What Each Handle Type Actually Is
Before comparing performance, understand the basic construction difference of the cheer pom handles.
Baton Handle
A baton handle is a smooth, cylindrical grip that runs through the center of the pom. Strands attach to both sides of the handle, creating the round, fluffy shape that defines a classic show pom. The athlete holds the cylinder in a closed fist, similar to gripping a relay baton, and controls the pom entirely through wrist and arm movement.
Elastic Handle
An elastic handle uses a shorter grip with an attached elastic strap that wraps around the hand or fingers. Instead of gripping a cylinder, the athlete secures the pom using the elastic loop while the strands hang from a single attachment point. The strap keeps the pom attached even when the hand opens or relaxes.
Grip Security: Which One Stays Put
This is where the conversation starts for most athletes. During sharp motions, tosses, and fast choreography, you need the pom to stay exactly where you put it.
Baton
A baton handle pom rewards a strong, deliberate grip. Because the athlete actively holds the cylinder, the pom responds precisely to every wrist flick and arm snap.
For teams running crisp, synchronized routines where every motion needs to hit at exactly the same angle, the baton's direct connection between hand and pom is hard to beat. Varsity's cheer pom poms use a baton-style grip across the full lineup for exactly this reason.
Elastic
An elastic handle takes grip fatigue out of the equation, although many athletes just tie mini knots in their pom strands on baton handles for the same effect. The strap holds the pom to the hand, so the athlete doesn't need to maintain a tight fist throughout a routine or game.
For younger athletes still developing hand strength, or for sideline squads that hold poms for hours at a time, an elastic strap can reduce cramping and keep energy levels up.
Control and Precision During Routines
How a pom moves during choreography depends on the connection between the hand and the handle.
For Competition and Dance
Baton handles give athletes the most direct control over how the pom moves. Sharp stops, clean wrist rotations, and precise angle changes all feel more immediate because the pom is mechanically locked into the fist.
For competition cheer routines and pom-style dance, where judges evaluate synchronization and visual sharpness, that extra level of control matters.
- Tighter response to wrist and arm movement
- Better precision for synced team choreography
- Consistent motion quality from warm-up through the final count
For Sideline and Youth
Elastic handles are more forgiving. The pom has a bit more freedom to move on the hand, which creates a looser, more relaxed motion style.
For sideline cheer, fan engagement, and younger squads where precision scoring isn't the focus, that looseness isn't a drawback. It lets athletes cheer more naturally without overthinking grip mechanics.
- More relaxed grip allows for longer use without fatigue
- Forgiving for athletes still building hand strength and coordination
- Stays attached even during high-energy crowd engagement
Visual Impact and Uniformity
How the pom looks in the athlete's hand affects the team's overall presentation.
- Baton handles create a round, symmetrical pom shape because strands attach on both sides. This produces the full, fluffy appearance that reads cleanly from a distance.
- Elastic handles produce a more tapered look since strands hang from a single point. For routines with a lot of arm extension, the visual difference is subtle. For close-up or camera-heavy events, it's more noticeable.
Which Handle Works Best for Your Team
Think about what your athletes need from the pom throughout the season, not just which handle feels familiar.
- Competition teams: Baton handles suit routines built around sharp, synchronized motions.
- Pom-style dance: Baton handles offer the direct response needed for detailed choreography.
- Sideline squads: Elastic handles can be a comfortable choice when athletes hold poms for extended periods.
- Younger or newer athletes: Elastic handles offer a simple way to keep the pom secure while they learn motions.
- One pom for different settings: Baton handles offer the most versatility across cheer and dance.
Keep your poms protected between practices and performances with a cheer backpack that gives your gear its own space.