The Balsa Series batons are my answer to cork batons. I understand the function of cork: lightweight handle, non-slip grip. However, I never liked the look of a cork baton, so by using lightweight balsa wood, with an exotic hardwood mask, I've achieved the PaGu Batons version of "classy cork".  Damon S. Talley, DMA is the Director of Bands and Manship Assoc. Professor of Conducting at Louisiana State University. Dr. Talley contacted me in 2016 to discuss making him a baton that would relieve some of the tension in his shoulder for which he was receiving medical attention. We came up with a baton that is very similar to the Christner Tension Free model but instead of 3/4" in diameter, the Talley model is 1-3/16" in diameter. Dr. Talley's personal baton is 15-1/4" long and is tension free balanced. This is a very comfortable baton and has sold very well at conferences.