How to Buy a Curling Broom

A broom is a necessity in the sport of curling. At first pass, you may think that you can pull a broom out of your cleaning closet and join in the game. However, if you want to play in competitive games, you must to buy a specialized curling broom. Here's how to pick one that will match your skill level.

Instructions

1. Visit a curling shop or curling club. You need to hold different brooms in your hand to see how they differ. The local curling club might not sell brooms but you can ask members to let you check out their brooms to help you make your decision.

2. Ask around the curling club. Ask members what they like and don't like about their brooms. Watch how the different brooms are used and how they affect the game.

3. Determine what you want the broom head to be made of: synthetic or hair. Each material has its pros and cons. The synthetic broom tends to pick up all of the debris on the ice. The hair brooms tend to lose hair over time.

4. Decide how you would like the head constructed: fixed or pivoting. How the head is attached will affect the feel of the broom and how you use it.

5. Pick a broom handle. The handles have the most variety in composition. Manufacturers constantly strive to make handles lighter and stronger. A wood-handled broom is an old-standby but they do have the tendency to be heavy, crack, splinter and possibly break. Handles also come in fiberglass, aluminum, graphite and composite.

6. Be realistic about your broom budget. You may want the best of the best in broom construction but you don't necessarily need the top of the line. Go with what suits your ability and what feels the best in your hand.