Kendama USA has some of the most creative pro mod designs out there and I love every single one of them. KUSA has released their kaizen 2.0 shape which I've heard so many good things about and agree that it's definitely an upgrade from the old kaizen shape. As for the pro mods I think that they should all get an upgrade and maybe be re-released with the new kaizen ken shape. Idk I don't know to much about what KUSA is thinking of releasing these days but let me know what you guys think about the KUSA pro mods or anything else related to that.
Well, we all saw Wyatt Bray's newest pro mod come out a couple months back and it was in the 2.0 shape. Definitely was a first step. Dave and TJ's pro mods that came out about this time last year introduced more unique setups since most of the first V4 pro mods were all beech wood (besides Zack Yourd who had a sassafrass tama and Alex Smith who had a full maple). With the current pro player lineup, and with MKO in 4 months maybe we'll see an announcement of new kaizen 2.0/slim pro mods before or at the event? Or maybe it will be teased at KWC next month before an official announcement? We'll just have to wait and see what KUSA does, if it's even in their plans at all.
Personally, I'd love to see some Kaizen 2.0 pro mods! Definitely one of my top 3 favorite shapes. Both the currently available pro mods made in 2.0 shape and/or newly designed pro mods. Maybe we'll see KUSA use a new paint instead of silk? (Like on Wyatt and TJ's pro mod tamas).
i was thinking the same thing. but if ever they make it a re production but in a new shape, i guess it will be nice. but i might be also thinking of a legacy kendama for the old pros, especially who are now just support KUSA & it's players. i mean think how would KUSA commemorate or solidify their place as a legacy player. kinda like legends in sweets but legends do have their mods yet. meybe sweets could do the same?
Maybe he's talking about Colin, Zack, Turner, and Alex who have all been on the KUSA pro team for well over 2-3 years.
I personally like the Legacy players idea. Some of their Pros have kinda stepped away from being super active in the community and then you have other players coming up who kinda deserve that Pro spot, or at least will VERY soon. I personally believe some of their Tribe members are better players than some on their Pro Team and they are far more active. Would be cool to see like Keith and someone else get moved to some sorta "Legacy" status and then put like Logan or Williams on the pro team. A Williams Pro Mod would probably be off the chain. And where is the Hailey Pro Mod??? She is on their Pro team, according to the website.
Here's something interesting I just saw earlier. 2.0 shape teej mod? May be something unique to him, like a one-off. Or possibly a teaser??
Those 2.0's are made in China, so maybe not a one off (probably a box of at least 20 or so). This does look like what we are hoping for: 2.0 or slim releases of the new line PRO. Nice find @KeeganS !! Currently the market is being filled with unique shape designs for promods, not just colorways. I don't think KUSA will take that route, but everyday is new day for a fresh look at what consumers want.
All i know is i've been waiting to get a new teej mod so maybe I'll wait a bit longer for that new new! Until this last year - year and a half, KUSA's OG Kaizen shape was pretty unique among other kendama shapes barring those at higher price points. Even F3s last year still kept a relatively standard shape give or take a few adjustments. With a number of smaller companies essentially using the same OG Kaizen shape I can see KUSA coming out with more 2.0 shaped setups. Pineapple Kendamas comes to mind, same with Northern Kendamas who even have a new shape similar/same as the 2.0 shape. Both the OG and 2.0 shapes are great shapes in and of themselves, it'd be up to us as customers to demand what we want to see and hopefully they'll come up with a way to supply it (business)
The OG Kaizen shape is thicker on the ken near the ring stop. The new 2.0 Kaizen shape has a more sleek look with sharper angles. Plus on the 2.0 shape, the cup rims on all three cups (big, small, and base) are all curved for better stall lines. The OG kaizen shape have straight cup rims