Shinai "next steps"

[Paul Kerr]

For a beginner ( < 1 year ) can any of the more experienced kenshi here offer suggestions on how to best approach experimenting with different shinai types?
I don't believe for a second that at my level it's going to make any diffence at all to my technique or style. But, what "should" be the major differences one experiences for example with a dobari shinai as opposed to a chokuto style? What is the technical level where this really comes into play in any significant way?
I've been using bog-standard basic shinai till now (and will continue to do so) but I'm wondering what might be a good choice to experiment with in order to really feel a difference.

[Bleda]

If you want to expirement try out a dobari and a koban shinai. These are the 2 most common and you'll get a feel for where you like the weight of your shinai to lay. Personally i love the oval grip koban from eguchi although my sensei swears by the dobaris *shrug*.

From what i've seen/heard/found the type of shinai comes into play depending on what kind of strikes you like to do most, the oval grip and heavier tip shinai seems great for quick do's and tsukis etc but poorer for debana strikes where the dobari seems more responsive since you can lift the tip faster. For just practice though i still think a regular cheap practice shinai is the best thing to use since if it snaps it doesn't hurt as much as a $50-$60 shinai

[Hai_hai]

...what "should" be the major differences one experiences for example with a dobari shinai as opposed to a chokuto style?...

Money. If you are a rich-boy show-off, spend as much as you want and get both. If you don't have a lot, buy a cheap dobari.

(see topic "Rich-boy show-off" to learn more about rich-boy show-offs).

[Sithlord]

The two main types of shinai are Dobari and Chokuto

Chokuto- the weight and structure of the shinai is distributed evenly across. Most commonly used for practice purposes. More heavier

Dobari - the shinai is lighter on the tip and weight s centered just above the handle and becoming less as u progress toward tip. This allows for multiple qucik hitting with tip. Thus it is commonly used in shiai.

Personally u should have both styles. One during practice and other for dojo shiai etc etc.

I also prefer the round grip shinai.

[Paul Kerr]

Thanks folks - those are helpful comments.