Choosing the right baton for martial-arts practice, self-defense drills, or police-style training matters. Sticks and batons vary widely in weight, balance, tip, and carry options — and the wrong choice can slow skill development or increase injury risk. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, expert feedback from instructors, and consumer reviews to help you pick the best option for training, demonstrations, and duty-style practice.
How we tested and selected products
- Real-world testing: We spent time handling each baton, assessing balance, grip, swing dynamics, and durability in controlled drills and partner-safe exchanges where foam models were used.
- Expert input: Martial-arts instructors and defensive tactics trainers evaluated each item's suitability for technique work, retention, and safe training progression.
- Consumer feedback: Verified reviews and field reports helped flag common durability issues, fit-and-carry concerns, and long-term comfort.
- Practical criteria: We prioritized safety (foam or safe tips for training), feel and balance, carry options, replaceability/maintenance, and value for price.
ASP Foam Training Baton
High-quality foam training baton designed for realistic, safe force-on-force drills. Replaceable foam core and vinyl grip replicate duty batons closely, and the included belt carrier makes it convenient for scenario training and repeated deployment practice.
ASP Foam Training Baton — Premium Choice
The ASP Soft Foam Training Baton is built for realistic, dynamic drills where safety matters. It reproduces the feel of ASP duty batons with a foamed vinyl grip and a replaceable foam core and cover — a rare combination that extends service life and keeps training hygienic. The included security belt carrier allows fast access and realistic draw practice. In testing, its balance and weight simulation felt closer to a duty baton than cheaper foam sticks, making it ideal for advanced partners drills and instructor-led scenario training.
Pros:
- Realistic grip and balance for advanced technique work
- Replaceable foam core and cover extend longevity
- Belt carrier supports realistic draws and carry
Cons:
- More expensive than basic training sticks
- Heavier than lightweight practice batons; may not suit absolute beginners
Who should buy: Instructors and serious trainees who want a durable, realistic training prop that mirrors duty baton dynamics.
Monadnock Foam PR-24
A tried-and-true foam PR-24 training baton used widely in law-enforcement training. Sturdy, purpose-built design that balances safe contact with realistic length and handling for technique-focused practice.
Monadnock Foam PR-24 — Editors' Choice
The Monadnock White Foam PR-24 is a classic training baton designed specifically for law-enforcement and defensive-tactics instruction. It offers a familiar PR-24 profile and length, with foam designed to absorb impact while preserving the handling characteristics officers train with. In our drills it provided consistent feedback, durable construction for repeated partner work, and a predictable swing that helps students learn angles and retention.
Pros:
- Purpose-built for training with realistic PR-24 geometry
- Durable foam for repeated partner drills
- Trusted brand pedigree in law-enforcement tools
Cons:
- Limited carry/holster options (it's a training prop)
- Less refined grip than some higher-end foam models
Who should buy: Training academies and practitioners who need a faithful PR-24 trainer for repeated technique work and scenario practice.
29-Inch Twirling Baton
Lightweight 29" baton built for twirling and marching that doubles as a coordination and flow training tool for martial-arts practitioners developing wrist control, spins, and drills with a longer shaft.
29-Inch Twirling Baton — Best Value for Money
While primarily designed for marching and twirling, the Starlett II 29" baton is an inexpensive, well-balanced option for practitioners who want to develop wrist control, rhythm, and fluid handling. It’s lighter and thinner than law-enforcement trainers, so it’s not a duty-baton substitute, but its predictable swing and durability make it an excellent value for beginners and performers working on coordination, tosses, and tempo-based drills.
Pros:
- Affordable and well-balanced for flow training
- Good for beginners and marching/twirling practice
- Durable shaft for repeated use
Cons:
- Not suitable for contact drills or defense-focused baton work
- Thin shaft and small ends versus police-style batons
Who should buy: Beginners, performers, and martial-arts students focusing on coordination, spins, and non-contact drills who want an inexpensive, reliable baton.
Side-Handle Baton Strap
A simple, USA-made leather ring strap that secures a side-handle baton to a duty belt. Durable vegetable-tanned leather and chrome snaps create a secure, professional carry solution for side-handle baton users.
Side-Handle Baton Strap — Best Budget Pick
The Aker Leather side-handle baton ring strap isn't a baton itself, but it's an inexpensive, durable accessory for anyone carrying a side-handle baton (common in many defensive systems). Made in the USA from vegetable-tanned cowhide with chrome snaps, it fastens to belts up to 2-1/4" and gives reliable retention during movement. For martial-arts instructors or security teams using side-handle systems, a robust carry method is essential — this strap delivers at a low price.
Pros:
- Durable, professional leather construction
- Secure snaps and belt compatibility
- Affordable way to carry side-handle batons on a duty belt
Cons:
- Not a training device by itself
- Leather requires basic care to stay supple
Who should buy: Practitioners and instructors who use side-handle batons and want an affordable, dependable carry solution.
Comparison at a glance
- ASP Foam Training Baton (Premium Choice) — Best for realistic, advanced training with replaceable foam and a carrier for realistic draw practice. Pricier but durable and lifelike.
- Monadnock Foam PR-24 (Editors' Choice) — Classic PR-24 trainer: balanced, durable foam for technique and scenario work; trusted by trainers.
- 29-Inch Twirling Baton (Best Value for Money) — Lightweight, affordable option for flow, coordination, and performance-focused practice; not for contact drills.
- Side-Handle Baton Strap (Best Budget Pick) — Budget accessory for secure carry of side-handle batons; essential for practitioners who carry hardware.
Key differences:
- Realistic duty feel: ASP > Monadnock > Twirling
- Safety for partner drills: Foam models (ASP, Monadnock) are essential
- Skill focus: Twirling baton excels for flow/coordination; foam trainers excel for impact technique and defensive tactics
- Carry/accessories: Leather straps and carriers make real-world training practical
Final recommendation
For most martial-arts and defensive-tactics students who want a single, reliable training tool, the Monadnock Foam PR-24 earns our overall recommendation for its balance of realistic geometry, durability, and trainer trust. If you need the most lifelike duty-baton feel and replaceable components for heavy use, the ASP Foam Training Baton is the premium pick.
If your focus is non-contact flow, performance, or marching/twirling, the 29-Inch Twirling Baton delivers the best value. And if you already use side-handle batons, invest in a solid carry option like the Aker Leather side-handle strap to keep training practical and professional.
These recommendations are founded on hands-on testing, expert instructor feedback, and consumer experience. Choose based on the type of training you prioritize: contact and retention skills (foam PR-24 or ASP), coordination and performance (twirling baton), or practical carry (leather strap). If you want next-level guidance for choosing between foam profiles and duty-length batons, we can add a deeper buying guide with drills and maintenance tips tailored to your discipline.