Choosing your first baton

Your first baton should match your arm — measure from the center of your chest to the tip of your middle finger. That's your length.

Weight matters more than brand. A baton that's too light will float past your hand on catches; one that's too heavy will tire your wrist in ten minutes.

Rubber tips for beginners, every time. They're forgiving on floors, on ceilings, and on toes.

Skip the rhinestones until you've trained for a year. Save the sparkle for the baton that actually fits your style.