What do the stamps on bowls mean?
The stamp on lawn bowls is used to show when the bowl was last tested to ensure it meets international standards. Bowls must go through this process every 10 years, much like a car requires an MOT. The stamp shows who tested it, to which standard it was tested too, and the year it requires re-testing.
Do I need to get my bowls stamped?
All bowls should be re-tested and re-stamped at least once every 10 years, or earlier if the date stamp is not clearly legible”. So it is important that you know what the stamp on your set of bowls indicates. If you have a set of bowls manufactured or re-tested after 1st.
How can you tell how old a bowl is?
The Manufacturing date of the bowls is 10 years before the date stamp on the bowls i.e. Bowls stamped ’25’ were manufactured in 2015. Each bowl in a set should carry an identical serial number.
Which side of a lawn bowl is the bias?
Bowls have symbols unique to the set of four for identification. The side of the bowl with a larger symbol within a circle indicates the side away from the bias. That side with a smaller symbol within a smaller circle is the bias side toward which the bowl will turn.
Do lawn bowls expire?
No, bowls do not have an expiry date. As long as there is no visible damage they should be fine to use regardless of age. Bowls do need to be “stamped” every couple of years if you want to compete at a high level. The stamp shows the bowls have been tested to a high standard and can be used in competitive games.
What size of bowls do I need?
A typical size for a lady is 2lb 4oz; perhaps 2lb 6oz. A typical size for a gentleman is 2lb 8oz; perhaps 2lb 10oz. Obviously, this is just an average and will also be affected by personal preference and size of hands. Generally smaller individuals will prefer a lighter bowl; larger people will prefer a heavier bowl.