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Best Kendamas

Updated March 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
CANSHOW Kendama Maple Wood Toy
CANSHOW
Kendama Maple Wood Toy
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

A great Kendama that is very durable.

Pros

The maple finish feels nice and soft in your hand. Each of the cups are fairly deep, allowing newcomers to enjoy the game as well. Comes with an extra string.

Cons

The packaging has caused issues for some users.

Best Bang for the Buck
Kotaro Kendama Pro Bamboo Kendama Toy with Extra String
Kotaro Kendama
Pro Bamboo Kendama Toy with Extra String
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Best for Experts
Bottom Line

A Kendama that is fun for experienced players.

Pros

Traditional 7.25-inch size, including a 1.5-inch spike. The laminated bamboo prevents the wood from chipping during harder play. The handle is comfortable.

Cons

The cups aren't as deep as some users would like.

Terra Kendama Pill
Terra Kendama
Pill
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Unique Design
Bottom Line

A durable toy that is easy to carry around.

Pros

Can be used for both left- and right-handed players. It is more difficult to learn and balance. Comes in multiple different colors. Compact design.

Cons

The string can be hard to replace if need be.

Duncan Komodo Kendama
Duncan
Komodo Kendama
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

A quality Kendama built to last for years to come.

Pros

Made from stronger Beachwood that won't crack. The gloss paint will maintain its look and feel after hours of play. Has a good amount of weight to it.

Cons

It does not come with a replacement string.

Kendama Toy Co. Colorful Two-Pack
Kendama Toy Co.
Colorful Two-Pack
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Great for Families
Bottom Line

The bamboo design gives a traditional feel.

Pros

The 2 Kendamas come with a unique paint job. The bamboo construction allows for it to be durable and light. The smaller size is great for beginners.

Cons

The paint can begin to chip after a while.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

54
Models
Considered
110
Consumers
Consulted
12
Hours
Researched
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A kendama is a classic traditional Japanese toy that has never gone out of style. The toy is a cup and ball game that adds to the element of challenge with 3 cups and a spike. Most often made from wood, the kendama includes a ball on a string the user attempts to land on the spike or in one of the cups. Variations on this product include the length of the shaft, which is generally 7.25” in length from base to the tip of the spike. Some smaller models could work well for beginners or younger players. Painted models may make the model more interesting, but the repeated banging of the ball over time will tend to chip the paint.