couldn't ask for better.
This was exactly what i expected and came in less that a week. Very happy.

You get what you pay for... sigh
Very lightweight, fragile, and poorly finished. Not sure what the "hardwood" actually is. It looks oak-like, but is far too lightweight for it's size. It came a bit rough and splintery and only got worse over time. The lacquer or whatever it is that they finished it with developed spiderweb cracks almost immediately and then began to flake off. I only used it for kata; didn't feel safe actually hitting anything with it let alone using it to defend against a weapon for tandem drills. After a few months of very little use, mostly sitting on the rack, it began to develop cracks. Perhaps it wasn't dried properly when they applied the finish? Regardless, the one I received (50" model) was cheap junk. You get what you pay for... Not only not recommended, but downright dangerous if you hit anything with it. Spend a little more to get better quality.

Perfect for price
I was pleased with how promptly the jo arrived after I ordered it.
The finish on the staff was not something I desired, plus it was a little rough, so I sanded the staff down and oiled it. It is heavier than the practice staffs at my dojo, and I enjoy that. When I brought in my staff everyone remarked what a great staff it was, where I bought it and how much it was. Best purchase I've made in a while, just needs some sanding.

gooses review
the Jo is a popular fighting weapon in the orient. It doubles as a fancy walking stick and can be displayed in a house as an artifact. Getting hit with this would probably be like getting hit with a brick because it is approximately an inch in diameter. this is a long weapon with some weight to it so it is best used for thrusting or using ones own motions against them. I had a friend who perhaps put it best when he said " I never thought paying 20 bucks for a stick could be such a good deal "