Whether the characters use broomsticks when they play Quidditch or when they want to go somewhere, these objects are a huge part of Harry Potter. In fact, they are so important that there is a section of the Ministry of Magic called the Broom Regulatory Control that makes sure that there are rules and regulations for wizards and witches to follow.
There are several broomsticks in Harry Potter, including the Comet Two Ninety, Silver Arrow, Shooting Star, and toy broomsticks. Harry Potter is given a few different ones and they help him on his journey to understand himself and magic better. Of all the broomsticks discussed in the popular franchise, there are two that are the most memorable: the Nimbus 2000 and the Firebolt. While they are both powerful and useful, there is one that is much better than the other.
The Nimbus 2000
Whether players are ranking the brooms in Hogwarts Legacy or Harry Potter fans are comparing the broomsticks mentioned in the book series and film franchise, the broomsticks are a significant part of this magical world. It's impossible to discuss Harry Potter broomsticks without talking about the Nimbus 2000.
For a long time, the Harry Potter Nimbus 2000 broomstick was the holy grail and gold standard. It's an object that any wizard or witch would be more than happy to get their hands on, and it has many benefits and positive qualities. Harry begins using the Nimbus 2000 at the time that he becomes the Seeker of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Fans would love a Harry Potter movie about Quidditch since the game is such a big part of the franchise. Harry and the broomstick go through a lot together and the journey is an emotional one. While he is thrilled to use it during Quidditch games, it becomes completely ruined thanks to the terrifying Harry Potter villains, dementors.
With a handle comprised of mahogany, the Nimbus Racing Broom Company put it out onto the market in 1991. It's considered the quickest broomstick for a long time. After the Nimbus 2000, the Nimbus 2001 was created and put onto the market in 1992. As fans would expect, it's quicker than the Nimbus 2000. The members of Slytherin are given the Nimbus 2000 to use during Quidditch games.
The Firebolt
The Firebolt is an incredibly powerful Harry Potter broomstick. Hazel or birch twigs are used for the broom and ebony is used for the handle. The Firebolt is faster than other broomsticks and holds this distinction in 1994. It can go as fast as 150 miles per hour, which is impressive. There is a sign at Quality Quidditch Supplies that explains exactly how fast it is.
Harry has a long history with the Firebolt broomstick. While it disappears during the Battle of the Seven Potters in 1997, he plays Quidditch with this broom after getting it as a Christmas gift in 1993 from Sirius Black. While Sirius Black has a sad Harry Potter character arc, he is Harry's godfather and truly cares about him, and this gift proves that.
Harry wanted a Firebolt broomstick for a long time. He would even look at it in a store and wish that he had it, but he had the Nimbus 2000, so he knew that he couldn't be too greedy.
The Firebolt is also the reason that Harry and Hermione Granger experience some tension in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The third Harry Potter film has some great quotes, and the conversation between Harry and Hermione is a memorable one. While Harry is excited to be given the Firebolt, Hermione knows that a murderer is at large and wonders if something evil and sinister is going on. Hermione lets Minerva McGonagall know what she is worried about, and after McGonagall looks into it, she thinks that all is well and lets Harry use it again. Dolores Umbridge takes the Firebolt broomstick from Harry in 1995, which is upsetting for him.
Which Is The Better Broomstick In Harry Potter?
While the Harry Potter Nimbus 2000 is an incredible broomstick, the Firebolt is the better broomstick. The Nimbus 2000 is only the fastest broomstick until the Firebolt is created. It makes sense that as more broomsticks are put into production and available for purchase, each new model would be better and better.
Harry goes through quite a journey with his Firebolt broomstick and it's always clear that someone could steal it for him or it could be ruined. While some Harry Potter book scenes aren't in the movies, there are plenty of great movie moments that feature both the Nimbus 2000 and the Firebolt. Once fans see Harry using the Firebolt, they can tell why this is the superior broomstick.