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The Best Nunchucks for Sale (Real Metal)

One pick, no filler: the Arizona Nunchuck Co. 9" Nunchuck Set, made by Apex Tactical in Arizona.

Blue Arizona Nunchuck Co. 9-inch standard nunchuck set laid on turf, with a black steel chain and engraved aluminum handles
The 9-inch standard set (mine, in blue). Machined aluminum handles, engraved AZ Nunchuck Co.

Arizona Nunchuck Co. 9" Nunchuck Set

  • Handles and caps machined from aluminum, then anodized
  • 6" steel chain with ball-bearing studs for smooth spin
  • Overall length: approximately 26" end to end (my measurement, chain relaxed)
  • Total weight: approximately 21.25 oz (per Apex's product page)
  • Chain rated for 400 lb with a 3x safety factor (1,200 lb); double shear pins rated at 9.6 kN (2,158 lb)
  • ½-13 threaded hole in the base of each handle
  • Color options on Apex's product page: Black, Red, Blue, Purple
  • Made in Arizona
  • Listed at $100 on Apex's site as of Nov 13, 2026; prices can change
Purple Arizona Nunchuck Co. single-point nunchuck set with a black chain, laid flat in a V
My purple single-point set. This style isn't for sale right now.

What about the purple set in my videos?

My black and purple sets are Arizona Nunchuck Co.'s single-point style. That style isn't for sale right now. The 9-inch standard set above is the one they currently sell, and it's the same style as my red and blue sets. Apex still sells the standard style in black and purple too.

Side by side, the single-point set measures approximately 23" end to end, about 3" shorter than the standard set's approximately 26".

I'm hoping enough interest brings the single-point sets back.

Mason Martinez with four nunchuck sets: purple and red Arizona Nunchuck metal sets in his hands, plus two wooden sets that are not Arizona Nunchuck, one draped around his neck and one tucked under his arm
Arizona Nunchuck metal sets in my hands. The sets around my neck and under my arm are wooden, not Arizona Nunchuck.

Foam, Wood or Metal: Which Nunchucks to Start With

If you're a parent choosing a first set for your kid, here's how I'd match it by age:

  • Elementary-age kids: I'd start them on foam. For a foam set on a chain, try the MSGumiho foam training nunchucks (2-pack) on Amazon.
  • Middle schoolers who are mature and responsible enough to handle them: I'd start them on wood. That's what I started with.
  • High schoolers with some nunchaku experience: metal is great. That's when I moved up.
  • Adults: you can start with metal, as long as you don't push past your skill and experience.

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Whatever set you pick for your kid, keep it at home for practice and never let them take it to school.

If you go with wood, check the hardware. Some wooden sets come with chains and bearings, like the two in this photo, but they tend to detach or break over time.

I'm team chain. Every rope set I've used eventually frayed or wore through the top of the handle.

A solid metal set has real weight and a smooth bearing chain, so the speed and feel carry over to how nunchucks actually move. That also means it can hurt you: start slow, give yourself room, and wear protective gear while you learn.

Sizing and weight

The 9" handles and 6" chain keep the set compact (approximately 26" end to end), and at about 21 ounces it has noticeable heft in the hand.

To check fit, I use two quick tests from my book Nunchaku: Freestyle Flows. Rule of Elbow: a handle should run from about the middle of your palm to your elbow. Rule of Palm: the chain should be about as wide as your palm, or a little wider. Shorter speed-style sets are lighter and quicker but take more mobility to control. Long-handle sets (14 inches and up) are heavier with more reach, but they feel slow to me.

Shipping

Apex's checkout handles shipping eligibility for your address. Before you buy, check your state and city rules on the nunchuck laws pages.

In California, Alaska or Hawaii? Use the invoice request form.

FAQ

Are wooden nunchucks good?

If you're a parent of a mature, responsible middle schooler, I'd start them on a wooden set. It's what I started with at that age. Some wooden sets come with chains and bearings that tend to detach or break over time, so check the hardware. Metal is the next step once they have some experience.

Are padded or foam nunchucks worth it?

For a young kid around elementary-school age, yes, I'd start them on foam. Foam is a fine way to start. It doesn't swing like the real thing, though, so older beginners should start with wood or metal.

Learn to use them

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