Shopping List
This page contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the site — thank you!
What You Actually Need for Poi Spinning
Poi spinning is an accessible flow art that requires minimal equipment to get started, making it perfect for beginners curious about learning this dynamic skill. Whether you’re interested in casual practice or serious performance, having quality gear makes the learning process smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. This shopping list covers the essential items you’ll need to build confidence and develop your poi spinning abilities from day one.
1. Beginner Poi Set
A beginner poi set typically includes two weighted balls attached to cords or chains, designed specifically for learning fundamental techniques. These sets come in various weights and materials, with most featuring comfortable handles and balanced construction. The pair is your most essential purchase and forms the foundation of your entire poi spinning practice.
Why beginners need it: You cannot practice poi spinning without poi, and beginner-specific sets are designed with lighter weights and forgiving materials that won’t cause injury if they strike your body during learning. Quality beginner sets help you build muscle memory and technique without frustration.
What to look for: Look for sets weighing between 100-150 grams per poi head, made with soft materials like rubber or foam. The cords should be durable and between 30-40 inches long for standard hand poi.
2. Practice Mat or Yoga Mat
A dedicated practice mat provides a defined space for your poi spinning sessions and offers cushioning if your poi accidentally strike the ground. Practice mats come in various thicknesses and can be rolled up for easy storage. They’re especially useful if you’re practicing indoors where you want to protect your floors and define your spinning area.
Why beginners need it: When learning, you’ll occasionally drop poi or lose control, and a practice mat helps protect your flooring and creates a safe, defined practice space. It also helps you focus on technique without worrying about damaging your surroundings.
What to look for: Choose a mat that’s at least 1/2 inch thick for adequate cushioning and large enough to accommodate your spinning area comfortably. Non-slip surfaces help keep the mat in place during practice.
3. LED Poi for Night Practice
LED poi incorporate battery-powered lights into the poi heads, creating beautiful visual trails during spinning. These are perfect for practicing in low-light conditions or adding a performance element to your practice sessions. LED poi come in single or multi-color options and are often more durable than traditional weighted poi.
Why beginners need it: LED poi make practice sessions more visually rewarding and motivating, which helps maintain enthusiasm during the learning curve. The visual feedback of the light trails also helps you see patterns and mistakes in your technique more clearly.
What to look for: Ensure the LED poi have good battery life, secure cord attachment, and waterproof or water-resistant construction. Look for adjustable brightness or color options if you plan to use them in various lighting conditions.
4. Protective Gloves
Poi spinning gloves protect your hands from rope burns, blisters, and impacts from the spinning poi. They’re typically made from breathable material with reinforced padding on the palms and fingers. Quality gloves improve your grip and comfort during extended practice sessions.
Why beginners need it: During learning, poi contact with your hands is inevitable, and protective gloves significantly reduce injury risk and hand fatigue. They also improve grip security, which is crucial for maintaining control of your poi.
What to look for: Choose gloves with padded palms, breathable fabric, and a secure wrist strap. Make sure they offer good dexterity so you can still feel your poi and maintain proper form.
5. Mirror for Form Checking
A large, portable mirror allows you to watch your form and technique in real-time while practicing. This feedback tool is invaluable for correcting posture, hand position, and body alignment. Ideally, position it at an angle where you can see your full body while spinning.
Why beginners need it: You can’t always feel when your form is incorrect, and visual feedback from a mirror helps you catch and correct mistakes before they become habits. Seeing yourself spin builds awareness of the movement patterns you’re developing.
What to look for: Look for a large, lightweight mirror that’s easy to reposition. Acrylic mirrors are safer than glass if you’re practicing indoors where poi could accidentally strike the mirror.
6. Phone Tripod for Video Recording
A sturdy phone tripod lets you record yourself spinning, which is essential for analyzing your technique and tracking progress. Video recording captures details that you can’t observe in real-time and helps you identify areas for improvement. Most modern tripods work with any smartphone and can be positioned at various angles.
Why beginners need it: Recording your practice sessions provides objective feedback on your form and technique that you might miss during live spinning. Reviewing videos helps you celebrate progress and identify specific problems to fix.
What to look for: Choose a tripod with a secure phone holder, adjustable height, and stable base. Look for models with 360-degree rotation capability so you can capture yourself from different angles.
7. Carrying Case or Bag
A dedicated carrying case protects your poi and keeps all your equipment organized in one place. Poi bags come in various styles, from simple drawstring pouches to structured cases with multiple compartments. A good bag makes it easy to transport your gear to practice sessions, classes, or performances.
Why beginners need it: A proper carrying case protects your poi from damage and keeps them organized. Having everything in one place makes it convenient to grab your gear and practice whenever you have time.
What to look for: Choose a bag with cushioned compartments, a comfortable carrying handle or strap, and durable material. Make sure it’s large enough to hold multiple poi sets and any accessories you accumulate.
8. Hand Grip Tape
Hand grip tape wraps around your poi handles to improve traction and comfort during extended practice sessions. This material prevents slipping when your hands are sweaty and reduces the risk of dropping your poi. Grip tape is inexpensive and easy to apply, making it a practical upgrade to any poi set.
Why beginners need it: Better grip control directly translates to better control of your poi, which helps you feel more confident and makes learning new tricks easier. Improved traction reduces the number of accidental drops during practice.
What to look for: Look for athletic-grade grip tape designed for sports equipment, available in various thicknesses. Choose colors that match your poi or personal preference, and ensure the adhesive is strong enough to withstand repeated use.
9. Instructional Video Course or Books
Quality instructional resources provide structured learning paths and detailed breakdowns of poi spinning techniques. Online courses, books, and DVD tutorials offer step-by-step guidance from experienced instructors, covering everything from basic spins to complex combinations. These resources are invaluable for troubleshooting problems and learning new skills systematically.
Why beginners need it: Instructional resources accelerate your learning curve and help you avoid developing bad habits that can hinder progress. Having a structured curriculum keeps you motivated and gives you clear goals to work toward.
What to look for: Choose resources with clear video demonstrations, detailed explanations of hand movements, and progressively challenging lessons. Look for instructors who break down techniques into small, manageable steps for beginners.
10. Wrist Wraps and Support Bands
Wrist wraps and support bands provide stability and injury prevention during poi spinning practice. These elastic bands wrap around your wrists to reduce strain and provide support during repetitive spinning motions. They’re especially helpful if you have previous wrist issues or are practicing for extended periods.
Why beginners need it: Poi spinning involves repetitive wrist movements that can cause strain over time, and support bands help protect your wrists during the learning phase. Proper wrist support allows you to practice longer without discomfort or risk of injury.
What to look for: Choose adjustable wraps that provide firm compression without cutting off circulation. Look for breathable materials that wick moisture and can be worn comfortably during extended practice sessions.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Start with one basic poi set: You don’t need LED poi, multiple sets, or fancy equipment to learn the fundamentals. A simple beginner poi set costing under fifty dollars is more than adequate to develop solid foundational skills before investing in upgrades.
- DIY your practice space: Instead of buying an expensive practice mat, use an old yoga mat you already own, exercise mats, or simply practice outdoors in a spacious yard. Repurposing items you already have can cut your startup costs significantly.
- Use free online tutorials initially: Before purchasing instructional courses, explore free YouTube poi spinning tutorials from experienced teachers. Once you’ve identified your learning style and committed to practice, investing in comprehensive courses becomes more worthwhile.
Beginner vs Advanced Gear
Beginner poi gear prioritizes safety, comfort, and learning with lighter weights, forgiving materials, and straightforward designs that let you focus on developing fundamental techniques without distraction or injury risk. Advanced gear includes heavier poi for momentum control, specialized materials for performance, LED options for visual effects, and equipment tailored to specific spinning styles like fire poi or contact poi. As you progress from beginner to advanced, you’ll naturally upgrade individual pieces of equipment based on your developing preferences, spinning style, and performance goals, but this foundational beginner shopping list provides everything you need to start your poi spinning journey with confidence.
Ready to Sell Your Work?
Selling Platforms
Partner recommendations coming soon.