How to Choose a Kendama (by Wood)

When choosing a Kendama, the type of wood you choose will have a big impact on its weight, hardness, sound, and appearance.

Here we will explain 15 types of wood that are easy to use for beginners and advanced players, comparing them by specific gravity (SG) and Janka hardness.

Find the one that's right for you!

*Specific gravity and altitude are for reference only.

Please note that there will be differences depending on the place of origin, drying conditions, and each individual tree.

List in order of weight

Ranking	Wood (Japanese)	Specific gravity (SG)
1	Sakura	0.50
2	Walnut	0.52
3	Ash	0.55
4	Maple	0.63
5	Bamboo	0.64
6	Birch	0.66
7	Rubberwood	0.59
8	Sapele	0.70
9	Beech	0.71
10	Oak	0.53
11	paddock	0.75
12	Purple Heart	0.80
13	Hickory	0.82
14	Zebrawood	0.90
15	rosewood	0.85
16	Wenge wood	0.87

Explanation of the characteristics of each wood

Cherry

Specific gravity: 0.50
Hardness (Janka): 950 lbf
Lightweight and compact, it allows beginners to practice without straining their arms.

Black Walnut

Specific gravity: 0.52
Hardness (Janka): 1,010 lbf
Just the right weight and smooth sound. For beginners to intermediate players.

Ash

Specific gravity: 0.55
Hardness (Janka): 1,320 lbf
Well-balanced and versatile, ideal for practicing techniques.

Hard Maple

Specific gravity: 0.63
Hardness (Janka): 1,450 lbf
It has a heavy feel but is easy to handle. It is also popular among intermediate anglers.

Bamboo

Specific gravity: 0.64
Hardness (Janka): 1,380 lbf
Flexible and break-resistant. Also used in children's models.

Birch

Specific gravity: 0.66
Hardness (Janka): 1,260 lbf
Light operation and bright sound. Overall well-balanced.

Rubberwood

Specific gravity: 0.59
Hardness (Janka): 980 lbf
It's inexpensive and goes well with non-slip paint. Perfect for beginners.

Sapele

Specific gravity: 0.70
Hardness (Janka): 1,510 lbf
Luxurious grain and durability. For intermediate to advanced players.

Beech

Specific gravity: 0.71
Hardness (Janka): 1,300 lbf
A classic Japanese product. Stable performance and good value for money.

White Oak

Specific gravity: 0.53
Hardness (Janka): 1,360 lbf
The thick white oak provides both stability and a rich sound when struck.

Paddock

Specific gravity: 0.75
Hardness (Janka): 1,725 ​​lbf
Bright red and high hardness. Often used in professional models.

Purpleheart

Specific gravity: 0.80
Hardness (Janka): 1,860 lbf
Characterized by its purple color. Extremely hard, suitable for advanced users.

Hickory

Specific gravity: 0.82
Hardness (Janka): 1,820 lbf
It has excellent impact resistance and can withstand hard tricks.

Zebrawood

Specific gravity: 0.90
Hardness (Janka): 1,575 lbf
Unique striped pattern and weight. Great for collection.

Rosewood

Specific gravity: 0.85
Hardness (Janka): 1,780 lbf
Deep color and sharp sound. Popular among advanced players.

Wenge wood

Specific gravity: 0.87
Hardness (Janka): 1,630 lbf
The heaviest model. For those who want to perform tricks with a heavy feel.

Summary: How to choose the right wood for you

• Lightweight and easy to use: cherry, walnut, ash, etc.
• Moderate weight: Beech, maple, bamboo, birch, etc.
• Weight and hardness: Purpleheart, hickory, wenge, zebrawood, etc.

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