Well it's come to my understanding that most Reviews are out there to aid in the purchasing of yoyos. I've also come to understand that all to often yoyos that are being reviewed are from the more "experienced" types, and often only include information that is necessary for other "experienced" yoyo-ers. So, to aid to the rest of the people out there, and maybe influence those who are experienced I'm going to share with you a bit of information that I find are a benefit to first time buyers, and everyone else.
As for credentials, I'd like to add that I do work for a Yo-Yo company and we have one of the few yoyo specific stores (brick and mortar, where you see us in person!) in the US. We sale yoyos from all companies, host free yoyoing classes to help those who are Newbies all the way to Freestyle Competitors. This guide uses the same principles we use to get yoyo-ers started, and how we suggest what yoyo will fit the player's abilities.
For more Specs (pics from multiple angles and "guts", amount in stock, price, and manufacturer) on the yoyo click the link underneath the pic that leads to YoYoNation's page of that yoyo.
First and foremost I suggest that
All first time yoyo-ers purchase a Yomega Brain
Brain at YYNor
The Duncan Reflex (butterfly-esque shape and lower cost!)
Reflex at YYNThese yoyos will teach you the necessary actions of basic yoyoing.. if you're a first time buyer and a first time yoyo-er, than buy either one of these yoyos! There's nothing stopping you from buying other yoyos in addition to this one in your first order, but either one is a must. Either one will teach you to achieve a decent sleep time by giving the yoyo hard throw. As well it could teach you to achieve a decent throw, it must be done straight. As well these yoyos have the ability to not only train you proper 1A style tricks but 2A as well, which are the two styles that are the most different from one another.
So what are 1A and 2A "styles" and why am I saying they're so different? Well check this out.. The National Yo-Yo League categorizes the contest categories by 5 different styles. Which are:
1A: players use a long spinning yo-yo to perform "string tricks" where the yo-yo is mounted onto the string and intricate manipulations of both string and yo-yo are performed.
2A: players use two yo-yo's simultaneously in a "looping" or reciprocating fashion that requires coordination and timing.
3A: players use two long spinning yo-yos while performing "string tricks" simultaneously.
4A: players who use a yo-yo that is not attached to the string but still can come back to the hand.
5A: players use a counterweight attached to the string instead of tying the yo-yo string to a finger.
as you can tell the most foreign of the five styles are 4A and 5A. In most cases both of these styles have many of their own style specific tricks, yet also incorporate 1A style "string tricks" occasionally. 3A is obviously a branch of 1A in that the player performs "string tricks," yet as the same with 4A and 5A, there are a lot of Style specific tricks that are performed. 1A is the most common use of yoyoing, and is the basis for 1A, 3A, 4A, and 5A. 2A is the only style that does not incorporate 1A style tricks, thus 1A and 2A are the two styles that are most different.
Once a yoyo player has been able to grasp the concepts provided by playing with a Yomega Brain (concepts like; throwing straight and hard, tricks like: Gravity Pull (properly), Sleeper, Forward pass, Breakaway, Around the world, Walk the Dog, Creeper, Rock the Cradle, Jamaican Flag, Eiffel Tower, UFO, Pop The Clutch, Loop the Loop (inside and/or outside), Hop the Fence, and perhaps even Trapeze), They will be prepared to use a more skill related yoyo. For first time throwers who have shown an advanced level of proficiency (able to pick up the "concepts" within 1 session), we usually recommend something that is more intermediate level than the following. If you feel that you are one of these types, by all means skip these first few yoyos. Otherwise the normal progression would be to pick up one of the following.
But before I get into this next category, I'd like to point out a few reasons why I've put the yoyo's into the categories they are found in.
Most yoyos are rated in level of difficulty because of 3 reasons.
1. Weight/weight distribution.
2. Type of bearing and response system
3. Price
#3 is the least worthy to be seen as a reason to categorize something. But in the case of any sport, buying something that is bound to be beat up a lot for a newbie that cost them a lot of money is both a waste of money and resources. Even though yoyoing is a reletively inexpensive sport, it can get expensive! For those of us who take it seriously enough to compete on the National or World level, we might find it necessary to find the "perfect" yoyo. Just to make it clear,
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A PERFECT YOYO. What I meant by saying that we search out the "perfect" (in quotations) yoyo, is just saying that we're looking for the yoyo that meets our personal preferences, even down to asthetics (looks).
But in most instances, a yoyo's weight and weight distribution determine how the yoyo "feels". Weight can cause a yoyo to "feel"; heavy, stable, smooth, light, full bodied, unstable, flighty, or empty. Weight distribution can cause a yoyo to feel; solid, even, uneven or awkward. The reasons that weight and weight distribution have these types of effects, are because of the way Physics acts upon a spinning object. Taking the theory that an object in motion remains in motion, and the theory that an object with more mass will want to remain in it's current state longer than something of lesser mass, leads us to conclude that a heavier yoyo will spin longer. Yet again, Weight distribution pokes it's head out there and says, "Ah! Don't forget about me!" Because even though a heavier yoyo may be able to sleep for a long period of time, a yoyo with more of it's mass centered on the rim spins in the same plane longer (more stable), thus has the ability to out spin a yoyo with greater amounts of mass (more weight) where the weight is distributed more evenly throughout the yoyo. As well Weight distribution plays a major roll in 2A. A yoyo that has more center based weight will want to "flip" easier than a yoyo with rim weight. At the same time a yoyo with more rim weight will want to (as the same with the above) spin truer. The Relic for example has HG technology in it's rims. HG is a process developped by Dale Bell which utilizes mixing metal particles into moldable plastic. Because the heavier material (more mass) is on the rim of the yoyo, tricks like Tangler and Wraps, are more easily accomplished. Equally the Da Bomb, has almost all of it's weight centered around the axle. If tuned correctly this yoyo will pretty much turn on it's own.
As for the type of Bearing and response, it is almost completely preference. I know many players who tune the yoyo to play unresponsive without throwing the yoyo first. At the same time I know many players who wouldn't dare throw a yoyo if it didn't have enough response for a tug to bring the yoyo back to the hand. The 3 main types of bearings that are available are Small (.250 x .375 x .125) Medium (5 x 10 x 4 {metric}), and Large (.250 x .500 x .187). I chose mainly small or medium bearing yoyos with aggressive to "tugable" response to go into the Beginner category. It is much easier to learn tricks without the yoyo constantly having to be wound because of response reasons. Once a yoyo-er is more prepared for an unresponive set up, Going to a Large bearing or a yoyo with variable response (sticker) is the best plan of action.
Response is usually determined by the way a bearing is set up, in conjuctions with the type of response system that the yoyo in question uses. Companies like Duncan, and Buzz-on Industries, both use Sticker response. Sticker Response works well with all bearing types and is easily customizeable for both Extreme Responsive play or Extreme Unresponsive play, and new types of response stickers are created at what seems to be at the rate of 3-4 a year. YYJ mainly utilizes 2 types of response, Starburst (an older yet still very effective type of response) and Yo-Ring. They use these two response types to create yoyos that utilize one of each type (Starburst response or Yo-Ring resonse) or a combination of both of them (Hybrid Response.)
Personally though, I highly doubt that the above factors really matter to the first yoyo you get (after the brain). After you get a better feel of your personal preferences, you'll start to find which of these factors you prefer, and then you'll find the yoyo that fits you "perfectly".
Beginner
Until then, I recommend these yoyos for Beginners who have got the concepts down. Remember to click the link to view more info and see great pics!
In most cases 1A style tricks are pursued before 2A, so for all intrusive purposes 1A style yoyos will be shown first.
Dragonfly at YYNWeight- 52g. Weight distribution- Even. Bearing- Medium Response- Brake Pad (cork like)
Flying Squirrel at YYNWeight- 66g. Weight Distribution- Rim. Bearing Medium, Response- Sticker
Freehand 2 at YYNWeight- 70, Weight Distribution- Slightly in rim, Bearing- medium, Response- Sticker
F.A.S.T. 201 at YYNWeight- 63, Weight Distribution- Even, Bearing- Medium, Response- Fully Active Starburst (hence the name F.A.S.T)
Spinstar at YYNWeight- 61, Weight Distribution- Even, Bearing- Medium, Response- Fully Active Starburst
Matrixx at YYNWeight- 67g Distribution- Even. Bearing- Small, Response- Hybrid
DragonJam at YYNWeight- 51g, Weight Distribution- Even, Bearing- Small, Response-Starburst
If you feel that Looping is the wave of the future and you'd like to proceed and show the world that you act upon your belief, than purchase a beginner looping yoyo (some of these also translate extremely well into non-beginner looping yoyos). Such as:
ProYo at YYNWeight- 50g Weight distribution- a tad more on the rim Bearing- none, it's wood!
Speed Beetle at YYNWeight=50g Weight distribution-Center/even Bearing- Medium Response- Sticker As well the Speed Beetle comes with an addition set of shims that aid in finding your favorite type of set up for looping.
Fireball at YYNWeight- 52g Weight Distribution- Center/Even Bearing-none, Plastic sleeve. Spins longer than a fixed or wood axle but not as long as a ball bearing
Intermediate
Those who seem to be able to move at a quicker pace (higher proficiency that I spoke of earlier) and the next natural progression would be to move on to a more advanced yoyo. The Majority of these yoyos are easily tuned to be played by the Advanced players alike. Yet because of low cost these are commonly recommended for those who are ready for the next step! As well a few from the previous category could easily be used by the intermediate and advanced because of Sticker technology, such as the Flying Squirrel and the Blaze. Remember to click the link to view more info and see great pics!
NOTE: 1A first, 2A second.. sorry. lol
Velocity 2 at YYNWeight 63g, Weight Distribution- Rim, Bearing- Medium, Response- Dialable starburst
I highly recommend this yoyo for everyone. The dialable starburst (aka F.A.S.T. but different than the F.A.S.T. 201... I know it's weird) allows the yoyo to grow with the player. To me that makes this the MOST versatile yoyo available.
Freehand Zero at YYNWeight 66g Weight Distribution- Slightly more on Rim Bearing- Medium Response-Sticker
Shinwoo Phantom at YYNWeight 65g Weight Distribution- More in rims (due to inner weight) Bearing- Medium Response- Rubber Pad
Kickside at YYNWeight-65g Weight Distribution- Even Bearing- Large Response- Hybrid
Lyn Fury at YYNWeight- 66g Weight Distribution- slightly more on rim Bearing- Large Response- Yo-Ring
Speedmaker at YYNWeight- 63g Weight Distribution- Even Bearing- Large Response- Hybrid
Journey at YYN (no not the band)Weight- 61g, Weight Distribution- Even, Bearing- Large, Response- Yo-ring
Spinfaktor HG at YYNWeight- 63g Weight Distribution- Rim Bearing- Large Response- Hybrid
Kaos at YYNWeight- 65, Weight Distribution- Rim, Bearing- Large, Response- Hybrid
Patriot at YYNWeight- 63g, Weight Distribution- Even, Bearing- Large, Response- Starburst
And as for looping, the Next Step yoyos are:
Sunset Trajectory NXG at YYNWeight-51 Weight Distribution- Even Bearing- Small Response- Yo-Ring
Relic at YYNWeight-51g Weight Distribution- Majority on Rim Bearing- Small Response-Yo-Ring
Advanced
And the next progression to this wonderful world of yoyos would be to either Continue to use the following from the above list (scroll up by their links to see their respected pic or click the link for more information from YYN!)
Freehand Zero at YYNand set them up to your desired settings for the type of play and style that you prefer by means of the sticker response that these yoyos utilize. All of these are used by the "Pros" to use during Freestyles and for everyday use. In addition to these yoyos the HyperWarp HeavyWing is used by a few "Pros" as well as the following:
Remember to click the link to view more info and see great pics!
Speed Dial 2 at YYNWeight- 62, Weight Distribution- Mostly even, slightly less on rim, Bearing- medium, Response- Dialable starburst
(Definately a necessary yoyo for everyone's arsinal.)
Speeder at YYNWeight- 64g Weight Distribution- All on Rim Bearing- Large Response- Hybrid
Hitman at YYNWeight- 67g Weight Distribution- All on Rim Bearing- Large Response- Available in both Yo-Ring and Hybrid
Darkmagic at YYNWeight- 71g Weight Distribution- All on Rims Bearing- Large Response- Hybrid
Black Knight at YYNWeight- 70g Weight Distribution- All on Rim Bearing- Large Response- Hybrid
X-Convict at YYNWeight- 67g Weight Distribution- Even (more toward rim) Bearing- Large Response- Yo-ring
Sirius at YYNWeight- 69g Weight Ditribution- Even Bearing- Large Response- Yo-Ring
Sigma Blade Zwei at YYNWeight- 67g Weight Distribution- All on Rim Bearing- Large Response- Yo-Ring
As for those looking to 2A it up to the next level the following are still used by some 2A players.
Sunset Trajectory NXG at YYN Relic at YYNSpeed Beetle at YYNin addition to these, the most popular type of 2A yoyos, modded
Fireballs and modded
Raiders are used. They're modded with
plastic spacers and in the Fireballs case a ball bearing is added. YYN sells these really awesome
Pair of YYN Raiders with plastic spacers to get you on your way to being a 2A Mastermind!
In addition to these yoyos there a lot of specialty and 4A and 5A Style specific yoyos. As well, I'll list the yoyos most used for 3A here.
A popular specialty yoyo is the "Mini". These are used by the "Pros" to perform with during freestyles, yet still fall into a specialty category.
Motu at YYNWeight- 65g Weight Distribution- All on Rim Bearing- Large Response- Yo-Ring
The most commonly used yoyos for 3A are:
Freehand Zero at YYNSigma Blade Zwei at YYNFor those who'd like to give a shot at 4A Any yoyo could be used. But yoyos that are specific to this style are:
Flying Panda at YYNWeight- 66g Weight Ditribution- All on Rim Bearing- Medium Response- Sticker
F.A.S.T. Offstring at YYNWeight- 61g with small rims 76g with large rims Weight Ditribution- All on Rim Bearing- Medium Response- Tapered Gap
Aquarius at YYNWeight- 77g Weight Distribution- Mostly Even, Slightly in Rim Bearing- Small Response-Tapered Gap
As well, for those who'd like to experiment with 5A, any yoyo can be used, but a counter weight is needed. The
Duncan Freehand Zero comes with a set of counterweights. The Throw Monkey below also comes with a counterweight, as well as the before mentioned
Flying Squirrel.
Throw Monkey at YYNWeight- 66g Weight Distribution- All on Rims Bearing- Medium Response- Sticker
ZanNavi at YYNWeight- 65, Weight Distribution- Evenly more on Rim, Bearing- Medium, Response- Rubber Insert(fairly perminant)
And finally those who venture into even further realms like to try out "The Goods" or All Aluminum yoyos. All of these are seen and highlighted in the
Advanced Section of YYN. (click the link to see them and their Specs).
In addition to buying a yoyo (or more than one even!), you'll need necessary accessories. (Click the link to go to YYN's page for the designated product)
Strings are first and foremost the most important accessory. All yoyos will need their strings changed. The 2 main differences of strings are Size and Material. The three types of sizes are Type 6- 3 strands twisted, then twisted with a second set of 3 strands or 3x2. Type 8- 3 strands twisted, then twisted with a second set of 3 strands or 4x2. Type 9- 3 strands twisted, then twisted with 2 more sets of 3 strands or 3x3. The 3 types of texture are, Cotton, Polyester, or 50% cotton and 50% polyester. To best find the string that fits your playing type, I would suggest trying all of them out. One thing to notice though, All Duncans come stock with a Cotton string on the yoyo and a spare cotton string in the packaging. Yomegas also have Cotton strings on the yoyos. Buzz-on, and YoYoJam place 50/50 strings on their yoyos. So if you like the string that came with your yoyo, most cases you'll like it enough to use them as replacements. The most popular amoung yoyo enthusiests are Type 6 50/50. To best describe each type of string, I would say Cotton tends to be a bouncy string when fresh but wears quickly, and is prone to break if not replaced. 50/50 tends to stay bouncy like cotton but tends to wear slightly slower and slightly less prone to breaking as cotton. Polyester tends to not be as bouncy but holds it's "slack" a little easier than cotton or 50/50, wears simular to 50/50 but is rarely prone to break, and tends to lower response by being a thinner material than cotton. As well the larger sizes tend to increase response, and aid in wearing slower and breaking less often.
As well a lot of yoyos (Duncan, and Buzz-on) utilize the Response system known as Sticker Response. Those available through YoYoNation in various sizes are:
Duncan stickers,
Dif Pads,
Born Crucial Carbon Fiber Sticker,
Born Crucial Goast Pad,
Chu Pad, and
Kentaro Pads, will need to be replaced on occasion. Most except for the Duncan stickers, last a decent amount of time longer than Duncan's do, but many swear by Duncan stickers. I suggest grabbing a few of each and finding out which ones you prefer.
In addition to these types of response systems additional
silicone o-rings,
AnY O-Pad,
Born Crucial Ghost Rings, and
flowable silicone are available for Yoyojam yoyos as optional accessories.
Other optional Accessories include:
Bearings and Bearing kits,
Counterweights (for playing 5A!) , and
Weights (that fit most brands) .
For light modding purposes SPR Kits are also provided for upgrading many yoyos including all Buzz-ons, all Duncans, and most Yomegas and range from
Small SPR,
Medium SPR, and
Large SPR. And
Spacers and shims aid in widening or tightening (for 2A purposes) yoyos.
In addition to these accessories things like gloves, cases and lubricants (usually used to add or reduce response) are found on YYN's
accessories page.
I hope that this guide has shed a little light on what's out there. In each category there are some yoyos that are recommended over others. As well many players believe that some of the yoyos from one category belong in a different one. I feel that my credentials lead me to provide the most accurate standing for each yoyos category placement. These aren't the only yoyos out there either. Modded yoyos, yoyos that YYN carries that I didn't put on this guide, even other brands that YYN doesn't carry, and new yoyos are coming out all the time. If there are any additions or adaptations, dead links, or general comments and questions of or to this guide that you feel are necessary, by all means please PM me.
As for my personal recommendations, I'm a bit prejudice to the buzz-on products, but here goes..
first timer: Brain. (duh..) Beginner: (1a) Precedent or Matrixx. (2A) Da Bomb (not shown above). Intermediate: (1A) Element X Standard or Remix, YoYoFactory Velocity. (2A) Speed Beetle. Learn Learn Learn! Advanced: (1A) Clean your bearing on your Element X... Or perhaps it's time for a Metal yo (888 recommended), and a couple that aren't on the list- DV8 and Rogue (if you can find one). My personal favorite out of all of these of this category is the DV8 though. (2A) Sunset NXGs. Aluminum: All of them.. they're all amazing and beautiful in their own respects. My personal favorite though is the Spyder or 888.
As for 3A I recommend Bushidos. 4A Aquarius. 5A -Element X (standard small bearing) with a counterweight.
Most of all, Remember that yoyoing is for fun! Fun can be found in throwing a Brain up and down all day, and can be found in hardcore competition. Whatever it is that makes yoyoing fun to you, stick with it! Best Regards and I hope this helps.
-JB Hewatt
Team Buzz-on Member, Promoter, Demonstrator, and Player
Buzz-on Toy and Hobby (aka Buzz-on Industries) Production Manager
Yo-Yo Enthusiast
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