Recently it has been brought to my attention that quite a few products from Home of Poi have had very serious safety issues concerning the equipment their using for fire poi.
1. Quick Link Failure:
So here’s what a quick link looks like for those of you out there scratching your head 
It’s the last link between your chain and your poi head (and usually there’s also one connecting the chain to your handle).
Recently many Quick Links sold by Home of Poi have had faulty threading which is meant to ensure that the Quick Link stays tightly closed during the performance.
What this means is that while you are spinning, the link can come unscrewed and cause the poi head to come off of your chain.
Bad News. I have personally seen this happen to 4 people in Austin, TX. That’s a very large number, from a very small population.
Now, they may be, and probably are, aware of this problem, and hopefully they are doing something to correct it. I would venture a guess as to why it’s happening, but don’t want to be bombarded with responses explaining why I’m wrong. I’ll let the professionals deal with that.
In the meanwhile, if you have Fire Poi from Home of Poi, make sure to check you quick links out each time you spin to ensure that they are tight. I have a pair of their fire poi, and have never had any problems, but since mine are 2 years old, this may be a problem with the newer batches.
2. Incorrect Chains Paired with Poi Heads:
Your chains are Important. (Understatement?) Basically, if you’re chains break, you fail. So, Home of Poi has naturally been concerned with the weight grade of all their chains, and attempts to make sure the chains can handle the weight of your poi, while spinning.
Recently, a friend of mine here in Austin was sent chains that were too small for his Monkey Fist wicks. I commented on the relatively small chains, but thought, that since Home of Poi knows what they’re doing, this must be safe. 2 weeks later I received a text from this friend informing me that, indeed, the chains were too small, and during practice they had broken.
Luckily this was just during practice and not a performance. In any case, if your chains seem too small for the wicks, say something. More than likely it was just a packaging mistake, but it could have been a very costly mistake.
3. Poorly Constructed Handles:
These are the Single/Double Loop Handles Home of Poi is selling
As you can see, they are made of either Nylon or Leather.
Recently, 2 pairs of Nylon handles have torn at the seems. These are not mine, as mine are leather, but it is still worrisome. I would perhaps ask Home of Poi if they are aware of this problem, and if so, have they changed anything? If they are unaware, perhaps it would be best to request the leather handles. If your order doesn’t specify which type, make sure to inquire.
While the handles are not of utmost importance, and can be easily fixed or replaced, as part of your order, they should be properly constructed.
These concerns are not being made maliciously or without thought, but instead out of a desire to see Home of Poi continue to have success. They are a great company that sells tons of quality fire spinning gear at good prices. As I’ve said before, I have fire poi from them that have lasted me 2 YEARS and counting, so I’m hoping these problems are simply flukes.
-Sean
-Photos: Home of Poi
