Are they called Thunderstix or Thundersticks or Bam Bams?
So you might first ask, “What are thundersticks?” Thundersticks are inflatable sticks made of vinyl that you bang together to make noise and help cheer on your favorite sporting team. They are sometimes called thunderstix or bam bams or thunder sticks or bang sticks. While the names may be different, they all serve the same purpose: to make loud noises. Just like there are different brands of tissues such as Kleenex or Puffs, most people call them Kleenex regardless of the brand. The same goes for Thundersticks. There are many different brands with different trade names, but everyone just calls them thunder sticks. There are 2 major thunderstick differences to keep in mind when purchasing:
- Re-Usable Thundersticks - My favorite type are the reusable thundersticks. The price point is great and these noisemakers have a valve just like a beach ball or a pool raft that you blow up and cap. When you are finished using these, you simply deflate, fold them up and store them for the next big game or event. The re-usable type are made of vinyl (just like a beach ball) and are thicker than the one time use thunderstix. Since the material is thicker, the noise from the bang has a lower pitch sound.
- One Time Use Thundersticks - These as the name indicates mean that you can use them for 1 event. Once the air starts leaking from the sticks, you can’t blow them up again because once you initally inflate them, you seal off the hole. Most of these types are made of polythylene and are thinner walled than the re-usable thunder sticks. Since they are made of a thinner material, the bang has a slightly higher pitched sound. When buying large quantities, the price points do tend to be a little less per unit. However, production time is typically longer is you want the cheaper price (sometimes up to 9 weeks).
Both types are just as loud and will get the job done. I, personally, just find it easier to inflate the re-usable type with the valve over the one-time use ones. Then, you can re-use them at a later time. Your marketing dollars go a lot further with the re-usable thundersticks, too, since your logo will tend to stick around for a long time after your event. Either way you go, these are fun spirit items and they really help the crowd get into the game, rally, or event.
Comparison of various types of thundersticks (thunderstix)
So what are thundersticks anyway. Sometimes people refer to them as bam bams, thunderstix, thunder sticks, boom sticks, fan-ta-sticks, among other names. These are all similar products. They are football noise makers for the stadium. They consist of two inflatable sticks which are banged together to make a loud noise. When in combination with other thunderstix, the noise is very loud. However, all thundersticks are not created equal. Thunder sticks can be broken down into 2 main categories: Re-usable and Non-Reusable.
Reusable Thundersticks
- These type of thundersticks have an inflation valve exactly like a pool raft or a beach ball and can be inflated and deflated as many times as desired. If they need more air during use, you simply open the valve and add more air.
- They are made from a vinyl material (PVC) are are slightly thicker than all other types of thunderstix and therefore, are more durable.
- Because these thunder sticks are made of a thicker material, they have a lower pitch boom when banged together.
- This type of thunder stick can be slightly more expensive, but the fact that they are reusable makes up for the small difference in cost.
- Because these are manufactured first and then printed, the custom imprint can not be printed over the entire area of the thunderstick like they can on the non-reusable types.
- Production time for this type is typically much shorter than the non-reusable type since the sticks themselves are already produced.
Non-Reusable Thundersticks
- These type of thundersticks or bam bams don’t have a valve to inflate but rather an end similar to standard mylar balloon which can take a little more effort to inflate. Some brands such as bam bams actually have a straw that is used for inflation that makes the process more cumbersome.
- These are made of a polyethylene, which feels similar to PVC; however, most are slightly thinner but more rigid.
- Most non-reusable types have a higher pitch sound to them, but they are still very loud.
- These can be lower priced if you choose a longer production time.
- These can be custom printed on a much larger area on the sticks since the material is printed first then manufactured.
- Production time can be anywhere from 2 weeks to 9 weeks with 2 weeks being the most expensive and 9 weeks being the cheapest. If you plan ahead, you can save a lot of money with the 9 week production time option.
Whichever type of thunder sticks that you choose, they all work well and get the job done. Making noise is an important part of any sports arena. Showing team spirit helps to pump up the athletes and actually help them play better if they have the excitement of the crowd.
Fun With Thunder Sticks
So what are thunder sticks, you may ask? Thunder sticks are also, sometimes, called bam bams, thunderstix, thundersticks, boom sticks fan sticks, or fan-ta-sticks, depending on the brand that you get. These are great spirit items for the the stadium. The stadium noise makers are great for football games are very loud and easy to use. All you do is inflate the sticks and bang them together. In combination with hundreds of other thundersticks at the same time, the noise is really loud. These are great items to help generate team spirit. Thundersticks make great fund raising items for the school booster store to sell. You can sell these along with mini footballs and stadium seat cushions. Utilizing all of these items will help boost your club profits.
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