Top Kendama’s for Beginners and Pros Alike In 2023

Kendama is a traditional Japanese toy that has been around for centuries. It’s a simple yet challenging game that has gained popularity worldwide in recent years. The game consists of a wooden ball attached to a handle by a string, with cups and a spike on the other end of the handle. The objective is to catch the ball in one of the cups or on the spike using various tricks and techniques.

In 2023, there are many Kendama brands and models available on the market, making it challenging to choose the best one. When looking for the best Kendama, the most critical factor to consider is the quality of the materials used in its construction. High-quality wood and string are essential for durability and performance. Another essential factor is the weight and balance of the Kendama, which can affect the ease of use and the ability to perform tricks.

We spent countless hours researching and testing ten Kendama’s to identify the best ones of 2023. Our goal was to find Kendama’s that offer a perfect balance of quality, performance, and value. In the next section, we will share our findings and recommendations for the best Kendama’s of 2023.

Best Kendama’s of 2023

We have scoured the market and tested dozens of Kendama’s to bring you the ultimate list of the best ones available in 2023. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, our roundup has something for everyone. From traditional wooden designs to modern, high-tech options, we’ve got you covered. So without further ado, here are our top picks for the best Kendama’s of 2023.

Sweets Kendamas Grain Split 2.0 Prime Kendama

We highly recommend the Sweets Kendama’s Grain Split 2.0 Prime Kendama for anyone looking to purchase a high-quality kendama. This kendama is perfect for both beginners and pro players, and the oversized cups make it easy to learn the basics.

Pros

• The solid wood construction of the kendama is of high quality, and the 2-piece beech wood cup and spike design make it perfect for both left and right-handed players.
• The custom Grain Split paint job offers excellent tack for all play levels and won’t chip over time. The stickiness helps beginners learn the basics faster, and experienced players are able to land advanced stall tricks like lighthouse and lunar.
• Sweets Kendama’s is an original USA brand that has been designing and painting kendama’s in Minneapolis, MN since 2010. All purchases also support the Sweets Kendama’s Foundation, a non-profit which uses Kendama to teach growth mindset, social emotional learning, and mindfulness through play in schools all over the USA.

Cons

• The kendama may be a bit heavy for some players, which can make it difficult to perform certain tricks.
• The string may be too long for some players, which may affect their performance.
• Some players may find the kendama to be a bit too expensive compared to other models in the market.

The Sweets Kendama’s Grain Split 2.0 Prime Kendama is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality kendama. The kendama is made of solid wood and has a custom paint job that offers excellent tack. It is perfect for both beginners and pro players, and the oversized cups make it easy to learn the basics. The kendama also comes with a quick-start guide and free access to a video tutorial series with step-by-step instruction to over 200+ tricks. Additionally, the kendama has an industry-leading customer service and full Amazon return policy. If you don’t like it, send it back for a 100% refund.

KENDAMA TOY CO. 2 Pack – The Best Kendama for All Kinds of Fun

We highly recommend purchasing the KENDAMA TOY CO. 2 Pack for anyone looking to improve their hand-eye coordination and reflexes while having fun.

Pros

• Eco-friendly bamboo construction
• Unique crackle paint method for a one-of-a-kind look
• Great for encouraging friendly competition and family fun

Cons

• String tether is not very durable
• May not be suitable for younger children without supervision
• Some users have reported issues with the string detaching from the ball

The KENDAMA TOY CO. 2 Pack is a great addition to any game night or family gathering. The bamboo construction is not only eco-friendly but also lightweight and durable. The unique crackle paint method ensures that each Kendama has its own distinct look.

One of the best things about this set is that it comes with two Kendamas, making it perfect for friendly competition and family fun. However, the string tether may not be very durable and some users have reported issues with it detaching from the ball.

While this Kendama set is great for older kids, younger children may need supervision due to the string tether. Overall, the KENDAMA TOY CO. 2 Pack is a fun and unique way to improve hand-eye coordination and reflexes.

Sweets Kendamas Prime Sport Stripe Kendama

If you’re looking for a high-quality Kendama that’s perfect for both beginners and pros, the Sweets Kendama’s Prime Sport Stripe Kendama is the way to go.

Pros

• The solid wood construction and regulation size make it easy to handle and learn with.
• The custom Grain Split paint job offers excellent tack for all play levels and won’t chip over time.
• The quick-start guide and free access to video tutorials make it easy to learn and progress quickly.

Cons

• The Kendama can be a bit heavy for some players, making it difficult to perform certain tricks.
• The string that comes with the Kendama may be too short for some players.
• The paint may wear off after heavy use.

We were impressed with the quality of this Kendama. The solid wood construction and regulation size make it easy to handle and learn with, while the custom Grain Split paint job offers excellent tack for all play levels and won’t chip over time. The quick-start guide and free access to video tutorials make it easy to learn and progress quickly. However, the Kendama can be a bit heavy for some players, making it difficult to perform certain tricks. Additionally, the string that comes with the Kendama may be too short for some players, and the paint may wear off after heavy use. Overall, we highly recommend the Sweets Kendama’s Prime Sport Stripe Kendama for anyone looking for a high-quality Kendama that’s perfect for both beginners and pros.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best Kendama, there are a few key features to consider. In this buying guide, we will go over the most important factors to keep in mind when making your decision.

Shape

The shape of the Kendama is one of the most important factors to consider. The shape will affect the way the Kendama feels in your hand and how it performs during play. There are a few different shapes to choose from, including:

• Classic: This shape is the most common and is great for beginners. It has a traditional shape with a larger cup and a smaller spike.
• Slim: This shape is thinner than the classic shape and is great for players who prefer a lighter Kendama.
• Hybrid: This shape combines elements of the classic and slim shapes, offering a balance between the two.

Material

The material of the Kendama is another important factor to consider. The two most common materials are wood and plastic. Wood Kendamas are more traditional and offer a natural feel, while plastic Kendama’s are more durable and can be easier to learn on.

Weight

The weight of the Kendama is also important to consider. A heavier Kendama will be more stable during play, while a lighter Kendama will be easier to maneuver and perform tricks with. It’s important to find a weight that feels comfortable for you.

String

The string of the Kendama is often overlooked, but it can make a big difference in how the Kendama performs. A longer string will allow for more slack tricks, while a shorter string will make the Kendama more responsive. It’s important to find a string length that works for your play style.

Tama

The tama is the ball at the end of the Kendama’s string. The material and size of the tama can affect the way the Kendama performs. A larger tama will be easier to catch, while a smaller tama will be more challenging. The material of the tama can also affect the weight and feel of the Kendama.

In conclusion, when choosing the best Kendama for you, consider the shape, material, weight, string, and tama. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a Kendama that feels comfortable and performs well during play.