If you have ever watched a sports game, whether from the stands or on TV, you know that the audience loves to make its support heard. To do so, people chant, whistle, or use thundersticks a.k.a. bang bang sticks.
Though you might not know their name, you have most definitely already seen bang bang sticks. They are inflatable noise-makers that people usually use at sports events, concerts, and political rallies.
However, not many know that custom bang bang sticks can also have great promotional value for businesses. Luckily, we are here to help change that with our comprehensive thunderstick guide. Read on to see how these promotional products can benefit your business, charity, or event.
Bang Bang Sticks Defined
Bang bang sticks are noise-makers known by several names. These include boomsticks, bam bams, thunder stix, and so on. When you inflate these tube-shaped sticks and beat them against each other, you create a booming noise that can resemble thunder in a crowded room, hence the names.
These sticks are usually made of vinyl or plastic so that the sound can really reverberate through a room. When you equip a crowd with thundersticks, they can make a big and roaring statement.
The best part about thundersticks is that they are, in essence, a blank canvas. You can print your logo, contact info, or any image you want on them. Thus, they can be just as much of a fashion statement as a cheering tool. That makes them a versatile and fun marketing tool that you can take advantage of.
Types of Bang Bang Sticks
Depending on your budget and needs, you can pick between three basic types of thundersticks. Each of them has its unique advantages that you should consider before reaching a decision.
Reusable Bang Bang Sticks
Reusable thundersticks such as our Crowd Cheering Inflatable Bang Bang Sticks are pretty similar to most inflatable pool toys. They are reusable because they come with an inflation valve, meaning that you can inflate and deflate them whenever you want. And when you aren’t using them, you can easily store them in a drawer, as they won’t take up much space.
These thundersticks are usually made out of sturdy vinyl PVC materials. As such, they are quite durable and can last for years if used properly. However, vinyl usually costs more than ordinary plastic, which is why these thundersticks are a more expensive option.
Reusable sticks are pre-made. Thus, you won’t have to wait too long after ordering them. The only drawback is that the branding area; these sticks offer is slightly smaller than the one you get with non-reusable models. Still, you will have more than enough space to print your logo and contact info and leave a great impression.
Non-Reusable Bang Bang Sticks
As their name suggests, these bam bams can only be used once. So, they do not come with an inflation valve. Instead, they resemble balloons, making them a bit more difficult to inflate.
Non-reusable sticks such as our Stadium Bang Bang Sticks are usually made of recycled polyethene. This material is more affordable than vinyl, and it is also more rigid. Thus, beating the two sticks together creates a high-pitched sound that can be louder than the one you get with reusables.
The biggest advantage of these sticks is the fact that you can print something on their entire surface. In addition, you don’t have to worry about the printing process leaving any edges around your design, which can happen with vinyl. All in all, you can print pretty much anything you want on these sticks, from drawings to full-on images.
Since these thundersticks undergo printing during the manufacturing process, the turnaround for ordering them is slightly longer. How much time you will have to wait will depend on your design and whether you can pay for an express order.
It is best to order these bam bams a month or so in advance. That way, you get to save up a lot of money. Thus, you should plan and organise your events in advance, so that you know exactly when you’ll need the thundersticks.
Light-Up Thundersticks
Finally, you can also opt for light-up thundersticks. They come with LED lights encased in the vinyl, and the lights come on as soon as you hit the sticks against each other.
In most cases, these lights can last for about 6 hours, although there are high-quality options that last more. Still, you can make your event unforgettable even with the more affordable models, as 6 hours is more than enough to make a statement. Of course, you can also keep the lights off and use the sticks later on, as the bulbs have a shelf life of about 8 months.
Naturally, the LED lights make these bam bams a bit more expensive than reusable models. However, if you want to add a touch of pizzazz and energy to your event, the extra money is definitely worth it.
Just like with the other two types, you can also brand these sticks with any design you like. From a fancy play on your logo to a positive message, you can pick anything that you think your chosen audience will enjoy most.
Bang Bang Sticks: A History
Surprisingly, bang bang sticks are a fairly new addition to the western world’s cheering practices. They originate from South Korea, where they first made an appearance at a baseball game in 1994.
It took almost a decade for the sticks to come to Europe and the US. In the case of the UK, people started using them widely around 2003. Nowadays, thundersticks are an unavoidable part of most sports events, most notable basketball and volleyball games.
Why Are Bang Bang Sticks So Beloved?
Bang bang sticks are such huge fan favourites because they can really bring up the atmosphere at different events. If you think about it, people can’t sing and chant for the entirety of a game or event. Eventually, they will get tired and overuse their vocal cords, at which point the cheering will become difficult.
The same won’t happen if they have bang bang sticks. Besides being incredibly loud, bam bams don’t require too much vocal activity. As such, they enable fans to cheer while still paying attention to the game and staying in the moment.
Moreover, despite their incredible power, these sticks are super light. So, it doesn’t take much to make noise, meaning that everyone from kids to senior citizens can use them.
How Can You Add Bang Bang Sticks to Your Promo Product Lineup?
As you can already guess, bam bams are mostly used for cheering at sports games. However, not many people are aware that these products also have important roles to play in other areas.
Here is how you can take advantage of the promo potential of bang bang sticks.
Sporting Events
Naturally, bam bams are the best choice you can make if you want to show your support for a particular sports team. For example, bang bang sticks can work great for schools, local sports teams, etc.
All you have to do is print your logo on the sticks and hand them out to all the fans. You’ll have a win-win situation: you get free promo, and the institutions you partner with get an unforgettable event with amazing energy.
If you opt for reusable sticks, the fans will be able to take them home and whip them out for any future games. That way, you’ll get more exposure months after you first invest in these promotional tools.
On the other hand, if you ensure the sticks are aesthetically pleasing, people might also keep them displayed in their homes. So, it is essential to think about the way the bam bams look, as well as what your target audience would love.
Concerts and Festivals
If you are in a band or you’re managing one, branded bang bang sticks can make a fantastic addition to your next concert. Customise them with a killer design, hand them out to fans, and watch the energy in the venue go through the roof. When the concert or festival is over, the fans can keep the bam bams as unique mementoes from an unforgettable night.
Charity Events
Whether you are organising a charity event, bam bams can make the event much more exciting. Something so visible and loud will do wonders for spreading awareness about the cause you are championing.
In addition, you can also come up with chants that volunteers and participants can do as they use the sticks. That way, no one will miss the message you want to send, and your event will draw more attention.
Political Rallies
Bam bams can easily turn your political rally into a flurry of activity and good energy. Moreover, handing out bang bang sticks will help you spread your name and political message a lot easier.
It is important to work with a professional graphic designer for all your merch, including bam bams. Doing so will allow you to create something truly striking and send a clear message to your supporters and opponents.
Fundraisers
Are you raising money for your team, business, or a specific cause? If so, selling bang bang sticks could be a great way to earn a lot with little effort. Simply design some cool sticks, offer them for great prices, and you’ll be good to go.
In this case, it would really help if your bam bams were aesthetically pleasing. If they are, they will make great display items, and people will gladly bring them along to all appropriate events. That way, people will have a bigger incentive to buy them.
Giveaways at Your Store
Sometimes, the best way to promote your brand is to give away free items to your customers. Though most brands go for branded apparel or customised bags, bang bang sticks are great if you want something affordable but effective.
After your customers finish their shopping, you can add a set of customary bam bams to their cart. Make sure they are pretty and reusable, and you’ll let your buyers know that you appreciate them.
When an event comes where the sticks can be useful, people will bring them along. That way, you’ll gain numerous new impressions, increasing your brand awareness in the process.
Private Events
Bang bang sticks aren’t strictly reserved for public events and big businesses. If you are planning a party or event for your family and friends, you can just as easily personalise a few bam bams and order them.
For example, you can get a bulk of sticks for a bachelor/bachelorette party, a birthday bash, or anything else you want to celebrate. Furthermore, you can just get a few sticks and organise a sports watch party at home. As long as it will help enhance the atmosphere at your get-together, you can do anything you want.
Are Bang Bang Sticks Affordable?
Now, you know that bam bams can make a great addition to any event and serve different purposes. The next step is discussing the usual prices, and they always depend on the type of sticks you order.
As already mentioned, light-up sticks are the priciest, while non-reusable ones are the least expensive. Reusable models are somewhere in the middle, and they are the best choice if you want your gift to be long-lasting.
Compared to other promo items, these sticks are some of the most affordable you can get. If you want to have maximum impact, you can also pair the bang bang sticks with other freebies and create little bundles for your customers.
Most vendors offer discounts for bulk purchases as well, meaning that you can save money if you buy large quantities. In addition, you can also save up if you order the sticks a month or two in advance. Thus, try to plan your events early so that you can order your merch on time.
Are You Ready to Order?
If you want to excite the fans at your next fundraiser, bring up the atmosphere at a local football game, or simply give your customers a nice gift, thundersticks are the way to go. These products are equally practical, fun, and affordable, making them the perfect promo items.
Do you want to learn more about thundersticks and how they can help your brand or event thrive? Give us a call! The GoPromotional team will happily discuss the bam bams’ promo value with you and come up with a marketing strategy that will benefit us all.
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Looking for something different? Browse our full range of custom toys and novelties. If for any reason you still can’t find what you are looking for, then simply give us a call on 0800 0148 970 or simply email us today. You may also wish to consider complementing your order of bang bang sticks with some branded festival cups or even some printed wristbands which are sure to be well received by customers and employees alike!
