The Elite is the standard-size ken shape from Active Kendama, a brand of design-led kendamas with an international team of players. This version is made of beech, with the Thunderbolt design on the tama and a tacky finish.

• BrandActive Kendama
• ShapeElite, standard size
• WoodBeech
• FinishTacky
• StringAbout 58 cm

Design

A kendama is made up of the ken (handle with spike), the sarado (the piece with the side cups) and the tama (the ball). On the Elite the sarado is wider so that gunslingers (spinning the ken around your hand) come out smoother, the cups are large to give more support in lunars and lighthouse tricks, and pronounced edges improve grip in stall tricks. The spike is thinner and sits closer to the handle, which makes kenflips more comfortable, and the bevel on the tama is wide enough for balance tricks without feeling loose.

Materials and finish

Beech is the most common wood in kendama thanks to its hardness and stability. The tacky finish is a slightly sticky clear lacquer that helps hold the ball in balances and landings, although it softens with use. The hole in the tama and the bearing bead are slightly wider so the string tangles less. Given its size, the brand considers it suitable for competition.