Never sleep on them Primes. Also, if you've never owned one, Oozoras are worth your every penny. Ask anyone in DS, they've most likely owned a few (or one) at some point.
Sol Kendamas are great, Pioneers right at $30. Also DWI often has sales that dips below $30. Or get a barebones DWI maple for $25! Great shape, maple is rad. Kendama USA has a ton for $30 and under. 2.0s are right at $30, but their other stuff is still great! Terra standard (with sourmash paint!!) is well under $30 USD. (Always wanted to play one of those.) Bunch of good (even brand new design) Atlantic kendamas for under $30. I got my Ozora on amazon for $22, killer dama. I'm sure there are more, look around!
Almost forgot one that is more recent, pnw "slate" is only $22. Looks like they're taking preorders for their next drop. Natty beech, looks solid.
Active Kendamas are on the cheaper side if you wanted something with a good rubber paint. I've also found their damas to really take a beating well. Honestly though, depending on exactly what you're looking for and already have, I always recommend a natty TK-16. You can definitely get one shipped for under 30.
I have always recommended Active and I feel they are one of those companies that gets overlooked. If you put a cushion on an active ken I swear you will be slaying hard. Active kens have those deep cups for lunars but they juggle really well too.
Exactly! I really do think they are underrated, or at least less popular than I believe is deserved. A few of my favorite rubber damas have From Active. Also @Angelo quinto, Atlantic Kendamas have a new dama out called Algae. All Maple, with my absolute favorite super sticky paint to date. I believe they are $25, and an absolute steal for the quality.
Yeah check it out you can actually get some sweet bundles of 3+ Damas for only $20 https://kendamasyndicate.com/
Atlantic Kendamas are great kendamas for their price, they are a real steal. I really want to try out their new paint.
I have been playing kendama for over a year now, but I took a 8 month break. I have a craft 2.0 ash, which is great, but I'm looking for a new dama. My craft has passed its prime and is now not tacky at all. I'm looking for a cheap (sub $30) that has a silk finish. Natty would be fine as well, as long as it breaks in nice. I have tryed sweets prime, and I have to say I'm not impressed, even for a cheaper option for damas.
KUSA 2.0 are silk (recommend the maple). PNW slates are $22. Wait until August and you can grab a KROM for $20.