Which Diabolo Sticks are the best for beginners?

In my experience, for beginners, the best diabolo sticks are aluminium sticks. They are affordable, have a small diameter beneficial for learning grinds, and their heavier weight helps slow down stick release tricks, making them easier to handle for newcomers.

• At a Glance!
• Diabolo Handstick Considerations
• Handstick Weight
• Diabolo Handstick Material Overview
• Length and Diameter of Handsticks
• Letting it all Sink In.. Stick it to me!

At a Glance!

Type of Stick	Pros	Cons
Wooden	Affordable, customizable	Can cause blisters, less durable
Aluminum	Affordable, durable, beginner-friendly	String may snap where attached
Carbon	Flexible, various diameters	Expensive, breakable
Fiberglass	Flexible	Less durable compared to carbon

Diabolo Handstick Considerations

Handstick Weight

Weight plays a pivotal role, especially in the speed of stick release tricks. The stick's speed in the air depends on its weight in relation to the diabolo's weight. In my trials, I found that lighter sticks might make stick release tricks so fast that they become challenging to catch. 

Ideally, I’ve found that sticks weighing around 95 grams strike a good balance for beginners.

Aspect	Light Sticks	Heavy Sticks
Speed of Release	Faster (might be too quick to catch for some)	Slower (more manageable for many)
Control	Potentially less control in certain tricks	Greater control, especially for beginners
Durability	Might break or bend more easily with rough use	Generally more durable and resistant to damage
Ease of Learning	Could be challenging for beginners	More forgiving and easier for newcomers
Relation to Diabolo Weight	More affected by the diabolo's weight	Less affected by the diabolo's weight
Recommended for	Advanced users who can manage fast movements	Beginners and those who prefer stable movements

Diabolo Handstick Material Overview

Material can significantly affect a diabolo stick's performance.

Wooden Handsticks

Property	Description
Type	Basic, often made from dowels
Cost	Cheapest
Diameter	Large
Comfort	Can be uncomfortable with extended use and might cause blisters
Customization	Possible; wrap with tennis grip to improve the handle

https://kingsjuggler.com/product/204/juggle-dream-diabolo-sticks

Aluminium Handsticks

Property	Description
Preference	A personal favourite for beginners
Durability	Durable
Cost	Affordable
Diameter	Small (excellent for learning grinds)
Weight Benefits	Helps in slowing down stick release tricks, offering better control
Potential Issue	The string might snap where connected at the top
Solution for Issue	Sanding the holes to smooth them and applying tape on the string before the knot

https://kingsjuggler.com/product/228/henry-s-aluminium-diabolo-hand-sticks-string

Carbon Fibre Handsticks

Property	Description
Flexibility	More flexible than aluminium sticks
Durability	Prone to breaking
Cost	Expensive
Recommendation for Beginners	If prone to breaking sticks, it's advised to opt for a different material

https://kingsjuggler.com/product/205/juggle-dream-superglass-diabolo-sticks-white

Fibreglass Handsticks

Property	Description
Comparison to Carbon	Similar in terms of flexibility
Durability	Generally less durable than carbon sticks
Player Preference	Some diabolo players prefer the feel of fibreglass
Recommendation for Beginners	Approach with caution

https://kingsjuggler.com/product/230/jd-pro-fibreglass-diabolo-sticks-black

Length and Diameter of Handsticks

In my experience, the length and diameter of the diabolo stick are critical when deciding which is best for a beginner. Short sticks, measuring around 12” (or 30cm), offer more control and are easier to handle. These sticks also facilitate stick-release tricks and are more travel-friendly.

Letting it all Sink In.. Stick it to me!

In conclusion, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but given all the factors, aluminium sticks are a solid choice for beginners. 

As you advance in your diabolo journey, you might find your preferences change, but starting with aluminium provides a sturdy foundation.