Yiban Rings

Yiban Rings

Since we first released our first ring design, the Normals, we had intended to complement it with a similarly chunky pipe cut model. The dome shape of the Normals is very comfortable, and it's great for daily wear and a lot of ring manipulations as well. After launching our banzhi thumb rings, with their straight cylindrical design, we became convinced of the advantages of that shape for certain additional styles of manipulation. We also, frankly, just really came to appreciate the simple geometry and bold statement made by those hefty chunks of metal. Eventually, we were compelled to follow through on our original intentions to do a pipe cut ring, and decided on a slimmed down version of the banzhis. The Yibans are just that--a chunky pipe cut ring, beautifully rounded for comfortable wear, and, if you so desire, manipulations. The Yibans take their name from the Chinese term for "half" - as they're half the width of our banzhis.

They are launching in four materials: stainless steel; brass; copper; and titanium. These are done in standard ring sizes, like the Normals, and we have each material in sizes 5 to 13. 

Details: 

• Sizes: sizes 5-13 (interior diameters)
• Thickness is ~4mm all the way around, meaning the overall diameter will be ~8mm wider than the interior diameter
• Height is 12mm

• Materials:

• Stainless steel: midweight, reasonably scratch resistant (size 9 weight is ~9.7g)
  
• Brass: relatively heavy, relatively soft and prone to scratching, slight smell (size 9 weight is ~10.4g)
• Copper: relatively heavy, soft and prone to scratching and oxidation, smells like copper (size 9 weight is ~10.9g)
• Titanium: ligthweight; strong but still prone to scratching (size 9 weight is ~5.5g)
• Due to the width and overall chunkiness of the Yiban Ring shape, they will feel very prominent on the finger compared to a conventional ring, and if you're unsure whether to size up or down, it's recommended you air on the large side.
• Please do your homework to ensure you purchase the correct size. Exchanges on mint condition items will be allowed, but exchange shipping costs both ways will be the responsibility of the customer.
• All models feature a polished surface and are etched on the interior surface with an Aroundsquare wordmark

Our April 2024 Launch Preview video below dives deep on these guys, and provides some ideas for the types of usage and manipulations possible with them.