Henselite Tiger II vs Drakes Pride Professional | Which is Best?

Have you been struggling to choose the perfect lawn bowl for your game? If you’re a beginner, you may not know where to start or even what your options are. But don’t worry – I’m here to help.

In this post, I’ll be comparing two of the most popular models of lawn bowls: the Henselite Tiger II and the Drakes Pride Professional. We’ll take a close look at the specs, bias, grip options, and price, so you can make an informed decision. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently choose the lawn bowl that’s perfect for you. Let’s get started!

Spec

The Henselite Tiger II is a narrow biased lawn bowl designed for indoor and fast outdoor play. It’s best suited for indoor bowlers or those who play lead on fast outdoor greens. The bowl is available in sizes 00 to 5 for the UK market only and can be difficult to find on second-hand online marketplaces. Those interested in purchasing a set may have to buy a new one.

The Drakes Pride Professional is a mid-biased lawn bowl suitable for both indoor and outdoor play. It is a versatile bowl that can be used on a variety of surfaces and conditions. The bowl comes in sizes ranging from 00 to 5 for the UK market, and can even be found on secondhand marketplaces like eBay.

Bias

The Henselite Tiger II is a narrow biased bowl and is best suited for indoor rinks and fast outdoor greens.

It is ideal for indoor bowlers and lead outdoor bowlers who need a more precise and controlled delivery. On the other hand, the Drakes Pride Professional is a mid-biased bowl that performs well on both indoor and outdoor greens. It is suited to both indoor and outdoor bowlers, making it a more versatile option.

While both bowls have their strengths, they cater to different bowlers and playing conditions. The Tiger II is best suited for those who require a more narrow bias, while the Professional can handle a broader range of greens.

Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual bowler’s needs and preferences.

Grips

The Henselite Tiger II features an embedded grip, known as the Henselite Mega grip, while the Drakes Pride Professional is only offered with a classic dimple grip. The embedded grip of the Tiger II sits deeper into the bowl, which can help bowlers who struggle with gripping the bowl properly. On the other hand, the dimple grip of the Professional features small divots that allow your fingertips to sit and grip the bowl more easily.

Both grips have their benefits and drawbacks, and ultimately the preference of each bowler will come down to personal preference and comfort. Overall, the choice between these models ultimately depends on a bowler’s individual needs and play style.

Price

When comparing the prices of the Henselite Tiger II and the Drakes Pride Professional, it is clear that the Henselite Tiger II is the more expensive option. A brand new set of Tiger II bowls can cost around £420, whereas a new set of Drakes Pride Professionals can be purchased for around £290. However, there is a significant difference in the price of second hand bowls. The Tiger II can be bought second hand for £200-290, while the Professional can be purchased for just £60-210.

Ultimately, the decision between the two brands will come down to personal preference and budget. Those willing to invest in a higher-end bowl may prefer the Henselite Tiger II, while those looking for a more affordable option might opt for the Drakes Pride Professional. However, it is important to keep in mind that the price of second hand bowls can vary greatly, so it is worth shopping around for the best deals.

Performance

If you are an indoor bowler who often plays as a lead, then the Henselite Tiger II is the bowl for you. Its narrow bias allows for better control and precision on indoor surfaces. However, if you enjoy playing both indoor and outdoor bowls, the Drakes Pride Professional is your best bet. Its mid-bias allows for versatility on both types of surfaces.

In addition, the Drakes Pride Professional is the ideal bowl for intermediate bowlers looking to improve their skills. Its balance between control and predictability allows for a comfortable transition from beginner to advanced skills. Meanwhile, the Henselite Tiger II is aimed at experienced indoor bowlers who have already developed a high level of control and precision.

Ultimately, choosing between the Henselite Tiger II and Drakes Pride Professional depends on your skill level, playing surface preference, and position on the team. Both bowls have their unique advantages and are popular among many bowlers, so it’s important to research, test and compare them before making your purchase.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both the Henselite Tiger II and the Drakes Pride Professional have their strengths and benefits, the Drakes Pride Professional appears to be the more versatile and practical lawn bowl option. With its mid-biased design and ability to perform well on a variety of surfaces and conditions, it is a more widely usable option than the narrow-biased Henselite Tiger II. Additionally, its availability on online second-hand marketplaces such as eBay makes it a more affordable option for those looking to purchase a quality lawn bowl set on a budget. Overall, the Drakes Pride Professional seems to be the better option for bowlers looking for a reliable and versatile set of bowls.