Taylor Ace vs Drakes Pride PRO-50 | Which is Best?

Are you a beginner trying to choose the right lawn bowl, but feeling overwhelmed by the options available? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll be comparing two of the most popular models out there – the Taylor Ace and the Drakes Pride PRO-50.

I’ll be looking at various factors, such as the specs, bias, grip options, price, and who each bowl would be best suited for. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which bowl will work best for you.

Spec

The Taylor Ace is a mid-biased lawn bowl suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, making it a versatile option for players. It is capable of performing well on various surfaces and under different conditions. Available in sizes 00 to 5, the Taylor Ace is marketed solely in the UK. It can also be found on online second hand marketplaces like eBay.

The Drakes Pride PRO-50 is a mid-biased lawn bowl suitable for both indoor and outdoor play. Its versatility allows it to be used on various surfaces and conditions. The bowl is only available for the UK market and comes in sizes 00 to 5. It can also be found on online second hand marketplaces like eBay.

Bias

Both the Drakes Pride PRO-50 and the Taylor Ace are mid-biased lawn bowls, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

The Ace is positioned between the Blaze and the International in the Taylor range, while the PRO-50 is positioned between the D-TEC and the XP in the Drakes Pride range.

The Ace is favoured by many indoor bowlers due to its versatility, while the PRO-50 has a similar bias to the popular Professional bowl but with a deeper grip.

When it comes to bias, it ultimately depends on personal preference and playing style.

However, both the Ace and the PRO-50 are popular options for their mid-bias, making them versatile for a range of conditions.

Grips

Both the Taylor Ace and Drakes Pride PRO-50 lawn bowls offer different types of grip options. The Taylor Ace has a choice between the Progrip and Xtreme grip, catering to different preferences. The Progrip is a dimple grip that provides a classic style of grip with small divots along the shoulder of the bowl. On the other hand, the Xtreme grip is an embedded grip that sits deeper into the bowl, providing a more secure grip.

The Drakes Pride PRO-50 only offers an embedded grip option. This type of grip is suitable for bowlers who have difficulty gripping the bowl properly as it makes the bowl feel smaller in their hand. While it may not offer the classic style of grip that the dimple grip provides, the embedded grip can still provide a secure hold on the bowl. Ultimately, the choice between the two grips will depend on personal preference and what feels most comfortable for an individual bowler.

Price

When it comes to comparing the price of the Taylor Ace and the Drakes Pride PRO-50 lawn bowls, there are a few things to consider. The Taylor Ace is generally more expensive, with a new set costing around £360. However, it is worth noting that second-hand options are available for a lower price, with a range of £160-£230. On the other hand, the Drakes Pride PRO-50 is slightly more affordable, with a new set costing around £300. A second-hand set can be found for around £190-£260.

Overall, there is not a significant price difference between these two popular models of lawn bowls. However, those on a tight budget may want to consider looking for second-hand options, as they can provide significant savings. Ultimately, the decision between the Taylor Ace and the Drakes Pride PRO-50 may come down to personal preference and other factors, such as weight and size. Regardless of which model you choose, investing in high-quality lawn bowls is essential for a great game.

Performance

Based on their specifications, it seems that both the Taylor Ace and the Drakes Pride PRO-50 would be suited for all kinds of lawn bowling surfaces. However, there may be some differences in terms of the player’s skill level.

The Taylor Ace with its mid-bias design is ideal for beginner and intermediate bowlers. On the other hand, the Drakes Pride PRO-50, also being a mid-bias bowl, would be more suited for advanced and professional bowlers who have a good feel for the game.

It’s also worth noting that the Taylor Ace is slightly less expensive than the Drakes Pride PRO-50, meaning it could be a good choice for budget-conscious bowlers. Overall, both bowls are worthy of consideration depending on the player’s preference, skill level, and budget.

Conclusion

Overall, the Taylor Ace and the Drakes Pride PRO-50 are very similar in terms of their features and functionality. Both are mid-biased bowls suitable for indoor and outdoor play, and can be used on a variety of surfaces and conditions. They are also available in the same size range for the UK market and can be found on online second-hand marketplaces like eBay. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference, as well as a player’s skill level and playing style.