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Most fire flow props use one of two wick styles: flat wick or knotted wick. Both can perform extremely well, but they each have their own advantages depending on the type of flow toy and the experience you’re looking for.
Let’s look at the differences.
Flat Wick Fire Props
Flat wick is the most common wick style you’ll find across the flow arts. It’s used on contact staffs, dragon staffs, poi, hoops, nunchucks, fire eating torches, and many other fire props.
Most flat wick designs are rolled into what’s commonly called a sushi roll or barrel roll because of their appearance.
Advantages
- More affordable
- Easier and less expensive to replace
- Durable
- Usually lighter than comparable knotted wicks
One of the biggest advantages of flat wick is how easy and affordable it is to replace. Depending on the prop, the wick is usually secured with screws or wrapped around an anchor before being sewn together with Kevlar thread. Once it wears out, you can often replace it yourself with basic tools and fresh Kevlar instead of replacing the entire prop.
Knotted Wick Fire Props
Knotted wicks have become increasingly popular throughout the flow arts community.
They’re especially common on rope-based props like poi, rope darts, and puppy hammers, but they’re also found on contact staffs, dragon staffs, swords, and many other fire props.
Historically, knotted wicks were almost always tied using Kevlar rope. Today, many manufacturers also create knots using flat Kevlar wick. The two most common designs are the monkey fist and crown sinnet, along with their many variations.
Advantages
- Beautiful knot designs
- Denser weighting
- Larger flame potential
- Often longer burn times
Compared to sushi rolls, knotted wicks are usually denser. This additional weight can improve the feel of props like contact staffs and dragon staffs by increasing their contact weighting.
Depending on how large the knot is, it can also slow the rolling speed of a staff, creating an effect similar to adding removable staff flowers.
Like any prop, though, the final feel depends heavily on how it’s built. The size of the knot, the type of Kevlar used, whether it has a fiberglass core, and the overall construction all play a role.
One exception worth mentioning is older budget poi that use flat sushi rolls attached to chain. While these designs are generally more affordable, they’ve become much less common. We find they move much faster than modern knotted wick poi and aren’t as enjoyable to use. The chain can also burn your skin more easily which is not fun.
When Should Fire Wicks Be Replaced?
Regardless of whether your prop uses flat wick or knotted wick, the signs of wear are generally the same.
Replace your wick once you notice:
- Excessive fraying
- Shorter burn times
- Reduced fuel absorption
- The wick beginning to unravel or lose its shape
As a wick wears out, it not only performs worse, it also becomes less safe. If you’re unsure whether it’s time for a replacement, send a photo to the manufacturer and ask for their opinion.
The biggest difference comes down to how they’re replaced.
Flat wick is generally much easier and more affordable to replace. We recommend reaching out to the manufacturer first to confirm the correct Kevlar dimensions and installation method. If that’s not possible, carefully remove the original wick, measure it, and rebuild it the same way it came apart.
Knotted wicks, on the other hand, are generally replaced by the manufacturer or someone experienced in rebuilding props. Some manufacturers offer rewicking services, but depending on the prop, the cost of labor and shipping can sometimes approach the price of simply replacing the prop.
Rope-based props like poi and rope darts are a bit different. If the heads are attached with quick links, you can usually replace just the wick heads while reusing the existing tethers and hardware, provided they’re still in good condition.
Safety Note: If you’re replacing the wick yourself, always inspect the finished wick before burning it. Give it several firm tugs to make sure everything is secure. If anything feels loose or unstable, do not light the prop until the issue has been corrected.
Which One Do We Recommend?
Neither wick style is objectively better.
Flat wick is usually the better choice if you want something that’s affordable, easy to maintain, and inexpensive to replace.
Knotted wick shines when you want additional contact weighting, unique aesthetics, or longer burn times. That’s one of the reasons it’s become the standard on most modern rope-based fire props.
Ultimately, the quality of the build matters just as much as the wick style itself. Two props with the same type of wick can feel completely different depending on how they’re constructed.
Conclusion
Both flat wick and knotted wick have earned their place in the flow arts.
Here’s the quick recap:
Flat Wick
- More affordable
- Easier and less expensive to replace
- Durable
- Usually lighter
Knotted Wick
- Denser weighting
- Longer burn times (varies by design)
- Larger flame potential
- Unique knot aesthetics
No matter which style you choose, inspect your wicks regularly and replace them once they begin showing significant wear. A well-maintained wick not only performs better, it’s also much safer.
