Pom poms are used by cheerleaders mainly to add to the spectacle of the cheerleading routine for cheerleading competitions, demonstrations or sports team cheer. Cheerleading pom poms come in different shapes, sizes, colour and styles. In addition, there are also a variety of handles to accompany the large variety of pom poms available including; loop, dowel, cap and baton handles.
There are three common types or styles of pom poms
Plastic Pom Poms
Metallic Pom Poms
Wet look pom poms(Vinyl).
Plastic pom poms are made from strong durable plastic material and are available in twelve basic colours. Plastic pom poms are waterproof and also resistant to colour fade.
Metallic pom poms are available in 24 colours and are made from a durable material. Metallic is set apart from the others because it provides the extra flash or shimmer that is not there in plastic or wet look pom poms. Metallic pom poms are also made to be water proof and fade resistant.
Wet look pom poms are made from vinyl material and have a wet appearance. The material used is also durable, colour fade and water resistant. There are about 15 basic colours of wet look pom poms available.
Pom poms can be made in different colour combinations to make one colour, two colour mixes, three colour mix and half & half colour pompoms. These combinations are available in all the three types of pom poms, therefore extensively increasing the variety of pom poms that can be created.
One coloured pom poms can be useful to match with the outfits or to add contrast where the pom poms in each hand is of different colour. Two colour and three colour pompoms tend to add variety and also create a contrasting uniqueness that can accentuate the look of the cheerleaders.
All the types of the pom poms can be fitted with different types of handles and this include; loop, cap, dowel and baton handles. Most standard handles are included in the pom poms at no extra cost; however some of the handles with intricate design or more materials used will sometimes incur extra charge.
Choice of the pom poms handles depends largely on the routine and is thus styled for different uses.
Loop handles are designed mainly to acquire a firm grip and are thus useful for large sturdy pom poms. Cap handle consist of a rectangular handle and a sturdy plastic loop that makes them useful for extra large pom poms. Dowel handle have an attached slender longish handle that makes the appropriate for routines that incorporate shaking the pom poms. Baton handle pom poms have a baton inserted in the middle of the pom poms, resulting in streamers flowing to both ends; these are suitable for show pom poms.
Correct choice of pom poms and handle is very important as pom poms add an interesting flare to the cheerleaders especially during sports events. It is more so important at competition levels where cheerleader squads are required to perform certain routines that require the use of pom poms.
