If you’ve ever watched two bowlers play almost the same shot only to see their bowls finish completely differently, you’re not imagining things. Not all lawn bowls follow the same line — and understanding why can dramatically improve your game.
One of the most misunderstood parts of lawn bowls is bias. Some bowls take a wider draw, while others hold a straighter line for longer before turning. Choosing the right bowl for your playing style, green speed, and position can make a huge difference in consistency and confidence.
What Is “Bias” in Lawn Bowls?
Bias is the built-in weight distribution inside a lawn bowl that causes it to curve as it slows down. Without bias, bowls would simply roll straight.
Every approved lawn bowl has bias, but the amount and shape of that curve varies between models.
Some bowls:
- Hold a narrow line
- Finish later
- Suit faster greens
Others:
- Take a wider arc
- Turn earlier
- Help on slower or heavier greens
There’s no “best” bias — only the best one for your game.
Why Some Bowls Swing More Than Others
Different bowl models are designed with different trajectories in mind.
A wider drawing bowl creates more curve throughout the shot. These are often preferred by players who like working around short bowls or attacking difficult heads.
A narrower drawing bowl tracks straighter for longer and finishes later. These are popular on fast greens where controlling width becomes critical.
Green conditions also play a major role.
Fast Greens
On quicker surfaces, bowls generally swing more because they maintain momentum longer before slowing down.
Slow Greens
On heavier greens, bowls tend to hold straighter lines and finish later.
This is why experienced bowlers often adjust their line depending on conditions rather than simply using the same shot every time.
Wide Draw vs Narrow Draw Bowls
Choosing between a wider or narrower drawing bowl often comes down to playing style.
Wide Draw Bowls
Wide drawing bowls are often suited to:
- Traditional outdoor greens
- Players who like using more green
- Drawing around traffic
- Front-end players building heads
Narrow Draw Bowls
Narrower models are commonly preferred by:
- Players on faster greens
- Indoor bowlers
- Skips playing weight shots
- Bowlers wanting tighter consistency
Many modern bowlers prefer a controlled narrow trajectory because it can feel more predictable under pressure.
Does Your Position Matter?
Absolutely.
Leads and seconds often favour bowls that offer consistent draw and forgiveness over changing conditions.
Skips may prefer bowls with a tighter line that allow more aggressive shot-making when playing weight.
The “right” bowl often depends less on skill level and more on how you naturally see the shot.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Bowl
One of the biggest mistakes new bowlers make is buying a bowl based purely on colour or what another player uses.
What works perfectly for one bowler may feel completely wrong for another.
Other common mistakes include:
- Choosing a bowl too wide for fast greens
- Using a narrow line on slow outdoor surfaces
- Ignoring hand comfort and grip
- Switching models too often
The best bowl is the one that gives you repeatable confidence.
Which Taylor Bowl Is Right for You?
At Taylor Bowls, different models are designed to suit different playing styles and conditions.
- Taylor Redline SR – ideal for players wanting a controlled narrow trajectory
- Taylor GTR – versatile all-round performance across varying green speeds
- Taylor SRV – designed for players wanting a predictable line with strong finishing consistency
If you’re unsure which line suits your game, speaking with experienced bowlers or testing different models can make a huge difference before buying your next set.
Final Thoughts
Understanding bias isn’t just technical knowledge — it directly affects how consistently you play.
The more you understand how different bowls react under different conditions, the easier it becomes to choose the right line, trust your shot, and improve your results on the green.
Whether you prefer a wider arc or a narrower finish, choosing the right bowl for your game can help you play with more confidence every end.
