Taylor Vector VS vs Drakes Pride Professional | Which is Best?

Are you a beginner in the lawn bowling world and struggling to choose the right bowl for your game? Well, worry no more because I have got you covered!

In this blog post, I will be comparing two popular lawn bowl models – the Taylor Vector VS and the Drakes Pride Professional. We’ll be delving into important aspects such as the spec of the bowls, the bias, grip options, price, and who each bowl is best suited for. So, by the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the information you need to make an informed decision and choose the bowl that is perfect for you!

Spec

The Taylor Vector VS is a narrow bias lawn bowl that is perfect for indoor play and fast outdoor greens. This model is ideal for indoor bowlers or those who play lead on the fastest outdoor greens. It is available in sizes 00 to 5, but only in the UK market. However, it can still be found on online second-hand marketplaces such as eBay.

The Drakes Pride Professional is a highly versatile lawn bowl that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor play. It has a mid-bias, making it ideal for a variety of playing surfaces and conditions. Available in sizes 00 to 5 for the UK market only, this popular bowl can be found on second-hand marketplaces like eBay.

Bias

In comparing the bias of The Drakes Pride Professional and the Taylor Vector VS lawn bowls, it is clear that the Vector VS has a narrower bias compared to the mid-bias of the Professional. The Vector VS is better suited to fast outdoor and indoor rinks and is ideal for lead outdoor bowlers and indoor bowlers. On the other hand, the Professional has a wider bias and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor rinks.

Overall, choosing between these two lawn bowls would depend on the player’s specific needs and the rink’s conditions. Should the rink be a fast indoor one, the Taylor Vector VS would be suitable, while the Drakes Pride Professional would be more versatile for both indoor and outdoor rinks. Ultimately, both these bowls are excellent choices that offer reliable and consistent bias, providing players with the accuracy and control they need to succeed on the green.

Grips

In comparing the grips of the two models, it is important to note that the Taylor Vector VS comes with the Taylor Progrip, which is a popular dimple grip among bowlers. This grip is known to be one of the best around, but there is no option for an embedded grip.

On the other hand, the Drakes Pride Professional only comes with their standard dimple grip. While this grip is also popular among bowlers, it does not offer the option of an embedded grip, which can be beneficial for individuals who struggle with gripping the bowl properly.

Overall, both models offer solid grip options, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference and comfort. The Taylor Vector VS may be more suitable for those who prefer a classic dimple grip, while the Drakes Pride Professional may be a better fit for those who need the added benefit of an embedded grip.

Price

When comparing the price of the two popular lawn bowl models, the Taylor Vector VS and the Drakes Pride Professional, it is clear that the Taylor Vector VS is more expensive. Buying the Taylor Vector VS new will set you back £360, while you can purchase a new Drakes Pride Professional for around £290. The difference in the prices for the secondhand models is less significant, with the Taylor Vector VS priced at around £160-£190, while the Drakes Pride Professional can be purchased for around £60-£210.

While the difference in price may be a factor when choosing between these two models, it is important to consider other factors such as performance, durability and quality. Both models have their own unique features that make them a popular choice among lawn bowlers. The Taylor Vector VS is known for its slim profile and consistent draw, while the Drakes Pride Professional is known for its wider bias and smooth delivery. Ultimately, the choice between these two models will depend on the individual preferences of the bowler.

Performance

The Taylor Vector VS and the Drakes Pride Professional lawn bowls both have their unique strengths which make them suitable for different types of bowlers. The Taylor Vector VS is designed for indoor use and is a narrow biased bowl, which makes it perfect for lead bowlers. On the other hand, the Drakes Pride Professional has a mid-bias and can be used on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.

If you are an indoor bowler who predominantly plays lead, then the Taylor Vector VS would be a great choice as it is specifically designed for this. However, if you bowl on both indoor and outdoor surfaces or play other positions, then the Drakes Pride Professional would be an excellent option due to its mid-bias and versatility.

In summary, consider the type of surface you mainly play on and your position when choosing between these two models. If you play on indoor greens and are primarily a lead bowler, go with the Taylor Vector VS. If you play on both indoor and outdoor greens, or play other positions besides lead, then the Drakes Pride Professional is the best choice.

Conclusion

After comparing The Drakes Pride Professional and the Taylor Vector VS, it is clear that both are top-notch lawn bowls suited for different preferences. The Taylor Vector VS is a better option for indoor bowlers and those who play on fast outdoor greens due to its narrow bias, while The Drakes Pride Professional is more versatile and can be used on various surfaces and conditions. Both bowls are available in different sizes, but only in the UK market. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on the specific needs and playing style of the individual player.