There are many different models of rifles in the world, and this guide will help you sort through the facts and features of purchasing your very own rifle.
Beginners
For absolute beginners who have never even touched a rifle before, most companies offer models that do not have bolts on top or straps to get your fingers tangled in. They may have rubber padding on the ends and generally are only 32" long. They are also lighter than a standard rifle and at a price of around $15.00 they will not break your budget. These beginner rifles are a good way to start learning how to spin and getting used to the movement of the rifle without getting hurt.
Intermediate
Once you have mastered the beginner's rifle, intermediate spinners will generally move up and purchase an advanced-class rifle, but there are other options available to them as well. Some companies offer rifles that are nearly the same as advanced rifles, but may or may not have a strap, or possibly still have a rubber tip on the end. Length will be from 36"-39" although the longer ones will usually be for more advanced spinners. These rifles may be a little bit more breakable than the best quality ones, but they have a very classy, showy look to them.
Some models of popular intermediate rifles include Charger, Commander, Cadet, etc.
Advanced
Moving on to the "big guns" so to speak, there are many models of rifles to choose from and they may tend to look the same - but do not be fooled! Also, when thinking of length of the rifle consider whether you are spinning for a field show or indoor performance; longer 39" rifles generally show up better from the stand on the field while the versatility of the 36" is usually favored for indoor shows where the audience is closer. Straps to consider are leather, nylon, or web. Leather straps have been favored until recently because of their professional look and the snapping sound that they create when the rifle is being spun. Web straps have seen a dramatic increase in popularity due to their versatility.
Brands
Elite 2, 3, and 4
The difference between the 3 and 4 is just the length, but this model is an ok quality rifle with many good reviews. While not unbreakable, this rifle will hold up best if you only spin it over grass or other soft surfaces. The first thing I would do with these rifles if I were to purchase new ones is to immediately remove all of the screws that come in the gun and replace them with real wood screws that you can find at your local hardware store. The screws used on these rifles are terribly cheap and tend to immediately shear off into the wood the first time the rifle is dropped.
Xfactor
This is the world's first plastic rifle and it's definitely got some good points. All of the Xfactors are weighted exactly the same and they have screw-in weights that you can put into each end in order to change the weight if necessary. However, with all new products there is a lot of testing and improvements that need to occur. The locations where weights get screwed in are prone to breakage, leaving a free weight to just float and bounce around inside of the hollow plastic gun. And even though they were once advertised as ubreakable, many guard members have since proven that to be false advertising, especially if spun over concrete or tile floors.
George Miller and Sons (Ultimate)
If you've been around any "old timers" in the guard world like me, you've probably heard of this model; which was also called the Ultimate at one point. By far the best rifle that has been designed yet. The Miller has the best durability of any model of rifle while still being well weighted and balanced. The price also stayed competitive with the other models. Miller rifles could only be found at the George Miller and Sons website while they were around, but as all good things come to an end, so did this company. But fear not! As they have SOLD their design to King!
King
The King brand dominates the sabre industry, and these rifles live up to the legend of King products being perfectly balanced in all aspects. They practically spin themselves, but some lightness must be sacrificed to achieve this balance and these rifles are best left to the most advanced of users. I know of many people who have George Miller/King rifles between 12-20 years old without so much as a crack in the wood, so they are definitely worth the price!
Sickle Rifles/Air Blades
Sickles (or Curves) are not exactly a new style of rifle, but they have seen increasing popularity because of their use by the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps Color Guard. These pieces of equipment loosely resemble rifles, but are essentially a curved piece of wood with or without a strap. They are very easy to spin because of their tailored shape and create a spectacular circular effect in shows. Their prices also usually run a little bit cheaper for wood or more for plastic than normal rifles so they are a good addition to a great color guard.
No comments:
Post a Comment