Taper refers to the gradual narrowing of the diameter of the sticks of a nunchaku towards one end. Usually the narrowing is done in the direction of the head, in order to place the majority of weight at the tail, allowing for greater centrifugal momentum and therefore smoother circular techniques. The diameters used for the taper can vary and the effect of the taper also varies depending on the length of the stick.
Tapering is generally sought after as a positive quality to nunchaku, as a proper taper improves their balance.