3 Part Staves

Shortly after we introduced our basic staves, people started asking for something that would fit in their trunk, or in a backpack, or in a toolkit. The requests kept coming, so we had to innovate a new kind of tool. The multi-part staff was introduced. We went through several models but the first to make it to the website was our 3-part staff.

The simple design of the 3-part staff has made it a very popular tool since it's introduction. Essentially, it's 3 pieces of equal length, with wicks and connectors. For the connectors, we went through a large variety of types: screw-in, crutch, quick release, slide and click, progressive tension, rotational tension, gravity grip ... I could go on. But, in the end, we chose the "crutch" style.

Each connector has it's problems and strengths. Pool cue connectors pull out of the wood, and form the weak point of the stick, anything that depends on friction will fail, quick release eventually release too quickly, etc. And the "crutch" style connectors are no different. First they're directional: if you push one direction they're secure, but go the other way, and they can release. In actual crutches, they make sure the secure direction is the one you depend on. Same with these, we wanted to make sure that in normal spinning, the connectors would be most secure. The down side is that you can't use these staves for vaulting, or jabbing motions.

On the flip side, the 6" overlap we install makes the joints stronger than the main tubes alone. This overlap allows for a certain amount of "rattle" if you shake it right, but such noises rarely occur during spinning. They are based on the tolerance of the telescoping tubes and can generally be prevented with a single wrap of scotch tape.

Following the 3-part staff, came the Great Staves. Scaled up tubes and wick options, the great staff introduced variable length staves. The great staff can be assembled and shifted from 6 feet to 8 feet in 6 inch increments. Otherwise, it has all the strengths and features of the 3-part staff.

Next, we introduced the All in One kits and wanted a staff that could fit inside one of those cases. Unfortunately, a 3-part staff that would fit in an 18" toolbox would only be 3.5 feet long. More of a baton, really. So, we added another level of connectors (which looked a lot like one of the original prototypes), and came up with the 5-part staff. Again, same strengths and features of the 3-part, just 18" pieces and a 5.5 foot length.

Grand finale' in this line of staves is the Instructor staff. No real innovations, but we finally embrace the "crutch" heritage of the connector. Unlike the rest of the multipart staves, the middle tube is a bit longer (see picture). What this allows is a staff that can be any length from 4 feet to 6 feet in increments of 3 inches. So, a staff instructor, or spin jam operator with this stick can hand it over to someone who's interested in staffing and adjust it until their perfect length is found. Then, the newbie can order their preferred size staff with confidence.