I’m a big fan of rubberized kendamas. When I first started learning Kendama, I used to play with an all-wax kendama. I’d often have to re-dip the kendama because it would get covered in wax. Waxed kendamas are great for beginners because they’re a bit more forgiving. They’re also cheaper and durable.
So, do you want to know some basic reasons why I would recommend starting with a rubberized kendama?
A Rubberized Kendama is a Kendama that has rubberized pads on the fingers and the bottom of the handle (basically the parts of the kendama that you hold on to). They’re very popular at the Kendama conventions, for obvious reasons. Rubberized kendamas are easier to grip, and their feelings are more like real kendamas. They’re also much easier to keep from slipping during practice. Those are the most common reasons to use a rubberized kendama, but you can also use them for tricks, just as you would do with a regular kendama.
Which one is better: a wooden or plastic version of the same model?
It might seem like wooden kendamas are more durable. They’re heavier, they have rubber pads on the fingers and bottom caps, so they can be not as slippery during practice sessions. But plastic versions of any model tend to be cheaper than their wooden counterparts (the steel models mainly) because you get less wood in return for your money. Plastic styles don’t require waxing or re-dipping until the spring breaks off where the strings are fastened to the kendama. Plastic versions of any model can be easily fixed with tape or glue, as opposed to waxing on a wooden version which can require removal, re-dipping, and subsequent goo all over again before you’re good to go!
- Yomega Pro Model Kendama – Master the Art of Coordination and Concentration!
Are you ready to take on the challenge and elevate your tossing and catching skills in a fun and engaging way? Look no further than the Yomega Pro Model Kendama!
Skill-Building Fun: This traditional Japanese skill game is designed to enhance hand-eye coordination, sharpen balance, and boost concentration levels. Perfect for players of all ages looking to enhance their dexterity!
Trickster’s Paradise: Delve into the world of traditional tricks or get creative and invent your own! From epic catches and throws to mastering spikes and stalls, the trick possibilities are endless with the Kendama Pro.
Premium Quality: Crafted with a rubberized ball (tam) and handle (ken), this Kendama features a superior design with rubberized paint that makes it easier to catch the ball on various surfaces. Enjoy the feel of quality at an affordable price point!
Customizable Fun: With colors that may vary, each Kendama Pro is a surprise waiting to be unwrapped! Get ready to showcase your skills in style with the Yomega Pro Model.
Illustrative Packaging: Explore all the catching zones with ease, thanks to the detailed illustrations on the packaging. Perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike!
Product Dimensions: 2.99 x 2.56 x 8.19 inches; Item Weight: 5.4 ounces; Manufacturer Recommended Age: 8 – 15 years.
Don’t miss out on the chance to own the Yomega Pro Model Kendama – a game that combines tradition with innovation for a truly rewarding experience. Start your Kendama journey today!
2. The Red Rubberized Kendama by Jumbo Kendama!
Experience timeless fun and skill-building with this classic deluxe kendama. The red rubberized kendama ball features a sleek finish and is adorned with a striking fire logo on the handle, adding a touch of style to your play.
Crafted from durable beech wood, this kendama stands tall at 7 inches in height, providing a comfortable grip and satisfying weight for precision play. Perfect for players aged 12 years and up, this kendama is designed to withstand hours of practice and play.
Package Dimensions: 10 x 4.45 x 2.6 inches Item Weight: 7.5 ounces ASIN: B019GIPHEA Manufacturer Recommended Age: 12 years and up
Embrace the challenge and hone your hand-eye coordination with the Red Rubberized Kendama. Add this engaging novelty toy to your collection and enjoy hours of fun mastering tricks and perfecting your skills. Get your hands on the Jumbo Kendama today!
3. Discover the unique Belted Design Kendama – Rasta Rubberized from Bahama Kendama Store!
The Bahama Kendama’s Bimini is a standard-sized kendama crafted from solid beech wood, designed for serious players seeking a challenge. The Belted model puts a fresh spin on the classic Bimini design with its eye-catching two-tone color scheme and belted paint job.
Featuring three different-sized catch zones, the Bimini kendama offers versatility for mastering various tricks and techniques. The kendama comes equipped with an extra string, ensuring you have everything you need to start playing right away.
Product Dimensions: 6 x 2 x 10 inches Item Weight: 4.9 ounces ASIN: B00IBK95U2 Manufacturer Recommended Age: 12 months and up
Ideal for players of all ages, this kendama is a favorite among enthusiasts. With its durable construction and stylish design, the Belted Design Kendama – Rasta Rubberized promises hours of entertainment and skill development. Elevate your kendama game with Bahama Kendama’s innovative and high-quality Bimini series today!
4. The Kendama USA – Kaizen Half Split Kendamas in Silk Orange, where tradition meets innovation for an exceptional playing experience!
Featuring the robust Nova shape, this competition-approved kendama boasts larger cups, a bevel for precise tricks like Lunar, and more to enhance your skills. The Silk paint offers the perfect amount of tackiness for players of all levels, ensuring your tricks land smoothly without toppling over.
Each Kaizen Kendama comes with extra-long strings, a bead, a stringing tool, stickers, and a pocket trick guide for added convenience and fun. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the quick-start guide helps you learn the basics and progress quickly, unlocking endless trick possibilities.
Package Dimensions: 9.45 x 3.11 x 2.68 inches Item Weight: 9.8 ounces ASIN: B09LFPRMYH Manufacturer Recommended Age: 13 years and up
The refined icons of the Kaizen Half Split Kendamas offer updated features like super stick paint, a tracking point at the ball’s apex, and vibrant color-matched strings for modern play. With a focus on both aesthetics and performance, these kendamas are designed to elevate your game to new heights.
Experience the evolution of kendama engineering with the Nova shape, meticulously crafted for traditional and modern play styles. The increased cup and tama sizes, enhanced bevel, and drilled base cups ensure enhanced balance, stability, and control during your tricks and stunts.
Dive into the world of kendama mastery with the Half Split design that aids in precise hole positioning and trick executions. The durable super stick coating allows for secure catches and withstands high-velocity moves, making it an essential tool for honing your kendama skills. Elevate your play with Kendama USA’s innovative Kaizen Half Split Kendamas today!
5. The Kendama Maple Wood Toy – Pro Model with Rubber Paint Ball and Extra String, a classic Japanese game that offers fun and skill-building for players of all ages!
Made from real solid maple wood, this Kendama features a deep cup design that allows for easy ball-catching from four different angles, enhancing hand-eye coordination and reflexes. The bright and fashionable blue and white color scheme adds a stylish touch to this durable and high-quality toy.
Product Dimensions: 2.76 x 2.36 x 7.09 inches Item Weight: 6 ounces ASIN: B074Q6GGH8 Manufacturer: Shenzhen Xin Jing Kang Technology Co., LTD
The Kendama Maple Wood Toy is a great tool for strengthening hand-eye coordination, balance, and creativity. This educational toy is perfect for developing children’s motor skills while providing hours of engaging play.
This rubber paint Kendama offers faster catching and safer play, thanks to its solid maple wood construction. The game, consisting of three cups positioned strategically on the stick, challenges players to improve their skills and master various tricks.
Please note that this toy is not suitable for children under 8 years old.
From users and their reviews highlight the exceptional quality, entertainment value, and long-lasting durability of this Kendama. With praise for its great paint quality, sturdy construction, and enjoyable play experience, customers appreciate the overall value and craftsmanship of this Kendama. Experience the joy and skill-building benefits of Kendama with the Maple Wood Toy – Pro Model!
6. The Tide Kendama from Bahama Kendama, a must-have for kendama enthusiasts looking for a vibrant and challenging play experience!
This Original Bahama Kendama features a ‘Sticky’ rubber paint finish in a striking green color, perfect for enhancing your grip and mastering those difficult tricks. The standard size design ensures a comfortable feel in hand, while the matte finish adds a touch of elegance to this skillful toy.
Product Dimensions: 10 x 2 x 6 inches Item Weight: 5.4 ounces ASIN: B00XNLIOTM Item Model Number: BKBMNRT Manufacturer Recommended Age: 12 years and up
Crafted for adult players seeking a unique kendama experience, the Tide Kendama showcases Bahama Kendama’s commitment to innovation and quality. The rubberized paint not only offers exceptional stickiness but also adds a vibrant look that resembles the dynamic waves of the ocean.
As a mark of authenticity, look for the Bahama Kendama signature palms on the large cup and the BK authenticity sticker on the Ken. Accept no imitations – choose genuine Bahama Kendama for an unmatched kendama performance.
Experience the thrill of mastering challenging tricks with the Tide Kendama’s exceptional design and high-quality construction. Elevate your kendama skills with this exceptional toy that combines style and functionality seamlessly.
What is the rubberized kendama?
A rubberized kendama is a kendama that has a coating or surface made of rubber or a rubber-like material instead of the traditional painted wood surface. This rubber coating provides several benefits:
- Enhanced Grip: The rubberized surface offers better grip compared to traditional painted kendamas, making it easier to perform tricks that require precise movements.
- Durable: Rubberized kendamas are often more durable than painted kendamas as the rubber coating can withstand impacts and wear better.
- Less Slippery: The rubber material reduces slippage, especially when attempting complex tricks that require precise control over the ball and the ken.
- Variety of Designs: Rubberized kendamas come in various colors and designs, providing options for kendama players to choose a style that suits their preferences.
Ultimately, choosing a rubberized kendama can enhance your playing experience based on the added grip and durability it offers. It’s a popular choice among players who prioritize these features in their kendama.
How do you choose a good rubberized kendama?
When choosing a good rubberized kendama, consider the following factors to ensure you select one that fits your preferences and playing style:
- Brand Reputation: Opt for well-known kendama brands like Sweets Kendamas, KROM Kendama, Bahama Kendama, or other reputable brands that are known for producing high-quality kendamas.
- Quality of Rubber Coating: Check reviews and feedback from other players to determine the quality of the rubberized coating. Ensure that the rubber material used is durable, offers good grip, and doesn’t wear off easily.
- Weight and Balance: Pay attention to the weight distribution and balance of the kendama. A well-balanced kendama can enhance playability and make it easier to perform tricks.
- Design and Style: Choose a kendama with a design and color scheme that you find appealing. Many rubberized kendamas come in a variety of vibrant colors and patterns to suit different preferences.
- Price: Set a budget and look for a rubberized kendama that offers good value for the price. Consider the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and features offered in relation to the cost.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Research online reviews, seek recommendations from experienced kendama players, and participate in kendama forums to gather insights on popular and well-regarded rubberized kendama models.
- Try Before You Buy: If possible, try out different rubberized kendamas in person to get a feel for the grip, weight, and overall performance before making a purchase.
By considering these factors, you can choose a high-quality rubberized kendama that suits your preferences and helps enhance your kendama skills and enjoyment. Happy kendama playing!
Is there any difference between the two types of kendamas?
Yes, there are different types of kendamas available, each with its own characteristics and materials used. The two main types of kendamas are:
- Traditional Wooden Kendamas:
- Material: Traditional kendamas are typically made of wood, with the ken (handle) made of a lighter wood like beech or maple and the tama (ball) made of heavier wood like cherry or walnut.
- Feel: Wooden kendamas offer a natural feel and are known for their balance and weight distribution, which can vary based on the type of wood used.
- Sound: Wooden kendamas produce a distinct clack sound when the tama hits the cups, which some players find satisfying.
- Durability: While wooden kendamas may show signs of wear over time, they are generally durable and can withstand regular use.
- Rubberized Kendamas:
- Material: Rubberized kendamas feature a rubber coating on the tama and/or ken, providing enhanced grip and control during play.
- Grip: The rubber coating on these kendamas offers a different grip compared to traditional wooden kendamas, which some players find advantageous for certain tricks.
- Durability: The rubber coating on kendamas can vary in durability, with some models holding up well to regular use and others showing wear more quickly.
- Performance: Rubberized kendamas can have a different feel during play compared to wooden kendamas, and some players prefer them for specific tricks or styles.
Ultimately, the choice between traditional wooden kendamas and rubberized kendamas comes down to personal preference, playing style, and which characteristics are most important to you as a kendama player. Some players enjoy the classic feel of wooden kendamas, while others appreciate the enhanced grip and control of rubberized kendamas for certain tricks. Experimenting with both types can help you determine which one suits your preferences and playing style best.
Are there any drawbacks to using a rubberized kendama?
While rubberized kendamas offer various benefits such as enhanced grip and durability, there are some potential drawbacks to consider when using this type of kendama:
- Reduced Traditional Feel: Some players enjoy the natural and traditional feel of wooden kendamas, and the rubberized coating can alter this tactile experience.
- Aesthetics: Some players prefer the look of natural wood kendamas over the appearance of rubberized kendamas, which may have a different aesthetic appeal.
- Rubber Wear: Depending on the quality of the rubber coating, it may wear out over time with extended use, potentially affecting grip and overall performance.
- Weight Distribution: The added weight and texture of the rubberized coating may slightly alter the weight distribution of the kendama, which can impact certain tricks or play styles.
- Sound: Rubberized kendamas may produce a different sound compared to traditional wooden kendamas during play, which can be a factor for some players who enjoy the acoustics of kendama tricks.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the choice between a rubberized kendama and a wooden kendama comes down to personal preference. Some players may simply prefer the feel and performance of traditional wooden kendamas.
It’s essential to try out both types of kendamas and consider your playing style and preferences before deciding on a rubberized kendama. While there are drawbacks to consider, many players find that the benefits of improved grip and durability outweigh any potential drawbacks when using a rubberized kendama.
