I was SUPER excited when I ordered this bo. I've been out of the game for 15 years. Now that i'm back in every purchase is more exiting than it was in my teens. The disappointment when i took the bo out of the box was a little rough. Shipping was fast and the box, if straight, would be exactly what I was expecting and wanted. My first thought as I noticed the defect was, "wonderful a few other reviews said they had to wait a month or more for the replacement process." I just called, they were closed. I wrote an email and am waiting with great anticipation to see what the next move will be and if hoops will need to be jumped through. Update 24 hours later: I am amazed at the response. No hoops needed. They said discard the one I received and they would send another asap. All I can say is WHOA!! Even if the bo splits down the road you can't knock this company. The prices, helpful videos and customer service allows you to order with confidence. I'm a fan!   Permalink

I've owned quite a few bos in my lifetime and this one is by far the best. With a perfect balance of weight and size, the 6 foot felt very natural. I wouldn't use this bo as a demonstration piece - this is a real weapon and can be used as such if the need arises. If you want a REAL bo staff and not a toy to show off your flashy forms, then buy this one.  Permalink

Watched several other students break lighter bo s during "normal" training while my "hardwood!!!!" bo took the beating. But if you tend to break your bo then this one is for you, its tough.

I like the heaver weight some of you may not its a matter of taste. I find it easer to use due to the extra weight.   Permalink

I bought 16 of these bo's and my students used them for fighting and we havent broken 1 yet. Amazingly durable, higly recommended.  Permalink

Ordered this just the other day, and I was surprised at how quickly it was delivered. It's in perfect condition. THANKS FOR THE GREAT SERVICE!  Permalink

Bought 2 5 foot bos for my 13 yr old daughter and her sensei to use.
Good overall quality. Had ordered a 6 foot bo from here about 4 years ago. This bo is of better quality and the finish is much better than the one I ordered previously. Would give these bos a 5 star but one bow is curved on one end. If bo was lathed and finished at factory,I would expect the ends to be strait with no curve. Bo is on the heavier side. For the money, you can't go wrong with this bo. It will serve it's purpose.
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I loved working with this company! Very quick shipping, excellent quality Bo Staff. Would definitely work with them again.  Permalink

I'm just learning the bo staff, and was practicing at first with a friend's which was bamboo. After purchasing this one for myself, I adjusted to the heavier red oak after about a day. This bo is simple, seems great so far, and is a great deal.

Also, I'm a 5'2" female, purchased the 6 ft. bo, and can use it fairly easily. But I feel that if it were just a few inches shorter, it'd be perfect. I'm debating whether to attempt cutting it down a bit.  Permalink

I bought this bo about 2 years ago, and have used it since on a weekly basis. The staff has been bowed quite intensely for about a year now, but is still holding up. I really like the heavy weight and the power it brings.  Permalink

I was looking for a bo that would actually feel like a real quarterstaff weapon. It is nice and heavy, but no too heavy. Comes in raw wood finish, so you can seal it with your favorite sealer or waxing technique. Feels very solid for contact work. Something you can actually depend on.  Permalink

Straight Hardwood Bo $19.95 ea.

(Estimated Delivery: Tuesday, August 9) $55.98

I live in Europe...

Todays date is 19 July...  Permalink

Was excited that, even with S+H, this bo would've been less expensive than other sites I've checked. Would've loved to try out the staff I'd ordered. Sent for a 6 ft straight hardwood staff. Received a 5 ft metal tapered staff with green accents. Customer is responsible for return shipping.  Permalink

I ordered this staff for training. It arrived promptly and was as advertized. I am using it for training and am very satified. The weight of the oak give my wrists a nice workout and help me maintain flexibility. Very nice.  Permalink

Very Nice Bo. Fast Shipping. Great Job Karate Depot!!  Permalink

I bought the 6 foot version of this staff; at first I was annoyed because the management got my address screwed up, so I didn't get it shipped when I expected it to be here (which explains why I gave 4 stars).

But anyway, when it did get here, I was surprised at the quality of the staff. I really like the texture and toughness of the bow. And, it was a lot heavier than I expected it would be; it wasn't HEAVY, but just heavier than expected. But its a pretty good bow, and I'm glad I bought it.  Permalink

This bo is solid wood that greatly exceeded my expectations. When I cut it down to a shorter length the wood was really dense and hard. It is heavier than other bo's that I've used, but when I train with this and then pick up a lighter one I can definitely tell a difference in speed and accuracy. If I ever wear this one out or break it (huge "IF") I will definitely buy another one. And it only took 4 days to get here instead of the two weeks that was estimated for shipping.   Permalink

This bo is solid wood that greatly exceeded my expectations. When I cut it down to a shorter length the wood was really dense and hard. It is heavier than other bo's that I've used, but when I train with this and then pick up a lighter one I can definitely tell a difference in speed and accuracy. If I ever wear this one out or break it (huge "IF") I will definitely buy another one.  Permalink

This is my first bo staff. I have been using it for training for about 2 weeks now.
I am 6'4" and I was in need of a solid sturdy red oak staff that would be able to tolerate everyday use as well as suporting me as I learn my katas. Well this staff is so far been very good in all areas. I found it to be a solid and heavy staff I estimate weighing in at about 2.5 lbs. this is a desirable trait to me as I use my staff as a strengthening tool as well as a weapon and forms tool. I have noticed recently that my staff has begun to develop a few additional splits in the wood grain but as of this writing they have not posed an issue. I would suggest that this staff is not necessarily the best choice for practioners who are of a smaller body or lighter build they may find it a bit unwieldly or overly heavy. But for you bigger folks with a bit stronger upper bodies I would recommend this staff. I am new to this but I believe based upon the recommendation of my sifou that this is a very good tool. He was pleased with it when he saw it as well.  Permalink

I like the staff simply for what it is, a solid dependable stick. Good for Train and self defense. The delivery was also fine. I order it, if came, what else could you ask for?  Permalink

Long ago I purchased an ash wood staff, and to my disappointment, it became tragically warped, forming what I called the "smiley" part of a smiley face. However, this bo is far from the 'smiley staff', but instead, is a sturdy, abuse-accepting rod of red oak. It's weight is far more significant than my old, now broken, bo, and that is a boon in my eyes. I prefer something with some weight, as it helps improve my speed, strength, and stamina. Thankfully the finish is not overly glossy, or oily in feel, and the wood has been sanded to an almost marble-like smoothness, thus alleviating any fears of porcupine hands due to splinters.

A wonderful bo in many respects.  Permalink

Great bo! Straight, no knots or residue from stickers or anything. Sucker is very heavy, especially when compared to the tapered bo, which I recommend.

This bo is more suited for a stronger/bigger karate-ka than me, 155 lbs, 5'6", medium build.  Permalink

i ordered the 5 and 6 foot versions of this staff. the six footer is very heavy, strong, and has no warps or knots. this product on its own would recieve 5 stars. the five foot staff on the other hand leaves much to be desired (i purchased these with the intent to spar with them). it is extremely light, almost like its made of pine, and has severe knots. i leaned on it very gently to feel its sturdyness, and i feel i could have easily broken it. this bo has good balance, and i may use it for kata, but its quality is fair at best...3 stars  Permalink

I really enjoy using this! Great staff. It came in MUCH faster than expected. The packaging didn't last all the way; the Bo staff was slipping out from the top. (I didn't expect much as it came from the East coast all the way to the West.)

But there was no extreme damage. Just a few contact scratches.

In response to one of the reviews, I didn't see any stickers on the bo staff. It's good to know that Karate Depot takes our opinions into consideration.

All in all, 5 stars for great products and awesomely low shipping fees.

Thanks! I will be sure to shop from this site again if I need anything.   Permalink

This is my 1st Bo. I am 56 years old and deaf. A friend is trying to help me understand its vast uses. I feel more secure having it with me. This is a great weapon for me. I feel uncomfortable carrying a gun because if someone bumps me on the back of my head, they now have my gun. At least if they steal my bo, all they have is a piece of wood, and it also serves as a great walking stick.  Permalink

My son and I are very pleased. The bo arrived quickly and in perfect condition. The weight was good for training, and it is so well balanced it almost spins itself. I have taught martial arts and weapons use for over thirteen years, and I am impressed with Karate Depot's service. I will definitely shop here again.  Permalink

Excellent practice Bo. Sturdy, straight with enough weight to feel like a weapon. Weight felt about right for a practice Bo. Very good Bo for the price.   Permalink