MKUltras - Commons Polymer Editions

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Description

MKUltras - Delrin Commons 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.

Glow POM

The Glow POM Commons are made from what is essentially the same material as our popular Delrin Commons, but packing a huge glow into every bead. We’re launching these in three colours, a great looking blue, a striking red, and a fresh looking off-white that has a bright greenish glow. The white has a substantially stronger glow than the red and blue, but all three are pretty terrific. All feature a soft-feeling machine finish.

Ultem

Ultem is the branded name for a high-performance polymer also known as polyetherimide, or PEI. It's solidly in the category of what we might call badass plastics. These are materials that demonstrate exceptional properties, which truly set them apart from conventional polymers. Ultem has actually been around since the 1980s, but has only recently become widely commercially avaiable, and has subsequently exploded into the EDC scene. You'll see it in everything from knife handles to flashlights and everything in between. Part of what makes Ultem special is that when it sets and solidifies, the polymers bond in a way that prevents re-melting, even under extreme heat. This gives the material excellent thermal properties. It's also UV, chemical, and flame resistant, and due to its hardness, it can be machined very precisely, and much thinner than other plastics. Strictly speaking, none of these properties are required for a set of beads, but as with titanium on kevlar, there's just something awesome in knowing that what you have in your hand is exceptional.. that you could, if you wanted, use it for aerospace applications. The material has a crisp and solid feel in the hand. The polished versions have a glossy texture, similar to acrylic, while the machined finished versions have a soft feel, almsot like sea glass.

To most collectors and EDC enthusiasts, the most distinctive feature of Ultem might be its appearance. It is truly something to behold. In its natural state, the material is clear or semi-transparent, with a deep golden yellow or amber colour. In fact, it looks and feels remarkably like an amber resin, and there is an interesting connection there that is worth elaborating. Amber is one of the traditionally prized materials used for komboloi and worry beads, throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East. And while we often think of traditional materials as being those that are naturally occurring, this is not entirely the case with worry beads. Amber itself is often stabilized with synthetic resins, but beyond this, readers of bead history will also see frequent reference to exotic sounding materials like Faturan, Bakelite, Parkesine, and Catalin. These are all polymer plastics - prized by antique collectors, and still used today in modern production. This historical context helps to legitimize a higher end polymer like Ultem in our product range, and in some ways, it's kind of symbolic of our journey. One of this things Aroundsquare has done well as a brand over the years is to respect and build on the historical roots of the products we create, and extend them into the modern era. We always seek to recognize and honour these roots, while bringing out contemporary designs using the best available modern materials. And having said all of that, here's this month's Ultem lineup.

Short Form

The MKUltras Polymer Edition consists of 17 of our new barrel-shaped common beads, measuring approximately 11x11mm each, with a 15mm titanium Lil' Boss bead to close/ adjust the loop. The Polymer beads have a unique look and feel on the wrist, and are very comfortable to wear due to their light weight and rounding. In terms of features, the sets are suitable to any play style. They are light and nimble, and work great with the heavier titanium boss bead. The shape is very comfortable to manipulate for bead counting and breath work, and the clack of the delrin is crisp and warm when performing "raindrops", making this an extremely well rounded set. The material has the added advantage of being very robust, and easy to care for. Click here to see the Ultras in action on our Instagram feed.

Details:

17x 11mm cylindrical Commons beads + 1x 15mm titanium Micro Boss (bead dimensions may vary slightly due to polishing and chamfering)
Materials/Colours/ Weights
- Ultem: Polished; Set weight: ~28g
- Glow Delrin: White; Set weight: ~49.6g
Strung on AO2's new custom high density 2mm Kevlar cord
All beads drilled with 3.5mm bore

Long Form

The MKUltras Polymer Edition consists of 27+2 of our new barrel-shaped "Commons" Polymer beads, measuring approximately 11x11mm each, with a 15mm titanium Lil' Boss bead to close/ adjust the loop. The Delrin beads have a unique look and feel on the wrist, and are very comfortable to wear due to their light weight and rounding. The shape is very comfortable to manipulate for bead counting and breath work, and the clack of the delrin is crisp and warm when performing "raindrops". The extra beads in the long form version 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). Click here to see the Ultras in action on our Instagram feed.

Details: