The 10 Best Begleri Beads
This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in May of 2018. Originally derived from traditional Greek worry beads, these begleri are handheld toys that are comprised of nothing more than a short cord with weights on each end. They're manipulated by movements of the wrist and hand, allowing for a range of intricate tricks. While they are seemingly simple, you'll be surprised by all the variations of these ancient stress relievers. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. AroundSquare Hybrid
2. AroundSquare Herc Core
3. AroundSquare Titan
Editor's Notes
November 13, 2019:
Check out some videos if you want to see these unique skill toys in action; you might actually be surprised how cool they look! If you're just getting started, the ButterfieldMachine Worry Beads, AroundSquare Hydra, and AroundSquare Everyman are worth a look. They offer considerably different grip levels -- the Everyman is actually made using a high-grip polymer coating, in contrast to the completely smooth yet somewhat modular Hydra, and depending on your preference they'd all make a great first set.
If this isn't your first rodeo, you may really like the AroundSquare Herc Core, AroundSquare Hybrid, and AroundSquare Full Metal Herc. The Herc Core are the company's classic modular design that lets you configure varying weights inside a premium-finished body, and the Full Metal are a slightly more refined -- but non-modular -- version of the same, and some users prefer non-modular designs when performing throws because they're a little more stable. The Hybrid are especially interesting thanks to their outward-focused center of gravity and domed uppers, which, if you're particularly dextrous, will let you spin them with some serious quickness.
If you're a dedicated skill toy user, check out the AroundSquare Titan and Titan AL Hardcore, which are larger and lighter and extremely well-machined. And if you don't mind scraping a little skin off your knuckles, the Big Larry King Knuckle Busters are probably the way to go. Also, if you're into skill toys, you might be interested in our selection of unresponsive yoyos.
4. Titan AL Hardcore
5. AroundSquare Everyman
6. AroundSquare Full Metal Herc
7. ButterfieldMachine Worry Beads
8. AroundSquare Hydra
9. Zeekio MonkeyFist
10. Big Larry King Knuckle Busters
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.