MKUltras - Acrylic Commons Editions
MKUltras - Acrylic Commons Editions
The Commons beads get their name from the ubiquity of their shape in traditional Greek begleri and komboloi. These barrel-shaped beads are timeless in their simplicity, and very similar beads can be found in a wide range of materials ranging from inexpensive plastics through to semi-precious stones. The Commons design is our take on this classic shape, and the result is both fresh and familiar. Although they have commonalities with our Standards series, they nonetheless stand out in Aroundsquare's lineup. The stacked bead design has a distinctly traditional vibe, but modern materials gives them a fresh, minimalist look that fits squarely in our range.
Short Form
The MKUltras Acrylic Resin Edition consists of 17 of our commons beads, measuring approximately 11x11mm each, featuring with a 15mm stainless steel lil’ Boss bead for an adjustable closure. These feature our “Commons” bead shape, which is perfect for bead counting and raindrop style of play. The acrylic material makes a crisp clacking sound when the beads hit together, for a satisfying setup that keeps the senses engaged. The stainless steel boss provides a great counterweight for manipulating the sets at full length, as well as a nice visual contrast to the swirled material of the acrylic beads.
Details:
- Bead specs: 11x11mm; 3.5mm bore; 17x Commons beads + 1x 15mm SS Lil Boss
- Weight: ~33.25g all in with cord
- Strung on AO2's 2mm custom high density kevlar cord
- All beads drilled with 3.5mm bore
Long Form
The MKUltras Acrylic Commons Long Form Edition consists of 27+2 of our "Commons" Acrylic beads, measuring approximately 11x11mm each, with a 15mm stainless steel Lil' Boss bead to close/ adjust the loop. These feature our “Commons” bead shape, which is perfect for bead counting and raindrop style of play. The acrylic material makes a crisp clacking sound when the beads hit together, for a satisfying setup that keeps the senses engaged. The stainless steel boss provides a great counterweight for manipulating the sets at full length, as well as a nice visual contrast to the swirled material of the acrylic beads. The beads are designed so they can be worn around the wrist with a double loop.
Details:
- 27(+2)x 11mm Commons beads + 1x 15mm SS Lil Boss
- Weight: ~45.89g all in with cord
- Strung on AO2's custom high density 2mm Kevlar cord
- All beads drilled with 3.5mm bore
General Information on the MKUltras
The MKUltras are a hybrid design, combining elements of traditional Mala and Komboloi beads. The MKUltra name gives a nod to this lineage, as well as their expedience as tools to help us focus our minds and still our thoughts. They can be used in a variety of ways, ranging from quiet bead counting, through to raucous flipping.
The unique setup of the MKUltras allows them to be worn like mala beads, or carried discretely in the pocket. They adjust by means of a simple friction fit through the larger "Boss" bead closure. Although the design is exceedingly simple, we're fairly confident you won't find anything quite like them around. This is a knotless system, and does not require any special lock bead. The cord is simply compressed when threaded through the Boss bead, providing a reliable, secure fastener, that is easy to adjust when needed.
In this way, the Ultras can be worn on the wrist, or loosened and slid up above the elbow to keep them out of the way when needed. Excess cordage can be knotted loosely around the Boss bead when they are worn on the wrist, or left dangling. This modifiable arrangement allows them to be used very quietly, for simple bead counting used in breath work and meditation, to "raindrop" methods marked by the satisfying, rhythmic clacking of the beads, as well as much more physical methods of manipulation which resemble short game begleri play. While they aren't intended as a highly technical skill toy, there are still a solid range of moves you can link together, and lots of ways of working with them.
New to the Ultras? You can wear em on your wrist, or check out the video below for some other examples of what these beads are capable of.
