When to replace silicone for Yoyojam SFX

[john146]

I'm fairly new to yo yos and got a SFX about 6 months ago. I'm playing on the speed bearing and binds are getting harder to get. Does that mean I should re-silicone it? Is there a way to know by looking at it if it needs to be done?

[GunstarHero]

Just like any other yoyo you will know when to replace the silicone by binds. If they're getting more difficult to do to a point where it's affecting your play than it's a good idea to replace it. I am assuming your relatively new to yoyoing and siliconing. When you replace the silicone use the back of a plastic spoon to get a concave "dip" in the silicone so it's less grabby. It will be a little grabby until you break in the response.

[john146]

I checked out the tutorial on YouTube. Looks like I have to go to the auto parts store!

[GunstarHero]

Yep. Walmart also sells RTV in the auto section near the cleaners and lubricants. You can pick up a tube for about 3$.

[john146]

I've read mixed reviews about RTV versus flowable. Is RTV thicker and chunkier and harder to work with?

[GunstarHero]

RTV is harder to work with...but it is not difficult to do. Flowable is easier since it levels out on its own. Either way it's good to practice it..you'll be doing it quite a bit if you stick to yoyoing.

As long as you follow the instructions on the youtube tutorials you'll have no problems with it. Make sure you stick a large wood screw into the nozzle afterwards to prevent the silicone from drying inside the tube. The tube helps tremendously.