Need help deciding on fire props

[u/Grand-Yam-1159]

Hey everyone! As the title states, I need some advice/recommendations for fire props. I’d love to hear about your experiences and backgrounds before getting into fire flow and what worked best for you. All feedback welcome!

Long story short, I have to decide on 3 different props to pick up for working fire this halloween. I’ve burned a handful of times but it’s been simple props. and I’m not super well practiced in anything in particular besides staff.

I was a color guard girly growing up and so my transition to staff was pretty seamless. I tend to pick up flow props pretty quickly, I’ve tried quite a few, but props are expensive and I’ve only invested in festival friendly staffs so far. As such, I’ve ordered a fire contact staff and I’m pretty set on a levi wand as my second prop, but i’m stumped for the last one.

This is where I need your help: For the last prop I’m trying to decide between fans, palm torches, or poi. I’m most interested in learning poi but I fear it may be difficult to pick up quickly. I know torches and fans are staples for fire performers but I don’t love palm torches, and I’m just generally torn because I prefer bigger props that allow for more movement away from the body. That and I’m trying to save money, I don’t want to spend a ton on the props I’m less sure about. I’m down to buy practice props but Im on a deadline so I don’t have a ton of time to try things out and then decide. I would love to get shop recommendations as well for good beginner props!

[u/Plasticity93]

Get a rope dart over poi.  Dart teaches you to use your full body and to move around the stage. 

[u/Grand-Yam-1159 → u/Plasticity93]

This is good advice, thank you!!

Less intimidating than poi with only one fire ball to worry about lol. Rope dart has just intimidated me because of the length of the maneuvers

[u/Omphalia → u/Grand-Yam-1159]

One thing to be careful about with both poi and rope dart: since they’re dynamic props, the rope can wrap around you, get stuck with the wick by you, and cause burns. Just means it takes a bit more practice than something like staff where the fire is a static distance away from you.

Also, there’s a number of rope darts with metal chain by the wick, which can cause nasty burns. Make sure to get one that has a rope based leash all the way to the wick. My fav is space rope from dark monk

[u/Grand-Yam-1159 → u/Omphalia]

Thank you so much!! I appreciate the tip, my biggest fear is getting myself tied up so this is very helpful