Hey guys. I am thinking what are advantages and disadvantages of different wood types. Durability, clack, maybe some other important things. What do you think? Which do you like the most, which type of wood is the best?
I kinda like birch the best because it breaks in very well as a natty, and so far, it's been the most durable wood that I've used so far.
Ash. Because its a hardwood with beautifull sound and grain. Though it chips easily but just play it on grass and you are fine.
@goenKendama has one of the most detailed (if not the most detailed) list on the most popular kendama woods, and then some. Check it out at the link below: http://www.downspike.com/threads/kendama-comparisons.1500/
@azleonhart Thanks for the thread plug. In that post be sure to check out the Janka Hardness test link and the references at the bottom of the post for more in-depth info about different woods.
I personally hate ash wood. So inconsistent with weight. However, it does have super dope grain. Beech tends to be softer and get shredded a lot faster than other woods. Very good for insta lighthouse tricks and lunars. Maple is probably the best wood for a kendama. Good for pretty much everything. Just soft enough for insta tricks, but hard enough for easy taps and clean spikes.
i also noticed incosistency in density and weight... but if you match it well tama nad ken it is the best. ( for now ) still have a lot to try
Birch is my favorite wood. Specs are awesome, and the hardwood birch breaks in almost similarly. Its pretty durable and makes a nice sounding clack. I've also had many good experiences with birch x raw ash combos, so that's a plus. Birch life basically
Maple as its durable, has loud clacks and amazing grain. I don't feel that it breaks down really well tho
Maple is my favorite it's durable and sometimes the tama may not break in too nicely but the basecup breaks in a lot from taps and instas so it's not as slippery a people think