How To Measure for a Twirling Baton

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Twirl Planet has been selling twirling batons since 2002 and one of the often asked questions is, "What size baton should I buy?" Twirl Planet's owner, Cindy Hamilton, is a former state and regional twirling champion, and she has taught baton twirling throughout the U.S. and in Europe. She understands the importance of selecting the correct length of baton, particularly for the beginning student.

Selecting the perfectly sized twirling baton is easy!  A baton that is the correct length for the student or performer will help guarantee fun and great success.  Here's how to do it!

What size of twirling baton should I buy? 

Twirling batons come in a wide assortment of lengths, to suit any child or adult. It is important to select the correct length of baton for ease of handling, and for an optimal visual effect. A baton that is too long will get caught on the twirler's body and feel uncomfortable. (In addition to causing many more head "bonks" than necessary!) A baton that is too short will create an odd appearance and be awkward to handle.

Professionally manufactured, good quality twirling batons are typically available from 16 inches (41 cms) to 32 inches (81 cms). Batons are made in 1 inch increments, so a good fit is easy to achieve. A few baton styles may not be available in the very shortest and very longest lengths, but you may be surprised at the wonderful variety of baton styles available in the size you need. There are batons to fit the littlest toddlers just starting out, as well as tall adults with wonderfully long arms and legs!

How to measure for the correct baton length 

It's easy! Have the person stand erect and extend one arm straight ahead, parallel with the floor. Use a tape measure or yard stick. Measure from the base of the neck just above the shoulder, out to the tip of the middle finger. If the measurement is between baton sizes, choose the larger measurement...or in other words, size up.

It's best to be measured by another person if possible. Trying to measure your own arm may give you an inaccurate result.

But what if I can't take a measurement? 

Is this baton going to be a gift and you don't want to spoil the surprise? Is that twirler sound asleep and you really need to order the baton tonight? Well...you can certainly make a guesstimate!

Based on age, here are some good estimates for selecting the best twirling baton length:

Age 1-4 - 18 inches (45 cms)
Age 5-7 - 20 inches (51 cms)
Age 8-10 - 22 inches (56 cms)
Age 11-12 - 24 inches (61 cms)
Age 13-14 - 26 inches (66 cms)
Age 15+ - 28 inches (71 cms)

If the person is tall for their age, add 1-2 inches. If they are small for their age, subtract 1-2 inches.

This approach won't provide the accuracy of taking an actual measurement. So be sure to check the return policy of your vendor in case you need to make an exchange for the correct size baton.

Listen to your baton twirling coach 

Of course, if the twirler is working with a baton teacher or coach, be sure to consult with her or him about your baton selection. If the baton student is a beginner who will be taking a class, ask the teacher for specific recommendations, if possible.

Otherwise, just follow the simple guidelines above and you are on your way to a fun, satisfying twirling experience with a baton that fits well!

One of our favorite baton twirling performances...she is just 12 years old in this video! 

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And another World Championship performance 

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  • Reply
    Moondial Moondial Aug 27, 2008 @ 8:46 am
    Just wondering if you'd know how to select a spinning staff for someone, I have a friend who's over 6ft tall & it looking for a staff that doesn't look like a baton against him.
  • Reply
    baylan baylan Jun 23, 2008 @ 10:30 pm
    ok, i tried twirling w/ no tape on my batons and they slipped and slid out of my hands. plus if you thro the baton in the air and it gets in the light a little, there is less of a chance of the light reflecting the baton. i've used tape all my life and i've been twirling a long time. i think tape helps a lot!!
  • Reply
    kaja and chelsea kaja and chelsea May 26, 2008 @ 3:38 pm
    we are going to go baton twirling
  • Reply
    kaja and chelsea kaja and chelsea May 26, 2008 @ 3:38 pm
    we are going to go baton twirling
  • Reply
    TwirlPlanet TwirlPlanet Feb 8, 2008 @ 10:46 am
    Hi Jennifer,
    Thanks for your interest in the subject of baton taping. I'll be writing a new Squidoo lens about that, and will also post some thoughts at our Twirl Chat discussion forum.

    Cindy Hamilton
    Twirl Planet
  • Reply
    Jennifer Jennifer Feb 4, 2008 @ 6:01 am
    Was wondering if you could weigh in on thee taping versus not taping debate. Many of the world's elite do NOT tape their batons yet everyone in my local area does. What are the pros and cons?
  • Reply
    grandpas grandpas Feb 2, 2008 @ 12:18 am
    It's Looking GOOD! Came to vote in your new grandma and grandpa category, but it looks like it is closed now! *sad* Like your new pics and content. Keep up the great work!

    Jim & Barbara Nelson
    fellow rock stars
  • Reply
    Quilteralice Quilteralice Feb 1, 2008 @ 10:09 am
    Great lens! Continued success from a fellow OSI Rock Star!
    Alice
    www.aliceinstitches.com
  • Reply
    chloeev chloeev Jan 27, 2008 @ 7:26 pm
    Great Lens, so informative! This is such a great niche..You rock!

    Mary

    Drei Katzen Media
  • Reply
    CameraGal CameraGal Jan 27, 2008 @ 11:09 am
    My head is twirling with all this new, cool information! Great lens.
    Cindy
    www.clovercitysells.com
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