12 Best Yoyos For Tricks We've Tested 2024
Brandon Forder May 14, 2024 7:08 AM
Yo-yos have withstood the test of time and modern innovation, and can still be found in just about any toy store. Yo-yos are surprisingly complex for a toy that require neither batteries nor computer chips; they use a clever combination of momentum and gravity to present a unique challenge to their users.
However, yo-yos have changed significantly as a result of technological advancements. Modern yo-yos are more entertaining and gratifying to play with thanks to the addition of features like LED lights and improved bearings. However, yo-yos haven't changed much in their fundamental construction. Yo-yos are similar in construction; they all include an outer shell that houses an axle and a string that spins around the axle.
The average consumer in the modern era might not realize that each yo-yo is unique in its construction. Some are more appropriate for newer players, while others shine once the player has mastered the game. Some of the tricks that can be performed with a yo-yo may call for a more complex model.
Yo-yos were originally made from wood, but plastic has since replaced it as the preferred material. Finding a yo-yo that fits your hand well is more crucial than the yo-weight yo's or plastic kind. Metal yo-yos are another option; they're sturdy, and their improved playability and maneuverability make them a great choice for those who need both durability and versatility.
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Last update on 2024-05-14 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Shapes
Yo-yos come in one of three standard forms.
Most people's mental image of a yoyo is of the Classic Shape, the original yoyo shape. When first brought to the United States, the yoyo took on this traditional wooden form. It's the ideal form for practicing and performing standard yo-yo tricks, but you can also use it for a wide variety of other uses.
These yo-yos include the Duncan Imperial, the Classic Wooden yo-yo, and the Duncan Speed Beetle.
A second common yoyo type is the wing-shaped or flared gap shape. For advanced tricks like the Trapeze or Split the Atom, the Flared Gap Shape's broad, V-shaped area makes it simpler to catch the yoyo back on the string.
It's safe to say that the flared gap shape is the most common one for metal yoyos and other high-end yoyos. That's because most people today like to perform string stunts, in which the yoyo is caught mid-spin on a string.
It's important to note, though, that an experienced yoyoist can also perform these "string" tricks using a yoyo that doesn't have a Flared Gap. The Duncan Dragonfly, Yoyo King Merlin, Spintastics Tigershark, and the Duncan Butterfly are all examples of yoyos that fall within this category.
Many high-end yoyos released within the previous 15 years have a modified shape. Its more aerodynamic profile than the Classic Shape makes it a good option for stunts involving loops and lengthy spins.
The Modified Shape yoyo was designed to incorporate many of the features that make the Flared Gap and Classic forms so popular. It's more compact than a Flared Gap, making it ideal for high-intensity Rock-the-Cradle-style moves. A larger space can be achieved thanks to the rounded inner walls. That makes it simpler to perform string-style tricks like the Trapeze than with a Classic yoyo but more difficult than with a Flared Gap yoyo. A Flared Gap yoyo is not as effective at looping stunts as a Modified Shape yoyo. If you can only have one yoyo, this is the one to have.
Axles
Yoyos have an axle that joins both halves of the toy and serves as a connection point for the string. Axles come in several varieties, each with its own set of features and benefits.
Fixed Axles
There was initially just one style of yoyo and one kind of axle. Wood! To make yo-yos, a solid block of wood was carved. Yoyos with wooden axles are still on the market and remain popular because they feel the same in your hand as they did in the 1950s. They're great for beginners because of their reliability and entertainment value, and they're perfect for mastering standard yo-yo stunts like "Walk the Dog," "Around the World," "Rock the Baby," etc.
If you used a yoyo as a kid and want to pick it up again, a yoyo with a wooden axle is a great option because it will feel like an old friend. Metal axles are used in the construction of several Fixed Axle yoyos, such as the classic Duncan Imperial.
Transaxle
Yoyos with a fixed axle and a freely rotating sleeve surrounding it are known as "Transaxle yoyos." In comparison to a normal fixed axle, the yoyo can spin for much longer with this sleeve since it minimizes friction. Plastic or metal might be used for the sleeve.
Ball Bearing Axle
Is there anything that can spin faster than a Transaxle? An Axle with Ball Bearings, Please! In contrast to a Transaxle, a ball bearing axle uses a metal sleeve containing tiny metal balls instead of gears. Common parlance for this tool simply refers to it as a "bearing." This article will explain in further detail how a bearing functions.
Yo-yoing was completely changed with the invention of ball bearing axles, which allowed for significantly longer spin times than were previously possible.
Clutch Axle
In its Brain line of yoyos, Yomega popularized the Clutch Axle. The yoyo will "wake up" and return to your hand thanks to the Clutch Axle, which utilizes centrifugal force. The clutch remains open due to centrifugal force when the yoyo is spinning rapidly. The clutch shuts and grabs the axle when the yoyo slows, waking it up.
If you're just starting out or want to stick to the basics, a clutch yoyo is a good choice. Most players, however, start with a Clutch Axle yoyo before moving on to another style.
Non-responsive or Unresponsive Ball Bearing Axles
Yoyo's newest fad is out of this world. It's a yoyo that stays asleep even when the string is pulled. A "bind" is a specific kind of trick used to reawaken a sleeping ball bearing yoyo. With a bind, you bundle the string in the yoyo's gap, forcing the yoyo to catch and return to your hand.
There's no point in having a yoyo if it can't be unbound and used. The standard yoyo, which responds to a tug on its string, limits your repertoire of yoyo tricks, but this one opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Beginners should avoid yoyos that don't respond to their hands. Mastering the bind to revive a sleeping yoyo requires a solid foundation in basic throwing. If you have never learned how to bind before, it can take you anything from a few hours to many days of dedicated practice.
It's true that some of our best-selling yo-yos don't respond to your hand. We make it clear whether a yoyo is unresponsive so that you don't buy it by accident if that's not what you're looking for. You shouldn't buy a yoyo until you've progressed to the intermediate level.
Materials
Yo-yos are made from a wide variety of materials. Wood and clay were used in the creation of some of the earliest yo-yos. These days, yo-yos are made out of a variety of different materials, some of which are more cutting edge than others.
Aluminum has gained popularity as a yo-yo material because of its extraordinary durability and stability while still maintaining its aerodynamic properties.
Responsive vs Unresponsive Yo-Yo
If you're looking for a yo-yo online, you'll soon come across the words "responsive" and "unresponsive." At first glance, these terms may seem meaningless, but they actually provide a wealth of information about the yo-yo in question.
That being said, could you please explain what each of these terminologies means?
When talking about a yo-yo, the term "responsive" indicates that it performs similarly to traditional models. A yo-yo that responds to your pulls will land in your hand.
In contrast, a yo-yo that doesn't respond to a pull of the string won't return to your hand. To accomplish this, you must instead use a bind, which is a type of magic trick.
String
Really, the string for yo-yos has to be so difficult that a manual has to be written, right?
Umm, that's a mixed bag. The short answer is that any yoyo string made of Type 8 Cotton will work just fine. That's the traditional string that's been used with yoyos ever since they were originally introduced to the public, and it's still the most popular option today.
The single unbreakable law of yoyos is that the string must be replaced when it wears out. Yo-yos lose their durability the more you use them. You should stop using your yoyo if the string is dusty or looks old; if the string snaps, the yoyo could fly off and inflict injury or you could lose your yoyo. Since string is so inexpensive, it should be changed frequently.
The functionality of colored string is identical to that of white string. Consequently, feel free to indulge your passion for hues.
It's important to note that both the Slick 6 and Slick 8 string are "blended" meaning they contain a combination of cotton and polyester. When compared to pure cotton strings, their longevity is slightly improved. A few folks also think they're more effective. The string is popular among yoyo players. Type 6 Yoyo King Ultra Premium is comparable in thickness to Type 8 Cotton, whereas Type 8 Slick is same in thickness to Yoyo King Ultra Premium.
From what age can kids play with yoyos?
Beginner yoyos are typically designed for kids aged eight and up. Keep in mind that the minimum age required varies per brand, so it's important to read the manufacturer's specifications carefully.
How can I help my child learn yoyo tricks?
Get your kid a yoyo with a centrifugal clutch so it can return to their hand on its own. As a second tip, give your kid some time to play about with the yoyo on their own to gain a feel for how it works. Third, research and try out various yoyo tricks and techniques presented on reliable websites and internet channels, and then pass along the ones that work best for your youngster.
What is the difference between a responsive yoyo and an unresponsive yoyo?
With the help of a mild tugging motion and a small gap, a responsive yoyo can be brought back into the hand. Good for those just starting out. Yoyos that don't respond to being tossed back and forth have a larger gap and a longer string, both of which need to be tied in order to get the yoyo back into the hand. Only advanced players or professionals should attempt it.
A toy like the yo-yo is unusual in that its popularity has remained relatively constant over the course of many decades, centuries, or even millennia. You'll quickly understand why that is once you get your hands on it.
The preceding buyer's guide and reviews should be useful in determining which yo-yo is the best option for your hand.
