Curling iron barrel sizes?

[xcoco]

Hi, I really dont understand 1''barrel 3/4 barrel and all that. I am looking for a curling iron that would help me achieve curls like those:
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k2...g?t=1257548166
But I want a curling iron that can give me medium sized curls, sometimes tight curls and sometimes looser.
I was hesitating between this curling iron:
BaByliss PRO GT Gold Titanium Spring Curling Iron (3/4" )

and this one :

BaByliss PRO Ceramic Tools 1 1/4" Spring Curling Iron

Which curling iron & barrel size would you recommend(any brand but I don't want something too expensive)?
Thanks

[gildedangel]

The fraction refers to the number of inches that the barrel is in diameter; so a 3/4 curling iron has a diameter of 3/4 of an inch. If you want medium curls, I suggest anywhere between 1 1/4 and 1 1/2. To make curls tighter or looser is more technique than size.

[Donut]

I agree. tighter or looser curls is more about technique. I think it also depends on how long your hair is if you have shorter hair a 1 1/2 or 1 1/4 is too big.

PB breaks it down different size irons in a youtube video:

YouTube - Curling Iron Sizes 411 (pursebuzz.com for makeup and hair)

Personally i use a 1" hot tools marcel curling iron, the marcel doesn't have a spring loaded clamp so I can wrap my hair around it from the top rather than having to curl it from the bottom up. I have like shoulder length medium thickness hair, but that's just my preference. it's fairly inexpensive and has very good reviews.

hope this helps