The Grain Split is one of Sweets Kendamas’ most recognisable designs. Its decoration draws on something almost every kendama player appreciates: the grain of the wood. It belongs to the Prime series, the brand’s entry-level range, and this is the Laser Tag version.

• BrandSweets Kendamas
• SeriesPrime, Grain Split 2.0 Laser Tag
• ShapeBOOST, designed by Christian Fraser
• TamaGrain Split design with a white base, Sticky Clear lacquer
• IncludesMatching spare string and Prime stickers

Design

A kendama has three parts: the ken (the handle with the spike), the sarado (the crosspiece with the side cups) and the tama (the ball). The tama carries the Grain Split print, which uses the wood grain as a graphic element, and its lower half is white. That light area around the hole works as a reference point for tracking it by eye and landing the spike, the trick of sticking the ball onto the point of the ken. The tama is finished in Sticky Clear, Sweets’ clear, glossy lacquer: slightly tacky, it gives grip for balance tricks while still leaving room to adjust the ball’s position.

Shape and level

The ken is the BOOST shape, created by long-time Sweets player Christian Fraser as an evolution of the old Prime: slightly larger cups, more pronounced ledges for stalls (the ball resting still on the ken) and a balance bevel on the base cup that makes the lunar (the ken balanced on the ball) easier. It belongs to Sweets’ entry-level range, although experienced players use the BOOST too. The string complements the tama, and the box includes a spare one plus Prime series stickers.