Hydras Begleri - Titanium And Aluminum Editions

Hydras Begleri - Titanium And Aluminum Editions

Aroundsquare's Hydra Begleri are a fun yet highly capable modern adaptation of the traditional Greek multi-bead begleri. While the full Hydra begleri line includes different sizes, colours, and materials, and allows for mixing and matching of beads, these are the originals, and probably our best-selling begleri design of all time. The Hydras have been praised and prized for the minimalist design, comfort, and performance. The two-bead design softens the impact of the beads, making them slightly more forgiving on the knuckles for beginning players, as well as somewhat quieter than solid single-bead designs. The multiple beads also add a nice "fiddle factor" to each set. The rounding of all edges on the beads adds to the comfort and overall feel.

These "original" Hydra beads are sized at 16mm in diameter, and 8mm tall, making a 16x16 stack at either end. The current edition is drilled with a 4mm bore, optimized for 550 paracord or our 4mm kevlar, with an exposed knot. 

The Titanium Edition 

The classic 16mm Hydra begleri design has endured for more than a decade, and this classic still has plenty to offer. By today’s standards they’re on the heavier side.. begleri trends have leaned toward smaller, lighter beads, a direction we’ve followed ourselves. But putting an older set back on the fingers reveals the value of that extra mass. Heftier beads carry greater momentum, they're more forgiving timing, and catches that feel effortless compared to lightweight sets. The two‑bead configuration of the Hydras also softens knuckle impacts, while the shelf at the top of the beads provides a positive control point. The whole setup has a reassuring solidity that makes it especially satisfying to return to.

This batch stays simple with natural titanium in two finishes:

• Machine Finish – raw CNC‑cut surface with clean tooling marks and a bright industrial look.
• Sandblasted Finish – fine, uniform matte texture that wears gracefully and hides minor scuffs.

Each bead features an Aroundsquare wordmark, adjustable to face outward or inward as you prefer.

Details:

• Weight: ~7g/bead, ~28g/set (4 beads), ~14g/end
• Dimensions: 16mm dia. × 8mm thick per bead – 16×16mm stack per end
• Material: Grade 5 titanium (Ti 6Al‑4V), precision machined
• Bore: 4mm, optimised for 550 paracord or 4mm Kevlar

The Aluminum Edition

The Hydra AL Sports are precision machined from aircraft grade (7075) aluminum, and anodized in brilliant colours. This version comes with four beads, weighing in at around 4g per bead, for a total of around 17g per 4 bead setup (with cord). The beads themselves are 16mm in diameter and 8mm thick, making 2-bead stacks of 16x16mm. The four-bead configuration plays very fast and light, and is extremely nimble. The small profile makes this configuration suitable for all tricks, including gap transfers.  

The Hydra AL Sport beads much quieter than heavier single-bead designs, and the multiple beads add a nice "fiddle factor" to each set. The slight rounding of all edges on the beads adds the overall feel.

Because aluminum is a soft metal, the surface of these will get dinged and scratched, and over time, the anodized colours will wear away, and the raw aluminum will begin to show through. This aging process gives them a great texture which helps with grip and bead control.

Our Hydra AL Sport (2022 editions) feature the same stacked-bead design as the original release, but with an updated 4mm bore, optimized for 550 paracord. 

Details:

• Weights:
• Around 4g per bead, or 17g per set (with cord) 
• Finishes:
• Natty/ Black
• Orange/ Blue (anodized)
• Includes extra strings, intro card, and stickers (varying with availability)

For a hands on look at the begleri, checkout our August 2026 Drop Preview

New to begleri? Check out Aroundsquare's AO2 Crew demonstrating what this toy's all about, via the talented guys at Kuma Films (below). You may also want to visit our general information page on begleri, or do a deep dive on the history, configurations, or manipulation of this remarkable little toy.