5 Professional Cheer Poms For Competitions That Judges Notice

That email from the cheer coach just landed in your inbox, the one with the subject line "Competition Gear List." You scan the list of required items, and there it is: competition poms. It seems simple enough, but you quickly realize there are dozens of options—metallic, vinyl, holographic, plastic, glitter—and you want to make the right choice to support your child and their team without breaking the bank. Choosing the right poms isn’t just about matching colors; it’s about providing a tool that enhances your athlete’s performance and contributes to the team’s overall visual score. This purchase is an investment in their confidence on the competition mat.

Key Features of Competition-Ready Cheer Poms

When your child moves from sideline cheering to the competition floor, their equipment needs to level up, too. Competition poms are built differently than the simple shakers used for rec leagues. The most important factor is streamer count, which determines the pom’s fullness. A higher count (typically 1,000+ streamers per pom) creates a dense, solid ball of color that looks powerful and clean during sharp motions.

The handle is another critical feature. Most competition poms use a baton or dowel handle hidden inside the streamers, allowing for a secure grip that’s essential for pom technique and tricks like pom tosses. This is a significant step up from the plastic loop handles on beginner poms, which don’t allow for the same level of control. Finally, consider the material and streamer width. Wider streamers (like 3/4") create a fuller look, while narrower ones can offer more movement. The material itself—from shiny metallic to durable vinyl—is the biggest factor in the pom’s on-stage effect.

Chassé Metallic Poms for Maximum Stage Flash

You’ve seen them under the bright lights of a competition arena. Metallic poms are the industry standard for a reason: they catch and reflect light with incredible intensity. This "flash" effect makes every movement sharp, synchronized, and visually explosive. For judges sitting far back, the powerful reflection from metallic poms ensures that the team’s motions are clear and impactful.

This style is an excellent choice for most competitive teams, especially in all-star cheer where visual presentation is heavily weighted. If your child’s team has a routine filled with crisp, fast-paced arm movements, metallic poms will accentuate that choreography beautifully. They create a professional, high-energy look that signals to judges that your team is serious about their performance.

Pom Express Vinyl Poms for Durability & Fullness

Think of vinyl poms as the reliable workhorse of the cheer world. While they don’t have the mirror-like shine of metallic poms, they offer a deep, rich color and a wonderfully full appearance. Their biggest advantage is durability. Vinyl is tough; it can withstand being dropped on gym floors, stuffed into a cheer bag, and even used at an outdoor football game without getting easily damaged or crinkled.

This makes vinyl a fantastic, practical choice for school cheer squads that perform at both competitions and sporting events. It’s also a smart investment for younger competitive teams (ages 8-10) where poms might see a bit more rough-and-tumble use. You get a professional, full look that holds up all season long, giving you great value and performance without the constant worry of delicate materials.

Team Cheer Holographic Poms for Unique Shine

Is your child’s team looking to make a unique statement? Holographic poms are the perfect way to stand out. Instead of a simple metallic shine, they reflect a rainbow of colors as they move under the lights. This creates a mesmerizing, multi-dimensional effect that can elevate a routine’s theme and add a layer of visual complexity.

Holographic poms are best suited for teams that have a specific creative vision for their routine, perhaps one with a futuristic or magical theme. They pair exceptionally well with uniforms that have rhinestone or sequin elements, tying the whole look together. While they can be slightly less "flashy" from a distance than pure metallic, their unique shimmer offers a sophisticated and memorable look that judges will definitely notice.

In-Stock Plastic Poms for a Classic Fluffy Look

Don’t underestimate the power of a classic. Plastic poms, often called wet-look or vinyl-look, provide that traditional, fluffy, and lightweight pom-pom appearance. They are incredibly light, which is a huge benefit for younger athletes (ages 5-7) who are still building the arm strength and stamina needed to perform a full two-and-a-half-minute routine.

While they may not have the high-wattage shine of other materials, plastic poms are budget-friendly and create a very full, classic silhouette. They are an excellent choice for novice teams, prep programs, or any squad that needs a reliable, great-looking pom without the higher price tag. For a first-time competitor, a quality plastic pom is a perfect starting point.

Cheerleading Co. Glitter Poms for Extra Sparkle

For the team that wants to maximize every bit of sparkle, glitter poms are the answer. These aren’t poms made entirely of glitter, but rather metallic or plastic poms with thin, glittery strands mixed in. This combination adds a stunning layer of texture and a different kind of light-catching element to the performance.

Under the spotlights, the glitter strands create a twinkling, starry effect that is distinct from the flash of metallic or the rainbow of holographic. This subtle but beautiful detail can be the finishing touch that makes a team’s overall look feel polished and complete. It’s a choice that shows the judges an incredible attention to detail, from the choreography right down to the equipment.

Matching Pom Material to Your Team’s Uniform

Once you understand the different materials, the next step is to consider the team’s uniform. The goal is a cohesive look where the poms complement the uniform, rather than competing with it. A great uniform and the perfect poms should work together to create one powerful, unified image on the mat.

Here’s a simple framework to follow:

• For matte or solid-color uniforms: Metallic poms are a fantastic choice. The high shine creates a dynamic contrast and adds the "pop" the uniform needs.
• For uniforms with lots of sparkle (sequins, rhinestones): Holographic or glitter poms can be a perfect match, echoing the sparkly elements and creating a cohesive, dazzling look.
• For traditional, classic-style uniforms: Plastic or vinyl poms often work best, reinforcing that timeless, all-American cheerleader aesthetic.

Ultimately, the coach will likely make the final decision, but understanding these principles helps you appreciate why a certain type of pom was chosen. The key is balance—the poms should enhance the athlete and the uniform, not distract from them.

Caring for Poms to Last the Entire Season

Competition poms are an investment, and teaching your child to care for them is a great lesson in responsibility. With proper care, a good set of poms can easily last the entire season, and sometimes even be passed down to a younger sibling or sold to another athlete. The most important rule is proper storage. Poms should never be crushed at the bottom of a cheer bag.

Before every performance, teach your cheerleader to "fluff" their poms by separating the streamers with their fingers to ensure maximum fullness. If the poms get dirty, most can be gently cleaned by wiping the strands with a damp cloth. Store them in a pom-pom bag or hang them up to prevent the streamers from getting bent and tangled. A little care goes a long way in protecting your investment and ensuring your athlete looks their best on competition day.

In the end, the perfect poms are a small but significant piece of your child’s competitive journey. They are a tool that helps turn individual movements into a stunning team picture. By choosing wisely, you’re not just buying equipment; you’re supporting your child’s confidence, their team’s unity, and the incredible passion they bring to the mat.