I'm a red belt in Tang Soo Do and I wanted to purchase a bo staff. I was just going to use it to practice at home. I've searched different websites for cheap ones. I'm sixteen years old and 5'3". I wanted to buy a four foot bo staff. Would that be a good size, or should I get five? I think a four would be better.

Here is the one I'm going to buy.

http://www.kungfu4less.com/bow400.html?cmp=googleproducts&kw=bow400&gclid=CO_3kuXNrL0CFUtk7Aod7CsABQ

What does tapered mean? I've never heard that term before.

I can't speak from a Korean martial arts perspective, but from an Okinawan martial arts perspective, you are really too tall for a 4ft bo. The 5ft bo would work, but you should really be using a 6ft bo. I'm 6'1" tall and use a 6'6" bo, because your bo should (ideally) be taller than you. "Tapered" just means that the bo is thickest in the middle and then gets thinner toward the ends of the bo. That makes the bo lighter, which means you can move it faster, but it isn't as good for partner drills and doesn't make you as strong.

Wastelander's post is quite solid. I'd get a medium weight to begin with, and then up grade to a more heavier bo in time. Composite bo's, what I call airplane propellers, are fine for what they're designed for, sport, but I'd stay away from those if your Kobudo is to refine over the years.

Imho!!