Forums > Help! > What fire poi should I get to start out with?
Login/Join to ParticipateBRONZE Member
member
30 posts
Location: Langebaan, South Africa
member
30 posts
Location: Langebaan, South Africa
Posted:
I'm pretty good with poi now but have this urge to start fire poi.
Want to know what's the best for beginners. I'll probably buy it through HOP so if you can tell me what's best in the shop it'll be great! Also what fuel to get etc.
Thanx!
I'm pretty good with poi now but have this urge to start fire poi.
Want to know what's the best for beginners. I'll probably buy it through HOP so if you can tell me what's best in the shop it'll be great! Also what fuel to get etc.Thanx!
Life's journey is not 2 arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body,
...but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out shouting "WHAT A RIDE!!!"
SILVER Member
Pasta of Muppets
2,722 posts
Location: in the interwebs..., United Kingdom
Pasta of Muppets
2,722 posts
Location: in the interwebs..., United Kingdom
Posted:
I put a big hands up for the HOP Cathederal fold fire poi with number 15 ball chain n leather handles. They, quite simply, rock.
I put a big hands up for the HOP Cathederal fold fire poi with number 15 ball chain n leather handles. They, quite simply, rock.
ohmygodlaserbeamspewpewpew!
BRONZE Member
veteran
1,453 posts
Location: Lancs England
veteran
1,453 posts
Location: Lancs England
Posted:
Not trying to sound grumpy but I'm tired it’s early and it’s my day of. But “do a Durbs”
Or go to the shop and look up beginner’s equipment and get these
(follow the link) Pair of standard tube core 2.5 inch BALL CHAIN Fire Poi
They are great for beginners and experts alike. Plus you can just swap the heads over if you want to swap to a dif type of head be it glow, tennis ball or dif fire head.
And in my opinion and the general concessions for most Hopers ball chain is the definitive chain type
[Old link]
[Old link]
Why tricksen saw the need to post it twice I'm not sure but some good opinions there
Not trying to sound grumpy but I'm tired it’s early and it’s my day of. But “do a Durbs”
Or go to the shop and look up beginner’s equipment and get these
(follow the link) Pair of standard tube core 2.5 inch BALL CHAIN Fire Poi
They are great for beginners and experts alike. Plus you can just swap the heads over if you want to swap to a dif type of head be it glow, tennis ball or dif fire head.
And in my opinion and the general concessions for most Hopers ball chain is the definitive chain type
[Old link]
[Old link]
Why tricksen saw the need to post it twice I'm not sure but some good opinions there
before i met those lot i thought they'd be a bunch of dreadlocked hippies that smoked, set things on fire ,and drank a lot of tea but then when i met them....oh wait (PyroWill)
GOLD Member
playing the days away
7,263 posts
Location: The Middle lands, United Kingdom
playing the days away
7,263 posts
Location: The Middle lands, United Kingdom
Posted:
IS there really a thing called "beginners fire poi"
I say buy the best you can afford, stainless steel #15 ball chain, monkey fist wicks and whatever handles you're most comfortable with or even make your own handles.
If you buy crappy ones you're only gonna replace them in a year or so once you've advanced and they'll have been a waste. You'll learn just as much and just as fast with good ones as you will with the poor quality cheapo ones so base your purchase on your budget, not the poi.
IS there really a thing called "beginners fire poi"
I say buy the best you can afford, stainless steel #15 ball chain, monkey fist wicks and whatever handles you're most comfortable with or even make your own handles.
If you buy crappy ones you're only gonna replace them in a year or so once you've advanced and they'll have been a waste. You'll learn just as much and just as fast with good ones as you will with the poor quality cheapo ones so base your purchase on your budget, not the poi.
Let's relight this forum 
BRONZE Member
veteran
1,453 posts
Location: Lancs England
veteran
1,453 posts
Location: Lancs England
Posted:
Hummmm suppose you are right about that.
it’s just what I started with I found the weight nice and the flame was not to big not to scary for a first burn. When I first got my monkey fists they were so heavy it took a while to get used to not something I would recommend for a first burn. I have now filled my practice balls with rice to better resemble the feel of soaked monkey fists.
Hummmm suppose you are right about that.
it’s just what I started with I found the weight nice and the flame was not to big not to scary for a first burn. When I first got my monkey fists they were so heavy it took a while to get used to not something I would recommend for a first burn. I have now filled my practice balls with rice to better resemble the feel of soaked monkey fists.
before i met those lot i thought they'd be a bunch of dreadlocked hippies that smoked, set things on fire ,and drank a lot of tea but then when i met them....oh wait (PyroWill)
GOLD Member
playing the days away
7,263 posts
Location: The Middle lands, United Kingdom
playing the days away
7,263 posts
Location: The Middle lands, United Kingdom
Posted:
yeah good point Minty, I guess my opinion is a little biased cuz I lurve the heavy, my socks are heavy and my fire is even heavier. So, to edit, best quality BUT cathedrals if you aren't into too much weight and monkeys if you are
oh and one peice of advice, if they're new spend a couple of hours spinning without them being loaded with fuel/burning just to be sure you like them and to be sure of manufacturer quality, and if you can, practice with someone elses before buying
yeah good point Minty, I guess my opinion is a little biased cuz I lurve the heavy, my socks are heavy and my fire is even heavier. So, to edit, best quality BUT cathedrals if you aren't into too much weight and monkeys if you are
oh and one peice of advice, if they're new spend a couple of hours spinning without them being loaded with fuel/burning just to be sure you like them and to be sure of manufacturer quality, and if you can, practice with someone elses before buying
Let's relight this forum
BRONZE Member
member
30 posts
Location: Langebaan, South Africa
member
30 posts
Location: Langebaan, South Africa
Posted:
Thanks that helps. Unfortunately cant borrow cause I live in the middle of nowhere in SA and hardly anyone here know they even exist! Boo Hoo
I'll just have to show em how it's done hey! 
Thanks that helps. Unfortunately cant borrow cause I live in the middle of nowhere in SA and hardly anyone here know they even exist! Boo Hoo
I'll just have to show em how it's done hey!
Life's journey is not 2 arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body,
...but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out shouting "WHAT A RIDE!!!"
addict
406 posts
Location: Oxford, UK
406 posts
Location: Oxford, UK
Posted:
Hell yes. Cathedral wicks burn forever, and ball chains are the best kind of chain. Buy these and never look back.
Don't be tempted to go for a small wick just because you're a "beginner" - you'll regret it later on.
Written by: =Flashpoint=
I put a big hands up for the HOP Cathederal fold fire poi with number 15 ball chain n leather handles. They, quite simply, rock.
Hell yes. Cathedral wicks burn forever, and ball chains are the best kind of chain. Buy these and never look back.
Don't be tempted to go for a small wick just because you're a "beginner" - you'll regret it later on.
"Take that, math!"
GOLD Member
ARRRR!
529 posts
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA
ARRRR!
529 posts
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA
Posted:
I only see the 4' cathedrals here, those are a bit small for my taste. I would recommend the 8' variety. They will still be lighter than monkey fists and they give off plenty of flame. If you are a hands on type of person you might want to build them yourself. All the information you will need can be found here.
I guess I should try ball chain some time but I hate having to replace them due to wear damage. Welded oval link chain works well for me and should last forever.
I only see the 4' cathedrals here, those are a bit small for my taste. I would recommend the 8' variety. They will still be lighter than monkey fists and they give off plenty of flame. If you are a hands on type of person you might want to build them yourself. All the information you will need can be found here.
I guess I should try ball chain some time but I hate having to replace them due to wear damage. Welded oval link chain works well for me and should last forever.
"My skin is singed but it heals my heart and with glowing pride I'll wear my scars." -Davey Havok
BRONZE Member
Groovy ga watashi no namae desu!
1,530 posts
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Groovy ga watashi no namae desu!
1,530 posts
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Posted:
i think dunc has got the right idea, buy the best you can afford, biggest flames, best chains lol
i got bored with my first pair of fire poi cuz the flames were too small lol
i think dunc has got the right idea, buy the best you can afford, biggest flames, best chains lol
i got bored with my first pair of fire poi cuz the flames were too small lol
I like Languages.
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug.gif" alt="" />
BRONZE Member
veteran
1,453 posts
Location: Lancs England
veteran
1,453 posts
Location: Lancs England
Posted:
Only problem when your a beginner is big flame=big chance of burn/loss of hair/scare factor.
Smaller flames still give a nice effect and it’s a brilliant introduction to the word of fire I agree big flame is more fun (that’s why I use my monkeyfists) but purely by the fact that it is a dangerous hobby dictates the fact you start small.
You wouldn’t go giving a learner biker a big 1200cc machine you start out on a small 150cc.
Not trying to be a party pooper hear just I like people to stay uncrispyfried.
Only problem when your a beginner is big flame=big chance of burn/loss of hair/scare factor.
Smaller flames still give a nice effect and it’s a brilliant introduction to the word of fire I agree big flame is more fun (that’s why I use my monkeyfists) but purely by the fact that it is a dangerous hobby dictates the fact you start small.
You wouldn’t go giving a learner biker a big 1200cc machine you start out on a small 150cc.
Not trying to be a party pooper hear just I like people to stay uncrispyfried.
before i met those lot i thought they'd be a bunch of dreadlocked hippies that smoked, set things on fire ,and drank a lot of tea but then when i met them....oh wait (PyroWill)
BRONZE Member
Lambretta Fanatic
4,998 posts
Location: United Kingdom
Lambretta Fanatic
4,998 posts
Location: United Kingdom
Posted:
buy me one and i will give it a go atleast
Written by: Mint Sauce
You wouldn’t go giving a learner biker a big 1200cc machine you start out on a small 150cc.
buy me one and i will give it a go atleast
BRONZE Member
member
30 posts
Location: Langebaan, South Africa
member
30 posts
Location: Langebaan, South Africa
Posted:
Ok not to sound stupid but I need it loud and clear before I buy. I found this in the HoP shop: Pair of cathedral Ball Chain fire poi with large cathedral heads and 8ft of extra thick kevlar coated glass fiber wick
Is this right way to go?
Ok not to sound stupid but I need it loud and clear before I buy. I found this in the HoP shop: Pair of cathedral Ball Chain fire poi with large cathedral heads and 8ft of extra thick kevlar coated glass fiber wick
Is this right way to go?
Life's journey is not 2 arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body,
...but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out shouting "WHAT A RIDE!!!"
GOLD Member
ARRRR!
529 posts
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA
ARRRR!
529 posts
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA
Posted:
I believe the general consensus here is yes. Some people like a few different options here and there but you can't go wrong with the 8' cathedral wicks and ball chain. Just make sure you read all of the fire safety info on this site.
Happy spinning!
I believe the general consensus here is yes. Some people like a few different options here and there but you can't go wrong with the 8' cathedral wicks and ball chain. Just make sure you read all of the fire safety info on this site.
Happy spinning!
"My skin is singed but it heals my heart and with glowing pride I'll wear my scars." -Davey Havok
GOLD Member
playing the days away
7,263 posts
Location: The Middle lands, United Kingdom
playing the days away
7,263 posts
Location: The Middle lands, United Kingdom
Posted:
yes it is. Although I just took delivery of my monkey fists from HoP and the advertised 288grams is rather over stated being that they actually weigh 113 grams so aren't really amazingly heavy.
yes it is. Although I just took delivery of my monkey fists from HoP and the advertised 288grams is rather over stated being that they actually weigh 113 grams so aren't really amazingly heavy.
Let's relight this forum
SILVER Member
Member
82 posts
Location: Netherlands - Hengelo
Member
82 posts
Location: Netherlands - Hengelo
Posted:
288 grams is fuel included I guess ?
So when the poi's are filled up with fuel they weigh 288 grams, and the dry weight is 113 grams ?
EDITED_BY: Nantheos (1104772595)
288 grams is fuel included I guess ?
So when the poi's are filled up with fuel they weigh 288 grams, and the dry weight is 113 grams ?
EDITED_BY: Nantheos (1104772595)
Hij die zijn kind benzine voert moet niet roken als het boert.
Love you MyIng 
GOLD Member
playing the days away
7,263 posts
Location: The Middle lands, United Kingdom
playing the days away
7,263 posts
Location: The Middle lands, United Kingdom
Posted:
dunno, but that's a pretty darn precise fuel measurement if it is!! I did think of that but I don't think my leccy scales would be to happy about putting a wick fully laden with parafin on them
dunno, but that's a pretty darn precise fuel measurement if it is!! I did think of that but I don't think my leccy scales would be to happy about putting a wick fully laden with parafin on them
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GOLD Member
playing the days away
7,263 posts
Location: The Middle lands, United Kingdom
playing the days away
7,263 posts
Location: The Middle lands, United Kingdom
Posted:
guess I managed to get the lean mean George Foreman grilled versions, funny tho all four I bought are within 1 gram of each other which is pretty impressive consistency for a product like this. Not that I mind them weighing that, they spin lovely
guess I managed to get the lean mean George Foreman grilled versions, funny tho all four I bought are within 1 gram of each other
which is pretty impressive consistency for a product like this. Not that I mind them weighing that, they spin lovely Let's relight this forum
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