-hand marketplaces. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual’s playing style and the surface they play on.