Buying guide for Best pogo sticks
As a kid, a pogo stick is an awesome toy that lets you jump higher than a kangaroo. When you're older, it can transform into a vehicle that allows you to excel in extreme sports. Once you become an adult, it can be a high-intensity, low-impact part of your workout routine.
Today's pogo sticks can be traditional spring-powered devices, or they can use some other type of technology that requires care and regular maintenance. You don't need the biggest one to jump high; you need one that is a good fit for your height and is rated to handle your weight. It also needs to be well-built and durable, so it can last.
Size and weight capacity
Many aspects of a pogo stick are preference-based. However, there are two areas you must carefully consider to be certain the pogo stick you are getting will be appropriate for you: size and weight capacity.
Size
Larger doesn't translate to bigger bounces. Sometimes, it can be the opposite because a larger pogo stick will weigh more, making it harder to get that big air. Ideally, you want a pogo stick that measures from peg to handle roughly the same distance as heel to hip of the rider. A slightly smaller pogo stick can be easier to control, and a slightly larger pogo stick is something a child can grow into, but you don't want to go too small or too big.
Weight capacity
Pogo sticks have two weight limits: an upper one and a lower one. That means you can be too light for certain models. When purchasing a pogo stick, you must always consider both weight limits to find the pogo stick that is right for you.
Other considerations
Pogo sticks all have the same basic features. They bounce on a tip and have pegs to stand on and handles to grasp. The design differences in those and other elements are there to enhance the individual user's experience.
Technology
Most pogo sticks use spring-based technology. The spring compresses, and the rider jumps a foot or so into the air. However, other technologies, such as elastic strings and compressed air, which can launch a rider much higher than traditional methods, are also available.
Pegs
The pegs are where you stand. They should be non-slip and durable. The width of the pegs is a matter of rider preference.
Bounce tip
The bounce tip is the only part of your pogo stick that connects with the ground. You need one that does not slip. A pogo stick that easily kicks out when you land could result in a serious injury. A pogo stick with a larger bounce tip can provide a little more stability, especially for newer users.
Handles
The handles, as well as the whole top of your pogo stick, should be cushioned. If you collide with your pogo stick, it's usually going to be the handles that you hit. The harder those handles are, the more teeth you may lose. Padded handles are the safest. Some models feature adjustable handles. This may be fine for light bouncing, but you want fixed handles for serious bouncing.
Material
Pogo sticks can be made of a wide variety of materials, but for many, the preferred material is aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight and reasonably durable — two highly desirable qualities.
Color
Color is how you express yourself, but don't sacrifice an essential feature just to get a more appealing color. If lime green is your color jam and there's a model for your size and weight that you like, that is the one you need to get. If the lime green model doesn't support your weight or is too big for you to handle, however, consider something else.
Transport
Some pogo sticks are designed to fold up. Others come with a strap for easy transportation. These may be nice features, but they aren't vital. In some situations, they could make the pogo stick more dangerous. Folding pegs or handles, for instance, would not be recommended for riders who like to do complicated tricks.
Replaceable parts
The more expensive your pogo stick is, the more you are going to want replaceable parts rather than a replaceable unit. If you're spending a great deal of money on a pogo stick, be sure you can replace the pegs and bounce tip or even upgrade them, if desired, in the future.
Caution
Never use your pogo stick in the rain or on a wet surface. It doesn't take much water for the bounce tip to slip and cause a nasty spill.
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Pogo stick prices
You can easily tell by the price what kind of pogo stick you are looking at.
Inexpensive
At the low end, the pogo sticks are squeaky foam blocks with a bungee cord instead of a firm pole. These are designed for small children and generally cost between $10 and $17.
Mid-range
From $17 to near $100, you will find the traditional spring-based pogo sticks. In this range, pogo sticks are still fun toys for kids.
Expensive
From $100 to $200 (and above), the pogo sticks are built for larger riders; many are capable of supporting up to 200 pounds. These pogo sticks are for serious bouncers who might want to start attempting some impressive tricks.
Premium
When you're ready to go extreme and need a pogo stick that uses advanced technology to get phenomenal height, you'll be looking at somewhere around $400.
Did you know?
Purchasing a larger pogo stick does not mean you will jump higher.
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Tips
Using your new pogo stick will only be fun if you know how to safely bounce. Following are some tips to get you started and help keep you safe.
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Inspect your pogo stick. Give it a once-over to make sure everything is tight and secure. Also, give it a good shake to be certain there are no rattles before taking that first jump.
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Check your jumping area before you start. You want to make sure there are no hazards below or above you.
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Test the surface for safety. Tilt your pogo stick at a 45-degree angle and give it a shove. If it slides across your jumping surface, the area you've picked is too slick.
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Grab a friend. If this is your first time, the best way to get the feel of a pogo stick is to have a friend steady you by holding the handles until you can find your balance point.
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Keep the stick upright. Do not lean your pogo stick away from you; keep it as close to a 90-angle as possible.
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Use the middle of your foot when jumping. No toes or heels; place the middle of your foot on the peg for the best balance.
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Start small. Try little hops at first. Wait until you’re comfortable to try harder maneuvers.
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Learn to bail. If something goes wrong during a jump, do not hang on to the pogo stick. That's how injuries happen. Instead, push it away and land squarely on your feet.
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Wipe down your pogo stick after each session. This will help keep it in optimum working order.
- Don't neglect maintenance. Read through your user guide, and familiarize yourself with any routine maintenance that needs to be done to keep your pogo stick in tip-top hopping shape.
FAQ
Q. What is the right size pogo stick for me?
A. Pogo sticks typically have a minimum and maximum weight range. You need to be sure to purchase a pogo stick that accommodates your weight. For instance, if the pogo stick is rated for 80 to 160 pounds, it is not the right model for a 60-pound child. Additionally, for maximum comfort, when you are standing with both feet on the pegs, the hand grips should come roughly to your hips.
Q. What kind of gear should I wear when I use my pogo stick?
A. A helmet is essential; never use your pogo stick without a helmet. In addition, wear closed-toe shoes because your feet are at the most risk when jumping. Gloves can help you maintain a good grip, even when your hands start sweating, and shin guards will help if your feet slip off and the peg slams into your shin. Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are also options if you want maximum safety; just be sure they don't interfere with your control of the pogo stick.
Q. How high can I bounce?
A. The answer depends on your comfort level and the quality of your pogo stick. Starting off, you might not want to go very high. However, as you grow more and more comfortable, if you have a high-end model, jumping four or five feet into the air may become your norm. If you decide you want to be the best, you're going to have to work pretty hard because the current world record is just over 11 feet high.
Q. Is jumping on a pogo stick a good workout?
A. Yes, it's an excellent workout. And, believe it or not, it is actually classified as a low-impact exercise. The reason it is such a great workout is because it is a cardio exercise that also engages your arms, legs, and core. Even a light workout, jumping just six inches off the ground, can burn roughly 600 calories in an hour, which is more than walking, running, cycling, skating, dancing, and downhill skiing.
