The POP LOL is the beginner kendama from Krom, the Danish brand founded in Copenhagen by freestyle world champion Thorkild May. It is an improved version of the POP, one of the brand’s best-selling models, and is made in many colours; this is the dark blue one.

• BrandKrom Kendama
• ModelPOP LOL
• ShapeCK
• WoodBeech (ken and tama)
• Tama61 mm, clear LOL lacquer
• ColourDark blue

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 POP LOL uses Krom’s CK shape, a versatile, sturdy shape with large side cups that give more stability and make catches easier. The spike is slim and the tama’s hole wide, which makes the spike (sticking the ball onto the point) easier. The base cup has a hole that helps with balance tricks, and the string hole is slightly off-centre, as on Japanese-style kendamas. The tama also features a Krom reference line that helps you see where the hole is.

Materials and level

Both ken and tama are made of beech, a hard wood that stands up well to the knocks of early attempts. The tama measures 61 mm and is finished in LOL, a fairly tacky clear lacquer from Krom: it holds the ball in balance tricks and makes your first tricks come more easily. It is designed for beginners, although experienced players use it too. The box includes a bearing at the string attachment, which stops the string from twisting, a spare string, a tool for changing it and stickers.