Choosing your Crown Green bowls

Crown Green Bowls

A set of crown green bowls consists of two bowls. Standard sets are all engraved with the wording “2 Full Bias”. This term refers to the strength of the bias that the bowls have. With the bias being the amount the bowl deviates from a straight line when delivered. In the game of crown green bowls, the jack has a 2 Full bias, so almost all crown green bowls are also manufactured with this bias.

Model & Size:

With the bias of all models being the same the choice of model when choosing crown green bowls is more about the grips and densities offered.

Some models have no grips whereas others have patterned or dimple grips, which one you choose is purely down to personal preference and which feels the most comfortable.

The density of the bowls does however affect the size and performance of the bowl, so this need to be taken into consideration.

Crown green bowls were originally made from Lignum Vitae timber, which is reasonably consistent in density. Bowls were turned out of the logs to a particular finished weight and as the density of the timber was similar, bowls of the same weight would be of a similar size. The introduction of composition bowls enabled manufacturers to produce bowls of different densities, we offer Lo-density models, Standard density models and Hi-density models.

Lo-density bowls are larger than usual for the weight of the bowl, i.e. a 2lb 8oz Lo-density bowl is the same size as a regular 2lb 10oz bowl. The lo-density material is similar to that of the original timber bowls and increases the length of run, particularly on slow running greens. 

Standard density bowls are the most popular, as they are suitable for the widest variety of greens. Unless otherwise stated crown green bowls offered are of a standard density.

Hi-Density bowls are smaller than usual for the weight of the bowl. i.e. a 2lb 8oz Hi-density bowl is the same size as a regular 2lb 6oz bowl. This enables the bowler to play with a heavier bowl than they may otherwise be able to handle and makes it easier to control the length of delivery on faster running greens.

So, it is for historical reasons that crown green bowls are sold by weight and now also density.  The chart below shows the diameter sizes of each weight in the different densities offered (greyed out weight/sizes are not offered).

For ladies, the most popular weights are 2-04 and 2-06, while for gents, it's 2-08 and 2-10. However, it's essential to select a weight and size that suits you personally rather than just going with the most common choice.

For new players, the best way to determine the right size is to hold them in your local retail store or if possible, try some out at your local club.

Colour:

Choosing the colour and pattern is entirely up to your personal preference and does not affect the performance of the bowls. There is a broad selection of colours and patterns available, and they are updated frequently. The current colour range can be viewed on this website within the bowls model selected.

Mounts:

For identification purposes, all crown green bowls have mounts fitted. Mounts are the small, coloured inserts on either side of the bowl. The mount on the bias side has a small dimple in it, so the bowler can easily identify the bias side. Mounts come in a selection of colours, if you have a colour preference your retail store will be able to tell you what they have available.

 We hope this guide helps you choose the right bowls for your needs and that you thoroughly enjoy your bowling.