Vortex Poi

The standard vortex poi set from UltraPoi comes with…

• 2 UltraPoi LED balls
• 2 Vortex Cases
• 2 UltraSocks
• 2 non-LED UltraGrip handles
• 1 UltraLeash
• 1 gear bag

It does not come standard with batteries or a charger, in case you already have them. But if you don’t have them, UltraPoi has included an upgraded vortex poi set that includes rechargeable batteries and a charger. We’ll discuss upgrades later in the article. First, let’s cover the various benefits of buying the vortex poi set, which includes UltraSocks that transform your vortex poi into LED sock poi.

BENEFITS OF LED SOCK AND VORTEX POI

TWO SETS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE

The foundations of UltraPoi’s vortex poi set are the transparent LED balls, which can be placed inside the silicone Vortex Cases to form vortex poi. The vortex poi (LED ball with silicone casing) can then be placed inside a sock to form sock poi. These set-ups result in very distinct light shows, so the fact that they belong to the same LED poi set means that buyers receive two high-quality poi sets for the price of one.

BRIGHTEST LEDS IN ITS PRICE RANGE

The high-intensity LEDs found in UltraPoi’s vortex poi are the brightest you can buy at their price. These are essential for lighting the long end of the UltraSocks for LED sock poi performances. They’re also bright enough to create light trails in a wide variety of light conditions, so you don’t have to find a dark room or wait until night to use the sock poi or vortex poi thanks to their high-intensity LEDs.

HEAVY POI

The vortex poi are heavy, making them ideal for intermediate and advanced poi users who understand how to use the moment of their poi to effectively (and safely) create complex light trails. Beginners may struggle to achieve certain moves due to the vortex poi’s heavy weight, so we recommend newer flow artists practice with the LED orb contact poi or helix poi first.

Intermediate and advanced flow artists, especially those familiar with contact poi, will feel right at home performing stalls and other moves that benefit from heavier poi. Plus, some performers, no matter the level, simply prefer heavier poi. Remember, the best poi isn’t the one you buy, but the one you master.

WHICH UPGRADES SHOULD YOU BUY?

On its own, the LED vortex poi and sock poi are highly customizable. However, there are even more options to customize them at checkout. Dedicated flow artists will want to consider the following upgrades…

UPGRADE 1: BATTERIES AND CHARGER

If you don’t already own rechargeable AAA batteries and a charger for them, UltraPoi will provide them to you as an upgrade. Each vortex poi requires two AAA batteries, so UltraPoi offers an upgrade with four AAA rechargeable batteries and one charger with four battery bays. You can upgrade to the AAA rechargeable batteries, or to the four-bay charger separately or together. Simply click “Extras” and select an upgrade option from the drop-down menu.

UPGRADE 2: LED HANDLES

An easy way to enhance your Flow Art is to upgrade your non-LED UltraGrip handles to customizable UltraKnobs or helix glow stick handles. The standard silicone UltraGrips are great for just about any kind of spinning, but if you want to take your performances to the next level, consider upgrading to handles with LEDs. By doing so, you’ll be doubling the number of light trails with each spin and creating an even richer color spectrum, since you’ll also have additional options for colors and color modes.

UPGRADE 3: ADDITIONAL POI

The Vortex Poi Set comes with two poi by default, but you can upgrade to a 3-poi set too. This can be great if you want to start learning how to juggle poi or work on your 3 Poi Style moves. Maybe you want an extra vortex poi or LED sock poi as a back-up in case one of your others is damaged or runs out of battery. Or maybe you want to give one to a friend to try. After all, it’s cheaper to buy two 3-poi sets than three 2-poi sets. You could introduce a couple of friends to Flow Art using the LED sock poi or vortex poi variations. Whatever the reason, the option is available for you to upgrade the 2-poi set to a 3-poi set.

HOW TO USE LED SOCK AND VORTEX POI

INSERTING BATTERIES AND CHARGING

Each LED ball in UltraPoi’s Vortex Poi Set requires two AAA batteries. You can order your set with four rechargeable AAA batteries and a 4-bay charging station.

Once the batteries are charged, you can insert them into the LED balls though the battery compartment, opposite the high-intensity LED and two control buttons. To open the battery compartment door, pinch its sides, and slide it off. Remove the plastic spacer inside the compartment before inserting the batteries, and place it overtop of the batteries after you’ve inserted them. Slide on the compartment door before using the LED balls.

SETTING UP THE VORTEX POI

To set up the vortex poi, stretch open the silicone Vortex Case and place the LED ball inside with the larger LED facing forward. The battery compartment should be facing the back of the case, and the two control buttons next to the large LED should be easily accessible (not covered by any part of the case).

Next, attach the UltraLeash to the vortex poi by running it through the loop at the back of the case. Slide the o-ring that comes with the set onto the leash and run the short end of the leash through it. Adjust the leash length to be about two inches from the ground when the poi are hanging at your sides. You can cut and burn the excess leash after you’ve adjusted it to your preferred length.

SETTING UP THE SOCK POI

To set up the LED sock poi, first set up the vortex poi, then fit it inside the sock. Flip the sock inside out and find the velcro strap. This strap will run through the loop at the top of the vortex case. Once secure, the vortex poi can be inserted into the sock with the loop facing forward and the large LED facing away. Finally, attach your handles to the end of the sock and you’re ready to spin.

CHANGING COLORS AND MODES

The LEDs in the vortex poi set allow for 15 distinct shades of color, 6 color modes, and 12 strobing patterns. They are controlled by two buttons on either side of the large, high-intensity LEDs on the vortex poi’s front side. One of the buttons controls said high-intensity LEDs, while the other controls the low-intensity LEDs on the battery compartment side. To change the colors of either LED, repeatedly press the buttons. To access sub modes within each color, hold the button down until the light begins to cycle through options. To turn the LEDs off, hold their respective buttons down for about two seconds and let go.

SHOULD YOU BUY LED SOCK AND VORTEX POI?

If you’re an intermediate or advanced flow artist with a preference for heavier poi, then you’ll love UltraPoi’s Vortex Poi set. Furthermore, if you’re seeking lots of bang for your buck, this poi set provides two distinct ways to spin for the price of one, as well as the brightest LEDs in its price range. It’s also highly upgradable and easy to use with basic instruction.

If you’re a beginner, or you prefer lighter poi, check out UltraPoi’s full collection of LED poi sets.