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

If you’re just starting out with lawn bowling, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the different types of bowls available. That’s why I’m here to help.

In this blog post, I’m going to compare two of the most popular options out there: the Henselite Tiger TX and the Drakes Pride Professional. Together, we’ll take a look at their specifications, biases, grip options, prices, and which bowls would be best suited for you. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to confidently choose the perfect bowl for your game.

Spec

The Henselite Tiger TX is a narrow-biased lawn bowl designed for indoor play and fast outdoor greens. With sizes ranging from 00 to 5, these bowls are exclusively sold in the UK market. While they may be hard to find on second-hand online marketplaces, they are a popular choice for lead players or those who frequent indoor rinks. Overall, the Henselite Tiger TX offers a great option for those seeking a reliable and precise lawn bowl for their gameplay needs.

The Drakes Pride Professional lawn bowl has a mid-biased bias, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor play. Its versatility allows for use on a variety of surfaces and conditions, making it suitable for a range of players. Available in sizes 00 to 5, this bowl is only sold in the UK market. It can also be purchased second-hand on online marketplaces such as eBay.

Bias

When comparing the bias of The Drakes Pride Professional and the Henselite Tiger TX, there are noticeable differences in how they perform.

The Tiger TX is a narrow biased bowl, making it ideal for indoor rinks and indoor bowlers. On the other hand, the Professional is a mid-biased bowl placed between the D-TEC and the XP in the Drakes Pride range. This makes it suitable for both indoor rinks and outdoor greens, making it an excellent choice for bowlers who play predominantly outdoors in the UK.

In terms of comparisons, the Tiger TX has an advantage in indoor rinks due to its narrow bias, whereas the Professional’s versatility suits different types of indoor and outdoor playing fields.

However, bowlers who prefer outdoor bowls may want to choose the Professional over the Tiger TX due to its mid-bias, making it easier to adjust to outdoor conditions.

Overall, it’s crucial to choose a bowl that suits your playing style, skill level, and environment, and both the Tiger TX and Professional offer great options for bowlers of different levels.

Grips

The Henselite Tiger TX comes with the embedded Heneslite Mega grip, while the Drakes Pride Professional only offers standard dimple grip. The embedded grip sits deeper in the bowl, making it feel smaller and aiding bowlers with grip issues. The dimple grip features small divots along the shoulder of the bowl to give players a better grip. Overall, the choice between the two grips will largely depend on personal preference and individual needs.

Price

When it comes to price comparison, it is clear that the Henselite Tiger TX is the more expensive choice. While the brand new Tiger TX comes in at around £420, its second-hand price range still falls between £260-310. On the other hand, the Drakes Pride Professional is much more affordable, with a new price of roughly £290 and a second-hand range of only £60-210.

While the price point may sway some individuals towards the Drakes Pride brand, it is worth noting that the Henselite Tiger TX is often considered to be one of the most technologically advanced bowls on the market. Its higher cost may be worth the investment for serious lawn bowling enthusiasts with a keen eye for the latest advancements in equipment. However, those on a budget or just starting out in the sport may find the Drakes Pride Professional to be a more practical choice.

Performance

In terms of the type of bowler, the Henselite Tiger TX is best suited for indoor bowlers and those who typically play as lead. On the other hand, the Drakes Pride Professional is suitable for both indoor and outdoor surfaces, making it a more versatile option.

Additionally, the Henselite Tiger TX is a narrow biased bowl while the Drakes Pride Professional is mid-biased. This means that the Henselite Tiger TX is better for delivering straighter shots while the Drakes Pride Professional can help with draw shots and curving the ball.

Overall, the decision between the Henselite Tiger TX and the Drakes Pride Professional depends on the specific needs and preferences of the bowler. Those who frequently bowl indoors and prioritize straight shots might prefer the Henselite Tiger TX, whereas those who play on various surfaces and want a more versatile bowl may opt for the Drakes Pride Professional.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Henselite Tiger TX and the Drakes Pride Professional are excellent choices for lawn bowlers, but they have distinct differences. The Henselite Tiger TX is ideal for indoor play and those who play lead on fast outdoor greens, whereas the Drakes Pride Professional is a versatile bowl that can be used on a variety of surfaces and conditions. Furthermore, the availability of second-hand Henselite Tiger TX bowls is limited, whereas the Drakes Pride Professional can be found on online marketplaces such as eBay. Ultimately, the choice between these two models comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the individual bowler.