The Swinging Sticks is a double pendulum kinetic sculpture that mimics perpetual motion. Once it is set in motion, it moves in unpredictable, never repeating patterns, and it does so virtually silently. That combination makes it hypnotic to watch, whether it sits on a desk or on a shelf in a living room. Three versions exist, but the third is a large museum and installation model, so for most buyers the real choice comes down to two versions: the Basic and the Original.
Watch the video above for the two versions side by side in motion, then read on for the five big differences in size, battery life, materials, quality control testing, and price.
1. Size and weight
The first difference is easy to see when the two versions sit next to each other. The Original measures 41 x 9.5 x 44.5 cm and weighs 0.64 kg, while the Basic measures 35 x 8 x 38 cm and weighs 0.24 kg. Those weights are without batteries. The Original is therefore larger in every dimension and well over twice as heavy as the Basic.
That extra mass matters in use. The Original, with its extra weight, makes its motion smoother and more fluid. The Basic moves in the same unpredictable patterns, but it can feel slightly more rigid by comparison, and its smaller footprint will suit buyers with limited desk or shelf space.
2. Battery life
Both versions run on AA batteries, but they differ sharply in how long those batteries last. The Basic runs for about 6 months on a set, while the Original runs for about 2 years. That is roughly four times the battery life from the larger model.
For a sculpture meant to move quietly in the background, that gap matters. The Original needs far fewer battery changes over time, while the Basic will need several changes in the period the Original covers on a single set.
3. Materials and finish
The Basic has a high quality ABS plastic base, aluminium sticks in various colours, and rubber feet. It is a clean and simple build, and the choice of colours for the sticks lets buyers match the sculpture to a room or desk setup.
The Original steps up the materials. It has a high density wood base with a smooth finish, and its aluminium sticks are more polished than those on the Basic. Both versions use high quality bearings. Underneath, the Original adds a velvet fabric underside with transparent silicone feet, where the Basic has plain rubber feet.
4. Quality control testing
Every unit of both versions is test run at the factory before it ships, but the length of that test differs. Basic units get a 3 to 4 day factory test run. Original units get a 7 to 10 day test run, more than twice as long.
A longer test run gives the factory more time to catch problems before a unit reaches a buyer. It is one of the less visible differences between the two versions, since it cannot be seen in a photo, but it is part of what the higher price of the Original pays for.
5. Price and warranty
Price is the largest gap of all. The Basic starts at $98 and comes with a 2 year warranty. The Original starts at $339 and comes with a 5 year warranty. The longer warranty on the Original is more than double the cover on the Basic, and it matches the pattern seen throughout this comparison: the Original costs considerably more, and in return it offers more in size, battery life, materials, and testing.
There is also a way to save on the Original. Pete’s video description offers 10% off at SwingingSticks.com with code SNEAKYPETE, which helps close the gap a little for buyers who have decided the larger model is the one they want.
Frequently asked questions
How many versions of The Swinging Sticks are there? Three versions exist. The third is a large museum and installation model, so most buyers choose between the Basic and the Original.
How long do the batteries last? Both versions run on AA batteries. The Basic runs for about 6 months, while the Original runs for about 2 years.
What are the two versions made from? The Basic has an ABS plastic base and aluminium sticks in various colours. The Original has a high density wood base with a smooth finish and more polished aluminium sticks, and both versions use high quality bearings.
What warranty does each version have? The Basic starts at $98 with a 2 year warranty. The Original starts at $339 with a 5 year warranty.
Verdict
Neither version changes the core appeal of The Swinging Sticks: a virtually silent double pendulum that never repeats its patterns and is hypnotic to watch. The Basic delivers that experience at $98 in a smaller, lighter package with simpler materials. The Original delivers it at a larger scale, with smoother and more fluid motion, far longer battery life, finer materials, longer factory testing, and a longer warranty. Pete’s own path sums up the choice well: he started with the Basic, was happy with it, and upgraded to the Original after seeing them side by side.
For current pricing and availability, See The Swinging Sticks on Amazon and compare the Basic and Original before deciding which one fits a desk, a shelf, and a budget.