How much for Shinai?

[Karaken]

OK, follow on to my previous question. Let me ask how much do you normally spend ( including shipping ) for a bamboo shinai.

Please include all expenses including Price ( Bamboo and Leather ), shipping and tax if applicable..

Let's go..

[nodachi]

Under 50, but that is because I can just hop over to the local Budo store and pick up one with no hassel or shipping. When I return home, I am going to cry at the cost of shinai with shipping and everything.

[alexpollijr]

Just bring a lot of them with you on the plane, and hope that it'll be able to take off :D

[Nishi]

About £50.00 British sterling is my limit (including shipping) I think thats about £80.00ish u.s. dollars, i buy two and they last about 1 year in the lush tropical english weather, unless i break'em, and thats quite often :)

[saki_wooah]

About 30 to 40$ CAN... Bring them back from Vancouver on the plane

[sminki]

Under $50 if buying in bulk from Korea. Under $80 if buying 1-2 in the States.

[Karaken]

Seems like noone plays with Cheap kind. What are the brand names of your favorite shinai? ( If there is one)

(=)(=)(=)(=&===

[sminki]

budongshim & bio. oh and an unnamed japanese shinai.

[Shoki]

I’m a relative beginner of 2 years and use the cheap ($18) shinai from the local martial arts store. They hold up well and since I’ve corrected my ax chop to a sword stroke I’ve only had to replace 2. Is there and advantage to using the more expensive Japanese shinai? At $40 to $80 a pop I would feel terrible if it broke.

[Raígma]

I just prefer to use the ones with oval grips.
My shinai was about 65 Dollars and I´m really lucky with it.
The only disadvantage is that you can only change two of the props with the other one.

[Karaken]

Shoki, some of the advantages are..

- Weight : cheap one tend to be light and thin
- Durability : Not for you but I had some cheap ones broke at first swing
- Grip : Cheap one tend to have smaller grip
- Leather : Expensive ones have either separately sold leather or better quality leather
- Balance : More choices with expensive ones ( Dobari, regular or koto style )

Anyone to add more? ( looks etc.. )

Keep the center - don't move..

[Shoki]

Karaken

I would think during long practices a lighter shinai would be an advantage.

[kendokamax]

I dont really mind the quality of my shinai
just needs to get used to it

[Karaken]

Shoki, it seems logical but unless you're an old 8th dan, light shinai can give you less stability and could encourage jerky short swings. Right weight and balance are important for big muscle swing. Besides, you can always go to light from heavy but not the other way around easily.. Just a thought from my experience.

Center Only.. Nothing Else..

[Shoki]

Karaken,

That's why I come to these forums, to benefit from all the experience. I may just have to try a more expensive shinai and see if the increase in weight makes a difference (at this point, anything would be an improvement) :D

[Karaken]

Shoki, if you're already used to light ones, it'll be hard to switch but eventually, you'll notice the advantage. Besides, those light ones might be lighter than the regulation weight ( 510 g ? )

Play the center..Only

[kanyil]

Taiwanese shinais are a nice and cheap alternative. They go for around $10-15 US a piece here in Taiwan.

[Zaphiel]

Taiwanese shinais are a nice and cheap alternative. They go for around $10-15 US a piece here in Taiwan.
year, I've got one and I spent 20$ for shinai and tsuba and it's really good...
........50$......80$......wow where are these from...much to expensiv I would say.

[LNGUYEN]

I use E-bogu shinai from start. Last time I picked up two Shura Shinai from tournament in Chicago for $30 US each and holy Cow, it sweets baby

[Sithlord]

I use Akatsuki handmade shinai's from ebogu...a it expensive..say 99 just for the shinai, but darn good quality.

[Shinai]

I've only been doing kendo for a year and I still use my first shinai which cost me about $25 Australian dollars, I feel fine using it but then again I've never held a good qaulity shinai before :redface: and most people who have been using good shinais say that the cheap ones feel like a stick and they can't stand using them.

[Sithlord]

I have used cheap ones at believ me they do feel like a stick...basically u get what u pay for.

[Karaken]

I have used cheap ones at believ me they do feel like a stick...basically u get what u pay for.

There are problems with weight ( Cheap ones use less bamboo ) and balance with cheap shinais. Also, they crack easily. But for beginners, cheap ones might be easier to handle untill they learn how to hit properly and how to handle heavier shinais. You really don't want to crack $50 shinai with one swing :-(

Center

[Sithlord]

Yeah true...also the build quality and quality of the bamboo. After 1 yr of kendo i recommend going for better quality of needed.

[Niten]

I would think during long practices a lighter shinai would be an advantage.
I don't totally agree with you there because a lighter shinai might help you get through the practice more easily, but in the long run practicing with a heavier shinai will build up strenth in your arms, which will make a normal or lighter shinai seem easy to handle.

[Karaken]

I don't totally agree with you there because a lighter shinai might help you get through the practice more easily, but in the long run practicing with a heavier shinai will build up strenth in your arms, which will make a normal or lighter shinai seem easy to handle.

This is personal preference. I once brought a lighter shinai to a tournament thinking it'll help my speed. But the difference in balance and weight threw me of totally. It just need to fit you, lighter isn't always faster either.

Center

[Cheese_Man]

I usually pay around 25 for my shinais, im fortunate that my sensei orders in bulk so he can sale them to use cheaper