I personally think that Kendama USA is the best company because they tend to have a wide variety of kendamas and their customer support is amazing. They also have a good sponsorship program and they promote kendama A LOT! Their trick tutorials are also excellent.
http://www.tenhunt.com/2015/11/13/top-10-kendama-companies/ Thought you guys would think this was funny. Some of them are still relevant but it might have been written a while ago.
Well I guess it all depends on what your definition of "best" is. There are also several other kendama brands that aren't listed above. Some more specific questions could be: What kendama company makes the best products? What kendama company gives back to the community the most? What kendama company has the best team? I think if you were to look at an all around best kendama company, you'd have to take into consideration what their intentions are beyond just selling kendamas. How do they bring value to the kendama community?
I have only played ozora, TK16 and KUSA sooooo ummm..... I guess I really want to try a sweets or GT more GT because they look amazing and they seem like they slay but sweets because sweets is like a must try kendama for everyone, you can't be a Dama player without ever playing a sweets (seems like this is the case).
Two things. 1, you're missing a lot of companies that deserve to be on that list. Terra, Analog, Fujin, Sol, etc all deserve to be mentioned. Also, what defines the best company like what Chad said? Players, love spreading, products? This thread seems a little close-minded to me
Everyone who is saying "what does it mean when you say the best kendama company," and i understand that there are more companies that should be on this list. i did not mean to trigger you to make these replies. I was just wondering what company you thought that were your favourite. But Blake I am sorry for not adding some companies that i could have added.
Analog. Hands down, best kendama I've ever used so far. Their satin paint has the perfect grip/slip ratio, so you can catch your balance tricks but adjust them easily as necessary. The ken and tama both feel quite substantial in the hand; I can't stand a super lightweight kendama. Sick logo. Sick colorways. Fast shipping. A tad bit pricey for my liking (even though they're relatively cheap) but absolutely worth it. Also, they sell out pretty quick so you really have to hop on it when they drop. Analog is where it's at.
In general, 1: Kendama USA 2. KROM kendama 3: Sweets kendamas Playability wise, 1. Grain Theory 2. Kendama USA 3. KROM kendama
@TerraKendama (expert wood turning gurus) @RWB Mfg (crafts, GT, SuLab) Homegrown by Sweets (Arbor Day Foundation, lots of choices) -- All American Made.
I simply love the vibes Krom, Sweets and Gloken give. Great products as well! Sourmash is another amazing example of great products and great people.
Sweets, KROM, KUSA. These companies excel with flying colors in my three criteria - Product, Events, and Content. Product: The kendamas themselves. These three companies always have solid damas, from beginner level (Kaizen, Prime, POP) to premium (Craft, Homegrown, Slaydawg) kendamas. Events: The three companies are super active in events. KROM is holding down the European front, KUSA is a mainstay in toy fairs all over the US, and Sweets holds MKO every year (which is the biggest dama event in the USA). Content: These companies have a super active presence on social media. Not just edits, but other content as well such as vlogs. Also, the companies chose the best pros and ambassadors for their brand. If I were to pick one as the best kendama company, and it could go to any of the three in my opinion, KUSA takes it (because I'm biased towards them lol).
Ugh! It's so hard to choose, but for the sake of this thread I'm gonna name my Top 3 and why: 1) Terra Kendama LOVE LOVE LOVE their LBB selection, and their collab products (Sourmash + Sweets) are on point! They also hook you up with a lot of swag depending how much merch you purchase (so far I got a Fish-Eye Lens kit, bags, and pins. Not to mention a bunch of stickers). The free shipping for domestic orders: supurb!!! 2) Kendama USA Always an array of selections from wood, paint, and pro mod setups. Customer Service is great (ordered Craft Plus and received Craft Slim, sent out the correct order and let me keep the Slim for free) 3) Sweets 2 Words: PRIME KENDAMAS