What is a mace and what is a baton?
By Tom Peacock
Almost everyday we are asked what is a mace or what is a baton. Many will call and say I need a mace
and it ends up being a baton. This page is to help you understand what the difference is between the two.
Baton
Click mouse here to see picture All Metal left side and Superflex right side
Called a Drum Major Baton or Military Baton. This is what most Junior High
and High School Drum Majors use.
Main lengths made today are 38" and 41". Material used is metal not
aluminum.
The 38" is for those under 6' 1" in height. The 41" is usually
for very tall drum majors.
If you get a baton that is too long some moves behind back or palm spins are
harder to do.
You can get a baton cut down but these are regular length.
On the Superflex ONLY the SHAFT is a plastic material
that is bendable.
There are four parts to the baton:
1. Head of the baton - large ball end is approx. 3" in diameter
2. Shaft is metal tubing (most batons) or solid plastic rod material
3. Tip end comes to a point usually has a rubber tip on it to protect bottom.
4. Baton cord(s) wrapped on the baton for two reasons
A. To make it look nice
B. To help hold the baton while doing some
twirling or other type moves.
Baton cords usually have tassels on the ends.
Tassels WILL COME OFF IF PULLED TOO MUCH!
Military Signal Baton
Click mouse here to see picture
The Military Signal Baton is what many camps make a mistake and call a mace.
The correct name is Military Signal Baton.
This baton comes directly out of the Military bands and so that is why it is
called a Military Signal Baton. As tempos of marches
increased and a newer look was wanted many Military Bands used this style baton.
The Military Signal Baton is a little easier to use then the Mace.
Main lengths made today are 45" and 49". In Southern California
it is still considered a baton up to size 53"." Material is mainly metal
or the shaft is made of aluminum. The tip end is usually made of aluminum.
Usually the baton is wrapped with a baton cord or two.
The head of the baton is approx. 4" in diameter.
Mace
Click mouse here to see picture
The mace can be from 54" to 66".
Standard mace is 58 to 60"
The head of the mace is approx. 4"diameter
The Scottish style mace heads are sometimes larger in diameter.
The mace is usually wrapped with a chain or cords.
Mace chains will cut into shafts if not tight.
You need to adjust chain after every other time you use it cutting off excess
chain from the bottom.
Scottish mace usually have extra chain is put on loosely because it is almost
impossible to fit tightly
Some say its for the sound it makes while beating time.
Cords are a nice touch but must be clean and good condition.
Cords will slow the speed of the spin slightly.
How do I know what size I should order?
Have student stand at attention. Mace should fit under chin by 1 or 2 inches.
So measures from the ground to chin then take off 1 or 2 inches. This is the
minimum.
Usually the standard length will work fine. You would need to add length if
you are 6' 3" or taller then you would want to add some to the ferrule.
Hope this has helped you.
Please e-mail if you have any other questions.
E-Mail