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I'm all tied up. It's the string thread. - POLL

Discussion in 'The Sesh' started by goenKendama, Mar 30, 2017.

?

How much string stretch? Flat or round string? Stiff or Flexible?

  1. Very stretchy

  2. Medium Stretch

  3. Zero or very little stretch

  4. Any amount of stretch is fine. Doesn't matter/Don't notice.

  5. Stretchiness, depends on the tricks I'm trying to hit.

  6. Flat String

  7. Round String

  8. Stiff

  9. Soft/Flexible

  10. Medium flexibility

Multiple votes are allowed.
Results are only viewable after voting.
  1. goenKendama

    goenKendama Administrator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2016
    Location:
    Metro Manila, Philippines
    As a long time kite flyer I have some experience with different types of string on kites and on certain kites it really makes a difference on how they fly or feel to the flyer. I didn't much think of it as it relates to kendama until I had a chance to try some really "unstretchy" string. I found that I really tend to prefer string that doesn't stretch or does so very little because it feels more precise, none of the "rubber band" effect of the really stretchy stuff; I pull the kendama reacts.

    As for the other characteristics: I like round over flat but it's mostly psychological I think since I can see the twist more with flat string even if it doesn't bunch/kink; and a little stiffer string seems not to get in the way as much the really soft stuff kinks and bunches.

    So what kind of string stretch do you prefer and why? (the poll is set up to take multiple selections)
     
    Mar 30, 2017
    Jedi_man likes this.
  2. Congarranza

    Congarranza DS Legend

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2017
    Location:
    Camarillo, CA
    Lately I have really become fond of sweets premium silky goodness. It stays put and doesn't bunch up ever. My other strings are nylon speed string/KUSA type. I have noticed those mixed with the micro bearing there seems to be more slip through tama due to a lower coefficient of friction and heavier bead weight.
     
    Mar 30, 2017
    goenKendama likes this.
  3. goenKendama

    goenKendama Administrator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2016
    Location:
    Metro Manila, Philippines
    Are the Sweets silk or satin?
     
    Mar 30, 2017
  4. Congarranza

    Congarranza DS Legend

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2017
    Location:
    Camarillo, CA
    Pretty sure it's satin at that price point.
    Hmmm! Not sure. @CodyGriz @MattSweets @Max "Norx" Norcross @Cooper Eddy should have the answer for us. They feel great though.
     
    Mar 30, 2017
    goenKendama likes this.
  5. James Hoang

    James Hoang Slayer

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2016
    Location:
    San Jose, CA and Milpitas, CA
    I kinda like KUSA string mainly because it's round, stretches pretty well, and has a good variety of colors to choose from. The feel of a fresh white KUSA string reminds me of an Oozy string TBH.
     
    Mar 30, 2017
    goenKendama likes this.
  6. goenKendama

    goenKendama Administrator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2016
    Location:
    Metro Manila, Philippines
    Though I prefer round it takes second to low stretch so my current favs are sporting flat string. I haven't found a good round, low/no stretch string. Anyone got a suggestion there?
     
    Mar 31, 2017
  7. Stuart Barron

    Stuart Barron Slayer

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2016
    Location:
    England
    Ozora strings is probably my favourite and that's sort of flat wound I guess. Original I felt it tangled on itself too easily compared to round but with a bit of sweat and grime it's great. Kusa string is also really nice.
    Not sure but a little stretch is fine and usually happens when winding the string round the ken.
    Really dislike stiff(ish) string as that can start to mess with the rotation and movements of lighter set ups. Again imo!
     
    Mar 31, 2017
  8. LacedKendamas

    LacedKendamas n00b

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Shoot me your address and I'll send you one of ours to try.
     
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2017
    Mar 31, 2017
    goenKendama likes this.
  9. goenKendama

    goenKendama Administrator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2016
    Location:
    Metro Manila, Philippines
    I appreciate your offer but I'm overseas currently and wouldn't want to put you through the hassle or expense. I'll make a note to myself and pick some up when I'm Stateside next time.

    So they don't stretch much? The stuff I'm currently using is practically wire but the more you play the more pliable it becomes but it still won't stretch.
     
    Mar 31, 2017
  10. LacedKendamas

    LacedKendamas n00b

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    There's definitely a little stretch, however, I find them very responsive and predictable.

    I've played strings with zero stretch before but personally, I didn't like the feel or the way that they played.
     
    Mar 31, 2017
    goenKendama likes this.
  11. Joey Rush

    Joey Rush n00b

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2017
    Location:
    Utah
    I really like the kusa strings
     
    Mar 31, 2017
    goenKendama likes this.
  12. Koisuru Stephen

    Koisuru Stephen Honed Member

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2016
    I have Oozora strings on every setup except my slaydawg, which has the original on it.
    I used to have a sweets premium but I sweat alot and the the string tended to stick to my hand or tangle as a result.
    I also had some Yumu strings but they didn't stretch at all, which wasn't for me. idk if they were round but they might be worth trying if you haven't yet @goenKendama
    Also the yumu strings come with a slipknot tied in them already, which is kinda nice
     
    Apr 2, 2017
    Almostgets and goenKendama like this.
  13. Edric Owen Ladera

    Edric Owen Ladera Slayer

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2016
    Location:
    Philippines
    i prefer the tk strings when im practicing any tricks. it doesn't get too kinky when i play even in advance tricks & combos. the black sting at the shop though is smooth. it doesn't burn my finger when i do a propeller.
     
    Apr 3, 2017
    goenKendama likes this.
  14. azleonhart

    azleonhart Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2016
    Location:
    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Oozora strings, always!
    They have the right feel and bounce for me, unlike the dreadful Yumu/KenCo string. It's so stiff it kills the feel for me.

    Also, flat strings help me make sure that i don't tangle up when going for multi-turn tricks.
     
    Apr 4, 2017
  15. goenKendama

    goenKendama Administrator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2016
    Location:
    Metro Manila, Philippines
    Wait, your Ozora strings are flat?
     
    Apr 4, 2017
  16. azleonhart

    azleonhart Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2016
    Location:
    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Hope these images help!

    IMG_1680.JPG IMG_1679.JPG
     
    Apr 4, 2017
    goenKendama likes this.
  17. goenKendama

    goenKendama Administrator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2016
    Location:
    Metro Manila, Philippines
    Yes, and no. I'm not sure I've seen Ozora string like that. It looks more like the last Shinfuji I had. I'll take a look at some Ozora string we have here and see if it looks like that. Thanks for the shots.
     
    Apr 4, 2017
  18. Nitram707

    Nitram707 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2017
    Location:
    Sacramento
    besides buying from kendama companies what else strings could I use. Trying to have a longer string on my kendama
     
    Apr 4, 2017
  19. goenKendama

    goenKendama Administrator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2016
    Location:
    Metro Manila, Philippines
    You might try searching Amazon for 1-2mm braided cord/string. Last time I looked there they had quite a selection.
     
    Apr 4, 2017
    Nitram707 likes this.
  20. amagad

    amagad Slayer

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2017
    I agree with this, I've bought 1mm rattail satin cord, perfect. 2mm seems borderline too big of a string imo.
     
    Apr 4, 2017
    goenKendama likes this.