Best Boomerangs
Tara Summerville
Shanena Ketchum
When it comes to outdoor toys, it seems that frisbees and footballs take center stage, and we often forget about the humble boomerang. They originated as a hunting tool an estimated 25,000 years ago and is used today for competitions and recreation. Every two years there is a world championship where competitors across the globe compete for the world title. Competitions include throwing it for a very long distance, and measuring how close the original spot that it will return. If you are looking for a new and fun game to play the next time all of your friends get together this summer (and you have a lot of wide open spaces to work with), making your own competition will be something new and different, and everyone is sure to have a blast.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 16 hrs of research
Affordable
Perfect for left or right handed throwers
Soft edges make it easier to catch
Top 10 Picks
1. Aerobie Orbiter
Affordable
Perfect for left or right handed throwers
Soft edges make it easier to catch
Padded corners will start to deteriorate with extended use
What we loved most about the Aerobie Orbiter is that it can be used by just about anyone. Many of the designs out there on the market are made for only right-handed users, and they often have an age restriction of over 12 years of age. This design made so that it can be used by just about anyone, and it has a closed end to change up throwing style.
Read moreDesign:
Rather than having a classic and elegant design painted on the surface, this unit has a design that mimics that of a frisbee. It is offered in neon colors that have a black racing stripe that runs along the center. Neon color options include yellow, purple, and orange.
Performance:
This unit weighs in at just over 1 pound. It has soft edges that provide a good grip for great throws, and it also makes it easier to catch. The neon color makes it easier to spot as it glides through the air as well. The triangular shape makes it throwing and catching it easier, and users can change up their throwing style to create a special technique that is unique to them.
Value:
Our favorite part about this design is that it comes in at a really affordable price point. This will likely set you back about the same amount that you spent on a pack of hot dogs to bring to your next family picnic.
Summary:
If you just want something that is fun to use, and can be used by the whole family- whether they are young or old, left handed or right handed- the Aerobie Orbiter is an excellent design that is not only fun and easy to throw, but it is also affordable enough to buy more than one.
2. Colorado Pelican
Incredibly lightweight
Flared wingspan makes it easier to catch
Beautiful design on the topside
Expensive
The Kangaroo Pelican is great because it is the lightest design that we have found out there on the market. It is made from a very lightweight wood that is able to really travel a far distance, and the lightweight frame makes it easy to catch, even for those that that struggle to catch these products.
Read moreDesign:
This Australian design comes to you from the champion Roger Perry. It is made from a very lightweight wood that has an aboriginal design of kangaroos painted in black and orange on the surface. Even if you never quite get the hang of throwing it, this design will also look great hanging on a wall!
Performance:
This unit is made more for newbies based upon its flared wing design and weight. Ideally, it is made for places that have a light wind to no winds at all. It weighs in at .32 ounces, which is by far the lightest design out there on the market. The flared wing design coupled with the lightweight frame makes this a perfect option for those that are learning proper throwing techniques.
Value:
The design of this model makes it one of the most expensive designs out there on the market. However, if you are worried that this might be a sport that you will have a little bit of difficulty picking up, this design will offer you a little bit of help- which makes it worth the padded price tag in our opinion.
Summary:
For the newbies out there that are concerned that this might be a sport that they won’t ever be able to master, the Kangaroo Pelican makes life just a little bit easier with a lightweight frame and a flared wingspan. Keep in mind that if you live in a region that experiences a lot of high winds, you may run into a few difficulties.
3. Colorado Aussie Fever
Lightweight
Designed by a competition winner
Flared wings make it easier to catch upon return
Slightly more expensive than others
What makes this design special is that is made right in Australia, and the design was made from the Australian champion Roger Perry. If you are serious about your throwing game, this design has all of the features to get the maximum distance, and it will make it just a little bit easier to catch it upon its return.
Read moreDesign:
This solid wood design is made from a lightweight and treated wood that has an aboriginal design painted in white and orange on the top. It has a flared wings that make it easier to catch and throw.
Performance:
Due to the fact that it only weighs about 2.4 ounces, this is really able to generate some distance as well as speed. It can reach distances up to 30 to 40 meters, and still be able to travel back to you. What makes this design unique is that the flared wings make it hover above the ground slightly on it’s return what makes it a little bit more easy to catch.
Value:
This design is just a little bit more expensive than other designs, but it is still considered to be affordable. This unit might set you back about the same price that you would spend to order 2 large pizzas after your backyard competition.
Summary:
If you are serious about selecting a design that will really be able to perform, you can’t go wrong with something that was designed by an Australian master. If might cost you more than some of the other designs, but it will be well worth it to watch it fly away and then come back to almost the same spot that you threw it.
4. Colorado Hummingbird
Classic design
Affordable
Made from lightweight eucalyptus wood
Color makes it easy to be lost in the air and on the ground
For users that are looking for something that is simple, elegant, and doesn’t rely on any gimmicks or different style structures (such as flared wings or a closed third arm), this is going to be a perfect addition to your next outdoor event.
Read moreDesign:
Simplicity is the name of the game with it comes to the Hummingbird. It is made from a lightweight eucalyptus wood that is treated with a shiny gloss. It boasts the classic aboriginal shape that has a V shape that is a little bit more narrow than some of the other designs out there on the market.
Performance:
Due to its classic shape and design, it also boasts a classic performance. It weighs in at about 9 ounces and is made for use of right-handed throwers that are 10 years old and up. What’s most notable about this design is that while it might not travel as far as some of the others, it claims that it is great at returning right back to the spot where you threw it.
Value:
While it isn’t the most expensive design out there on the market, it isn’t the least expensive, either. It runs about in the middle of the road in terms of price, and will likely set you back about the same price that you would spend on a large pizza.
Summary:
For those that want something classic and simple that is free of some of the gimmicks found on other models, the Hummingbird is going to be the perfect addition to your next outdoor competition without breaking the bank.
5. Colorado Speed Racer
Designed to be easier to throw and catch
Incredibly durable
Affordable
Some users find that this plastic design doesn’t return as easily as wood
If you have tried the basic curved designs in the past, or you just know that you are going to be terrible at getting the hang of throwing, the Blue Speed Racer is perfect for kids as well as beginners because they boast a different design that makes it easier to throw, but it is also a lot easier to catch.
Read moreDesign:
This unit has a frame that looks more like a helicopter propeller. It comes in a bright blue color that makes it easy to spot, with a black checkered pattern on the arms. It is made from ABS plastic which makes it a little bit more durable than some of the wooden designs.
Performance:
With a good throw, this unit can travel about 25-30 yard with enough steam to be able to travel back to you. This distance is slightly shorter than some of the other designs, but it makes it ideal for kids, or for smaller spaces. The helicopter arms hover slightly when on its return, which makes it a lot easier to catch than some designs that do not lose any steam when coming back. It weighs in at about .8 ounces, making it one of the lighter options on our list.
Value:
What we like most about the Blue Speed Racer design is that it comes in at a really affordable price point that makes it very easy to be able to buy one for all of the kids in your family without breaking the bank.
Summary:
For those unsure, if they will be able to get the hang of the sometimes difficult art of throwing these products, the Blue Speed Racer is the perfect starting place. It is designed specifically for kids that are over 10, or for adults that want something that is just a little bit easier to handle.
6. Colorado Polypropylene
Incredibly durable
Affordable
Lightweight
Some feel that it is smaller than expected
If you are serious about getting a competition started, this is going to be the perfect option for you. It sports a V-omega shaped design that makes it perfect for really traveling long distances, and the color makes it really easy to keep an eye on in the sky to ensure that you will be able to catch it when it comes back.
Read moreDesign:
The V-omega shape is a little bit more narrow that some of the other options, and it has thicker winged edges to allow users to catch it more easily. It is offered in a bright neon orange color that has simple tiger stripes painted in black along the edges. What we liked most about this design is that proper throwing techniques are embossed right on the underside, so new users can pick up and be able to learn how to throw it without a user's guide.
Performance:
The Polypropylene Pro Sports design is made to really move. A good throw can carry it over 30 meters, and the bright orange color will ensure that it will ever get lost in the sky so that you will be able to catch it on a dime. It is constructed from polypropylene which is more durable than some of the wood options and is a little bit lighter weighing in at .8 ounces. What is great about this design is that it can be used in all types of wind conditions, from completely calm to gusty.
Value:
What users really love about this design is that it has all of the features that one would want of design worthy of being used in a competition, but it doesn’t carry the heavy price tag as some of those other options. It’s not the cheapest design out there on the market, but it is far from being the most expensive.
Summary:
If you are looking for something that is competition worthy but doesn’t carry the price tag of some of the similar competitive designs, the Polypropylene Pro Sports is going to be your best, Plus, because it is made from polypropylene, it is going to be more durable than wood designs.
7. Rhode Island Novelty
Incredibly affordable
Made from wood
Very lightweight
Not made to be used on windy days
Perhaps you feel a little cautious to spend the money on one of these products because you have heard that they are a very difficult skill to learn. If that’s the case, the Rhode Island Novelty design will be perfect for you, because it is set at a price point that is one of the most affordable options currently out there on the market.
Read moreDesign:
This unit has a classic wood design that is accented with red and white designs on the front. It is made out of very lightweight wood and sports a classic wide armed design that makes it just a little bit easier to catch.
Performance:
As for performance- accounts vary. Some users have found that with a little extra practice, they were able to get this design to fly back around to them, while others simply could not get it to work. It measures to be just over 13 inches from end to end and weighs about .3 ounces. Due to the fact that it is one of the lighter options, it might not be ideal to use in windy condition. The best time to use this design is when there is no wind at all.
Value:
While it may have a few performance issues, you can’t beat the price. It is, by far, the least expensive design out there on the market. In fact, this design might actually cost you less than your morning cup of coffee. Given that it comes in at such a low price point, you have very little to lose in giving this design a try.
Summary:
For those that want something fun and different to play with outside this summer, but don’t want to spend much money at all, you can’t go wrong with the Rhode Island Novelty design.
8. Homee
Affordable
Can travel up to 40 meters
Can be used in slightly windy conditions
Some users reported that the edges were a little sharp
For those looking for something that the whole family can use- even the kids- the Homee design is going to be the perfect addition to throw into your picnic basket or beach bag. It has a simple and small frame, and the top has unique and colorful art.
Read moreDesign:
The wood used for this design is light in color, and the top has fun kangaroos that are painted on with light blue and green water-based paints. It is a little wider than some models, which may make it a little easier to catch upon return.
Performance:
Users were pleasantly surprised by the performance of this design. While there were some that just couldn’t seem to get the hang of it, others were actually able to get it to return back to them. This unit measures in at about 13 inches from end to end and weighs.11 pounds. With a good throw, it can travel an impressive 40 meters, and because it is a little heavier than most, it can handle a little bit of wind without being affected.
Value:
What’s great about the Homee design is that it is offered at an affordable price point. Users can expect to spend just a little bit more than they would for their morning cup of coffee, which means that you could buy one for more than one member of your family.
Summary:
If you are in the market for something that works, has a fun design on the front, and comes in at an affordable price point, the Homee design will be the perfect choice the next time that you head out of the park or to the beach.
9. Technic Fossil
Made from carbon fiber
Affordable
Easy to throw and have returned back
Some users found it was a lot smaller than expected
This model might look a lot similar to some of the other designs, but it differs in the use of materials used. The Technic Fossil is incredibly lightweight and has a wide grip to make it easier to catch upon its return.
Read moreDesign:
The design of this model is a little bit more narrow than some of the other options out there on the market, but it can really cover a lot of ground. It has a black carbon fiber and plastic base that is accented with orange-yellow lizard designs.
Performance:
This carbon fiber design weighs in at 2.5 ounces, which makes it perfect for use on a calm day, as well as a slightly windy day without affecting it too much. It can travel about 35 to 40 yards while still having enough momentum to travel back. It measures to be just over 8 inches from end to end, which is smaller than some of the other standard designs that are usually about 13 inches.
Value:
Due to the fact that this design is made from carbon fiber, the price tag is just slightly higher than some of the other similar designs that are at a lower price point. However, users love how durable this product is, and they feel that it is well worth the slightly padded price tag.
Summary:
For those looking for something that will really be able to take a beating while you learn proper throwing techniques, the Technic Fossil is going to be a great toy to bring along with you on your next beach trip or outing at the park.
10. Channel Craft
Affordable
Easy to use
Lightweight
Some have found that it is not very durable
We liked that the Channel Craft design is simple and easy to use, and it comes in at a very affordable price point. What this product offer that many of the other companies don’t is the option to select a color option that suits your style best.
Read moreDesign:
Users can select from color options that have bright blue or red designs on the front. Each model is made from a light colored wood which makes it just a little bit easier to spot in the sky.
Performance:
Many users, even some that tried it for the very first time, had a little bit of luck getting to fly back to them right out of the gate. The lightweight birch plywood takes to the sky very easily and can handle calm conditions up to fairly windy conditions. It weighs 7.2 ounces and measures to be 12 inches from tip to tip, which is about the average size compared to similar designs.
Value:
What users really like most about this product is that it is one of the most affordable options out there on the market. You will be able to buy 2 for the same price as you would spend on some of the more higher-end options found on our list.
Summary:
If you are in the market for something that is lightweight, affordable, and easy to use in most weather conditions, the Channel Craft design will fit easily into your beach bag or backpack to take along with you to the park for a fun afternoon.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
Due to the fact that throwing these products can take a long time to master, you will want to select a design that is made from high-quality materials. Whether you accidentally clipped the side of a tree or threw it on the ground from frustration, the materials that were used are going to ensure that it can hold up to whatever you can throw at it. Products that are made from ABS plastic or polypropylene are generally considered to be a little bit more durable than any other material out on the market, but they often suffer from performance issues. Wood designs would be our second highest recommendation for durability. Wood designs perform well, but they are just slightly less sturdy than plastics.
Value
We know that the learning curve can be frustrating and tricky, and sometimes you might just want to give up and throw it right in the garbage. That’s why we made sure to select designs that are considered to be affordable. Some of the higher end models that are made from more expensive materials might be a little bit more durable, and they might travel for longer distances, but they don’t do anything better than plastic or even wood. There is no feeling that is worse than spending a lot of money on a toy that you could never quite master. Our favorite designs were those that were made from the Australian champion Roger Perry, and they typically were set at a price point that was more expensive than the lower end designs but wasn’t as expensive than some of the higher end designs. In our opinion, Roger Perry’s designs are the perfect blend of price, durability, and performance.
Features
The performance was the number one thing that we took into consideration when researching these products. You want to have something that is easy to throw, easy to catch, and will actually circle around back to you. There were two ways that we determined how well a product performed. First, we looked at the materials used, as well as the weight of the product. These two features go hand in hand, because the lighter the product, the easier it will be to throw and catch. Heavier models will take a bit more muscle to get it to generate enough momentum to be able to circle around and come back. The second thing that we considered was what past users had to say about each product. This part was tricky, because learning how to use these products take a lot of time and skill, and sometimes users don’t have the patience required to learn. That’s why we didn’t pay any attention to the users that couldn’t get it to circle back, and we paid more attention to those that did. If we discovered that there were not any users that claimed they were able to get their product to circle back around to them, we determined that the product was flawed and it wasn’t worth your time.
Style
While we were intrigued by models that had fun and interesting designs painted on the front, we were also intrigued by the actual shape of each design. Not all units have the exact same footprint, and we discovered the added benefits of each model. The designs that have three arms like a helicopter propeller are great for those that are just starting to learn, or for kids. They are often made from plastic, which makes them a lot more durable as well as affordable. Designs that have winged arms are capable of traveling much farther than wider arms but might be a little be more difficult to catch up on their return
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Style Durability Features Value 
The most important aspect when it comes to these types of products is whether or not they will be able to come back to you. If they can’t come back- then they are just hard to catch a frisbee. It might take you a while to be able to master how to use this product, but once you do it will be something that you won’t forget. To ensure that we selected designs that would be a good fit for beginners all the way to veterans, we made sure to look at a few key features that users responded too, such as materials used, durability, design, and performance.
Other Factors to Consider
Ease of Use
The one thing we want to convey to you in closing is that to master the art of the boomerang requires patience. Many companies offer booklets that show you the proper techniques and wrist positioning to pull off the perfect throw. You can always utilize other resources such as instructional videos and how to guides on the internet. From our experience, the trick for the perfect throw lies strictly in the movement of the body as well as the very specific flick of the wrist. When you set out to practice for the first time, be sure that the weather conditions are good when you head out to practice. If you are just starting to learn, calm and windless days are perfect to really learn how these airborne devices move. It can be frustrating to finally figure out how to get it to come back, but once you do it will be worth it in the end. The most important part is to practice and try not to get too frustrated if you don’t get it on the first try. Once you get the hang of it, you are never going to want to go back to boring old frisbees and footballs!
Frequently Asked Questions
q: How do they work?
There is a competition of motion between moving forward and rotating forward. When an object has two competing motions, it forces the object to spin back around. Also, due to the fact that the bottom arm is larger than the upper arm, it generates an unbalanced torque which forces the object to circle back around.
q: What are they made from?
The original designs were made from simple pieces of wood, and even today most of the higher end designs are made from a very lightweight wood such as eucalyptus wood. Wood designs are most common, but sometimes they can rack up quite the price tag. Other options available out there on the market include various types of plastic, such as ABS plastic. Plastic options are incredibly affordable and lightweight, but they just don’t have the same performance level as that of the wood designs.
q: Why won’t mine come back when I throw it?
This is one of the most common questions when it comes to these types of product, and the solution isn’t always a simple one. Sometimes, if there are certain unnatural bends in the plastic or wood (sometimes a result of shipping or a manufacturing defect) you will have trouble getting it to circle around back to you. However, more often than not, it isn’t a problem with the product, but rather a problem with the user. Throwing these products is an exercise that is an exact science, and it may take you a while to figure out the right angles to hold it. One common mistake the users make is that they hold it like a frisbee. In reality, you should hold them at an angle and about 20 degrees from the top of your head. You can look up certain techniques online on how to properly flick you risk to generate the right amount of rotation. Luckily, many of these products come with tips and instructions right in the box.
q: How much space do I need to throw it?
For users that have limited space in their backyards, you might have to take your show on the road either to the beach or a wide open park. Many feel that you will need about a baseball field’s worth of room to be able to throw it to its full capacity without running the risk of having it get stuck in a tree or on a roof. If you try and use your product in a space that is dominated by a lot of trees and neighboring roofs, you might find yourself reaching for the ladder quite often to retrieve your product.
q: Why can’t a left-handed person use a right-handed design?
One thing that you might have noticed in your search is that most models on the market are designed for right-handed use only. Luckily, for all you lefties out there, there are special left-handed designs. But, if they are all the same shape- why does it matter? If you look at each product a little more closely, you might notice that one arm is slightly shorter than the other arm. The shorter arm is typically held in your right hand, while the long arm is the leading arm that cuts through the air first. If you hold your product by the leading arm in your left hand, it will not have enough propulsion to be able to circle back around. Fear not, lefties, because there are designs out there especially for you that do not come at a higher price point. You just have to be sure that the design that you are purchasing isn’t designed for right-handed people. Since only about 10 percent of the population is left-handed, most models are designed for right-handed people.
Sources
- , The 12 Best Boomerangs in 2019, Article
