January 27, 2016

We have all seen circus performances whether live or on TV. Most of the time, at least one act will include a juggler. These acts never fail to delight the crowds on any show with a masterful display of skills and comedic genius. The concept seems simple at first but anyone who has tried to juggle will know that it is a rather complicated undertaking that requires tons of practice. Having the right equipment will make things much easier as well. There is actually a wide variety of tools that can be used. Before you buy juggling balls, you must know yourself, your goals, and your options. Bean Bags This is the most common type of prop that you will encounter around the juggler scene. These are soft yet firm items that generally have a spherical shape though other configurations are also available. The out shell is made from strips of imitation leather or vinyl that have been stitched together to keep the contents intact. They often come in a multitude of colors that resemble the stereotypical beach ball with bright red, blue, yellow, and green strips. Some are plain white, black, or a more eye-catching color. Inside are birdseeds, millets, and similar materials that provide bulk without being too rigid. Beginners Everyone begins as a novice but progress can be swift with hard work and diligence. Experts recommend that beginners use tools that are relatively inexpensive since they are just trying out the activity. If they do find enjoyment in it, then they can more on the more expensive stuff later on. Bean bags would be a good starting point. Look for economy models that can be bought for under $10 for a 3-piece set or something along that line. These don’t have the best stitching and feel but they should be perfectly fine if you’re just getting the hang of the basics. Pyramidal shapes are easier to catch than spherical ones. Intermediate After honing skills with economy-class bean bags, there will come a point when people will yearn for something that will help improve their performance. They are ready to move to higher quality products with better feel in the hands. These tend to be more squishy than entry-level bags making them a joy to use. Some of them have a glossy finish while others have a matte surface. Personal preference will determine which one is better. These have improved stitching so they should last a long while even if utilized every single day for practice sessions. Stage Balls Jugglers will turn to these balls when performing in front of a crowd. They are very different from beanbags in that inside of them are hollow spaces. Only their rigid shell gives them weight and shape. These shells are smooth and polished unlike the stitched up surfaces of the bags. They are made from hard rubber or plastic. The greater degree of uniformity makes these more predictable to use. Their diameter can also be much greater than those found in the practice-focused options. On the other hand, it is more of a hassle if they drop as the material makes I likely for them to bounce or roll away. Russian Balls These are also known as hybrids since they combine the best traits of beanbags and stage balls. They are also smooth and polished on the outside, usual material used being hard PVC. Instead of a hollow interior like the performance balls, these contain millet seed or a similar substance to those found in beanbags. This gives the Russian ball a nice weight to it that enables consistent flight. When dropped, it does not roll away quite as readily as hollow types. A lot of jugglers have come to like this hybrid and prefer it when they buy juggling balls. LED Balls Lastly, this type is mostly used for show. They look spectacular when used for evening performances as the movement of the lights creates a cool trailing effect that dazzles the audience. Different sub-types are out on the market including ones that incorporate rainbow fade and RGB strobe. The former features different colors fading slowly into each other in succession. The latter has the light blinking as it shifts across the spectrum.