Understanding the Difference: Sport Cones vs. Traffic Cones Part 2

Posted in Traffic Safety on March 29, 2024
Author: Melissa Schechter

At TrafficConesForLess.com, we understand that selecting the right traffic cones for your needs is essential to ensure safety and efficiency in various settings. Among our wide range of products, two popular options are the 18” sport cones and traditional 18” JBC traffic cones. While both serve similar purposes, there are distinct differences that make each suitable for specific applications. In this post, we'll delve into the particulars to help you make an informed decision. The cones we are discussing today are 18” cones, both for sport cones and JBC brand Traffic cones.

Sport Cones

Sport cones, also known as agility cones or training cones, are commonly used in athletic training, sports activities, and recreational events. Here's what sets them apart:

1. Material and Durability: Sport cones are typically made of a hard lightweight plastic, which, while durable for their intended use, is not designed for road applications. This material makes them highly portable but unsuitable for prolonged exposure to heavy traffic or harsh weather conditions. Sport cones may be prone to movement by wind and can break if run over by vehicles.

2. Color Options: These cones often come in many colors like orange, yellow, red, black, white, pink and blue, enhancing visibility and making them ideal for organizing drills, marking boundaries, or creating agility courses during training sessions. The colors, also are great for marking bus lines, or other color-coded uses.

3. Versatility: Due to their lightweight design and versatility, sport cones are suitable for a wide range of activities, including soccer, football, basketball, tennis, fitness drills, obstacle courses, and more. They may work in valet, school bus lines and other applications, but it is important to understand the lightweight and breakage factor if being used in high traffic areas.

Traffic Cones

18” JBC Brand Traffic cones, also known as standard traffic cones or safety cones, are primarily used for parking, special events, schools. The 18” size is difficult to see while driving a vehicle and are not recommended as a road cone in most circumstances. Let's explore other distinctive features:

1. Material and Durability: JBC Traffic cones are made of durable but pliable PVC material with a weighted recycled rubber base designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use and traffic conditions. This durability ensures they remain stable and intact even in adverse weather or when subjected to vehicle impacts. They actually bounce back. See video

2. High-Visibility Design: JBC Traffic cones are available in many colors like orange, lime green, dark green, red, white, navy blue, sky blue and yellow, with or without reflective collars or strips for enhanced visibility, especially in low-light conditions or at night. These collars can also be customized with logos or legends to suit your particular needs, as well as pantone matching available for the cones themselves. This pantone matching is perfect for corporate branding. The JBC cone is also customizable with silkscreens and stenciling, making it a very versatile cone.

3. Stability and UV Treated: JBC Traffic cones are engineered with a wider weighted black recycled material base and the entire cone is created with UV protectant built in to keep the cones color and useful life at a maximum even in the sunniest of places.

Choosing the Right Cone for Your Needs:

When deciding between sport cones and traffic cones, it's essential to consider the specific requirements of your application. If you're looking for cones for athletic training, sports events, or recreational purposes, sport cones offer lightweight portability. However, for extended use, possible contact with traffic, valet parking, directional signage or creating a path or track, traditional JBC traffic cones provide superior durability, stability, and value.

At TrafficConesForLess.com, we offer a comprehensive selection of both sport cones and traffic cones to meet your unique needs. Whether you're organizing a sports tournament, managing a construction site, or enhancing traffic safety, we've got you covered with quality cones at competitive prices. Browse our website today to explore our full range of traffic cones and accessories, and feel free to contact our knowledgeable team for assistance in selecting the perfect cones for your application. Stay safe, stay visible, and stay on track with TrafficConesForLess.com!


If you don’t have the traffic control equipment you need to be prepared for any emergency, check out our extensive inventory or contact us at TrafficConesforLess. We offer the highest quality safety equipment and the industry’s most reasonable pricing. Not sure what you need? Call us at 888-388-0180