Traditional common materials for wooden bastons are usually rattan, kamagong, and bahi wood.
Rattan Rattan is the most commonly used material for bastons in Arnis training. They are light, flexible and good for training in speed. They are made from dried and cut reeds and are typically cut in length, in diameter, and rounded at both ends. Prolonged impact training with rattan sticks will tend to splinter their ends so some practitioners use electrical or duct tape in order to protect their bastons, as they are more expensive outside of the
Philippines.
Kamagong Kamagong (also known as Mabolo) is a dark, dense, expensive type of wood known for its weight and hardness. It is said that bone will break before a good kamagong baston will, but those of low quality can splinter or shatter on impact due to their hardness and lack of flexibility. Kamagong is also an
endangered species of
ebony wood, and its export outside the Philippines is illegal without a permit.
Bahi Bahi is a type of wood made from the heart of a palm tree. In weight and density, it is similar to kamagong, but is made of a porous material, which tends to slightly dent on impact, making it less prone to shattering than kamagong. Kamagong is a critically endangered lumber species so it is recommended that practitioners purchase bahi instead.
Modern materials More modern materials are also used such as
fiberglass and
plastics, as well as
metals like
aluminum. == Training ==