Lawn Bowling USA

Equipment Guide

What bowls are, how to pick your size, the other gear you need, and where to buy in the U.S. Start by borrowing club bowls.

What are bowls?

Bowls are the big balls you roll. They aren't perfectly round. They're shaped so they curve as they slow down. That curve is called the bias. You can see which side the bowl will curve toward: it's the side with the smaller ring or logo. Bowls come in matched sets of four and are made of plastic resin (a few older sets are wood).

Narrow vs wide bias

Every model curves a different amount. A narrow bias bowl runs a straighter line, which helps with drawing close to the jack. A wide (full) bias bowl curves more, which helps you get around bowls in the way. Medium bias sits in between. Coaches often point beginners to narrow or medium bias. For example, Henselite sells the Dreamline XG (narrow), Tiger II (medium) and Tiger and Classic TRL (wide).

Sizes

Size means the width of the bowl. Sizes use numbers, smallest to largest, like 0000, 000, 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and on up. Each step is about 2 mm. Drakes Pride makes 0000 to 4 (112 to 126 mm). Henselite USA lists 000 to 5. Some makers' charts go up to 5 or 6. A size number isn't exactly the same width from one brand to the next. Drakes Pride says size 0 and 1 are the most popular sizes for women and 2 and 3 for men, but your hand matters more than those averages.

Weight: heavy or medium

Most bowls sold today are heavy. Heavy bowls hold their line better and get knocked around less. Medium bowls use a lighter material and tend to run a little farther. Some brands now make heavy only. The size and weight are marked on the bowl, for example 3H (size 3, heavy). No legal bowl can weigh more than 1.59 kg (about 3.5 lb).

Picking your size: the grip test

  1. Span test: hold the bowl in one hand with your middle finger on one side and your thumb on the other, across the running surface. They should just about meet, or leave a small gap. If they overlap, the bowl is too small. If the gap is wide, it's too big.
  2. Upside-down test: hold the bowl palm-down with your arm out for 20 to 30 seconds. If it slips or your arm shakes, go smaller.
  3. Swing test: swing it gently as if you're delivering. It should feel secure without squeezing.
  4. Use the largest bowl you can hold and deliver comfortably. Try the next size up to check.

Grips, dimples and colors

Many bowls have grooves or dimples to help you grip. Some models have a deeper grip channel, so they feel smaller in your hand and you can use a larger bowl. Bowls come in black and brown, plus many colors and patterns. Henselite and Aero each list dozens of color choices. Each set has a small emblem or logo so you can tell your bowls apart.

The World Bowls stamp

To play in tournaments, bowls must carry the registered World Bowls (WB) stamp. It shows the bowl's bias passed an official test. Under the Laws, bowls must be re-tested and re-stamped at least every 10 years, or sooner if the date can't be read. The stamp records the last year the bowls are valid. For club and domestic play, the national body (Bowls USA in the U.S.) can set its own rules. Never change a stamped bowl yourself. Only a licensed tester may alter the bias.

Major makers

Henselite (Australia), Drakes Pride (Liverpool, England, since 1820), Taylor Bowls (Thomas Taylor, Glasgow, Scotland, est. 1796) and Aero (Australia) all have U.S. sellers. See where to buy below.

Other gear

Shoes
Flat, smooth, heel-less soles are a must, so you don't damage the green. Bowls shoes are made for this. Many clubs lend shoes to beginners, so ask first.
Clothes and dress codes
Many clubs wear white (called "whites") or club colors for matches and tournaments. Casual clothes are usually fine for social bowling and lessons. Ask your club what it expects.
Jack and mat
The jack is the small white target ball. The mat is where you stand to bowl. Clubs provide both, so you don't need to buy them.
Bowl bag
A bag or carrier for your four bowls, shoes and small items. Options run from simple 2-bowl and 4-bowl carriers to trolley bags with wheels.
Measure
A string or tape measure for checking which bowl is closest to the jack when it's too close to call. Clubs and skips usually have one, but many bowlers carry their own.
Grip wax
Products like Grippo and Winwax help your hand grip the bowl, especially in cold or damp weather. They're sold by the U.S. shops below.

New vs used: try before you buy

You don't need your own bowls to start. Clubs lend bowls to beginners, and Drakes Pride suggests trying different sizes at your local club before choosing. Ask members if you can try their sets too. New sets cost several hundred dollars. For example, DP Bowls lists Pro-50 sets at $475 and Aero Bowls USA lists sets from $575 (checked Oct 28, 2026). Used sets can save money, but check the WB stamp date first. An expired or unreadable stamp means the bowls need re-testing before tournament play.

Where to buy in the U.S.

These U.S. sellers are listed by Bowls USA. Each linked site loaded and had bowls for sale when we checked on Oct 28, 2026.

Your club may also sell bowls or know members selling used sets. USA Taylor Bowls (usataylorbowls.com) says it is the licensed Taylor distributor for the U.S., but its site had a security-certificate error when we checked, so we haven't linked it. We aren't paid by, or affiliated with, any seller.

Sources

All sources checked 2026-10-28.

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