The Comet Two-Sixty is a model of racing broom produced by the Comet Racing Broom Company. While a specific physical description is not provided in the novels, its appearance is implied to be somewhat outdated by the 1990s. When Harry Potter sees Cho Chang's Two-Sixty in 1992, he notes that it “looked a little dated” compared to his own Nimbus Two Thousand. Draco Malfoy describes the Comet line as “flashy,” suggesting it may have a more eye-catching design than some other brooms, but he immediately dismisses its performance capabilities in comparison to the Nimbus series.
As a racing broom, the Comet Two-Sixty's primary function is high-speed flight, particularly for the sport of Quidditch. It was a competent broomstick, suitable for a Hogwarts House Seeker, as demonstrated by its use by Cho Chang of the Ravenclaw team. However, its performance was significantly inferior to the top-of-the-line brooms of the era. During a Quidditch match, Harry Potter on his Nimbus Two Thousand was able to “shoot past Chang” on her Comet Two-Sixty with ease. This indicates a considerable difference in acceleration and top speed between the two models.
The Comet Two-Sixty was a model in the popular Comet line of brooms. Draco Malfoy's immediate assumption that Harry Potter might own one in 1991 suggests it was a common and well-known, if not elite, model at the time. By the 1992-1993 Hogwarts school year, it was already considered an older model. In 1993, the broom was superseded by the next model in the series, the Comet Two-Ninety. The new model was featured in Which Broomstick? magazine as a potential competitor to the Cleansweep Eleven, further cementing the Two-Sixty's status as a previous-generation broomstick.
The Comet Two-Sixty primarily serves as a world-building element and a benchmark for broomstick performance. Its presence helps establish a clear hierarchy of magical transportation, highlighting the significant advantage a superior broom like the Nimbus Two Thousand or the Firebolt could provide in a Quidditch match. The broom is used to characterize individuals and their status. Draco Malfoy's derisive comments about the Comet underscore his wealth and snobbery. Conversely, Cho Chang's use of a dated but functional broom marks her as a skilled player who relies on talent rather than the latest equipment. Its inferiority to Harry's broom allows his natural skill as a flyer to shine while also benefiting from a significant technological advantage.