Henselite Tiger Pro vs Drakes Pride D-TEC | Which is Best?

Are you a beginner struggling to choose the perfect lawn bowl? With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’m here to help.

In this blog post, I’m comparing two popular models – the Henselite Tiger Pro and the Drakes Pride D-TEC. We’ll dive into the specs, bias, grip options, price, and who these bowls are best for. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision and choose the best bowl for you. Let’s get started!

Spec

The Henselite Tiger Pro is a high-end lawn bowl with a mid-biased formula that makes it perfect for indoor and outdoor play on different surfaces. It comes in various sizes ranging from 00 to 5, albeit only for the UK market. This bowl is hard to find on online second-hand marketplaces, and it’s best to buy them new due to their expensiveness. Overall, the Henselite Tiger Pro is an excellent choice for seasoned bowlers who want a high-performance bowl that’s suitable for any surface.

The Drakes Pride D-TEC is a highly specialized lawn bowl, with a narrow bias that makes it perfect for indoor play and outdoor greens with fast speeds. Available in sizes 00 to 5 (although only for the UK market), it can be difficult to find secondhand online, so purchasing new may be the best option. Ideal for indoor bowlers or lead players on fast outdoor greens, the Drakes Pride D-TEC is a must-have for those wanting a highly precise and niche bowl.

Bias

The Henselite Tiger Pro and the Drakes Pride D-TEC are two different models of lawn bowls, each with their own bias. The Henselite Tiger Pro is a mid-biased bowl, suitable for both indoor and outdoor play.

It is especially ideal for those who play year-round both indoors and outdoors. In contrast, the Drakes Pride D-TEC is a narrow-biased bowl, suited for indoor rinks and fast outdoor greens. It is recommended for indoor bowlers and should be avoided if you primarily play outdoors in the UK.

Ultimately, the bias of each bowl will depend on personal preference and the specific playing conditions.

Grips

The Henselite Tiger Pro lawn bowl comes with an embedded grip called the Henselite Mega grip. This grip is set deeper into the bowl, making it feel smaller in your hand. It is a great option for bowlers who struggle to grip the bowl properly. On the other hand, the Drakes Pride D-TEC lawn bowl only comes with their standard dimple grip. This classic grip style features small divots along the shoulder of the bowl to allow your fingers to sit in and provide a better grip.

Overall, the Henselite Tiger Pro and Drakes Pride D-TEC have different grip options. The Henselite Tiger Pro has an embedded grip while the Drakes Pride D-TEC only features their standard dimple grip. Bowlers who have difficulty gripping may want to consider the Henselite Tiger Pro with its deep set Mega grip, while bowlers who prefer a classic grip may prefer the Drakes Pride D-TEC with its dimple grip.

Price

When comparing the prices of the Henselite Tiger Pro and the Drakes Pride D-TEC law bowls, it is clear that there is a significant difference in cost. The Henselite Tiger Pro is more expensive, with a brand new set costing around £400, while second-hand sets can still fetch upwards of £250-£300. On the other hand, the Drakes Pride D-TEC is a more affordable option, priced at around £290 when bought new, and between £120-£200 when bought second-hand.

While the cost of these two models may be a significant consideration for some bowlers, it is essential to note that the price can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and weight of the bowls. The Henselite Tiger Pro may be more expensive, but it is also known for its precision and accuracy, making it an excellent choice for professional and experienced bowlers. In contrast, the Drakes Pride D-TEC offers a more affordable option for bowlers on a budget, without compromising on quality and performance. Ultimately, the choice between these two models will depend on the individual bowler’s needs and preferences.

Performance

When it comes to choosing a lawn bowl model, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and playing style. If you’re a bowler who enjoys playing both indoors and outdoors and wants a versatile bowl that can be played in multiple positions, then the Henselite Tiger Pro would be a great fit for you.

On the other hand, if you’re primarily an indoor bowler who plays lead, then the Drakes Pride D-TEC narrow biased bowl would be a more suitable choice. While it can also be played on faster outdoor surfaces, it’s designed to excel in indoor conditions and help lead bowlers perform at their best.

Ultimately, both the Henselite Tiger Pro and the Drakes Pride D-TEC have their unique strengths and are popular choices among lawn bowlers. Consider your specific needs and preferences before making a decision, and ask a qualified professional for advice if you’re unsure which bowl to choose.

Conclusion

Overall, both the Henselite Tiger Pro and the Drakes Pride D-TEC offer unique features that cater to specific types of bowlers. The Henselite Tiger Pro is ideal for those who play on a variety of surfaces and are willing to invest in a high-end product, while the Drakes Pride D-TEC is best suited for indoor bowlers or those who play lead on fast outdoor greens. It is important to consider your individual needs and preferences when choosing between these two popular models of lawn bowls.