Mines probably a Grain Theory E-1 in bamboo or maple. But I need to buy more, I've tried Walnut and cherry wood as well. I definitely don't like these bigger kens with wack lunar balance
I have all sorts of fancy kens that I really love, but I always keep coming back to my old standard size beech kens, like the Krom Pop ken and the Shift shape.
DWI V3 is probably my favorite ken shape. The E1 is a close second. After that, I don't have much preference. I'm partial to Pops as well but it's been a minute since I've jammed one.
@Jamin We already had a similar thread so yours has been merged. Here are some other threads of interest (found with our generally usable Search function ) : Best kendama you've played! Favorite spike shape! Favorite JKA dama Favorite Series Favorite premium kendama Favorite type of tama Favorite kendama
I'm of the school of not liking most newer large cup kens that feel unbalanced (not talking just lunar) in my opinion. I learned on a kaizen 2.0 which has only become second on my list to Terra shapes. The new and old Rods, Prefects, and a custom shape that Alex kindly whipped up for me merging older size and Prefect style remain at the top of the list for me. Da.O also has a special place in my heart, such a good all around ken. And of course the GT 1 was a masterpiece.
I Concur on the Kaizen 2.0! It's such a slept on shape just because it came out at the same time as the Sweets Prime and Krom Pop. It's a really balanced shape, where the cups aren't too big and everything just feels locked in.