Vinyl Poms
Vinyl is the classic. The strands hold a true matte color without shine or shimmer, which makes them the go-to for teams that want a clean, bold look.
When Vinyl Works Best
The matte surface means the color you see in daylight is the same color you get under indoor fluorescents, so vinyl is ideal when uniform color matching is the priority.
- Outdoor day games and pep rallies where sunlight is the main light source
- Sideline cheer where a clear color block reads better from the stands than sparkle
- Programs ordering for a full squad on a tighter budget
- Youth and junior teams, where a simpler option keeps the focus on technique
A 6" Solid Vinyl Pom in your school color, paired with a white or black accent, works season after season.
Metallic Poms
Metallic poms use a foil-like reflective coating over the vinyl strand. The result is a bright, mirror-style shine that reacts to every light source in the building.
When Metallic Works Best
If your events happen under arena lights, LED panels, or stadium floods, the reflective surface amplifies motion and makes each hit look sharper from a distance.
- Night games and indoor arenas where artificial light does the heavy lifting
- Competition routines where visual impact from the judges' table matters
- Photo and video shoots, since the reflection photographs well
The strands of a Metallic Pom have a slightly crinkled texture that adds a subtle sound on each shake. The strands are a touch heavier than standard vinyl, but not enough to affect technique.
Holographic Poms
Holographic poms take sparkle a step further. The strands carry a prismatic finish that shifts color depending on the angle and the light, while still staying true to the base shade underneath.
When Holographic Works Best
Holographic is the showstopper finish, and it works especially well for dance teams and competition squads under stage lighting with multiple angles.
- Dance pom routines where constant strand motion creates shifting color depth
- Competition floors with stage-style lighting and close-up camera angles
- Championship weekends, showcases, and special events where the team wants to stand out
The luminous properties of holographic poms stay true to the base color, so a purple holographic pom still reads as purple from a distance. The prismatic shimmer is most visible at close range and under direct light.
Three Finishes: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is how the three finishes compare across the factors that matter most.
- Finish: Vinyl delivers a clean matte look, metallic adds mirror-like shine, and holographic creates a color-shifting prismatic effect.
- Best lighting: Vinyl performs consistently in daylight, metallic shines under stadium and arena lights, and holographic stands out under stage and multi-directional lighting.
- Best for: Vinyl is a favourite for sideline cheer and youth teams, metallic is the top choice for competition cheer and night games, and holographic shines in dance performances and showcase events.
Can You Mix Finishes
Yes. Mixing finishes in a single pom or across sets is a popular option for teams that want more than one look per season.
Ways Teams Mix
- Two-set approach: Vinyl for practice and day events, metallic or holographic for competition and game night
- Mixed-strand pom: Metallic and vinyl strands in one pom for sparkle, plus solid color in every shake
- Accent strands: A small percentage of holographic or metallic strands in a contrasting color for a highlight without full shimmer
Choosing the Right Size and Handle
Strand length and handle style affect how the pom performs in your routine just as much as the finish does.
Longer strands create a fuller visual with more air movement, while shorter strands offer a snappier shake for fast-paced motions. All styles use a baton grip handle for a smooth hold and clean lines in choreography.
Care Tips for Every Finish
Cheer poms are designed to last, but a little maintenance goes a long way.
- Fluff the strands before each performance to restore volume and separate compressed strands.
- Wipe away dirt with mild soap and water, then allow the poms to air dry completely before storing.
- Store poms flat or hang them by the handle to help maintain their shape between events.
- Avoid stacking heavy gear on top of metallic or holographic poms, as pressure can flatten their reflective finish.
- Keep poms in a cool, dry place to help preserve their color and finish throughout the season.