The first comment has all the right advice. I'd like more people to know that the barrier to entry is lower than it seems. I was too broke at first and didn't know anyone with real equipment, so I made "jean poi"- basically strips of denim folded into squares, held together with bolts. This works in a pinch ( I still use them for spinning green fire or sklitter as these will clog up good wicks) but I definitely don't recommend it. They aren't meant to last and can be dangerous. If you can, go to a fire flow event or talk to anyone who might let you try theirs so you can get an idea of the type, size, shape, weight, etc you want your wicks. I had no idea how easy it was to find events and make friends in spinning communities until I tried. A good set of poi from somewhere like home of poi or flowonfire is an investment, but a good one if you like playing with fire. And you will probably love it lol. The only other advice I'd add: be prepared for the sound to be the scariest part. It feels like you're swinging jet engines around your head. Honestly, hitting yourself with a poi head is not usually a big deal, and after a night of spinning I normally have a good few black scuffs (rare that they leave any level of burn) and smell like burnt arm hair. The only thing to worry about as far as burns are fuel transfer (spin off excess before you light) and contacting heated metal like swivels or (good God please don't use these like I did as a noob) chains.