First, there are so many rosaries on the market. Many of them are very pretty to look at but are made with the intention of being decorations. In reality, most rosaries that are sold will not last two weeks of being carried in a pocket. Someone who uses their rosary daily needs a very durable rosary that can withstand being bent, scratched, and dropped, and still be able to keep going for a month or more.
Durability comes first
The rosary will be worn in your pocket, in your glove compartment or in your gym bag. So it must be able to withstand being tossed around from time to time.
On the flip side, cheaply made plastic beads can break easily, the cord can fray, and flimsy metal links can snap and leave you in the lurch when you really need to pray.
While many people think that wood is a soft and fragile material, the truth is that it is actually quite durable. Of all the types of wood, olive wood is probably the best for making rosaries. As the rosary is used, the wood will develop a wonderful character. The natural oils from your hands will also enhance the finish of the wood. Other materials that are very durable are stone. Hematite, jasper and many other types of stone are virtually indestructible. They can be quite heavy, but they can also be very comforting to the person using the rosary.
The Paracord Rosary. This type of rosary can withstand almost anything and keep on going. This is the same cord used by climbers and in the military for a variety of applications. It is incredibly durable and will last for a very long time.
Size matters
A rosary that is too large will probably not be used as frequently as one that is average or smaller in size. Conversely, a rosary that is too flimsy will simply get lost with larger hands, or worst yet, broken.
Most standard rosary beads are about 6-8mm in diameter. It can be very difficult to handle very small beads, especially in cold weather and when there is not enough light. For pocket carry, a rosary with larger beads can be more suitable for someone who will be carrying their rosary in a jacket pocket than a rosary with very small beads that will be carried in a pants pocket.
Material choices that actually work
In order to choose a rosary, you need to look at the different materials and the purposes they serve. Most people don’t realize how big of a role the materials play when choosing a rosary.
Wood is warmer than other materials. With time, the rosary acquires character, that is why in silent prayer it is so much appreciated in environments and groups where other materials would be too noisy when moved from one bead to another.
The beads could be metal. And metal beads last forever. But at first they can be cold and sometimes metal beads can be noisy as they are moved from side to side. However even the hardest of metals warm up very quickly to the body’s temperature. Stainless steel is the best material for making metal rosary beads. This is because it is the most resistant to corrosion from human sweat and moisture. Men who are constantly on the go and are physically active during the day and then have time to pray at night are ideal users of Stainless Steel rosary beads.
One of the aspects of the Rosary that men look at are the beads, and in particular the weight of the beads. Unlike the very light Rosaries made for children and many for women, men who are seriously looking for a means to pray often look for Rosaries that have some weight to them.
Look at designs of rosaries for men. These have been constructed with the aim of having a rosary that is very durable and can be taken with you wherever you go. These are designs that have focused on function and on the spiritual purpose for which the rosary was originally made.
Construction details that determine longevity
If a rosary contains wire joints then these are generally more prone to failure than the thread or cord joints. However, the wire used in these joints must be of a heavy enough gauge to cope with the amount of stress placed on them by the joints themselves. Many rosaries are made and then fail a few months later as a result of problems with the joints.
Crimped connections are better than twisted connections. This is because a crimp is a mechanical connection and therefore will not come undone over time like a twisted wire connection will. Look at the centerpiece of the rosary and the connections of the crucifix. These are the parts of the rosary that are subject to the most stress, and are therefore most prone to failure.
Cord-based rosaries don’t have connection problems as the individual components are tied or knotted to the main cord of the rosary.
Weight preferences vary more than you’d think
There are many Rosaries for Men on the market today that are created with the mindset of a heavier Rosary providing a better tactile experience for the user while they are praying. But then again, there are many men out there who like to wear their Rosaries so much that they can’t even feel them in their pocket. It’s good to know before you purchase a Rosary which type of weight you prefer.
On the other hand, a rosary with more weight is perfect for the above mentioned issues with a Rosary hanging off of your clothing. The more weight, the better this issue will be solved. The rosary will feel good in your hands as well, for example when saying your prayers. However, you will notice less tactile feedback as you pray with it. A rosary that is light enough to wear all day to work, and to travel with will be so light, that you will forget that you are even wearing it.
Color and finish considerations
A dark color always hides better any wear than a light color, so opting for a natural wood finish, a black stone or a dark finished metal will allow your rosary to remain young and in good shape even with intense use on a daily basis.
Glossy surfaces get finger prints and scratches and show wear much more than a matte or natural finish. And then consider the finish as it gets old and worn. Some things get more beautiful with age and others just get old and worn out.
Making the choice that works
The best rosary for you is one that is durable and meets your preferences. A nice rosary that is cumbersome will not be used as often as a good quality rosary that feels good in your hands. So when choosing a rosary for your personal use, you must base your selection on the intended use of the rosary. For example, a rosary that you plan to wear in your jacket pocket for daily use will require a different type of rosary than one that you intend to use from time to time at home.
Ultimately you want to pick a rosary that can be used daily and will last for years to come. This means you will want to look for a rosary that has a good construction and material for the intended use. For someone who plans to carry the rosary in their pocket on a daily basis then you will want to make sure the rosary is built to last through the day in your pocket.
