I’m not doubting the quality of any kendama company, least of all Sweets. Their stuff looks awesome. But I do think it’s unfair to promote something like the Tribute, or any others with a glossy tama, as a beginners kendama. It’s not like those damas aren’t more than capable of Lunars and Lighthouses. The tacky tama just makes them easier.
I’ve only been clicking for a few weeks. I actually kind of wish I’d gotten a tackier tama. I’d be sticking Lighthouses by now instead of only holding them for a second. But, I know a few more weeks of sneaking in play will wear my tama in well enough to hold them.
So, Greg, if you’re in the market, I’d say go straight to the Sweets Atack. It’s about $5 more than a Tribute and will probably flatten out your learning curve a little. Or, if you like to do things the hard way, like me, get something else and break it in.
Quick question, Nemyo… How tacky is the Atack? What sort of surface would you compare it to?
It’s quite tacky, and I honestly don’t know what surface I would compare it to…
Its sorta like the beadblast of kendama, and is sorta like a beadblast in feel, but I can’t really think of a surface right now that it resembles it fully or is very similar to it. All I can say is that it made lighthouse easier to land (but it is still challenging to land of course, just a lot easier than with a glossy finish)
I have 2 sweets. One with the Aisuru finish and one Matte Marble. The Aisuru finish is tackier than my Ozora and tribute, but it still isnt easy sticking lighthouses. The matte marble on the other hand feels almost like cheating. The chalky texture makes lighthouses extremely easy. I would recommend an aTack or a Matte Marble to anyone starting out.
I use the term “extremely easy” loosely. Meaning extremely easy for someone who can semi-consistently land them on a glossy ball. At my poor skill level, the matte finish is really the only way I can land lighthouses. I have landed about 4 on my Aisuru (glossy), and about 25 on my matte marble. I have landed 0 on my tribute and ozora tamas.
Im going to get one soon… probably a natty sweets one. YYE said they should be getting them “very soon”, but they dont exactly know. They said that last week when I emailed them and i have heard no word of them coming in. I think they are just waiting for them to be sent to them… not sure though. I’ll probably be getting one from the lovely people at YYE as soon as they get them in.
Also, I’ve seen some CRAZY things done with kendamas. Anyone who says it’s not as creative as yoyoing is nuts.
Edit: Also… i feel like people that love fixed axle (me) love kendama… I will test this theory when I get mine
Flattening out the curve sounds up my alley. aTack might be the way to go!
throwrw: I love fixed, too. You might be right about that! A friend who throws just doesn’t “get” the fixed thing; when he saw kendama he uttered a “yuk” and made me laugh a bit.
I don’t know much about it. I’m sure it would be great for getting the basics down and learning to juggle, but eventually you’ll probably want to upgrade to a brand specific to kendamas.
I think there may be a small correlation between fixed axle love and kendama addiction. It’s like a fixed axle yoyo in one regard, at least: “(Miss. Miss. Miss. Miss… Hit) Oh yeah! How do you like me now, kendama! I own you! Who’s your daddy? I done told you once, you son of a beech, I’m the best that’s ever been! Whoo! ( Miss. Miss. Miss. Miss.)”.
I’d made a similar observation in another thread. It’s probably why kendama appeals to fixed axle players, as well. We’re already wired to accept and enjoy brevity in tricks.