What's the deal? Is it worth it? How do they justify their cost? $120 for a dama, the dama had better be a damn good dama? Do they all have interchangeable tips? Anyone played them?
There is a history behind the creator of Mugens. He is known to produce some of the highest quality kendamas in the game, and sets his prices to match. They are made in relatively small batches, and have a very high standard for quality control. The wood used is very durable, and each piece seems to be made with care. The standard model comes with an interchangeable tip, but certain runs (such as keyaki) come without.
Definitely high quality piece worth the price. I purchased mine around the time there was still hype for them, so it was a lot higher than what they go for now. I think everyone should at least have one in their collection.
Agreed with @Sidoshi, having one in your collection is a must. They are really well made and break in so well.
@Almostgets There are three models, the original (OG) mugens, the mugen musou, and now the newer shape of musou (shiguchi is maybe the model name?) The OG mugens look almost identical to an ozora, just some slight shape differences. They are sort of 'rare' since they haven't been made since 2008, though if you look you can prob find one for sale. Right now, expect prices to be around $300 for a new one, unless it is a rare colour. Used, maybe $200-250 depending on condition. If this seems crazy, consider that a couple years ago some people were paying $5-600 for new white, wine or gold mugens. Maybe more. The musous came out a few years ago, after a campaign by GLOKEN to have Kazuma return to the game (search youtube to see some cringy videos of N American players trying to convince him to make kendamas again. they actually held a contest for who could make the best video like this. LOL) They have a plastic tip, and a hole drilled in the base. They're the tiniest bit larger than normal, and usually have nice paint jobs. There are some models that don't have the tip, like the first special edition release (earth blue), or the keyaki. Musous are made in large numbers, save for a couple of special models, contrary to what @Colin Hislop said. The newest shape (shiguchi? I don't know if thats the actual name) is different, and doesn't feature the plastic tip or the hole in the bottom. It has some odd features like faceted bird stalls, and the largest handle ring I've ever seen, it is truly a unique looking kendama. The 'microgrip paint' on them is awesome. I think Kazuma Iwatta has some of the best paint in the game, consistently. He is very good at making beautiful tamas, that also play SUPER well.
@htimSxelA He's also coming out with another series called "planet" this Friday that is in-store only (at the Kendama Shop YUME store in Hatsukaichi) He has 3 colors (a gray, purple, and blue) and a more public release is happening later.
Do you have an idea of how many Musous drop per batch? I don't. I haven't seen any numbered boxes over 400. In comparison to the numbers of kaizens or homegrowns that get produced, Musou batches seem relatively small.
It will depend on which colour I would guess, I don't know specifics but the sakura pearl was touted as a special/limited edition, and there are hundreds of them (mine is num 321). Kaizen 1.0s would be made in larger numbers for sure, but HGs are definitely smaller batch than Kaizens, and I don't really know how HGs / musous would compare. When people say 'relatively small batches', I think in the range of 50 pieces. In Mugen terms, the pokeball or emerald green would be small batch
I have not had one of these, but I have heard they play amazing. its just like buying a 130 buck gt. but I would rather get a gt then a mugen
I have a fresh Sakura Pearl and it makes me feel sad not to jam it. I should totally open it up and slay it but I just can't bring myself to do it. I also have a Meteor Red that I slay often. Love it.
Jam them all to dust! It feels shameful to keep such a masterpiece unplayed, as the creator would have intended.
I used to have a meteor red that I was GIVEN! Yes, my rather unintelligent self took his mugen to school and saw his first ever ash kendama. A homegrown. A beauty for sure but by no means in a close competition with my musou. Long story short, I traded for the ash, which I was obsessed with(the graaaaiiin) and chipped it the first week. Hated my life since. Oh well
If I had a Mugen Musou I'd imagine that I'd have to jam it to pieces! Just...maybe with a bit more care and not attempt string tricks with it over concrete . Still, once a kendama starts costing that much, it's hard to have the heart to. I get it. I got in my possession an OG Blue Mugen in 10/10 condition and I just...can't. My inner collector would shrivel and die. I've done big cup and lunar once on it and that's it. LOL.
I feel ya. But it's also a shame to not jam it to pieces. My guess is that the creator would want you to enjoy the Kendama as it was intended to be, played. I say take a photo of it, and play it the fullest extent that any Kendama can be played. And savor every minute of play.