Henselite Tiger vs Drakes Pride XP | Which is Best?

Are you a beginner lawn bowler who feels overwhelmed by the many options available? Choosing the right lawn bowl can be intimidating, especially when you're new to the game. But fear not, this blog post is here to help!

Today, I'll be comparing two popular models - the Henselite Tiger and the Drakes Pride XP. We'll delve into the specifics, including the bowl's specification, bias, grip options, and price. By the time we're done, you'll feel confident in your knowledge of which bowl is the perfect fit for you. Let's dive in together!

Spec

The Henselite Tiger lawn bowl is a wide biased bowl that is suited for outdoor play on various surfaces. It is ideal for skips and comes in sizes 00 to 5 for the UK market only. Although it may be difficult to find on second hand marketplaces, it is widely available for purchase new.

The Drakes Pride XP is an outdoor lawn bowl with a wide bias, suited for skips and available in sizes 00 to 5 for the UK market. Its ideal for all outdoor surfaces but is hard to find on online second hand marketplaces, suggesting a high demand for these bowls.

Bias

Both the Henselite Tiger and Drakes Pride XP lawn bowls are wide biased and ideal for outdoor greens.

The main difference between the two bowls is that the Tiger is slightly wider than the XP and should be avoided for indoor play. However, the XP is suitable for all outdoor surfaces.

Both brands are reputable and popular among lawn bowlers, and the decision between them would ultimately come down to personal preferences and individual playing styles.

It is recommended to try both bowls before making a decision on which one to use regularly.

Grips

The Henselite Tiger comes equipped with the Heneslite Mega grip, which is an embedded grip set deeper into the bowl, making the bowl feel smaller in the hands. This type of grip is beneficial for bowlers who face difficulty in gripping the bowl. On the other hand, the Drakes Pride XP only provides the standard dimple grip, which features small divots that run along the shoulder of the bowl. The idea behind this design is to provide an enhanced grip by allowing the fingertips to sit in the dimples.

In conclusion, while both lawn bowls are popular models, they differ in terms of the grips they offer. The Henselite Tiger features an embedded grip that caters to bowlers struggling with gripping the bowl, and the Drakes Pride XP has a classic dimple grip that allows for a better grip. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, and it is recommended that bowlers try out both models to determine which grip works best for them.

Price

When it comes to price, there is a significant difference between the Henselite Tiger and the Drakes Pride XP. The Henselite Tiger is a more expensive option, costing around £400 for a brand new set. However, the Tiger II model can be bought second hand for a range of prices, from £200 to £690. On the other hand, the Drakes Pride XP is relatively cheaper, with a price tag of around £290 for a new set. Second hand sets of XP can be found for around £140 to £250.

It's clear that the Henselite Tiger is a pricier option in comparison to the Drakes Pride XP. However, the Tiger II being sold second hand can vary largely in price, which may make it a more affordable option for some bowlers. Ultimately, the decision on which to buy may come down to budget and personal preference.

Performance

Both the Henselite Tiger and the Drakes Pride XP are wide biased bowls that are designed for outdoor use. Therefore, if you primarily play indoors, these bowls may not be the best choice for you. However, if you frequently play on outdoor greens, either of these models would be a good pick.

As for differences between the two, the Henselite Tiger has a unique shape that makes it particularly suitable for those with a medium to heavy hand. It's also designed to have stability and predictability in any outdoor conditions. On the other hand, the Drakes Pride XP is known for its precision and accuracy which makes it a great choice for players who are looking for incredible line consistency.

In conclusion, if you're a player with a medium to heavy hand who prioritizes stability in outdoor conditions, the Henselite Tiger would be the way to go. If you're looking for precision and line consistency, the Drakes Pride XP would be an ideal option. Ultimately, the choice between these two models depends on your personal style of play and what factors you value most in a lawn bowl.

Conclusion

Overall, it appears that the Henselite Tiger and the Drakes Pride XP are quite similar in terms of their design and intended use for outdoor bowls. Both models are ideal for a variety of surfaces and cater to skips. However, one key difference seems to be in their availability, as both are difficult to find on secondhand marketplaces. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preferences or which one is more easily accessible for purchase.