MKUltras - 8mm Beads Titanium Editions

MKUltras - 8mm Beads Titanium Editions

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.

Short Form

The MKUltras 8mm Edition consists of 29x 8mm beads, with a 10mm Micro Boss bead to close/ adjust the loop. The beads of the 8mm Edition feel substantially smaller on the wrist, in the pocket, and in the hand than any other set of Ultras, including the Nano Edition. The smaller sized beads are lighter, making them easier to flip in the manner of begleri. Because of the small size, this model is not optimal for bead counting, as the small beads are someone harder to cycle through one by one. Click here to see the Ultras in action on our Instagram feed.

Long Form

The MKUltras 8mm Long Form Edition consists of 41 of our 8mm spherical beads, with a 15mm Lil' Boss bead to close/ adjust the loop, and two additional 8mm beads on the tassel. The Long Form Editions have been designed primarily for the "raindrop" style of play. The extra beads provide a satisfying sound and feel as they clack together. Because of the length of the sets, they are cumbersome for flipping around and doing technical tricks, but they still allow for some basic manipulation. The sets are designed to be worn with a double loop around the wrist, but note that the beads themselves will probably fully cover the cord, meaning that exposed cord will complete the wrap (see photo for reference).

Details: 

• Short Form
  • 29x 8mm spherical beads + 1x 10mm Micro Boss (bead dimensions may vary slightly due to polishing and chamfering)
  • weight: ~29g, polished
• Long Form 
  • 41(+2)x 8mm beads + 1x 15mm Micro Boss
  • weight: ~46g
• Strung on AO2's new custom 12-strand, high density, 2mm Kevlar cord
  
• All beads drilled with 3.5mm bore

NOTE: The pricing on the Ultras is a function of the per bead production cost x the number of beads. With sets requiring many small beads, the production savings in raw material is negligible, but the per bead costs for handling and finishing are multiplied by a larger factor. This is why sets with many small beads can end up being more costly than those with fewer larger beads. 

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.