Pen Spinning 

Pen spinning is a form of contact juggling in which you spin a pen, a pencil or a similarly shaped object between your fingers. It looks light and natural, but anyone who has tried it knows that learning takes a lot of time. In this category you will find ZhiGao pen spinning pens, made specifically for spinning rather than for your desk.

Where pen spinning comes from

The hobby originated in Japan. Hideaki Kondoh is considered one of its pioneers, as he was one of the first to show pen spinning on the internet. In the late 1990s he set up the first website dedicated to the discipline. He is also credited with naming the Sonic trick, which is still one of the basics today.

Pen spinning pen vs. a regular pen

You can spin almost anything, but a regular pen is usually too short, too light and poorly balanced. Pen spinning pens are longer and have their weight distributed along the body, so they rotate around your finger predictably. ZhiGao models differ in weight, length, finish and construction. Some of them, e.g. the Zhigao Spinning Pen V16, have an anti-slip coating that helps you keep control of the pen during faster transitions. Others have extra features: the Zhigao Spinning Pen V20 has interchangeable tips, and its spinning part can be assembled into a fidget spinner.

How to choose your first spinning pen

To start with, a moderately weighted model that sits comfortably in your hand and doesn't slip out of your fingers is all you need. A pen like this forgives mistakes and makes it easier to master the basics. Over time, many spinners switch to a pen that better suits their style, e.g. a heavier one for stable spins or a lighter one for linking tricks into combos faster. That's why this category includes several ZhiGao models, from the V5 and V6 to the V38, as well as the SUPERALLOY and PANDA versions. The safest approach is to check the specifications in the description of a given product and compare them with the pen you currently spin.

Where to start learning

Four moves are considered the fundamental tricks. Without them, it's hard to move on to more complex combinations:

• ThumbAround – a full rotation of the pen around the thumb,
• Sonic – a quick transfer of the pen between fingers with a rotation,
• Charge – continuous rotations on a single finger,
• FingerPass – passing the pen from one finger to the next.

Be prepared for long hours of practice, which for many people turn into years of training. A well-chosen pen won't do the work for you, but it makes the first weeks noticeably easier.