What diabolo will be more appropriate for you ?
Choose between a Finesse
and a Circus
It's the eternal debate in the circus world! The two largest fixed-axis unicycles on the market go head-to-head: the Swiss craftsmanship of Mister Babache versus the robust German tank that is Henrys. Which one is right for you, and how do you choose the right one for juggling multiple diabolos?
- Mister Babache
- Henrys
- 2, 3 or 4 Diabolos
The duel will include:
The 25 grams that make all the difference
Visually, these two models are similar. With a 5-millimeter difference in diameter, width is absolutely not a deciding factor. The real difference that will seal your decision lies in the weight and the distribution of mass.
Diabolo Finesse (Mister Babache)
Lighter and more airy, it forgives mistakes and puts much less strain on the arms and wrists during long training sessions.
Verdict: Ideal for children, teenagers, or jugglers who practice for long periods in a very physical way. It's the ultimate professional "consumer" diabolo.
See the Diabolo Finesse ➔Diabolo Circus (Henrys)
A monster of stability. These extra 25 grams (and a greater height) give it phenomenal inertia: once launched, it doesn't stop.
Verdict: The absolute benchmark for experienced jugglers and stage professionals. Slightly heavier, it requires more energy to throw, but its stability in the air is unmatched.
See the Diabolo Circus ➔The World of Kits
The other major argument for distinguishing between these two legends lies in the spare parts. The two brands have developed radically different worlds.
🛠️ The Finesse Universe (Fun & Complete)
Mister Babache has thought of everything for the general public. The Finesse can be equipped with wide axle kits (to facilitate finger tricks), light kits, additional weights, flashy decorations, and even a safe fire kit!
⚙️ The Circus Universe (Ultra Technical)
Henrys targets professionals directly. The Circus kits are mechanical marvels: professional lighting kits and, above all, numerous special axes to modify the gyroscopic behavior of the vehicle according to your specific needs.
"The Finesse is the tool for playful creatives. The Circus is the tool for purist technicians. But it's impossible to be disappointed: they are the two best diabolos in the world."
Doing 2, 3 diabolo sets and more...
When you start juggling with several diabolos on the same string (in a carousel), the weight becomes the number one enemy of your shoulders! That's why many diabolo players naturally prefer to go for the lighter Finesse model to avoid fatigue.
The professional "hack": The Ultralight Axis
Those who love the stability of the Circus diabolo have found the perfect solution. Henrys has created the "Ultralight" axle kit. By installing this kit on a Circus diabolo (which then weighs less than the original 270g), the entire setup is drastically lightened. You end up with a formidable configuration: the stability of the Circus with a weight approaching that of the Finesse . The ultimate combination for juggling 3 or 4 diabolos!
🚫 Can we use two different diabolos?
Many of you have asked us if you can use your old red diabolo with your new blue diabolo to do "2 diabolos".
The answer is NO (unless you're a pro).
If you give two different diabolo models (distinct weights and sizes) to an experienced player, they will be able to compensate for the imbalance with considerable effort. But if you are a beginner, the difference in inertia will ruin your learning: one will rise faster than the other, and everything will get tangled up. To start with two diabolos, you absolutely need two identical models.
Budget alternatives for 2 Diabolos:
If your budget doesn't allow you to buy two Finesse or two Circus models, avoid "toys" (like the Comet or the Arlequin) at all costs for this demanding discipline. We recommend looking at excellent mid-range alternatives like the Vision or the Jazz (from Henrys), which offer remarkable performance for learning carousels.
Are you a circus school?
Choosing equipment for a community organization doesn't follow the same rules as for an individual. You need to consider intensity of use, spare parts, and budget. Discover our selection of products and our specific advice for equipping associations and schools.
See the teaching materials ➔
Hello, since I'm 10 years old and I'm not too bad at diabolo (suns, genocide, horizontal, bag drop, elevator (normal and mini), whip, magic knot, slides, trapezes, satellites, etc.), I was wondering which diabolo I would need to continue improving?
ps I have a diabolo from the brand "funtrix".
Thanks in advance!!
The Funtrix diabolo is a good diabolo for beginners, but if you want to progress, you will certainly need something bigger: Here are some diabolo options to explore and discover: Finesse, Circus, and Vision. There are several types of diabolos: standard diabolos and ball-bearing diabolos. Take the time to read some descriptions and comments on my website. You'll find the answer to your question!
I admit I have 3 circus and 2 finesse, both are very good but the circus is meow good for the 2nd and 3 diabolo than the finesse but if we tested the 2 we see that the circus is good for the 1 diabolo because with my circus I did it for 3 hours I have more arms than with the finesse I have practically nothing
Indeed, because the Finesse is lighter. However, there are kits to lighten the Circus, which makes it really nice for 2 or 3 diabolos. Many high-level diabolists use the UltraLight kit with their Circus diabolo.