Model: Mosaic
Detailed model description
The Mosaic model consists of five rows and generally contains between 60 and 80 links. It takes its name from a construction assembled from many individual pieces that form its characteristic mosaic pattern.
Features and intended use
The model’s main feature is its ability to combine several materials in one piece. The maker and client can bring together different colors, textures and materials to create almost any visual composition. Mosaic offers enormous creative freedom for schemes, patterns and original design solutions, making it one of the most interesting models for a maker’s own ideas.
A Mosaic always feels substantial and weighty in the hand, regardless of the material. Its width makes it very comfortable for flips and gives it a stable position on the fingers.
For the helicopter, much depends on the shape of each small cube and the balance of the construction. If the cubes merely have their edges beveled or the cord is overtightened, the beads are likely to perform the helicopter poorly. With more rounded cubes, properly tensioned cord and good balance, however, the model can also spin extremely well.
Good balance means that the end pieces are made from a material equal in weight to the central link, or from a heavier one. If the center row is heavier than the end pieces, the balance is disrupted and the beads spin less effectively. For example, an Aramith billiard-ball center paired with Soviet- ebonite end pieces would create poor balance. Brass or stainless-steel inserts in the ends can improve the result considerably.
Additional information based on collectors’ real-world experience
The first rule to remember once and for all is never to buy Mosaic or Carpet models drilled crosswise. Choose only models with parallel drilling. With cross-drilling, an ordinary cord replacement becomes an extremely difficult task. I have been through it myself and would not wish the experience on anyone.
Second, if you want to combine an Aramith billiard ball with ebonite , my observations over four years show that the best arrangement is a center row in Soviet ebonite with side rows and end pieces in Aramith. This combination produces the most successful balance, pleasant tactile feel and an excellent overall appearance.
Mosaics made from rare materials such as elephant ivory , mammoth ivory , sperm-whale tooth or hippopotamus tusk are a different category altogether. They immediately enter the luxury class and become the jewel of any collection. They are impossible to overlook and invariably attract special attention.
And which Mosaic variation is best suited to the helicopter spin?
If you want my opinion on which Mosaic model is best for the helicopter, my answer is the Dragon . It is one of the most responsive, best-balanced, softest and most controllable models for spinning. It is the absolute favorite among all the Mosaics in my collection.
The model is ordered extremely rarely, but whoever becomes its owner will be very fortunate. If you need a piece that responds readily and spins exceptionally well, choose the Dragon , specifically piece no. 169 in the worry-bead catalog.
