I read on a site how to test the balance of your sai. However, I'm a doofus and I can't seem to understand how.

 

"Balance is also an important consideration in choosing or purchasing a weapon, which can be tested by placing the forefinger under the shaft where the two prongs meet. If the sai is properly balanced, the weapon should remain in place and not tilt to either side."

 

Ok. I place my forefinger under the little bubbly area where the prongs meet. Is that it? Am I trying to balance the entire sai on my solitary finger? I'm confused as to the positioning. I'm figuring my sai most likely aren't balanced well, but I want to be sure.

The way I'm reading it you doing the positioning right. I tried balancing mine aswell but...I'm just wondering why do you have to make sure your zai are properly balanced Sorry, I'm a zai newbie It's a matter of having them the right weight and balance to be able to flip them properly or something?

Yes. The better the sai is balanced, the easier the grip changes and overall usage will be. I, like you, probably have a set of incorrectly balanced sai. We don't notice the difference, and never will unless we use balanced ones to compare. Other forumgoers here will stress how important it is for balanced zai. Try getting your hands on a balanced set, and you'll see the difference.

I'll keep that in mind next time I'm in the dojo training with them. I'll also ask my Sensei a little more about the importance of different aspects surrounding the zai. I'm sure balance isn't the only thing that affects the performance of your zai, obviously.

A lot too will depend on how serious you are about the work you do with them is. If you just want to play around balance is not as important as it is to someone who takes their work with them seriously.

Good point, well made SaiFightMS...

I suppose I'm a mixture of both. I'm serious about training and turn it into a passion, but the world won't end if I can't practice for a given reason. And I'd be more pissed than sad if I lost them.

Unbalanced sai are a little funny to throw. Aside from that, it's like discerning between Dr. Pepper and Mr. Pibb.

I'm a perfectionist with an eye for detail. Mr Pibb is sweeter and Dr. Pepper has a strong pepper flavor to it. Not to mention more acid. I just thought I'd point that out