I bought a green 2nd run 5-star at BAC several weeks ago, and i've had Quite a while to throw it around.
I generally steer away from writing review posts, because i find that i'm too critical (ask anyone who's met me, i'm EXTREMELY picky in my metal yoyos). And I do find that most reviews are written with overly praising tones, and i hate to come off as a fanboy.
So, the fact that i'm writing a review shows that there's something to this yoyo!
I'm going to start out with some pictures...
And now to follow with the standard review format.....
LooksMy first impression when catching my first glimpse of the 2nd run 5-star was.... "WHOA.... Mean!". I must say, the shiny black/red of the OG 5-star was a bit of a putoff for me, so when i saw these babies, well, i had to have one.
In your hand, It looks like more than your ordinary metal yoyo. Not even a hint of the toyish feeling you sometimes get holding a yoyo. People see you throwing something like this, and they'll know you're a pro, not some guy playing with his nerdy yoyo...
I'll let the pictures say the rest... (more to come too).
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Feel (comfort, texture, finish)
For me, the play or appearance of a yoyo doesn't quite make it as a keeper for me. Today, with the huge variance in metal yoyo design, for a particular model to hit it home, it takes a bit more than the description of a "long sleeping design" to show true workmanship.
My first impression when holding this yoyo, was that of the finish. The 2nd run 5-star has a absolutely smooth and flawless finish, which is extremely durable for anodizing. The finish can stand up to day to day pocket wear considerably well. It has been my carry-yo for the last month or so, and there has yet to be one scratch or mark of any kind. If by any chance your fingernail makes contact with this yoyo, your fingernail's gonnah loose out!
The packaging boasts Military spec anodizing, and i can't at all argue with that statement, it's some tough stuff!
When you put that loop around your finger, you'll see that there is indeed more to the feel of the yoyo than the finish! The shape of this yoyo has that "just-right" feeling. I have relatively large hands, and this thing feels just right. An issue i have with many yoyos (Superstar for example) is that, the weight distribution causes the yoyo to have flat edges on the rims. I find that after whipy bind, the yoyo smaks RIGHT INTO the pressure points in my hand. i find myself waggling my palm around in pain, and i'm told that i loop particularly silly while doing so.
That's where this yoyo excels. It has that super (bape-like) rounded shape that screams comfort. and it barely hurts when you throw it. This fact right here, makes the yoyo for me.
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PlayI'm going to try and keep this part shorter, because in this market, pretty much all metal yoyos boast smooth play.
Having said that, I have got to say this yoyo
is hands down one of the smoothest yoyos i've ever thrown.My first throw with this yoyo nearly sent me in shock. Just 5 minutes before, i had thrown the new SPYY Addiction, which left me ready to refuse to throw anything else. I was doubtful that trying a 5-star would chance that decision. But, being curious, i decided to have a go with it anyway. And WOW. The 5-star plays... it's very hard to properly describe it, and i suggest you take a look at some of the other reviews.
I'm going to have a shot anyway:
I'm sure you've all heard the term "oxy-smooth". I always thought "psht. all metals are smooth. you can't make much improvement." Well suddenly the term began to make sense... there
IS a higher level out there!
It's a light yoyo, but it DEFINITELY feels heavier than the numbers say. Ernie did a great job with the weight distribution on this one, it floats on the string, and is really smooth.
for example, on trapeze you can test the smoothness by sliding the yoyo from your throwhand to your non throwhand and feel no resistance. the string won't double back on itself, or start to snag, or reverse-bind.
A little quirk i had at first with this yoyo, is that at first it can be a little unforgiving on a bad throw. however, it does smooth itself out after a few seconds... This can be eliminated with minimal effort (see bellow).
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Bearing and responseOne thing i wasn't happy about this yoyo, was it's stock response system. I
really dislike the pads it comes with (1-drop large pads). I find it actually takes away from the snag free, smooth feeling of this yoyo, and this is where i can understand why people who have said they dislike this yoyo from the start are coming from.
However, i spend a LOT of time messing with my yoyos and tuning them to smooth perfection, so i had no trouble yanking out the pads and pouring in some red gasket maker. The response groove was perfectly deep for flowable, and just about right for smoothing silicone (like red). All you need is a plastic spoon at the right angle and you have the perfect response.
When my second 5-star arrived in the mail with the silicone pads, i was astounded with the difference in play. It was such a difference, while still an excellent throw, i had gotten used to the smoothness that silicone provides. (needless to say i yanked those pads out and poured in some of my own silicone. now they play identically).
However, where the stock response system is lacking, the bearing makes up, and over takes in quality.
This bearing, is BY FAR the nicest bearing i have ever tried. Many of the people who know me, know me to fiddle around with my yoyo bearings as much as i actually yoyo. (guy's don't be shy, you know who you are). I know what i'm talking about when i say these bearings kick ---- hard.
They are probably the most perfect bearings i've had stock. They are not beyond metal though, so you still need to clean, lube, or blast out any junk that might accumulate inside. (also, i'd try deshielding them).
It is the quietest bearing i've run cleaned
ever.
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Getting the most out of your 5-star.The quirks you may get with the 5-star, is that occasionally, when you screw the yoyo back together, the axle might drift. the result is a slight wobble at the beginning of a throw. There are two solutions to this, if it bothers you.
first is you can repeatedly partially unscrew the yoyo with one half face-up, then flip it over and tighten it up (this adjusts the position of the axle between the halves threading.
I suggest you get an allen wrench, and a 2.5" narrow strip of teflon tape (take a knife and slice the tape in half long-ways).
then wrap the axle tightly with the thin strip of tape and screw it into the chosen half all the way.
Finally, (now pay attention) back it out with the Allen wrench 1.5 turns. Then you won't have to worry about unscrewing your yoyo, and perhaps loosing that smoothness for a day.
Now, if you've read through this entire thing, put *** in your comment. yea..
If you've skipped to here put * at the beginning of your comment...
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Pictures (including comparison pictures)
and sorry, my backdrop got crinkled, and objects
may look wider in photos than in real life...
comparison
5-star, and an m1
5-star and a DV888
5-star and a BvM
That's all. Thanks for reading this! If you're unsure about acquiring this yoyo, or have any questions/ concerns, please feel free to ask/post them here. i'll do my best to answer.
comments are appreciated.
And i'd like to say Thanks to Ernie for This outstanding yoyo, and all the help!
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