Great advice in which I took on board! I have drake pride bowls for indoor and Taylor aces for outdoor! I have not been playing long, but I am happy with my game and in socialising with great bowling buddies!
I just play indoors now and I use Henselite Tiger II. When I did play outside I used Henselite Classic. I liked the hook finish. Years ago I was playing in an open triples event, in which I was skipping. My number told to go on my forehand, as there were short bowls on the backhand side. As I knew my classics would get around the front woods I played my backhand, as the jack was more in the open on the backhand and I drew the shoot thanks to the hook finish. If you are in doubt what bowls will suit you ask a members of your club to try their bowls. The other day that happened to me, at the end of a club comp I was playing the marker asked me if he could try my Tiger IIs and I was happy to let him try them.
What a great video. The best explanation of bias and comparison of different bowls and their individual characteristics bowls I've seen as a bowls coach. Would love to catch up if you ever come to Mid Glos IBC 👍
Was using Taylor SRV but left a lot of shots on the green -I think because of their 'linear' finish i.e not turning at the end of their run to the jack. Use Henslite XG now and enjoy their curve and 'finishing' to the head much more. Dunedin -New Zealand with greens running about 15-16 seconds.
Very interesting video so thankyou, just started playing indoors bowls so I'm looking to buy a mid bios bowl like the jakes pride professional, any advice would be appreciated. Thanks phil
Bought a second hand set of dtecs because I didn't know what I was doing and they're probably too narrow for a beginner, only upside is the limited bias means I focus on the weight more than the line
Being a new bowler, most of what you said was alien, but it's been 4 mths now so I understand a lot more. What about the bowl weight? surely that would have an effect on the drawing motion of the bowl??
If I'm going to play a game of bowls i want to draw the shot by bowling to the jack,not firing the jack into the ditch on the off chance I pick up a shot or by burning the end altogether. Far more enjoyable. Not that desperate to get my name on the winners board by firing straight bowls.
One question I can't get my head around is, if the mat is moved up the green so it is a shorter jack to aim at, should I make my green narrower, wider or the same but just take weight off? Or should I adjust the green AND the weight? I am confused as somebody told me to aim out wider and somebody else to aim narrower. I assume the weight is reduced in either scenario as the jack is closer? Maths was never my strong point and apparently it is all in the angles!
Hi there. Your line should be the same. An implication of this is that on a shorter end, the bowl shouldn’t go out as wide…this is because the bowl will follow the same (correct) line but will slow down and turn in at a quicker rate. Hope that makes sense, just remember, the line should be the same
Thank you for answering my question. I assume that as my line is the same, it is my weight that is reduced on a shorter end. That is why the bowl will turn in and slow down at a quicker rate.@@Seventh_Son_Music
@@munchkin143 that’s right. The same line but with less weight and then the bowl slows and turns in sooner than it would for a longer jack / with more weight. Hope that helps :)
Thank you for your help. I was made skip today in a game and bowled so badly on one end my team lost by 7! I felt discouraged but maybe things can only get better as I understand more what I should be doing!@@Seventh_Son_Music
@@munchkin143 i hope you enjoy playing :) I play good and bad hehe. Practice makes perfect. Now you understand the lines better too! It’s not easy! Keep going
Great video. Been playing a year and started with a bit of coaching. One question I’ve asked a number of times and get different answers. Playing indoors day if the jack is at the nearest spot or on the T, therefore you are playing a different weight, is the bias/curve the same ? Do you use the same aiming point ? Thanks.
Hey Dun, It can again vary on a few different aspects of the green. Different answers show how the sport is played differently by several people and finding an aiming point should be something you vary rarely change unless the jack is moved off center. The weight is the main variable that should change depending on the length :)
Very informative video. Something here for both newcomers and more experienced players. I only play indoor bowls now and I usually play lead in pairs, triples and rinks. Over the 10 years I have been playing I have tried bowls from all the main manufacturers and I have come to the conclusion that a bowl is a bowl no matter which manufacturer it is made by. Having said that there are clear differences between bowls of different biases and you have try them to find out what suits you. The other big thing, for me, is that the bowl must feel comfortable in my hand. For the last 2 seasons I have been using Drakes Pride XPs size 3 with the Channel grip. I have enjoyed playing with these bowls as I am very confident as to what my grass line is, certainly on my home club's carpet. Playing at other clubs, however, I have experienced some problems and so, on the advice of a very experienced club member, I will be trialling a set of Drakes Pride d-Tecs over this summer. Maybe I will make the switch for next season. All the best.
I wonder if you can help me. After 50 years I have just decided to return to bowls. So that I didn't waste money, I bought a set of R. G. Lawrie Challenger bowls. Can you tell me what bias they have please. So far I have only used them twice on short mat, but plan to join a lawn bowls club. Thank you so much. Graeme.
I saw someone who knows, and they said that these bowls have a very strong bias. I went on an indoor rink the other day, and they swing loads and loads.
I have just received a pair of Hemselite Special bias 815-UV Size 4 Heavy Indoor. ( second hand). What does Special Bias mean? Are they really good for playing indoor?
Can you 1day explain when the kitty gets moved to the rink boundry why you bowl doesn't turn as much when you go into the next rink to draw to it thanks
One thing I find interesting about bias is that although there can be similarities in terms of pace between the UK indoor game and the Aussie game the UK seems to prefer a wider bowl. I don't think many Aussies would consider an Ace mid bias. I use the Taylor GTR
I have noticed that with videos from Australia that the green have marks (lines) running up the green. Surely this is a great advantage to players in Oz because you can use these lines as a guide to how much green to take. In the UK we do not have this, so in my opinion the UK game is more skilful.
the aussies use straight woods so yes uk play is more skillfully 😛🙄😁😁 i play lead and started with taylor vector (not vs) but because I started to play singles and a few other positions I needed that little more bias than the vectors, so I with alarm Stirling slimline I managed to get into the semi final of the County champion of champions I only been playing 7 yrs.. wish I had family in the game so I would of started when I was younger. I also play lead indoors and have gone back to the straighter Woods...
I play indoor Short Mat I played with a vector VS size 3. I also have a set of revolution 3 1/2 heavy which one do you suggest is better?. Main, my main problem is that I’m partially blind so it’s very hard when you can’t see the end where the Jackie is I can see up to about 78 m so just a little bit behind the block in the middle. The other problem is that I won’t be able really to read much of what you will be sending me. Is there any way one can talk to anyone on the phone thank you
I.played bowls with the same as you.use Vector Vs but was accused of cheating by using these in competitions, the women bowlers were adamant that these bowls had a magnetic effect and always went straight to the jack, so I stopped playingn
The Henselite Classic is a wide bias bowl with a hockey stick hook at the end. An outdoor bowl only. Not generally recommended for front end players, and used by skip or assistant skip to bowl around other bowls on rink
I still have no idea why my bowls take an entirely different approach after following the same line and weight. There must be more to this than simple bias
If your grip and delivery isn’t the same a wobble can affect the bias. There are also inconsistencies outdoors that mean a half inch wider and it just won’t turn at all. The last possibility is that there’s a problem with your set of bowls, for instance if it’s a very old set the bias may not be the same with all 4 bowls
Skittle has got some really good points there. Delivery is a big factor. A small wobble of the hand can have a very very big impact at the other end of the green. Different green lines and wear on the green can also have a big impact
@@wooley6914 took the skill out of the draw. Which makes it more difficult for better players to win against lesser bowlers. Just my opinion. If you can find the world bowls final Bryant/allcock vs brassie bellis. You can see the difference compared with the Morden game.
I wouldn't say ruined. It's brought more people into the sport, making it better for the sport. It makes it easier to play, which could be negative or positive depending on your view. The more choice for people the more people will play
@@danielhandoverIt will finally leave people no choice but tight bowls if they want to win. The classic bowls will be gone. Lawn bowling becomes pin bowling on grass.
Why in the hell don't we all play with the same bias bowls? Equal playing field. I know. Oooh. I can't beat someone. So I'll get an easier biased bowl. Straight up the middle.
Very informative, as a second yr bowler, indoor and outdoors this really has helped me, cheers from NZ
Thanks Cherie, I'm glad you liked the video :)
I play with size 4 aces indoors and tiger 2 size 3 outdoors. Love them both and think I have settled with them
Great advice in which I took on board! I have drake pride bowls for indoor and Taylor aces for outdoor! I have not been playing long, but I am happy with my game and in socialising with great bowling buddies!
Fantastic explanation - I will play this video a few times over !!!
Brilliant Dan!
Thanks Runjan!
I won the indoor novice cup in my first season using Lazers and won the novice cup outdoor using Grooves in my first sesson too.
Well Done Wooley!
I just play indoors now and I use Henselite Tiger II. When I did play outside I used Henselite Classic. I liked the hook finish.
Years ago I was playing in an open triples event, in which I was skipping. My number told to go on my forehand, as there were short bowls on the backhand side. As I knew my classics would get around the front woods I played my backhand, as the jack was more in the open on the backhand and I drew the shoot thanks to the hook finish.
If you are in doubt what bowls will suit you ask a members of your club to try their bowls. The other day that happened to me, at the end of a club comp I was playing the marker asked me if he could try my Tiger IIs and I was happy to let him try them.
What a great video. The best explanation of bias and comparison of different bowls and their individual characteristics bowls I've seen as a bowls coach. Would love to catch up if you ever come to Mid Glos IBC 👍
Great video, well presented...
Thanks Larry, I'm glad you like the video!
@@danielhandover As a new bowler, I'll be looking for more!!!
Was using Taylor SRV but left a lot of shots on the green -I think because of their 'linear' finish i.e not turning at the end of their run to the jack. Use Henslite XG now and enjoy their curve and 'finishing' to the head much more. Dunedin -New Zealand with greens running about 15-16 seconds.
Thanks for the comment Xyover, It's good you've found something more suited to you.
Playing with Henselite Dreamline XG in Melbourne Australia.
A popular make in the UK. I was tempted with Henselite...
Very interesting video so thankyou, just started playing indoors bowls so I'm looking to buy a mid bios bowl like the jakes pride professional, any advice would be appreciated. Thanks phil
I'll be playing with tiger size 3H this season outdoors.
Thanks very helpful 😀👍
Thank You!
Taylor ace size 4 outdoor and indoor short mat, great on short mat but still getting used to the bias outdoor...
I used Taylor Ace for a little bit and did like them! Was tempted to go back to them at some point
Playing indoors now with Tiger TX and used Tiger for outdoor but have had to give up outdoor now Txs are size 2H and Tigers were 4H
I play with Taylor SR or Aero Dynamic in South Australia.
The heavier the outdoor green the wider bias bowl needed.
Bought a second hand set of dtecs because I didn't know what I was doing and they're probably too narrow for a beginner, only upside is the limited bias means I focus on the weight more than the line
they have their uses. Depending on what your indoor green is. If it swings a lot then they aren't too bad :)
@@danielhandover problem is I'm playing outside :).. I'm getting used to them though!
Being a new bowler, most of what you said was alien, but it's been 4 mths now so I understand a lot more. What about the bowl weight? surely that would have an effect on the drawing motion of the bowl??
Started with wide bias but as I’ve got into one to one competition had to go Taylor ace very difficult to compete consistently on the first two
Taylor ace is a good middle of the road for sure.
If I'm going to play a game of bowls i want to draw the shot by bowling to the jack,not firing the jack into the ditch on the off chance I pick up a shot or by burning the end altogether. Far more enjoyable. Not that desperate to get my name on the winners board by firing straight bowls.
Bias of the wood depends on the green in the UK. Even Aero’s will turn on certain greens !
Hi thanks for video on bias,I see a suggested bias 3 wood? Is there a scale for bias and does it increase low to high or high to low? Thanks
Henselite Tigers very good indoors
One question I can't get my head around is, if the mat is moved up the green so it is a shorter jack to aim at, should I make my green narrower, wider or the same but just take weight off? Or should I adjust the green AND the weight? I am confused as somebody told me to aim out wider and somebody else to aim narrower. I assume the weight is reduced in either scenario as the jack is closer? Maths was never my strong point and apparently it is all in the angles!
Hi there. Your line should be the same. An implication of this is that on a shorter end, the bowl shouldn’t go out as wide…this is because the bowl will follow the same (correct) line but will slow down and turn in at a quicker rate. Hope that makes sense, just remember, the line should be the same
Thank you for answering my question. I assume that as my line is the same, it is my weight that is reduced on a shorter end. That is why the bowl will turn in and slow down at a quicker rate.@@Seventh_Son_Music
@@munchkin143 that’s right. The same line but with less weight and then the bowl slows and turns in sooner than it would for a longer jack / with more weight. Hope that helps :)
Thank you for your help. I was made skip today in a game and bowled so badly on one end my team lost by 7! I felt discouraged but maybe things can only get better as I understand more what I should be doing!@@Seventh_Son_Music
@@munchkin143 i hope you enjoy playing :) I play good and bad hehe. Practice makes perfect. Now you understand the lines better too! It’s not easy! Keep going
Great video. Been playing a year and started with a bit of coaching. One question I’ve asked a number of times and get different answers. Playing indoors day if the jack is at the nearest spot or on the T, therefore you are playing a different weight, is the bias/curve the same ? Do you use the same aiming point ? Thanks.
Hey Dun,
It can again vary on a few different aspects of the green. Different answers show how the sport is played differently by several people and finding an aiming point should be something you vary rarely change unless the jack is moved off center. The weight is the main variable that should change depending on the length :)
@@danielhandover Thanks for your reply, very helpful. Enjoy your videos.
Great video. Rookie mistake. Make sure the bias circle is pointing the correct way 😂
Good point Terry hah. I've done that a fair few times myself...more than I care to mention
@@danielhandover We've all done it.... and will again... 😉
Wrong bias at training means you need to shout the bar at my club.
@@simonnaughton2272 At our club it's a pound in the box...
Very informative video. Something here for both newcomers and more experienced players. I only play indoor bowls now and I usually play lead in pairs, triples and rinks. Over the 10 years I have been playing I have tried bowls from all the main manufacturers and I have come to the conclusion that a bowl is a bowl no matter which manufacturer it is made by. Having said that there are clear differences between bowls of different biases and you have try them to find out what suits you. The other big thing, for me, is that the bowl must feel comfortable in my hand. For the last 2 seasons I have been using Drakes Pride XPs size 3 with the Channel grip. I have enjoyed playing with these bowls as I am very confident as to what my grass line is, certainly on my home club's carpet. Playing at other clubs, however, I have experienced some problems and so, on the advice of a very experienced club member, I will be trialling a set of Drakes Pride d-Tecs over this summer. Maybe I will make the switch for next season. All the best.
Completely agree Alistair, whatever you're comfortable with you will play better with than something you're not comfortable with.
Does a blueline Taylor bowl have a wider or narrower bias cheers Yvonne Gordon ..
I wonder if you can help me. After 50 years I have just decided to return to bowls. So that I didn't waste money, I bought a set of R. G. Lawrie Challenger bowls. Can you tell me what bias they have please. So far I have only used them twice on short mat, but plan to join a lawn bowls club. Thank you so much. Graeme.
I saw someone who knows, and they said that these bowls have a very strong bias. I went on an indoor rink the other day, and they swing loads and loads.
I have just received a pair of Hemselite Special bias 815-UV Size 4 Heavy Indoor. ( second hand). What does Special Bias mean? Are they really good for playing indoor?
Can you 1day explain when the kitty gets moved to the rink boundry why you bowl doesn't turn as much when you go into the next rink to draw to it thanks
Certainly can :)
One thing I find interesting about bias is that although there can be similarities in terms of pace between the UK indoor game and the Aussie game the UK seems to prefer a wider bowl. I don't think many Aussies would consider an Ace mid bias. I use the Taylor GTR
I have noticed that with videos from Australia that the green have marks (lines) running up the green. Surely this is a great advantage to players in Oz because you can use these lines as a guide to how much green to take. In the UK we do not have this, so in my opinion the UK game is more skilful.
@@petersaunders747 your crazy to think more skilful considering UK dont win anything
@@jt9713 Most probably the Australians perhaps win more is because they have guide lines to help in gauging how much green to take. Don't you think?
the aussies use straight woods so yes uk play is more skillfully 😛🙄😁😁 i play lead and started with taylor vector (not vs) but because I started to play singles and a few other positions I needed that little more bias than the vectors, so I with alarm Stirling slimline I managed to get into the semi final of the County champion of champions I only been playing 7 yrs.. wish I had family in the game so I would of started when I was younger. I also play lead indoors and have gone back to the straighter Woods...
I play indoor Short Mat I played with a vector VS size 3. I also have a set of revolution 3 1/2 heavy which one do you suggest is better?. Main, my main problem is that I’m partially blind so it’s very hard when you can’t see the end where the Jackie is I can see up to about 78 m so just a little bit behind the block in the middle. The other problem is that I won’t be able really to read much of what you will be sending me. Is there any way one can talk to anyone on the phone thank you
I.played bowls with the same as you.use Vector Vs but was accused of cheating by using these in competitions, the women bowlers were adamant that these bowls had a magnetic effect and always went straight to the jack, so I stopped playingn
Is 2 full bias a mid bias bowl ?
Its a shame that you didnt make any more videos as your content was really good.
I’m a first season bowler and found this video about bias very helpful. Thank you
Taylor spectrums bought fir my 18th 17 years ago. No idea how spectrums compare to modern taylors
Currently using Henselite Classic deluxe, how would you define their bias?
The Henselite Classic is a wide bias bowl with a hockey stick hook at the end. An outdoor bowl only. Not generally recommended for front end players, and used by skip or assistant skip to bowl around other bowls on rink
Taylor Ace SA but would like to hear from some players what plays similar in the Aero Brand range, Goove or Quantum ?
I am tempted to go to a set of Aero's to be honest. A lot of people use them at my club and they perform really well
Drake’s Professional. Play outdoors on carpet and grass.
Love the video! Just after 6 mins you "the heavier the green, the more it's going to swing", I didn't understand this. Surely the opposite is true?
Yep you got it that was my error there Ben.
I still have no idea why my bowls take an entirely different approach after following the same line and weight. There must be more to this than simple bias
If your grip and delivery isn’t the same a wobble can affect the bias. There are also inconsistencies outdoors that mean a half inch wider and it just won’t turn at all. The last possibility is that there’s a problem with your set of bowls, for instance if it’s a very old set the bias may not be the same with all 4 bowls
Skittle has got some really good points there. Delivery is a big factor. A small wobble of the hand can have a very very big impact at the other end of the green. Different green lines and wear on the green can also have a big impact
Taylor blaze
Vector Vs Mid bias, behave! You may as well play with marbles 😅
Pokers is the term in Scotland for the vs
I mean...mid-bias ish :D Ok It might be a more narrow bias bowl.
Bias is something that most bowlers do not bowl with a big bias because it is easier
Obviously you don't like Henselite Bowls
Tight bowls have ruined the game.
How?
@@wooley6914 took the skill out of the draw.
Which makes it more difficult for better players to win against lesser bowlers.
Just my opinion.
If you can find the world bowls final Bryant/allcock vs brassie bellis.
You can see the difference compared with the Morden game.
I wouldn't say ruined. It's brought more people into the sport, making it better for the sport. It makes it easier to play, which could be negative or positive depending on your view. The more choice for people the more people will play
The straight bowls are very boring but far easierl to play with requiring much less skill....just play weight down the middle....yawn.
@@danielhandoverIt will finally leave people no choice but tight bowls if they want to win. The classic bowls will be gone. Lawn bowling becomes pin bowling on grass.
Why in the hell don't we all play with the same bias bowls?
Equal playing field.
I know. Oooh. I can't beat someone. So I'll get an easier biased bowl. Straight up the middle.