How to Choose the Right Bo Staff

White Wood Lotus Bo

Graphite Bo

I get asked, quite often how to pick the correct Bo Staff for training. Let me go through a couple of quick tips:

• Get a BO that is about your same height or a couple of inches shorter. If you are 5' 8'' - I would recommend a 5' 6'' (five and 1/2 foot) staff. This is just a couple of inches shorter than you.
• Do NOT get a BO that is taller than you. This will make it difficult to perform sweeps, wrist rolls, spins, and low strikes that require bringing the tip of the Bo close to the ground. It will be a very frustrating training experience.  
• A Broomstick/Pole will also work for you. You do not have to have a specially created weapon just to practice some movements. The Bo is essentially just a long stick; generally hardened and heavy in the past when it was used for actual combat. A broomstick of lightweight pole that is around your height could work. But the WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION will generally not be as favorable as a crafted Bo.  
• Beginner's Practice - I recommend a white wood lotus Bo - like found here: You can really buy this from most martial arts suppliers.
• Competition Level - Graphite Bo. Graphite is an incredibly material, very lightweight, hard, and flashy. Like found here.
• DO NOT get a Two-Piece Bo. These are uneven in weight due to the screw on apparatus. I do not recommend.