Taylor Blaze vs Drakes Pride D-TEC | Which is Best?

Are you a beginner struggling to choose the right lawn bowl? With so many options available, the decision can be overwhelming. That’s why I’m here to help. In this guide, I will be comparing two popular models, the Taylor Blaze and the Drakes Pride D-TEC.

We’ll dive into the specifications, bias, grip options, price, and the suggested user for each bowl. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which bowl is the perfect fit for you. Let’s get started!

Spec

The Taylor Blaze is a mid-biased lawn bowl suited for both indoor and outdoor play. It is highly versatile and can be used on a range of surfaces and conditions. Available in sizes 00 to 5 for the UK market only, the Blaze can be found on online second-hand marketplaces like eBay.

The Drakes Pride D-TEC is a favorite for indoor bowlers due to its narrow bias. It is best suited for lead players on fast outdoor greens and is available in sizes 00 to 5 (UK market only). However, it may be difficult to find second-hand options online, so purchasing new may be necessary. Overall, the Drakes Pride D-TEC is a reliable choice for those looking for indoor bowls with a narrow bias.

Bias

The Taylor Blaze and Drakes Pride D-TEC lawn bowls have different bias levels. The Blaze is a mid-biased bowl, which makes it versatile for indoor and outdoor play. It offers a balanced level of grip and control, making it suitable for both novice and experienced bowlers. On the other hand, the D-TEC is a narrow-biased bowl, which means it has less grip on the green and produces less turn. The D-TEC is ideal for indoor rinks and fast outdoor greens, but it’s not recommended for outdoor play in the UK.

Overall, the choice between the Blaze and D-TEC lawn bowls should depend on the player’s preference and the type of greens they will be playing on. If they are looking for a versatile bowl that can handle different environments, the Blaze may be the better option. However, if they prefer a more specialized bowl for indoor and fast outdoor greens, the D-TEC could be the perfect fit.

Grips

The Taylor Blaze and Drakes Pride D-TEC lawn bowls both have different grip styles. The Taylor Blaze comes with the Taylor Premier grip, which is oblong dimples compared to the circle dimples of the Progrip, but does not offer an embedded grip. On the other hand, the D-TEC only comes with a classic dimple grip and does not have an embedded grip option.

Embedded grips are deeper and make the bowl feel smaller, promoting better grip for bowlers who struggle with gripping the bowl correctly. Classic dimple grips, on the other hand, use small divots or dimples to provide a better grip. Each grip type has its advantages, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference which one works best for you.

Price

When it comes to price, the Taylor Blaze seems to be the more expensive option compared to the Drakes Pride D-TEC. A new set of Taylor Blaze lawn bowls can cost as much as £360, while the Drakes Pride D-TEC is priced at around £290 for a brand-new set. However, it is worth noting that second-hand Taylor Blaze bowls can be purchased at a lower price point of around £210-£230, while second-hand D-TEC bowls can be found for as low as £120-£200.

In terms of value for money, both sets of lawn bowls offer high-quality performance and durability, making them a popular choice for bowlers of all levels. The decision of which set to choose ultimately depends on personal preference and budget. While the Taylor Blaze is the more expensive option, it may be worth the investment for those looking for a top-of-the-line set of lawn bowls. On the other hand, the Drakes Pride D-TEC offers a more affordable alternative without sacrificing quality.

Performance

When comparing the Taylor Blaze and the Drakes Pride D-TEC, it’s important to note their distinct characteristics and who they would best serve.

The Taylor Blaze would be an excellent choice for bowlers who play on a variety of surfaces, as it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Its mid-bias ensures that it will hold a consistent line, making it ideal for both draw and running shots. This all-purpose bowl would be well-suited for intermediate or advanced players.

On the other hand, the Drakes Pride D-TEC is a narrow-biased bowl primarily aimed at indoor bowlers, but it can also be played on faster outdoor surfaces. It is ideal for bowlers who play lead frequently, as its narrow bias allows for a tighter draw shot. This model would be the go-to choice for novice or beginner bowlers looking to improve their accuracy and consistency on indoor rinks.

Overall, both the Taylor Blaze and the Drakes Pride D-TEC have their strengths and serve different niches in the lawn bowls community. It is crucial to consider one’s playing style, skill level, and preferred surface when deciding which bowl to use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both the Taylor Blaze and the Drakes Pride D-TEC are popular models of lawn bowls, they offer different benefits for players. The Taylor Blaze is a versatile mid-biased bowl that can be used on a variety of surfaces, both indoor and outdoor. It can also be found on the second hand market. On the other hand, the Drakes Pride D-TEC is a narrow biased bowl best suited for indoor play or for those playing lead on fast outdoor greens. While it may be harder to find on the second hand market, it can provide an advantage in specific scenarios. Ultimately, it is up to the individual bowler to determine which model best suits their playing style and preferences.