Balance Boards come in many forms: as a round wobble disc, as a wobble board or as a board with a roller. On top of that there are other unstable surfaces such as balance pads and cushions. What suits you? So that you don't buy the wrong one by mistake, we explain the differences and tell you what matters in everyday use.
What types of Balance Boards are there?
- Wobble disc and balance disc: a round disc that tilts on a hemisphere. Inexpensive, small and a common way to start, but it always tilts in all directions.
- Wobble board (rocker): a board on a half-roller or an edge. It tilts in one direction, is controlled and good for getting started.
- Balance pad and balance cushion (unstable surfaces): a soft, unstable surface. They are handy for single-leg stance and rehab, but the movement feel is different from a board.
- Board with roller or ball: You stand on a board that rests on a roller or ball. The movement is similar to surfing or skating. You set the difficulty through the accessory underneath.
Wood or plastic?
Wood is robust, durable and feels direct and grippy. It can be produced sustainably, also looks good as a piece of furniture and responds more directly than softer material. Plastic is usually cheaper and lighter, which is handy for transport or training outdoors, and less sensitive to moisture.
The rollholz Balance Board is made of wood, oiled with pure linseed oil and designed for users up to 150 kg. The large board measures 84 × 35 cm.
Roller or ball?
The choice between roller and ball determines the direction of movement:
- Roller: The board rolls back and forth in one direction. The mini roller sits firmly in the slot of the small board and is the calmest variant, while the rollholz Pro lets the large board roll freely and feels more dynamic. You can also place the mini roller under the large board: it then also rolls back and forth, but when it tilts it quickly touches the floor, so you can hardly fall off the board. A good way to start before you put the large roller underneath.
- Two balls: Tilting around one axis, ideal for the ankle and easier than a single ball.
- One ball: The board tilts in all directions, the effect is like that of a wobble disc or balance disc. Very demanding. The small and the large board are both suitable for this, with the 7 cm balls for standing on and with the 10 cm balls for core exercises (more in Training Core Stability with the Balance Board).
The 7 cm balls tilt less and are enough for the ankle. The 10 cm balls are taller, the board has more range of motion and tilts more, which is harder and mainly challenges the core.
Why a wooden roller reacts differently: it is more direct and responsive than a softer roller made of cork or foam. That makes the training livelier and suits advanced movements well. Because it is wood on wood, the board can also be turned on the roller: you get more range of motion and can, for example, do ticks. If you are looking for a softer roller, you will find cork alternatives, but the ride feel is different.
Single board or set?
| Balance Board on its own | Balance Board Set Small | Balance Board Set Large | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Included | 2 boards (large and small), can be plugged together to form a seat | Board plus rollholz Pro and 2 balls Ø 7 cm | Board plus rollholz Pro, mini roller and 4 balls (Ø 7 and 10 cm) |
| Ideal for | Anyone who already has a roller and balls | Getting started with balance and fascia training | Complete training with maximum variety |
| Included as a bonus | E-book | Drawstring bag and e-book | Drawstring bag and e-book |
If you are starting from scratch, a set makes things easier, because you don't have to gather individual parts. The sets at a glance: Balance Board Set Small and Balance Board Set Large. You can find all variants in the range of Balance Boards.
What else to pay attention to
- Surface: A mat, for example a cork mat, provides grip and protects floor and board.
- Space: Keep one to two metres free around the board.
- Safety: Start near a wall or handrail. If you have pre-existing conditions, talk to your doctor first.
How do I get started?
We describe all exercises from easy to hard in the main article Balance Board Exercises: 15 Exercises from Easy to Hard. For training the ankles, read Proprioceptive Training.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Balance Board and a wobble disc?
A wobble disc is a round disc that tilts in all directions. Our Balance Board can have exactly this effect with a ball underneath, but much more: with roller, mini roller or two balls it offers many variations and levels.
Is a wooden Balance Board worth it?
If you value durable material and a direct movement feel, yes. For occasional trying out or transport, plastic can be more practical.
Can I also use a Balance Board as a seat?
Yes, the two boards can be plugged together and form a comfortable lounge chair.
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