A little confused with some of the new weapons

[Jeranimus Rex]

So the Kusarigama and the double chained Kama, they each have text that almost implies that they can be used within the normal 5ft range.

In the DCK's instance it says that you may fight with them as though you had a kama in each hand, or make a single reach attack. This is pretty clear cut.

However, the Kusarigama says that the sickle is used to make trips, jabs and blocks, while the metal weight attacked to crash into one's opponents.

Does this mean that the sickle end is used in close combat, while the metal ball is used with reach? The description is fairly vague on this point, and I'm not sure how I should interpret this.

[Ravingdork]

I just figured they were double reach weapons (which would be awesome since it's similar to the v3.5 kusari-gama).

Guess I will have to take a closer look.

EDIT: Seems that is only the case with the double-chained kama.

[Nadir_Sharpblade]

Jeranimus Rex wrote:

...

Does this mean that the sickle end is used in close combat, while the metal ball is used with reach? The description is fairly vague on this point, and I'm not sure how I should interpret this.

I agree that the description of the kusarigama is quite confusing.

Even if your interpretation seems logic I must note that, being a double weapon, the kusarigama should grant the possibility to make attacks, with BOTH ends, at the same range (using the two-weapon combat rules).

Besides, considering the description (short) saying it has "reach", I also assume that, at least, one attack has reach.

Finally, checking the description of the double chained kama (that specify how to manage reach attacks) and the type of weapon (very similar) I'm inclined to let my players use the kusarigama as a double chained kama (i.e. use of both ends in close combat or only one attack - sickle or ball - in the 1,5-3 m range).

[Raymond Lambert]

is this finally the new spiked chain? lesser damage but no fuss about fighting with interchangeable styles up close/reach? i have been waiting for a while. both the meteor hammer(knocked down in damage &threat range in uc) & dwarf dern dagger have thier own timing/action issues with fighting both adjacent/reach or having to pick one or the other, lacking the true freedom of the 3.5 sc.

the text seems like u r always suppose 2 use the sickle in the off hand(1/2 str damage) & the only end u can trip with, while only the ball/chain may attack with reach. is that right? should the ball end not be allowed 2 wrap around a leg 2 trip? should the sickle end never be allowed 2 be swung out with reach? can either end ever be employed as a 2handed weapon 4 str damage?

paizo has fliped & floped on these weapons everytime so far. how they could let the current wording go to print without clearly stating how it can/cannot be employed is beyond me, especially given thier history with such weapons.