HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR KENDAMA?
You have doubts, how to choose one more than another? Kendama France helps you see more clearly!
Nowadays there is a wide variety of Kendama, the brands are very active and develop many product collections all year round!
The Kendama, this small-sized wooden toy, varies according to the species of wood and the varnish it is made of. But not to get into the technical right away, here is a little buying guide:
WHICH TO START?
It is through practice that it is easier to know what you want. All collections in Book are equal in terms of playability. They will all allow novice players to do their first figures with a certain equivalence.
This is why we like to say: For the purchase of a first Kendama we must let talk his tastes and desires according to his budget!
The category FIRST PRICE is ideal for discovering the discipline. You will find the models of the best brands there within the limit of 25 euros, without neglecting the quality of the product.
Secondly, the technical aspects of a Kendama take on meaning and help guide the player in his choice. If indeed any good kendama player tends to try everything according to the desires of the moment 😀
TO KNOW MORE ?
WOODS
There is a wide variety of wood species in the collections that make up our store. Three of them are very widely used: beech, maple and ash. Other, more exotic species can be found on certain models, generally rarer.
The type of wood is indicated in each of the product sheets in our shop.
> Beech (Beech)
This wood is a high standard in Kendama. Its characteristics are perfectly adapted to the game, it has a nice density which makes it rather solid. Beech is also renowned for its very good coefficient of bending, it offers an optimal tenderness very appreciable for the figures of "contacts" such as the birds, applause and instagram.
It is recognizable by its light coat, very often flecked with brown.
Example of Kendamas in beech: Krom Pop / Kusa Kaizen / Okendama
> Maple (Maple)
One of the most popular woods for players. Maple wood is a must for many brands when it comes to creating quality collections such as the Pro Models! Despite its average density, it is a solid wood, appreciated for its durability. Its fine grain gives the Kendama a very nice finish. The touch in hand is very pleasant and thus improves the technicality of the player. Maple is recognizable by its characteristic white robe.
Example of maple Kendamas: Krom Pro Model / Sweets Pro Model
> Ash (Ash)
This wood is making a big comeback in Kendama for its remarkable aesthetics ! Ash has a very good density, it is a robust wood, which has a high impact resistance. It is easy to machine and offers a nice surface finish, with a grain to the touch offering a nice friction. It is recognizable by its characteristic dress and its very present veining.
Example of Kendama in ash: Ozora Reshape3 Ash
> The Charm (Hornbeam)
This wood, very little used in Kendama, nevertheless has formidable qualities! Composed of long fibers, they make it one of the hardest hardwoods! Its excellent density makes it extremely hard and heavy, the Charming wooden Kendamas are therefore very resistant. Recognizable with its light, almost white dress and its slightly graying veining.
Example of Kendama in Charm: Nativ Ken Only Charm
> Bamboo (Bamboo)
This particular species of wood, also nicknamed “green steel”, is a wood that combines amazing characteristics! Known for its flexibility and lightness, it is nevertheless very resistant. It is very comfortable for stalls thanks to its elasticity and perfectly robust. It is recognized by its light brown color and its characteristic pores visible on the surface.
Example of Bamboo Kendama: Krom Pro Model Bonz Bamboo
VARNISHES
The varnish, otherwise called “clear“, is an important detail of Kendama for players who want to practice diligently in order to progress.
Indeed the varnish takes all its interest when one begins to approach figures of balance such as the Lighthouse or Lunar. These figures require a good level of control but also a personal feeling as for the correction and the maintenance of a successful balance.
There are three main families of varnishes:
> Shiny varnishes called “sticky”
They are recognizable by their bright reflections. Many collections feature this type of varnish. Indeed behind this “brilliant” aspect is a very effective “sticky” touch ! When the ken settles on the tama, its balance is very well maintained. This type of varnish really encourages the progress of beginners and experienced players and allows them to quickly master the “flip to stall” of all kinds. Sometimes you have to wait for the varnish “break-in”, that is to say that it matures over time to reveal its full potential!
Example of “sticky” varnish: Krom LOL clearly
> Matt varnishes called “rubber”
These polishes are must-haves in Kendama. This soft touch soft and silky is very appreciated by the players! Indeed, they offer a great comfort of play from the first moments! Their "non-slip" rather than "sticky" properties allow you to quickly calibrate the sensations and smoothly correct balances. Rather resistant, the varnish absorbs shocks well. They will allow beginners and experienced players to master any type of balance easily.
Example of “rubber” varnish: Krom rubber-clear / Kusa Silk clear
> Without varnish called “natty”
Kendamas with a “raw” or “natty” Tama also represent a category. They are appreciated for the feeling and the emotion that they release but also for the beauty of wood. Nevertheless a little more demanding, the balances require more concentration and finesse in the gestures. They are quite sought after because the big brands have not released too many models for several years. Players like to hone their skills with varnished Tamas to begin with before returning to “natty” to find more natural sensations! Example of “natty”: Sweets Natty Radar
Small recap ' : It is true that the varnishes represent a real assistance and facilitate the control of the balances. Once again it is difficult to say that one varnish is better or easier than the other. Each varnish has its own characteristics and each player will have a personal feeling. It is therefore preferable to let yourself be guided by an aesthetic criterion first and then ultimately to try them all to form your own opinion.
TO CONCLUDE
New to the game? So take the one you like and try, it's the best way to find out! 😀
Do not be tempted by inexpensive Kendamas, available in supermarkets or on sites like Amazon. They regularly disappoint many hobbyists because they often have design flaws (size, appearance, weight) and are made from very low-end woods. In addition for a difference of a few euros you will miss out on the game!
We hope that these tips have enlightened you and if you ever want to have personalized advice, do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email at: contact@kendama-france.com
Kendama France Team