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Sundia EVO Diabolo
Posted on December 8, 2014
The EVO Diabolo is the newest diabolo from Sundia. This is the first diabolo to feature a patented stability ring and hybrid axel. The stability rings are made from weighted aluminium which will help increase the centrifugal force of the diabolo. In other words, this concept will make the diabolo spin longer and faster. The fixed axle is manufactured from stainless steel combined with Teflon coated sides. The EVO diabolo is a lightweight and very durable diabolo with a blasted matte finish. Tested by the fine folks at Higgins Brothers. Our conclusion? The EVO is best fixed axle diabolo we have to offer!
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The Diabolo
Posted on November 24, 2014
www.higginsbrothers.com
The diabolo is a circus skill, also referred to as a juggling toy, which consists of a spool propelled and manipulated by a player using a length of string attached to two sticks, one held in each hand. The basic act of playing with a diabolo involves making the diabolo spin by dragging the string over the axel in order to create friction, which in turn causes the diabolo to spin. By providing slack with one of the handsticks, and pulling the other tight the player is able to alter the speed at which the diabolo spins.
Tricks are performed by moving the handsticks in order to move the diabolo and all manner of tricks are created by throwing the diabolo in the air, catching it, balancing it on the handsticks and creating knots and loops with the string. Multiple diabolos can also be used at once, however, this being the greatest area of improvement for diabolo users.
It is difficult to know with precision when the diabolo as we know it came into being, but it is said to have evolved in China, developing from the Chinese yo-yo. The Chinese yo-yo itself has a long, thin axle with disc-shaped wheels while the Westernised version of the diabolo tends to favour a more cone-shaped design. French engineer Gustave Philippart first developed the modern-diabolo in 1906, making the axle from scrap metal and the spools from cut out old tires! This diabolo, amongst many other historic diabolos can be viewed in the French Museum of Diabolo.
This is not where the diabolo first came from, however. Some historians place the invention of the diabolo somewhere between the 4th and 3rd millennium B.C. in China, thus making it the oldest game in history – even older than Backgammon! Back in these days the diabolo itself was made of wood or bamboo rather than rubber and metal and was given many names such as "Kouen-gen" – which means "make the hollow bamboo stick whistle". In China, there are still diabolos made of bamboo with openings on the side that create a whistling sound when it is spinning. The term "diabolo" is actually derived from the Greek "dia bollo", which roughly means "across throw" and was originally coined by Gustave Philippart.
Since its introduction into France, the game was well accepted and immediately loved by the French upper class – some going as far to accept it as the equal and sometimes better of Tennis! It was viewed as a fashionable object of the upper French class and from 1810 clubs and competitions spread across Paris like wildfire. After Philippart's invention of the 'modern' diabolo its popularity seeped through the rest of France and jumped across the channel to Britain. Despite this, however, the popularity of the diabolo dipped and dropped down during the First World War and it wasn't until that it gained its former popularity. This was, in part, due to newer materials and a greater precision in its fabrication and creation that allowed a wider range of tricks, styles and usage from it.
Further on in the late 20th Century and the early 21st Century new types of the diabolo were invented and pioneered such as the bearing diabolo. The bearing diabolo has an axle which spins one way rather than being fixed and runs on ball-bearings. This allows the bearing diabolo to pick up speed quicker than a fixed-axle diabolo and helps it retain this speed, decelerating slower than a regular diabolo. This makes the bearing diabolo easier to perform certain tricks with, such as grinds and in-the-air tricks.
Another relatively new style of diabolo is the style of contact diabolo. This tends to a more opposite styling of that associated with the bearing diabolo as this style utilizes the diabolo so that it has little or no speed at all. The style of contact diabolo relies on catching, passing and manipulating the diabolo with different part of the body instead of just the sticks and string and is quickly gaining popularity with many tricks being adapted to suit this style as well as multiple diabolo tricks in this style.
Diabolo World Records
Adrian Hidalgo set the world record for spinning a diabolo around his leg 117 times in one minute, in Madrid, Spain, on 23rd January 2009.
Wang Yueqiu set the world record for throwing and catching a diabolo a minimum of 6 metres (19 ft 8 in) high a total of 16 times in one minute in the Guinness World Records Special in Beijing, China, on 20th September 2007. He also made the world record for manufacturing the worlds largest diabolo, which measured 1.3 metres (4 ft 3 in) in diameter.Wang Yueqiu also spun the diabolo on the show to demonstrate its working order.
The Guinness World Record for the most people tossing a diabolo is 223, which was achieved by Manor Field Primary School in Burgess Hill, UK, on 13th July 2008.
Check our our Diabolos
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Benefits of Juggling
Posted on November 24, 2014
It's no longer just a party trick. Juggling might also enhance your brainpower.
A new study published in the journal Nature finds that learning to juggle may cause certain areas of your brain to grow.
The finding challenges conventional wisdom the structure of the brain cannot change except through aging and disease. Previous studies have shown learning can result in changes in brain activity. But this latest study demonstrates an anatomical change as a result of learning – that is, the brain size actually expands.
German researchers divided 24 non-jugglers into two groups and assigned one group to practice juggling for three months. The scientists performed brain scans on the volunteers using magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, before and after they learned to juggle.
The type of MRI scans the researchers used allowed them to focus on structural changes rather than changes in brain activity. Using a sophisticated analysis technique called voxel-based morphology, the researchers were then able to investigate changes in brain gray matter, the area of the brain that consists mostly of the cell bodies of neurons rather than the connective fibers.
The study found that volunteers who did not train to juggle showed no difference in their brain scans over the three-month period. However, those who now acquired the skill demonstrated an increase in gray matter in two areas of the brain involved in visual and motor activity, the mid-temporal area and the posterior intraparietal sulcus.
Scientists defined increases as a bigger volume and higher density of gray matter in those areas.
While the increase in brain size appears to be due to an expansion in gray matter area, the nature of this increase is not clear. Since the study focused on gray matter, the researchers were primarily looking at changes in cells rather than their connections.
Use it or Lose it
'It has generally been accepted that new neuron formation in adults is limited to particular areas of the brain. However, this dogma is changing,' according to Dr. George Wittenberg at the Department of Neurology at Wake Forest University Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Dr. Arne May, assistant professor of neurology at the University of Regensburg in Germany and the head researcher of the study, believes, 'The growth of cells could be due to locally new cells, stem cells invading from somewhere else or local connections between cell – but we simply do not know.'
Interestingly, increase in brain size does not last. After three months of no practice, the group that learned to juggle lost their gained brain power and the enhanced brain regions decreased in size.
'The brain is like a muscle, we need to exercise it,' says May. While the effects appear to only be transient, the study provides an example of how activity may have growth benefits on the brain.
It is not clear whether increases in brain size would be more permanent if the training time were extended. May and colleagues are interested in examining the timeframe of these alterations and whether the changes are affected by age.
What does this say about our understanding of brain health? In terms of disease, Wittenberg says, 'Many diseases result in loss of gray matter: all the dementing illnesses, stroke, trauma, etc.'
While the current study does not shed any immediate light on such illnesses, experts believe a better understanding of the nature of these structural changes in the brain may contribute to our knowledge of brain diseases.
Written by Christian Nordqvist
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Higgins Brothers – Feedback
Posted on November 24, 2014
We ALWAYS get feedback like this…
So sorry it has taken so long to reply. You and your company absolutely rock! I don't know how everything came together in fulfilling my order after the bank fraud protection delays. I'm amazed at the speed in which my order was reinstated and delivered to my door. My head is still spinning and I can't talk up your company enough to my friends and family. I will certainly be ordering all of my son's juggling gifts from you going forward. Ecstaticly pleased, Jim Estrella Chicago, IL
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YoYos
Posted on October 22, 2014
The Bumble Bee is a ball-bearing yo-yo with interchangeable graphic sidecaps. Rim-weighted for long spins and fast looping, the Bumble Bee features Brake Pads for smooth, reliable response. The Bumble Bee sidecaps feature several different versions of the Bumble Bee logo. Collect them all!. A GREAT price for a great yoyo
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Footbags – Hackey Sacks – Hacky Sacks
Posted on October 22, 2014
We have a large selection of footbags or hacky sacks or hackey sacks. All at www.higginsbrothers.com
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Higgins Brothers – The best there is!
Posted on October 22, 2014
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3 Juggling Balls in a Bag Combo
Posted on October 22, 2014
This handsome set includes 3 world famous Higgins Brothers juggling balls – 130g, 2.5 inch in a handy dandy carry bag. You choose the ball colors and they will arrive in a high quality nylon drawstring juggling ball bag. If you do the math, its only $1.50 for the bag! Juggling instructions are included.
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Circus in a Suitcase
Posted on October 22, 2014
The new Circus in a Suitcase contains everything you need to be a juggling star. Each kit contains 1 Tropic diabolo with Jive sticks and string, 3 beginner juggling balls, 1 spinning plate with stick, and our world famous Juggling 101 DVD. All comes smartly packaged in a busker style suitcase. Everyone is sure to enjoy this creative gift. Items in this combo kit sell individually for at least $54.00, but this all-in-one kit is only $34.95.
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HyperNova Diabolos
Posted on October 22, 2014
The HB Hypernova diabolo is a high quality rubber diabolo. This beautifully colored diabolo is the first diabolo to feature our exclusive octagon and polygon hub and bolt system. This new system insures that the round components of the diabolo do not rotate on themselves, therefore improving the performance of the diabolo. This is a very well balanced diabolo and is made from multicolored rubber. Before manufacture, each cup is weighed, matched and assembled by hand in our warehouse. Due to its very low price, the HyperNova is our best selling "5 inch professional" diabolo!
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ZAPPA Juggling Clubs
Posted on October 22, 2014
Seriously… Listen to what I tell you. The ZAPPA juggling club is just like all the other composite juggling clubs on the market. I'm not kidding! I've been doing this for over 20 years now. They are just the same. There are slight differences, but really this club is pretty much the same as all clubs. Check the web. Other companies sell similar clubs for $35 – $45!!!! These clubs are $15. Listen… Listen $15. You can buy 3 Zappa clubs for the price of ONE juggling club from another company!!! I hope you are listening…
The ZAPPA club from Higgins Brothers is a professional composite juggling club. This beautiful juggling club features a polyethylene handle wrapped around a maple dowel core creating an air-cushioned handle. The handle is then decorated with silver mylar. Both knob and end are made from heavy duty rubber for maximum protection upon impact. Each club is decorated with durable and bright mylar foil. The price of the Zappa suggests it is an entry level club. It is most certainly a professional club that we are very proud of.
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Juggling stuff for gifts.
Posted on October 22, 2014
Made from high quality EVA. The extra weight of this diabolo makes for a very fast and very stable spin. Brightly coloured swirls. No diabolo color is the same. Every diabolo is one of a kind!
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New Finesse Bearing Diabolo
Posted on September 24, 2013
Finesse IV with with BEARING
Its finally here! The great Finesse Diabolo is now available with a long spinning bearing axle. Almost 10 years have gone into the design of this diabolo and new bearing axle! You know those crafty Swiss folks have made it perfect. At this very moment, its seems like Higgins Brothers is the first and only to offer the new Finesse Bearing diabolo. We are currently offering it at a great price. Get them now, because they are going to go fast!
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NEW! HB Tek Fluorescent Juggling Ball
Posted on October 22, 2012
Another indestructible juggling ball from Higgins Brothers. The HB Tek is a sweet six panel juggling ball manufactured from polyurethane leatherette fabric. Very durable and perfectly sewn. Every second panel is sewn from fully fluorescent fabric
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Sundia Nimble Diabolo
Posted on June 2, 2012
The Sundia Nimble Diabolo has a long bearing axle. The cups are very similar to the Sundia Fly Diabolo, however they are a little less thick. This makes for a much lighter diabolo. The weight of this bearing diabolo makes it a great choice for younger players. The Nimble bearing diabolo is also very stable at high speeds.
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Sundia Micro Bearing Diabolo
Posted on June 2, 2012
The Sundia Micro Diabolo is a small but very high quality bearing diabolo. The bearing axle is modeled after the world famous larger Sundia bearing diabolos. For a small diabolo it has super speed and control. Great for very high throws.
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New Reverso Rings
Posted on December 23, 2011
Reverso Rings - The design of this ring makes it possible for more figures and more possibilities for ring juggling. One side of the ring is white and the other side of the ring is a different color, allowing the juggler to perform a "color change" of the ring. In other words, the ring appears to change color while juggling. The juggler can also perform other tricks such as flips which give a nice strobe effect. Visually stunning and a must for all performers
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New Flash Club
Posted on November 21, 2011
Flash Club - This club is great for beginners and professionals alike. It has a very unique handle that feels just like a "wrapped" handle. A great looking club with great value.The most unique club to appear on the market for some time. This club is built to last and is perfect for schools and clubs
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New – Windrings !
Posted on November 10, 2011
Windring – 12.79in, 143g
A new design for juggling rings. Weighted for better rotation, better stability and better grip. Great for juggling outdoors. The heavier weight of the Windring makes it less affected by the wind.
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New- Glary Bearing Diabolo
Posted on November 7, 2011
Glary BEARING Diabolo - Length 5.90″ Diameter 5.11″ 255g
The Taibolo Glary Diabolo now has a wonderful Taibolo bearing axle for much longer spin times. The Glary bearing Diabolo is simply a wonderful diabolo to use. Its unique crystal color gives it extra magic. It is considered by many to be the best diabolo for performing two diabolos at the same time. The lightweight of this diabolo makes it a great choice for beginners and professionals. The hubs have a unique concave curved design that leads to reduced string wear.
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Our first Higgins Brothers blog…
Posted on August 31, 2011
Glary BEARING Diabolo - Length 5.90″ Diameter 5.11″ 255g
Higgins Brothers Juggling Supplies. Diabolos diabolo juggling balls juggling clubs stage balls Cirque du Soleil juggling kits diabolo string devilsticks devil sticks flowersticks spinning plates juggling rings contact balls flowarts hulahoops poi juggling scarves footbags hackey hacky sacks kendama juggling knives torches fire yo yos yoyo cigar boxes and MORE!
Here are some diabolo clips from our Juggling 101 DVD.
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