I was never a big fan of Kendama USA but I have got to try several of the new Kaizen Half Splits that they are selling for $19.99. These are really good kendamas for the price point, or for any price point. They play great: good balance, good paint, good tracking, long string, and compare favorably to the Sweets Boost models in most ways. The only downside is that they don't have a lunar balance hole so it is harder to slap a lunar than on a Luzumaki or Decade mod, and they have a bead instead of a bearing. My opinion is that they are a worthwhile kendama considerastion for the price point and show this brand is on the up.
As a KUSA fanboy, one big flaw of the company is their price point. As much as I love their product, their entry-level shift shapes (before the halfsplits) were 10 dollars more expensive than the most basic prime radar. With this new line at a much more affordable price point, KUSA can finally be at par with the price points of KROM's Pops and Sweets's Boost shapes. P.S. I'm glad that they brought back Half Splits. The last few years have seen the half split fall out of favor because of the 70/30 split and I'm glad to see these make a comeback.
As you get better at understanding how ti lunar it’s all about practice and the balence ... sometimes I’ve played damas with buttholes and they balance all shitty and played one with no butthole and it slapped fine.... it’s all a game of lucky... like getting a pack of Pokémon cards and getting a charizard in one pack and all ratatats I’m another