Welcome to my bowls channel. In today's video we test 5 sets of Drakes Pride Professional Bowls to see if the target bowls roll on further than the smaller ones. It is generally accepted they do, but is that the case? Here we find out.
Hi Alec, glad to see a new video from you. I've just taken up bowls due to back problems preventing me from playing golf and have watched all of your videos several times each so far. Would just like to thank you for all of the information you've shared, it's made it really easy to pick up the basics and get involved
Hi Alec loving your videos, came across them as a beginner last year and have watched all, would love to see them more often. As to this experiment scientifically would friction come into play more with the smaller diameter wood because the whole circumference comes in contact with the mat more often than the larger wood over the same distance, just a thought, this is only a rough experiment which you both demonstrated very well and at the end of the day the woods you use are down to your hand size and what fits comfortably, anyhow keep up the good work, keep bowling and stay well.
Friction does slow the bowl down, which is why on grass the bowl needs more power than on carpet. But I am not sure about the friction of a bigger bowl being more than a smaller one as I think the curvature of the bowl would only allow the same amount of surface to touch the ground whatever size you use, But I am not sure, you could be correct. I will have to look into this a little more. Great question.
I would love to see this test done on a heavy grass green - say 10 or 11 seconds. My theory is the lighter ones will go a bit further due to the heavier bowls sinking down into the grass.
So would I, but it is too big to transfer in my car. I think the difference would be minimal, but I would still like to try. I will try and find a solution.
you have to repeat the exact same test outdoor!!! would love to see. i think the inertia of the heavier bowls might carry them further through the jungle?
Further to my earlier post. What decided me to go from a 3 to a 1 was in April when our outdoor club opened, a little lady 4ft 11 and 7 stone approx ,bowling with Drake's Pride 0000s Medium weight was reaching the long jack and me 5ft 10 , 13 1/2th stone was wellying them down and mostly coming up a yard or so short.I know technique plays a big part but I coached her.
I'm a relative newbie ( 2yrs playing) Never played on grass, but I have tried a size 5 down to 00 indoors , IMHO the difference is negligible regarding the amount of effort to reach a given point on the green (carpet), although lot's of bowlers tell me different. I think your side kick Harrison hit the nail on the head or should I say "it's in your head" . I use a 0 because it's comfortable and I enjoy playing with them, so many people tell me they are too small 🥱they are coloured "speckled" ,I believe they are heavier than a black or brown bowl? your video's are unique .Thank you for making the effort to do them 👍
He did hit the nail on the head. Agreed, use a bowl you are comfortable with. I would never recommend using a larger bowl for what little advantage, (if any) it gives you.
Another very interesting video. Some years ago there was a YT video of the same thing and they found the small bowl went through about a yard further than the others but they only used one of each size, so your video is better. One other point, I have recently gone down to a size1 from a three and find it easier to get up outdoors, my wife found the same when she went to 00s , must be because they don't sink into the green so deep?.
It may also be the fact you may be gripping the smaller bowl better. I have seen many times players struggling to hold larger bowls, but when they go down a size they improve, especially in wet conditions.
Hi Alec, your tutorial videos are a great resource. However, there is one thing I feel is a bit lacking. You use jargon in a lot of your videos. Could you do a terminology video, where you explain all the different terminologies? These include through, up, wide, narrow, weight, grass, etc. These are obviously just some that I have noticed while watching.
Communication on the green is important, so is encouragement. I always let my team players know how far their bowl has run, short or through, as they can see the width. I always try and be encouraging in what I say. I was once told 'if you have nothing positive to say, then say nothing'. I think that is a great tip. Everyone wants to play well, but when they don't, they also don't need someone having a go at them. So even though I may despair at times, I never show it. :)
I think larger bowls can be slightly more effective if hitting smaller ones, also a larger bowl hit by a smaller one may be slightly harder to move, but it is only a very small advantage, not enough to pick a large bowl over a smaller one. I think it is more important using a bowl that is the right for your hand.
