MKUltras - 8mm Droplet Standard Metal Editions

MKUltras - 8mm Droplet Standard Metal Editions

The Droplets 8mm MKUltras is the first version of our Ultras to feature the new Droplet boss bead. These beads have a distinctive shape that makes a statement of its own on any set. They have a comfortable shape that anchors the beads nicely in the hand during play, makes a funky lanyard hanging out of the pocket, and still tucks away nicely when they’re on the wrist. They taper from a max diameter of 15mm down to a top diameter of 10mm before rounding in to the bore, much like a 10mm bead stacked on top of a 15mm.

This edition of the Ultras includes 33x 8mm beads which have a 3mm bore (compared to our previous inventory which was 3.5mm). This slimmer bore hugs closer to the cord during handling, reducing hot spots during bead counting and slowing down raindrops in a satisfying way. The 33 bead long form setup is designed to have more exposed cord (less bead coverage) than our usual long form setups. This means that when worn on the wrist there will be considerable exposed cord (roughly a full wrap around the wrist). This is intentional, as it makes the set incredibly versatile in terms of play. With this length of exposed cord, many begleri tricks become possible with the Ultras, while still making for a great experience with bead counting and raindrop-style manipulation. 

Details: 

• 33x 8mm w/3mm bore spherical beads + 1x Droplet bead 

• Material and weight:

• Copper, polished ~81.7g per set

• Brass, polished ~76.2g per set

• Stainless steel, polished ~70.7g per set

• Strung on AO2's custom 12-strand, high density, 2mm Kevlar cord
• Droplets are drilled with 3.5mm bore, while the 8mm sphere bead drilled with 3mm 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 "Micro 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 Micro 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 Micro 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.