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What Makes a good Flower stick?
The Ultimate Quality Guide
A good flower stick should adapt to its owner’s needs (even if you call it devil stick), offering the perfect balance for beginner flow arts and advanced tricks. Choosing the right stick depends on your personal style and skill level. It’s also important to have a reliable grip and durable construction for long-term use.
What is a good flower stick like?
There can be a huge difference between a flower stick and flower stick. Some are adult sized, so not recommended for children, and some are good for almost everyone from 6 to 107 years old. Some are made for hand play and some are made for foot play, and some are good for fast play and some are good for slow play. It’s a matter of size, weight, balance and materials. A longer, stiffer and heavier aluminium stick is very different to a small, thin, flexible fiberglass stick. But these are just some of the possibilities… And which one suits you best? We’ll help you find out!
The most important thing is that you can only do good things with good materials and good technique! But unfortunately, it is difficult for an incompetent person to judge from 1 or 2 pictures which one is good. That’s why we have made a Flower Stick comparison-Test. But what it says is only one part – although a very important one – of a good flower stick.
The Evolution of the Flower Stick (Devil Stick Connection)
Since its introduction (in the 1980s), the flower stick has undergone significant development. Nowadays, they are available in a wide range of sizes and materials, so it is worth making a distinction between stick and stick.
Initially, they were made of stiff, rather long (about 60-70cm) material. So they first started to be popular with young party-goers (Greatful Dead concerts in the 1980s). Then, around the turn of the millennium, shorter, thinner and more flexible flowersticks (made of fiberglass) appeared. These not only made the stick itself lighter, but also made it much easier to handle thanks to its flexibility. This made it easier for children and beginners in particular (more details here: history of the devilstick and flower stick.
The Diversity of Flower Sticks: Flexible vs. Stiffer Models
In this section, today’s flowersticks are divided into 2 categories, in a very simplified way. There are also many variations between the two, but the aim is to give you a quick guide. Neither of these two types is better than the other. They simply behave differently and are good at different things.
There are many other ways of categorising flowersticks (materials, size, design, …), which you can read about in the following sections.
SHORTER, THINNER, FLEXIBLE - FLOWER STICKS
LONGER, THICKER, STIFFER - FLOWER STICKS
Parameters
Rod length: 45 – 55cm
Rod diameter: 5 – 6 mm
Stick weight: 150 – 250g
Handsticks: both thin (flexible) and thick (rigid)
Rod length: 50 – 70 cm
Rod diameter: 1 – 1,5 cm
Stick weight: 200 – 400g
Handsticks: thick (rigid)
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This type is recommended for everyone from the age of 6. These sticks are typically faster (the shorter the stick, the faster the spin, but less stable), but anyone can learn to spin slowly. A good grip is particularly important with these sticks, as they have a smaller surface area for the sticks to contact each other. However, if you spin well, the smaller contact area is more than compensated for by the increased contact between the sticks due to the flexibility of the stick.
Recommended from 15-20 years. A long (and therefore slower spinning) stick is easier to control. Given that, you have the arm length. It allows you to perform tricks slowly and confidently that many would find more challenging with a shorter, flexible stick.. Hand players (without handsticks) typically prefer this type.
TYPICAL GAME
A quick, fast-paced game, while the handsticks are constantly in contact with the flower stick. And the kicks are more spectacular and easier and the tricks are nicer between the fingers.
A slower, more confident game for adults. No kicks, but easier to handle in a no handstick game (although spinning between the fingers is a disadvantage.
Of course, there are not only the 2 types of flowersticks mentioned above. Many types combine the parameters and characteristics of both. And there are other factors to consider when making your choice. Such as:
Important considerations when choosing a flower stick
This article is not about how to choose from our range of sticks. If you are curious about that, click here (how to choose from our flower sticks). Here we share the knowledge you need to know before buying any sticks. Along a few questions, you will quickly get answers to the most important ones:
1.) How old are you?
Little ones: it’s worth to try the flowerstick from about 6 years of age. This is when the most important skills and abilities that are essential for playing are developed. At this age, even body size (height, arm length) is a limiting or at least influencing factor. Smaller children may fit smaller sticks, but the size of the stick should not be reduced to the limit, as it will be difficult to control. You should not go below 40-45 cm stick length (including 50-60 cm tassels).
Children (6-14 years old): for younger children, a lighter and shorter flowerstick is recommended (max 50 cm stick, 65 cm with tassels).
Larger ones can have both shorter and longer sticks (50-70cm rod). They are now able to play with longer and heavier sticks. If you are not experienced, we recommend a shorter stick first. These are “all-round” flowersticks.
IMPORTANT: Although it seems obvious that the smaller the child, the smaller the stick, there is a limit to what is acceptable. In fact, the shorter the flowerstick, the more unstable it is, making it more difficult to control.
If the stick is too light and/or short, you will not be able to spin it properly. There should also be a certain weight (about 150g) to ensure the dynamics of the rotation. But the distribution is not all the same either. It is good if the weight is concentrated as much as possible at the ends of the stick (tassels).
Most of our flowersticks (WoodiX, FiberiX and ProfiX) are recommended for all ages from 6 to 107 years. Our KidiX stick is recommended for the smallest kids (6-8 years), while our LongiX kit is really appreciated from 15-20 years of age. And the HandiX are available in several sizes, so there’s something for everyone.
2.) How are your (hand) skills?
You’re not really skilled yet 🙁 In this case, it’s more important to choose a stick that’s easy to play, has good grip and is weighted properly, which will give you the first feeling of success more quickly. In such cases a longer, slower spinning flowerstick may be a better choice than a shorter one. Provided you are tall enough (usually at least 170cm), such a stick will give you more time to react properly due to its slower rotation and will be more forgiving of your mistakes.
You’re talented 🙂 In that case, you’ll probably get the hang of most types of stick in no time. Of course, you can’t expect the same from a wooden flowerstick with a rubber tassel as you can from a flexible fiberglass one with a faux leather tassel. So if you have an affinity for it, it’s a shame to invest your energy in a poor quality flowerstick. At least choose a fiberglass one.
IMPORTANT: If you’re not known for your skill, you’d better admit it and start the game accordingly. If your expectations are too high, you can be easily disappointed, which can quickly end your career with the flowerstick. However, if you persevere, you will soon become spectacularly more skilled… and not just at juggling 🙂
3.) Have you tried the flower stick?
If you haven’t tried it yet and just like the game, there are two things to consider. First, do you have the stamina to get that first taste of success? (after that, it’s hard to put it down 🙂 ) The tricks will come, but if you give up at the beginning, its game over. In that case, it’s less of a loss to have a cheap stick resting in the corner. The other thing to consider is that with a better flowerstick, you’ll have an easier time learning the game, so the sense of achievement will come faster and you’ll be less likely to give up. If you’re in such doubt, it’s still worth getting at least a fiberglass (basic) flowerstick. It’s durable, you’ll enjoy every minute of the game, and if you really get the hang of it, you can always get a better one later.
3.2 If you’ve tried it before (maybe more than once), it’s easier because you know what it’s all about and you probably like it. You even have a benchmark. In this case, you can also choose a better quality flowerstick, as it will probably spin a lot.
3.3 If you have a flowerstick, but it does not work. You shouldn’t give up! Even more so because it might not be your fault, but the flowerstick’s. It’s worth trying a different one. There are also big differences between the products in a manufacturer’s range, and this is even more true for different manufacturers. If anyone in your circle of friends has one, ask to borrow it. Or go to a shop where it’s available and try it out there.
3.4 If you already have a flowerstick and it works well. In this case it is also worth trying another stick. Most skilled players have several kits. A flexible, short stick is good for quite different things than a stiff (or even flexible) longer and heavier stick (more on this HERE). For example, a rubber tasseled stick is noticeably better than a leather or faux leather tassel. But the grip of the covering material also matters a lot (that’s what our test is about). There can be a huge difference between a stick and another one in terms of ease of learning, number of tricks, beauty or even speed.
4.) What is your purpose?
The more serious your intentions are, the more serious flowerstick is for you. A true juggler needs the best possible juggling stick. And more than one. But if you just want to have fun with it every now and then, you don’t necessarily have to dig deep into your pockets. But even if you’re not a professional (you just want to buy a useful toy for your child, for example), it’s not worth sparing your money. Only if you can afford it, of course. A lower-quality flowerstick is more likely to end up abandoned on a dusty shelf (without a sufficient sense of achievement) after a few days. And that is the worst investment.
5.) How much money are you planning to spend?
One of the most important questions. While cheap goods are expensive in the long run, an expensive flowerstick is not necessarily good.
What you have to consider is that if you don’t choose the right one, you could easily end up with a handful of disappointments instead of loads of joy. If you don’t experience success, you won’t use it 🙁
6.) Pay attention to quality!
Last but not least: if you choose a poor quality kit, the worst thing is not that it will break (quickly). It’s that it’s hard to play with and ends up in a corner. In the meantime, you blame yourself (“I can’t play, I’m lame”). But most of the time, it’s the flowerstick that’s to blame. Instead of joy you get a bad taste in your mouth 🙁
We hope we have helped you make your choice. If you’re wondering which of our flowersticks is right for you, click here:
How to choose a flowerstick?!
(3) What makes a good flower stick?
Parts of the flower stick
1. The rod
Body of the game (thickness, stiffness)
Thick and rigid flower sticks:
The previous generation of flowersticks (1980-2000) were still typically made of rigid and thick (1-1.5 cm in diameter) materials (wood or metal).
Nowadays, it’s mostly only liked at a more advanced level. They can do quite different tricks than a thin, flexible stick, but at the expense of the “classic” flowerstick. As a second stick, it’s worth getting one for those who can already spin (somewhat).
With thick (and especially long) flowersticks it is better to play more slowly. For example, it adds an extra experience to playing without handsticks! On the other hand, a stiff stick (wood or metal) is generally less durable, as it can break or bend.
Since the early 2000s, flexible and thinner (5-8mm diameter) fiberglass sticks have been rapidly expanding. They are also lighter and more flexible, allowing for more continuous contact between the flowersticks and the handsticks. This allows for better controllability, easier play, nicer and faster tricks. Add to that the fact that a thin, flexible flowerstick can be spun faster, thrown higher, responds better to kicks and is even quieter to play with. Not to mention that it’s virtually indestructible!
The stick (stiffness, thickness) of XtremestiX sticks: WoodiX (i.e. wood) rods have variable stiffness, depending on the “wood” and can change over time, and can also bend unfortunately. True, if you’re a beginner, you probably won’t notice this. The majority of our selection is made up of thin, flexible, fiberglass sticks (FiberiX, ProfiX, LongiX + the short HandiX). For learning the game (90% of the time) this is the stick we recommend to everyone. And the fully rigid aluminium flowersticks (HandiX most of the time) are recommended for more advanced level.
2. Tassel
Heart of the game – (weight and material)
2.1 Weight of the tassel:
The heavier the tassels, the easier it is to spin and change the direction of the spin. That means the more control you have over the game. There’s a limit to this, of course, because increasing the weight can take its toll on handling after a while, and your hands can tire quickly. Especially if you are still small (a child).
The lighter the tassels, the harder it is to spin them in a controlled way. Especially if the flowerstick lacks proper grip. The easiest way to test this is to try to spin one of your handsticks with the other handstick (instead of the flowerstick). This has no weight at the end, so you are attempting the almost impossible. It’s best if as much of the stick’s weight as possible comes from the tassel.
2.2. Tassel material/shape
The tassels on today’s flowersticks are typically made of rubber, silicone, leather or faux leather. These are the materials that are best suited for play and are also resistant to creasing. In other words, they are durable enough, if they are the right quality. This part of the flowerstick is subject to a great deal of stress: it can be dropped, stepped on, dragged along the ground, etc. The shape of the tassel is one of the main reasons why a stick can be particularly beautiful.
The material of the tassel also largely determines the shape of the tassel, which is responsible for both air resistence (speed of spin) and vibration dampening (less vibration = more constant contact between the handsticks and the flowerstick = nicer play). You can test the recent one on your own stick by holding the tassels together with a rubber band and playing with them. SPOILER: The stick vibrates horribly 🙁
With the right tassel design, you can also do “e.g. hooking” tricks. In this case, you catch the flowerstick with the handstick by hooking the handtsick into the edge of the tassel.
Each (tassel) material has its own special properties: a good rubber is practically eternal, while a poor quality one can break down in a few weeks. A (faux) leather stick is more expensive and more delicate. It gets dirty more easily and is more difficult to clean, and it doesn’t really like moisture.
However, with a good flowerstick with (faux leather) tassels, every trick is a little easier, a little simpler. It’s better to start the game with one, but their biggest advantage is felt in the more difficult tricks.
2.3. Colour of the tassel
The tassel is one of the most visible surfaces on the flowerstick. It is on the ends of the flowerstisk, so it moves the fastest. With good colours it adds a lot to the visual appeal of the game.
Tassels for XtremestiX sticks (rubber and faux leather): thinking about the different needs and budgets of our customers, we offer our sticks with several different tassels. The basic kits (WoodiX, FiberiX, KidiX,) have rubber tassels, so they are also more affordable. Our Pro flowersticks (ProfiX, LongiX and HandiX) have faux leather tassels. Among the tassels of the last ones, you will also find beautiful multi-coloured, multi-storey designs that are completely unique on the market. Not only are they fabulous, but they also give you an extra edge in the game! > What is a good flowerstick?
3. Coverage/ grip
The game itself – (rubber or silicone)
Most of the time, it’s the cover that determines how skilful you are with the stick
The game itself! What does it mean? In a nutshell, it’s usually the grip of the cover that decides whether a flower stick is good or not! No matter how fancy, colourful, sweet smelling and hard-wearing a flowerstick is, if it has little grip, it won’t do the trick!
However, the way it is covered is also important. If it’s not tubular, but rather the material is wrapped around the stick, it not only reduces the grip, but also makes the stick spin involuntarily around its own axis, which is very disturbing when playing. It is also very fragile.
Just as there can be a difference between rubber and rubber, there are also big differences between rubber and other materials (e.g. silicone, plastic). A transparent, good quality, grippy, tubular cover is not only nicer looking, but also tends to have better grip than a rubber cover. This means much easier playing and faster, more, and nicer tricks for the user.
The XtremestiX sticks – Cover (Grip!)
Our own products prove just how important the cover is: we don’t spare the money on this. All our flower sticks and handsticks (from the cheapest to the most expensive) are covered with the same material – the most sticky and water-proof material available. Just how much better it is than any other you’ve ever played with, you’ll find a great test in our Why choose our flowersticks? article.
4. Lenght
Speed of the stick – (short or long)
The shorter a flowerstick is, the faster it is (its speed is also affected by the weight and air resistance of the tassels, which you can read about here, above).
A slower, longer stick is better for learning the basics of the game. However, if we are talking about children or smaller players, for example, length is a disadvantage, so it is important to find an optimal compromise. But when you’re beyond the basics, a long stick is more of a disadvantage for more advanced (and faster) tricks. This is of course a matter of ability and style.
If this is too vague, here are a few examples: children (6-10 years old) should definitely try a shorter stick (max 50 cm stick with 65 cm tassels), while an adult-sized player (15+ years old) can try a longer flower stick. It is even easier for them to play with a longer and therefore slower (55-60cm stick). In other words, those who are less skillful with a short stick may find a longer version more helpful.
And when we’re not just talking about the basics of the game, but also about the variety of tricks, it’s worth thinking about several sticks, because each type, kind and of course size has its own characteristics, beauty and strength. With a longer flowerstick, many people like to play without handsticks, even involving every inch of their body. It gives them a wider range of tricks. However, if you want to twirl it between your fingers, a shorter, thinner stick is better.
To sum up: if you are still in doubt, start with a shorter stick (50 cm stick, 60-65 cm with the tassel). These are kind of an”all-rounder” sticks. Later on, you can try a longer one and you’ll find that you can play with it in a different way.
The XtremestiX sticks – Length (speed): Our range includes both shorter (KidiX), average size (WoodiX, FiberiX, ProfiX) and longer (LongiX) flower sticks, so there’s something for everyone The only exception is HandiX (with a choice of sizes)
5. Design
Style and personality
The look of a flower stick is an important factor, as it adds a lot to the beauty, enjoyment and likeability of the game. It is worth choosing a bright colour, as it is particularly eye-catching when in motion (spinning). It is much more beautiful than an ordinary colour that blends in with its surroundings. This is true for all parts of the stick and kit. Especially when spinning, a coloured tassel looks much better than a black one and a neon stick (when spinning) looks nicer than a matt grey one. The colour of the handstick is less determining, as they are usually not spinning and are not so much observed by the player or the audience. At a more advanced level, of course, these can also be used for more fancy tricks. Moreover, it is easier to own and love a set of flower sticks if the colours of the whole kit are harmoniously matched to each other (and to us).
A not insignificant factor is that decoration can also help the game. It is especially useful in the early stages of learning to have patterns on your stick. It can be very useful, for example, if it is marked in the middle. It can also help if the stick is decorated with patterns (or colours) in other places. So this is how something beautiful will become better 🙂
It is important, however, that the visual appeal should not come at the expense of the ease of play or its durability! It is important to emphasize this, because it is possible to use materials and colours that make a set even more fancy, but less suitable for doing tricks, because it slips or falls apart in 2 monthsL Not all that glitters is gold!
Fun fact: The fiery flowerstick: Undoubtedly one of the most spectacular ways of stick-play, but before you put your mind to this, you should be playing it well. A fiery flower stick is difficult to play with. And not just when you light it. It’s also usually longer, heavier and stiffer than the average stick. And be prepared as it requires a different kind of playing: a slower, more thoughtful spin, during which you’ll only be able to do a small fraction of the tricks you’ve learned (especially at first).
It is also important to note that such fiery matters require appropriate caution. A game like this is a procedure: go outside, preferably away from anything flammable. It doesn’t hurt to have a big bottle of water with you. Carry lighter fluid, matches, and after lighting your stick, move away from them (especially the lighter fluid). And before you light the stick, shake off any excess liquid. It can be very unpleasant (and dangerous) to have hot juice splashing in your face while playing. It doesn’t matter what the liquid is.
The XtremestiX – Design: We’re constantly experimenting with new materials and techniques, but we always keep in mind that play is more important than spectacle. We don’t sacrifice material, decoration or durability for the easiest tricks. Our range includes a wide variety of decorative sticks, the vast majority of which are covered in bright, UV-active, neon-coloured patterns. It’s really a spectacular way to play. While our simpler sticks are made with simpler decoration, you’ll find real masterpieces in our higher quality faux leather tassel flowersticks. To top it all up, is the glow-in-the-dark kits. For these, we sourced a lot of glow-in-the-dark materials from around the world to make the best and longest lasting glow-in-the-dark kit possible. And we found the perfect one 🙂
And one more interesting fact: A lot of our sticks have symmetrical decorations and/or markings in the middle, as these help – especially the beginner – players.
6. Balance:
Precision
The most important thing when balancing a flowerstick is to have equal weight (tassel) on both ends, because if there is a difference, the stick will not spin the way you want it to. This is why it is (also) important that the tassels are of good quality and do not break off with time and use. Of course, it’s not just about weight. It’s also important that the two tassels have the same shape. If one of them has consistently higher air resistance, it also ruins the tricks. The third factor is the straightness of the stick. If the flower stick is curved, it will have a negative effect on the game in all areas.
When you’re a beginner, the above is much less troublesome than at an advanced level. The faster you spin, and the more complex the tricks you do, the more you’ll understand each of these anomalies.
Our flowersticks – Balance:
This is one of the easiest tasks for a manufacturer. It doesn’t require much expertise to put the tassels on the flower sticks with a pair of tassels, for example. From two halves of the same material. The weight and the air resistance will be the same. And our materials are constantly checked before use, so that no curved rods are used 🙂
7. Overall effect
If the weight, stiffness and length of the stick are not in harmony, the best materials will be useless and the result will be disappointing.
The different materials and parameters (weight, length…) do not always work well together. A longer stick, for example, needs larger, heavier tassels. A rubber tassel, for example, is just as heavy as a faux leather tassel, but the two have completely different behaviour. It also matters how stiff (or flexible) the flowersticks are of different lengths and weights, and the length of the handsticks must also match the flower sticks.
There are countless correlations, which would be too long and unnecessary to go into. This is our task. You just have to enjoy the fruits of our labour. 🙂
The XtremestiX – Inpact:
Since 2004 we have made around 30-40,000 flower sticks, so we have had the opportunity to learn how different materials, sizes and techniques work together. And there is no stopping, because there is always room for improvement! 🙂 New ideas, materials, techniques… and our products get better and better every year (you can read more about this here: The evolution of our flower sticks – since 2004.
If you want to know more about juggling sticks, you can continue here:
Flower Stick vs Devil Stick
How to choose a flower stick?
