Difference Between 260B & 260Q Balloons

The basic 260 balloon

• The 260 balloon is the standard balloon used in professional balloon twisting and decorating. When inflated, it's 50-60 inches long and about 2 inches in diameter, with a volume of about 120 cubic inches. 260 balloons are sometimes referred to as "pencil balloons" and are still the main tool for balloon entertainers.

260B balloons

• A 260B balloon fits the criteria of a regular 260 balloon and is manufactured by the company Betallatex. 260B balloons are available in upwards of 50 colors, some including pearl, metallic, neon, crystal and pastel shades, as well as in color assortment packs. They're available from a number of balloon suppliers, primarily online. Betallatex's parent company, Betallic, has been in the balloon business since 1983.

260Q balloons

• The properties of 260Q balloons are very similar to those of 260B balloons, except that they're manufactured by Qualatex. 260Qs are available in about 50 colors and some assortment packs, including skin tones, neon colors and carnival colors, among others. Pioneer Balloon Company, the company behind Qualatex, has been making balloons for more than 80 years, and Qualatex balloons are available through many online balloon providers.

Which should I use?

• The two kinds of 260 balloons are close to identical and, with most distributors, similarly priced. Bellatex balloons have slightly more colors available, but Qualatex has been around longer and tends to be a more respected brand in the field. If you're an artist working with a particular balloon company, your best bet is to use the balloons your company recommends, as you'll probably have access to an entertainer discount with a certain distributor. If you're on your own, you'll likely find success with either brand.