Whether you are a seasoned juggler or you are just starting out, picking the right juggling supplies is extremely important. Most experienced jugglers have developed a good idea of what type of equipment works for them, but new equipment comes to the market and styles change. If you are just starting out as a juggler, sometimes it can be hard to know what juggling supplies to buy.
Juggling Equipment Quality
It is important to know that juggling equipment varies greatly in quality and cost. Some juggling equipment is cheap and low quality. Many of these cheap items are mass-produced by wholesalers who know little or nothing about juggling. Quality items will cost more but in many cases, these items are produced by jugglers who know what constitutes good equipment.
Where to Get Juggling Equipment
There are juggling shops all over the world. The problem is that you most likely don’t have one near where you live. If you do, consider yourself lucky. You’ll get to go in an try out different types of juggling equipment before you buy it.
For most of us that aren’t lucky enough to find a juggling shop near us, there are plenty of online retailers. In fact, the majority of juggling equipment is sold online because there really isn’t enough demand in every city to justify opening a juggling store.
There are several good options for purchasing juggling equipment online and like anything else, it’s all available on Amazon. In fact, you can visit my Amazon.com Store where I sell high quality juggling equipment.
On Amazon I sell Higgins Brothers juggling equipment. I have exclusive distribution rights from Dan Higgins, the owner of Higgins Brothers, to sell on Amazon.com. They are located in Canada and have been around since 1993. They produce a line of Cirque Du Soleil juggling equipment in addition to their own HB branded products. They make their own line of decorated one-piece clubs that are great if you are on a budget. They also have a great line of juggling balls. They are also producers of their own diabolos made in Canada.
I also recommend Home of Poi. They are based in New Zealand and they have a huge selection of juggling equipment, but they focus primarily on poi. I recommend them because they have excellent customer service and ship their products quickly. Even though shipping is international, the costs are still very low and comparable to national shipping rates. I’ve purchased a few Mr. Babache stage balls from them and some poi.
What to Juggle
Aside from quality in general, there is always the question of what you will juggle. Not every juggler juggles every different prop that is out there. Some jugglers consider themselves club jugglers or balls jugglers or ring jugglers. There are so many different types of juggling equipment and it can be intimidating at first. I personally enjoy juggling balls and clubs the most. I do have all kinds of equipment but I usually practice juggling with balls or clubs.
Throughout the years I’ve had the opportunity to try all different types of juggling equipment. I have seen some of the best and the worst and I understand what makes quality equipment. In order to provide you a better understanding of different types of equipment, I have devoted a different page to each type. Below is a list of some different types:
Juggling Scarves – Best for beginners to learn how to juggle by understanding the concept of the cascade pattern. Rarely used for any other purpose.
Juggling Beanbags – Most popular piece of juggling equipment. Vary greatly in size, quality, and material.
Juggling Balls – Very popular piece of juggling equipment. The difference between balls and beanbags is the outer material and filling.
Juggling Rings – Usually the next thing jugglers learn after balls or beanbags.
Juggling Clubs – Usually the next step into intermediate juggling. Very large selection of different types and qualities.
Juggling Torches and Knives – Only to be attempted after mastering juggling clubs due to the added element of danger.
Diabolo – Sometimes called a Chinese Yoyo because it looks like a large yoyo controlled by two sticks with a string in between. Quite popular among those who don’t actually juggle.
Devil Sticks – Sometimes called a flower stick. Quite easy to learn and fun to play with. One large stick with weighted ends or tassels controlled by two hand sticks.
Cigar Boxes – A variation on juggling where rectangles that look like cigar boxes are manipulated. Quite rare to see a good performer of this unique skill.
Poi – Quite popular amount the flow arts community. There are many variations of a weighted object connected to strings and to enable swinging.
Remember: When you are first starting out you may be tempted to buy the cheapest supplies you can buy. I wouldn’t recommend this though because you’ll want to upgrade soon enough anyway. The best idea is to save up some money and purchase quality equipment that will last a long time.
Of course I understand that you might not want to wait or might not want to invest in expensive equipment because you’re not sure if you’ll learn to juggle or even pursue it long-term. Well, if you follow my instructions you will learn how to juggle and you will keep juggling! Juggling has been constantly challenging me since I was 13 years old. I juggle every chance I get and I know you will too!