Tired of the same old socks and tennis balls? Looking to get a pair of those crazy Contact Poi you see all the cool guys using? We’ve got a rundown of the best places to get your daytime/practice poi, no matter what your style may be!
Sock Poi
Tons of fun, aren’t they? Well you can get a wide variety of sock poi out there, specially designed for poi. There’s just one thing to remember when buying sock poi, and that’s to figure out what they are including as the weight. Most times it’s a simple tennis ball, which means you’ll probably want to make your own weight or go out and perhaps purchase a set of juggling balls. Check out Dube or Juggling Store for a good selection at reasonable prices. Or just fill a balloon or small pouch with either rice, lentils, or even millet (bird food). Just something to consider. Here are a few of our favorite places to purchase them along with a few descriptions of the things they offer:
Home of Poi offers a great selection of sock poi, including the wonderful Cone Poi. It’s certainly the first place to look for practice poi. Click this link, support gyropulse
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Do More Poi ships all over the world, and their sock poi come in many different stripe variations. Their poi also have counterweights which make wibbles and Ronan style throws so much easier. And since they use recycles rubber as their weights, no need to find any replacement.
Dube offer some sweet looking sock poi, with a nice feel and a springy/not too stretchy quality. They don’t have all the bells and whistles, however, and you will want to replace the weight, and perhaps create your own handle to really make them perfect. But check them out and decide for yourself! Click this link, support gyropulse
This place has some nice looking sock poi, fully equipped with handles! I’m not sure what they use for weights, or if they ship to America, but check them out if you’re looking for something different.
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Fuzzy Poi
Looking for something a little sexier or a little softer? Something to make you stand out in a crowd? Well, fuzzy poi are certainly not something seen on a daily basis, and if you can get your hands on a really unique pair, then you and your poi are sure to be remembered. Those are the positives, but also keep in mind that fuzzy poi can tend to be a little lighter than your traditional practice poi, because many sets are made by gluing or sewing the fabric onto a tennis ball. But if weight is not a concern, then here are a few unique options for the more eccentric spinners out there!
Fire Groove does a good job with all of their fuzzy products and their poi are no exception to that. The faux fur is good quality, and the overall make will hold up over time, not to mention the selection of colors. So check them out!
Again Home of Poi cannot be overlooked as far as fuzzy poi are concerned. Their selection ranges from nylon cords, to chains, with many colors and handles. Click this link, support gyropulse
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The Poi in the picture are available through SaintBaron.com, and while very light, glow! So if your style is a combination of fuzzy and glowstick then these unique poi may be something none of your friends have ever seen. ____________________________________________________________________________________
Flag Poi
Nowadays, flag poi come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Whether it be the traditional squares, or the more aerodynamic shapes offered by Erick’s Poi Toys, each set of flags has it’s own unique style of floating and lends itself to different types of spinners. Check around to find the perfect flags for you. Look at each flag for where the weight is distributed or whether or not the flags come equipped with their own handles. Some designs are made for spinners who prefer to dance, while others are crafted for the more technical spinner looking to add a bit of flair. Be sure to read reviews and ask around. Check out the links below to find a plethora of different options to choose from, and search on your own.
These unique flags were featured on PlayPoi by Nick Woolsey, and they are truly made for the techinical spinner who never really fell in love in flags. The weight and design make stalls a breeze, and patterns very doable.
They’ve got a nice selection of more traditional flags, but are still equipped with handles for easy use. This makes the transition between poi and flags that much easier, and with so many colors to choose from too!
Dube offers a nice variety of the traditional flag style without handles. They come in a nice selection of colors, and the fabric the use looks to be of a nice, soft quality. Click this link, support gyropulse ___________________________________________________________________________________
Contact Poi
This form of practice poi is perhaps the newest to the markets, and is sweeping the nation! Here’s a little history lesson on where they originated: Ronan first decided to make a pair of Contact Poi back in Ireland, oh say, 4 years ago (maybe more). He took a pair of stage balls, some rope, and something (bicycle parts/club handle?) as a counterweight. Voila! Contact Poi was born. He spread this unique new toy throughout Ireland, and Europe, where, in 2008, I first encountered them in Dublin. They’ve been my (Sean’s) Poi of choice ever since (although I’m still terrible at Contact). They’re also the choice of many of today’s top spinners. So if you can’t make them, where can you buy them?
Home of poi is probably the most popular place to buy them online. They’re well made, look very clean, and have an overall nice feeling to them. The prices aren’t too high either. Click this link, support gyropulse
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OddBalls.co.uk has some nice Contact Poi. I couldn’t find a logo for them though. Anyway, check them out, especially if you live in Merry Old England, as I’m sure the shipping charges will turn out to be a lot less expensive.
Higgins Brothers is certainly another viable option for Contact Poi. Although, when I really think about it, Home of Poi is probably the best option, since they really understand the poi spinners needs best. At any rate, now you have options! ____________________________________________________________________________________ Please let us know if we’re missing any great retailers that we should know about. There are so many stores out there, it can be hard to keep track. But with some help from the community we can narrow the field down to only the best manufacturer’s, and that way everybody wins! Send us your thoughts or suggestions at info@gyropulse.com or via the Contact Form.
