I’m torn between which dama I should get between these two. I have 3 primes and I’m just unsure if I would like the E1 because I’ve never tried one and I don’t know if I would like the shape/feel. If anyone has any helpful insight that would be much appreciated.
I would always say to go with a Prime especially if you already like the shape and paint. but... you should also explore new shapes, paints, and companies. GT is a great brand that gives back to the community always. so in this case I would say try something new and go with the E1
The e is an amazing kendama, but I think the E1 feels better, and plays much nicer. The stalls lock it, lunar like a dream, and feel amazing doing juggles and kenflips. The paint is nice too! The next batch of GT-E1s are friday. New colors!
Primes are very fun to play but I prefer my maple E1. can't get tricks as hard as on my prime/new gen shapes but the E1 plays insanely clean and I always choose it over others for flow lines
Personal bias aside, I agree with Cody. You already have 3 primes, why get another when you could try something else from an awesome company? As for the shape, I think it's pretty good for juggles because the swoop fits nicely in your hand. The paint is also pretty similar (it's basically the same thing) to the prime paint, so the ken would just be something to get used to really. But all in all, I think the E1 would be a good choice. And if it isn't, you could always trade with someone for a prime haha
My point exactly. But honestly I am in the Prime boat more so than the E1. If you cop a zebrano ken or an ash ken and slap a KUSA silk on it..."Watch out here I come!" Silk goes so well with an ash prime it is scary.
actually i really really love the E1s i have 3. only one prime though. My favorites are the musou but honestly the walnut e1 plays just as good. Im still pretty beginner level so i dont know how valid my opinion may be but i really find the GT E1s to be awesome kendamas. (have a Ben Herald librarian too so i maybe a little biased )
E1s are great. For me, they are the crossroads between JKA and newschool big cup. Having never played a GT1, I feel like the E1s have the feel of a JKA but are more forgiving.
Every next gen player that I’ve talked to and myself included don’t really like the e1s. The lunar balance is not very good on them and tends to have short spikes. Anyone else get the same vibe?
I can see what you mean about the lunars and it def has a shorter spike out of the box than the Prime's. But I freaking love the grip it has and the slip stop. It feels like it molds to my hands. I would love to try more woods other than maple and walnut though. As a player who started out on JKA damas, it def has an ode to that feel and plays in similar ways. Maybe thats why I like it. But there is something about how the Prime's play that is just zen like. I feel like I can command it more...if that even makes sense lol.
Without even reading your comment before I wrote mine, THAT IS EXACTLY HOW I WOULD PUT IT. "I feel like the E1s have the feel of a JKA but are more forgiving."
Yeah I'd go with this. The GT1, E1, Stodd and Kaizen 2.0 all have those slightly bigger than JKA but not Next Gen cup sizes. I love my Willy P Prime for a some quick thrills but I always feel I've achieved more when I nail a line on my GTE1, Stodd or Kaizen 2.0. As for short spikes I think its better short than too long. Ive seen Primes and Pops with short spikes so I think any mass produced 'dama you've gotta take the ruff with the smooth. Same goes for lune balance too.
Side note.. GT Librarian coming back on the GT 1.5 on Friday. https://graintheory.bigcartel.com/product/gt-1-5-librarian
I have 2 primes, and got an e1 for the first time last week. I always felt prime cups were just a bit too big. The e1 cups are not too big, and is just super well balanced. Highly recommend it