What Makes the Two Finishes Different
Both metallic and solid cheer poms start with the same vinyl strand material. The strand width, handle type, and overall construction are identical. Where they split is the surface treatment.
Solid Poms
Solid poms carry a flat, matte color. The shade stays consistent whether the team is performing under daylight, gym fluorescents, or overcast skies. What you see on the color swatch is exactly what shows up on the sideline.
The matte finish gives solid poms a classic, uniform look that pairs easily with any uniform style. Colors read strong and steady, which makes them a reliable choice when the goal is a clean color block that the crowd can see from every seat.
Metallic Poms
Metallic poms have a reflective, foil-style coating layered over the vinyl. Under direct light, the strands catch and bounce that light back, creating a high-shine flash with every motion.
The reflective surface makes metallic poms naturally eye-catching in arenas, under stadium floods, and in front of camera flashes. Motions look amplified because the light shifts as the strands move, adding energy to each hit and shake.
Choosing by Venue and Lighting
Lighting is the single biggest factor in how poms look during a performance. A finish that dominates under arena lights can fall flat in bright sunshine, and the reverse is just as true.
Indoor Events
Arenas, convention centres, and gyms typically use overhead LEDs or fluorescent panels. Metallic poms thrive here because the reflective surface picks up every overhead source and throws it back toward the crowd and judges.
Solid poms still perform well indoors, but the matte finish does not react to artificial light the same way. For indoor competitions where visual impact matters from a distance, metallic gives an edge.
Outdoor Events
Daylight is even and diffused, which means a reflective surface has less contrast to work with. Solid poms actually shine in this setting because the bold, flat color cuts through sunlight cleanly and reads well from the bleachers.
Metallic can appear washed out on a bright afternoon since the reflective coating competes with the sun rather than standing out against it. For day games, pep rallies, and outdoor sideline cheer, solid is the stronger visual pick.
How Each Finish Handles Wear
Both finishes are built for regular use across a season of games, practices, and events. The care routine is nearly identical: fluff by hand before each use, rinse with soap and water when needed, and air-dry completely before storing.
The one difference worth noting is storage.
- Metallic strands can crease if packed tightly into a bag or stacked under heavy gear. A crease in the reflective coating dulls the mirror effect in that spot. Storing metallic poms flat or hanging them by the handle keeps the surface smooth.
- Solid poms are easier with storage. The matte finish does not show creases the same way, so they hold up well even in a packed equipment bag after a long travel day.
Budget and Team Size
Price matters when you are outfitting an entire squad plus ordering spares. Solid poms generally sit at a lower price point than metallic, which makes them a practical starting option for programs ordering in bulk.
A strategy many teams follow is ordering solid poms as the primary practice set and a metallic set for game day and competition. This way, the everyday set absorbs the daily wear while the metallic set stays crisp for the moments that matter most.
For teams with a flexible budget, going full metallic is a popular move. The reflective finish photographs well and gives the squad a polished, high-energy look in every highlight reel.
Mixing Metallic and Solid Strands
Ordering does not have to be an either-or decision. Mixed-strand poms combine metallic and solid vinyl in a single pom, giving the team the best of both finishes.
- Accent shimmer: Add metallic strands in a team color or contrast shade to create highlights without an all-over reflective look.
- Balanced blend: Combine solid and metallic strands evenly for a pom that performs well in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Picking the Right Size
The right strand length can change how a pom feels and moves during a routine. Longer strands create more volume and flow, while shorter strands offer a lighter feel with quicker movement and control.
Both metallic and solid cheer poms from Varsity are available in 4" and 6" strand lengths with 3/4" wide strands and a baton grip handle.