Buying second-hand lawn bowls is one of the best decisions a new or returning player can make. A quality second-hand set costs £50–£120 compared to £250–£350 for new — and for a beginner who is still developing their game, second-hand bowls perform identically to new ones in every way that matters. This guide tells you exactly what to look for and where to find them.
Lawn bowls are made from extremely durable phenolic resin and, when stored correctly, last for decades. A ten-year-old set of Drakes Pride Professionals or Taylor Aces that have been well maintained will perform identically to a new set in terms of bias consistency, running surface quality and grip. The only meaningful difference is cosmetic.
For beginners especially, second-hand bowls make perfect sense. In your first season you are still developing your technique and understanding of the game. Spending £300 on a set you may later discover is the wrong bias or size is money wasted. A £70 second-hand set gives you the same learning experience at a fraction of the cost.
Every bowl approved for competition must carry a valid World Bowls (WB) stamp. Look for the WB logo on the bowl — it is usually accompanied by a date stamp showing the year of manufacture and testing. Bowls are re-tested for competition approval every ten years.
If the stamp date is more than ten years ago, the bowls may not be approved for competitive play in your league or county competition. For social and club play this is often acceptable, but check with your club secretary before purchasing older bowls for competitive use.
Hold the bowl and run your thumb and fingers slowly around the entire running surface — the curved band around the middle of the bowl. You are feeling for:
Ensure all four bowls in the set are the same model, the same size and the same manufacture date (or very close — within 2–3 years is acceptable). Mixing bowls from different sets, even of the same model, can produce slight bias inconsistencies between individual bowls. A matched set of four is essential.
Examine the grip pattern (dimples, rings or embedded channels). Heavy wear on the grip reduces its effectiveness, particularly in wet conditions. Some grip wear is normal and acceptable; complete wear-through of the grip pattern on the running surface is a reason to negotiate on price or look elsewhere.
If possible, ask the seller if you can bowl a few ends with the bowls before purchasing. All four bowls should take broadly the same arc when delivered with the same weight and line. If one bowl curves noticeably more or less than the others, it may have been re-turned at some point or the bias may have changed from wear.
This is the best source. Most clubs have members who are upgrading their bowls or retiring from the game and have a set for sale. The advantages are significant: you can try the bowls on the actual green, you know the provenance, and prices are almost always lower than any other channel. Ask your club secretary if any second-hand sets are available or if you can put a notice in the clubhouse.
The largest online marketplace for second-hand bowls in the UK. Search "lawn bowls set" or "Taylor bowls" or "Drakes Pride bowls." The selection is extensive but you cannot try before buying, so apply the checklist above to the photos carefully and always ask the seller specific questions about the WB stamp date and running surface condition before purchasing.
Excellent for finding locally listed bowls where you can inspect them in person before purchasing. Search "lawn bowls" in Marketplace and set your location radius. Prices on Facebook Marketplace tend to be slightly lower than eBay.
Similar to Facebook Marketplace for local classified listings. Less active than Facebook for bowls but worth checking, particularly in areas with strong bowls communities.
Some specialist bowls retailers sell approved second-hand sets that have been inspected and tested. These cost slightly more than private sales but offer more assurance of quality. Bowls Direct occasionally carries second-hand stock — check their website.
The most popular brands (Taylor Ace, Drakes Pride Professional) hold their value best and are easiest to resell if you later upgrade. Less well-known brands may be priced lower but can be harder to resell.
Buy new bowls rather than second-hand if: you are certain bowls is your long-term sport and you want the best equipment from the start; you have specific grip requirements (such as the Aero Z-Scoop for arthritis); you want to choose a specific colour or personalisation; or if you are buying for competitive county or national play where consistent performance from a matched recent set matters.