The Nimbus Racing Broom Series

• Type: Transportation, Racing Broom
• Owners: Various, most notably Harry Potter (Nimbus 2000), Draco Malfoy and the 2002-2003 Slytherin Quidditch team (Nimbus 2001)
• Maker: Nimbus Racing Broom Company

The Nimbus series was a line of world-class racing brooms, renowned for their speed and handling. Each model was an improvement on the last, setting new standards for performance in the wizarding world. The Nimbus 2000 was described as sleek and gleaming, with a handle made of mahogany. It featured a long tail of neat, straight twigs and the name “Nimbus Two Thousand” written in gold near the top of the handle. At the time of its release, it was the fastest broomstick available. The Nimbus 2001 was the successor model, designed to be even faster than the 2000. It was visually distinct with a jet-black handle and silver lettering. The entire Slytherin team was equipped with these brooms, making them look like “seven shiny, black flies” in the air. Older models such as the Nimbus 1000, 1001, 1500, and 1700 are also known to exist, establishing a long lineage of quality brooms from the company. (Quidditch Through the Ages)

The primary function of any Nimbus broom is high-speed flying, making it ideal for the sport of Quidditch and for any witch or wizard desiring top-tier aerial transportation.

• Speed and Acceleration: The defining feature of the Nimbus series was its exceptional speed. Each new model surpassed its predecessor, with the Nimbus 2000 and 2001 holding the title of fastest broom on the market during their respective tenures.
• Handling and Maneuverability: Beyond raw speed, Nimbus brooms were known for their superior handling, allowing riders to make sharp turns and sudden stops with ease. This agility was crucial for Quidditch players, especially Seekers and Chasers.
• Reliability: As a top-of-the-line product, the Nimbus was built to be durable and reliable under demanding conditions, though not indestructible, as demonstrated by the fate of Harry Potter's Nimbus 2000.

The Nimbus Racing Broom Company was founded in 1967 and quickly revolutionized the world of broomsticks. Their first model, the Nimbus 1000, could reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour and was praised for its ability to turn 360 degrees on the spot, a combination of speed and agility previously unseen. This established the Nimbus brand as the undisputed leader in the field, a position they held for many years, overshadowing competitors like the Cleansweep and Comet series. (Quidditch Through the Ages) The company continued to innovate, releasing a series of improved models that became the standard for professional Quidditch teams worldwide. The Nimbus 2000 was launched in 1991 and was considered the best broom in existence. It was followed in 1992 by the even faster Nimbus 2001. The series' dominance only came to an end in 1993 with the release of the technologically superior Firebolt, which surpassed the Nimbus 2001 as the world's premier racing broom.

The Nimbus brooms play a significant role in the early novels, symbolizing talent, status, and the central rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin. The Nimbus 2000 was a pivotal object in Harry's first year. A gift from Professor McGonagall upon discovering his natural flying talent, it allowed him to become the youngest House Quidditch player in a century. The broom became an extension of Harry himself, helping him secure numerous victories for Gryffindor. Its violent destruction by the Whomping Willow during a match in Harry's third year was a deeply felt loss, representing the end of an era in his young Quidditch career and paving the way for him to receive the even more powerful Firebolt. The Nimbus 2001 series served as a major plot point in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Lucius Malfoy gifted a full set of these brooms to the Slytherin team, thereby securing his son, Draco Malfoy, the position of Seeker. This act highlighted the theme of wealth and influence versus earned skill, a core element of the Slytherin-Gryffindor rivalry. Despite the Nimbus 2001's technical superiority over Harry's 2000 model, Harry's greater skill as a flyer ultimately allowed him to defeat Draco and catch the Golden Snitch.

• Etymology: The name “Nimbus” has two relevant meanings. It refers to a type of dark, precipitating cloud, evoking images of the sky and speed. It also means a bright halo or aura, which reflects the broom's prestigious and top-quality status in the wizarding world.
• Film Adaptation: In the film adaptations, the Nimbus 2000 was given a distinctive design that included metal foot stirrups, a feature not mentioned in the novels. The Nimbus 2001 was also given a unique look, appearing slightly more angular and aggressive than its predecessor. (film)
• Company History: The detailed history of the Nimbus Racing Broom Company, including its founding date of 1967 and specifics on the Nimbus 1000 model, is provided in the supplementary book Quidditch Through the Ages.