MKUltras - Zirc Commons Short Form Edition
MKUltras - Zirc Commons Short Form Edition
The elegant zirconium version of our popular Commons MKUltras are truly a stand out set. The polished black of the zirc feels perfectly suited to the bead shape, and the combined effect when the beads are strung up is impressive. The beads have a satisfying weight and crisp clack when they hit together.
The Commons 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 the choice of lightly polished titanium gives them a clean, minimalist look that fits squarely in our range.
The 17 bead Ultras embodiment of the Commons is a hefty, and very satisfying set to carry, play, and wear. The individual Common beads have a 1:1 aspect ratio, and the zirc version weighs in at around 5.6g each. The shape and weight of the Commons gives the beads a very distinctive and almost industrial look on the wrist, and results in a brilliant crisp clacking sound during raindrops and bead counting. When manipulating the beads to perform tricks, they play fairly slow due to their weight, much like the original (11.8mm sphere) MKUltra sets. While small beads can feel a bit small during bead counting, these larger beads are a treat to cycle through, and have a solid, substantial feel in the hand.
Details:
- Material: Zirconium material, heat treated and polished
- Bead specs: 11x11mm; ~5.6g each; 3.5mm bore
- Set includes: 17x Commons beads + 1x 15mm Lil Boss lock bead (~108g)
- Ships on AO2's new custom 100% silk cord, and includes AO2's new custom 12-strand, high density, 2mm Kevlar as a replacement/ alternative
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.
