Which diabolo to choose
How to choose
his Diabolo?
Size, weight, ball bearings, fixed axle... Choosing the right diabolo for yourself or your child can be a real puzzle. Follow this comprehensive guide, based on age and skill level, to find the perfect balance between fun and performance.
- Fixed axle or bearings
- Sizes by Age
- Professional Equipment
On the agenda:
Fixed axle or ball bearings?
This is the major technological difference in the world of diabolo. Your choice will literally dictate how you play and how quickly you learn.
🔄 Diabolo with Bearings
Equipped with a triple bearing, the axle only rotates in one direction. As a result, friction with the string is almost zero. The diabolo spins up to 20 times longer than a fixed axle!
- Advantages: Ideal for beginners (very easy to speed up), essential for long grinds (sliding the diabolo on the sticks) and mandatory for playing horizontally ( Vertax ).
- Disadvantages: It is impossible to play with several diabolos on the same string (they collide), and it does not allow learning the classic elevator.
⚙️ Fixed Axis Diabolo
This is the classic diabolo. The metal axle is stationary. The friction of the string slows the diabolo down, forcing the juggler to constantly accelerate it with precise technical movements.
- Advantages: It's the choice of circus instructors because it demands real discipline. It's also the only system that allows juggling 2, 3, or 4 diabolos at the same time!
- Disadvantages: Basic learning is more frustrating for a young child because the diabolo stops spinning more quickly.
Toddlers
At this age, fine motor skills are developing. A lightweight, small toy is needed. The main objective is to have fun throwing and catching.
The Technological Discovery
This is where the toys end, it's time to get serious! We're aiming for a medium size. If there are classes at circus school: get a fixed axle. For pure fun at home: opt for bearings.
Fixed Axis:
Ball bearings:
Teens & Adults Beginners
The classic mistake adults make is choosing a small diabolo, thinking it will be easier. Quite the opposite! The larger the diabolo, the more inertia (gyroscopic force) it has, and the more stable it is in the air and on the string. Start with a large one right away.
Professional Equipment (Fixed Axis)
Professionals (almost) never perform on bearings. To control 2, 3, or 4 diabolos simultaneously in a circus act, a fixed axis is essential. Here are the 3 legendary figures who grace stages around the world:
- The Circus (Henrys): The German legend. Heavy, indestructible, with phenomenal inertia for playing with multiple diabolos.
- The Finesse (Babache): Swiss craftsmanship. Lighter and extremely customizable (fire kits, weight, light).
- The Taibolo V2: The choice of the Taiwanese school. Flexible and streamlined to avoid collisions in flight.
🚫 "My diabolo is broken!"
No, your diabolo is probably not broken... it's your string that's worn out!
String is a consumable item. It's the most important piece of equipment. For a beginner, it wears out very quickly because sudden movements damage the fibers. When string frays, it gets caught in the axle and the diabolo becomes uncontrollable. Always remember to buy a spare spool of string !
Don't forget that the diabolo is sold separately! Remember to choose suitable sticks (wooden, aluminum or carbon) according to your budget and preferences.
I'm trying to learn how to spin a diabolo and I'm still not sure "which way is right" for a right-handed person. Black side toward the user? The other way around? Thanks!
It depends on the diabolo. Each brand or model has its own unique meaning. What diabolo model do you have?