Kinda depends on how much work you want to put in it. For me, ash doesn't take much work, and breaks in super for stalls
Thereis no answer for this. Take a look at what companies are offering. It's not by random selection. Ash, maple, birch, and beech have become a staple in the industry because they play well over time. There are some other options for you. Those"exotic" woods are found here and there, but it's the same ones (Purple Heart, walnut, padauk, wenge, zebrano, oak, mohagany, etc) because of pricing and other options manufacturers have to worry about for the consumer. @Andy Dama do you have a natty dama? If so, what are you jamming? If not, don't worry too much. Get you hands on one, any one, and jam it to pieces. You'll see that the transformation from beginning to end takes you on quite a journey!!
I heard that broken in Damas are also good for lunars and stuff so I wanted to try, I think I might get an ash just because I don't have one, sound good? Thanks!
Ash is good. From my experience, the kens are lightweight. They have a high texture so stalls are delicious with them. ¡CLACK! Is warm and comforting. Are you getting a 2.0 select?
Verawood Pill, circa 2014 (courtesy of @TerraKendama) The smell, Terra was referring to? Citrus-y. Refreshing. (I also have a Krom Viking made out of cheesewood, if that’s your kinda thing)
Kusa has/had Vera wood kaizens in their exotic section. I've seen one in person and they do smell great. But one drop on concrete and the tama will split in half. At least that's what the dude selling it told me.