Sport Products
Pétanque is a beloved game worldwide, enjoyed by players of all skill levels and ages. The sport demands precision, strategy, and equipment that can withstand the rigors of competitive play. Among the tools essential for pétanque success is the measuring rod, used to accurately determine how close your boules are to the cochonnet (the target ball). In this comprehensive review, we'll take a detailed look at the Drakes Pride Drakelock Measuring Rod a product designed specifically for serious pétanque players who demand accuracy and durability. Well explore its design, materials, performance, user reviews, pricing, and ultimately decide if it's worth your investment.
The Drakes Pride Drakelock Measuring Rod boasts a sleek, professional appearance that reflects the quality of its construction. It's available in two primary colors: black and silver. The rod itself is constructed from high-quality stainless steel, chosen for its strength, resistance to rust, and ability to maintain accuracy over time. The most notable feature of this measuring rod is its locking mechanism hence the name "Drakelock." This patented design ensures that the measuring arm extends smoothly and locks securely at any desired length, providing consistent measurements every time. The lock itself feels robust and reliable, offering peace of mind during crucial moments in a game. The handle is ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable grip, even when wet or sweaty something essential for those long summer tournaments. It's made from durable ABS plastic that can withstand the elements and repeated use. At 41cm (approximately 16 inches) closed, its compact enough to easily fit into your pétanque bag without taking up too much space.
The Drakes Pride Drakelock Measuring Rod is built to last. The stainless steel construction ensures that the rod will resist rust and corrosion, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor play in a variety of weather conditions. As mentioned earlier, the locking mechanism is another key factor contributing to its durability. This isn't just a simple click-lock; its a patented system designed for longevity and reliability. Many users have reported that their Drakelock Measuring Rod remains functional after years of regular use testament to the quality materials and construction. The handle, while made from plastic, feels surprisingly robust and has proven to withstand impacts during transport or accidental drops. Overall, Drakes Pride has clearly prioritized durability in the design of this measuring rod.
Weighing in at just 160g (approximately 5.7 ounces), the Drakelock Measuring Rod is remarkably lightweight for its size and construction quality. This contributes to ease of use during play, as you won't feel weighed down by a heavy tool while measuring distances. The weight distribution is also well-balanced, making it comfortable to hold and maneuver.
This is where the Drakelock Measuring Rod truly shines. The locking mechanism ensures that measurements are consistently accurate and repeatable an absolute must for competitive pétanque players. No more guessing or adjusting; you can trust your measurements with confidence. The precise markings on the measuring arm, in both metric (centimeters) and imperial (inches), make it easy to read distances quickly and accurately. The clear contrast between the black numbers/markings and the silver background further enhances readability. This is a significant advantage over some other rods that use less visible or accurate measurements. The Drakelocks smooth extension mechanism also contributes to its performance. You can extend the rod with minimal effort and lock it securely at any length, allowing you to take precise measurements without fumbling or struggling.
Customer reviews of the Drakes Pride Drakelock Measuring Rod are overwhelmingly positive. Many users praise its accuracy, durability, and ease of use. Here's a summary of common feedback:
The Drakes Pride Drakelock Measuring Rod is priced competitively within the premium range of pétanque measuring rods. You can typically find it online for around $35-$40 USD, depending on the retailer and any available discounts or promotions. While more expensive than basic plastic measuring rods, this investment offers significantly improved accuracy, durability, and overall performance making it a worthwhile purchase for serious players. Availability is generally good, with most online retailers carrying this product in stock. However, demand can fluctuate during peak pétanque season (summer months), so it's always advisable to check availability before placing an order.
If youre a serious pétanque player who values accuracy and durability in your equipment, then yes the Drakes Pride Drakelock Measuring Rod is absolutely worth it. Its precise measurements, robust construction, comfortable grip, and reliable locking mechanism make it an excellent choice for both recreational and competitive play.
The Drakes Pride Drakelock Measuring Rod is an essential tool for players of petanque and boules, ensuring accurate ball measurements according to official rules. It's a precise measuring device that helps bowlers determine if their balls conform to regulations regarding diameter and weight.
Measuring your balls regularly ensures they comply with the official competition standards set by governing bodies like the International Boules Sport Federation (FIJB). Using non-compliant equipment can lead to disqualification from tournaments or leagues, so accurate measurement is crucial.
According to FIJB regulations, a standard petanque/boule ball must have a diameter between 70.5mm and 80mm (approximately 2.78 inches to 3.15 inches) and weigh between 650g and 800g (approximately 1.43 pounds to 1.76 pounds). The Drakelock Measuring Rod is designed to check both dimensions accurately.
Simply place one of your petanque/boule balls between the two jaws of the measuring rod and gently squeeze them together until they grip firmly around the ball. Read the diameter measurement on the scale provided, then weigh your ball using a separate weighing device to ensure it falls within the allowable weight range.
Yes, the Drakes Pride Drakelock Measuring Rod is designed to accommodate standard sizes and shapes of petanque/boule balls used worldwide. It's compatible with various materials including steel, bronze, and resin.
The Drakes Pride Drakelock Measuring Rod offers highly precise measurements due to its robust construction and calibrated scale. You can trust it to provide reliable results for your ball diameter checks.
Yes, the Drakes Pride Drakelock Measuring Rod is an approved tool by FIJB and other international boules organizations for official tournament play. It's a valuable asset to have in your bowling bag when competing.
The Drakes Pride Drakelock Measuring Rod features high-quality stainless steel jaws that provide excellent grip while ensuring durability. The body of the rod is constructed from robust plastic for lightweight portability and longevity.
Cleaning the Drakelock Measuring Rod is easy - simply wipe down the jaws and body with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris after each use. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.
Drakes Pride offers a limited warranty on their products, including the Drakelock Measuring Rod. Please refer to the manufacturer's website for specific terms and conditions of the warranty.
You can purchase the Drakes Pride Drakelock Measuring Rod from reputable bowling equipment retailers or directly from Drakes Prides official website. We recommend comparing prices and shipping options before making a purchase.
The cost of repair or replacement will depend on the extent of damage and whether it's covered under warranty. Contact Drakes Pride customer service for more information regarding pricing and repairs.
While there are other petanque ball measuring rods available, the Drakes Pride Drakelock is considered one of the most reliable and precise options on the market. Other brands may offer similar tools but at potentially lower quality or accuracy levels.
No, this specific measuring rod is designed solely for checking the dimensions of petanque/boule balls. It's not intended for use with other types of sports equipment or recreational balls.
The Drakelock Measuring Rod comes pre-calibrated and generally doesnt require further adjustments. However, if you suspect that it may be inaccurate, contact Drakes Pride customer service for guidance on recalibration options.
No, the Drakelock Measuring Rod is a purely mechanical device and does not require any external power source. It comes with no additional accessories beyond what's included in the standard packaging.
Ensure your weighing scale is calibrated correctly before use, place the ball on a flat surface during measurement, and handle the rod gently to prevent accidental damage or calibration issues. Its also recommended to measure several times for each ball and take an average of the readings.
Store your measuring rod in a dry location away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Keeping it clean and protected will help prolong its lifespan. A dedicated petanque/boule bag is ideal for storage.
The Drakelock stands out due to its robust construction, precise calibration, and durable stainless steel jaws that provide a secure grip on balls of various sizes and materials. While other rods may offer similar functionality, they often lack the same level of build quality or accuracy.