# Beginner 2A Yoyo (Also Raider Cranking) **URL:** \ **Category:** Looking for Help/Recommendation\ **Created:** [August 16, 2015, 1:13am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/beginner-2a-yoyo-also-raider-cranking/76380 "2015-08-16T01:13:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![BenM36](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/benm36/32/646268_2.png) [@BenM36](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/BenM36)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2015, 1:13am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/beginner-2a-yoyo-also-raider-cranking/76380/1 "2015-08-16T01:13:28Z")
I want to start 2A and, after doing some research, have narrowed it down to either Raiders or 1080s. I was wondering which you guys prefer, as well as how difficult it is to modify the Raiders. It looks simple enough and Yomega sells thinner black plastic spacers now ---
**Author:** ![mysteriousyoyoer\_par](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f4b2a3/32.png) [@mysteriousyoyoer\_par](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/mysteriousyoyoer_par)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2015, 9:15am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/beginner-2a-yoyo-also-raider-cranking/76380/2 "2015-08-16T09:15:11Z")
I started with loop 808 and you just need practice I don’t think it’ll effect which you get i mean. Personally I would get a fixed gap yoyo not adjustable like 1080 for starting. ---
**Author:** ![Gym\_Kirk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Gym\_Kirk](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Gym_Kirk)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2015, 4:05pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/beginner-2a-yoyo-also-raider-cranking/76380/3 "2015-08-16T16:05:21Z")
I’m new to 2A and I’m learning there are a lot of variables involved; string tension, string thickness, gap width, yoyo shape/weight, technique, just to name a few. Plus everyone’s recommendations/experience tend to be different. For me having less to mess with was better. The modded Raider is my favorite so far. If you’re starting out it will be a long time before you need two matching yoyos so I would recommend getting two different ones. I’m about to order a variety of things, but I’ve played a loop 1080, 900, Raider, and YYJ Relic. If my technique was better, I could probably make a more informed decision. To answer your second question modding a Raider is easy. Replace the axel and bearing and use the existing spacers and you’re set. It cost $37 for two modded. The Raiders are the most aggressive and can hurt when they hit. Hop the fence tears up my finger more with the Raider. The 1080 is a little lighter and with the string I’m using not quite as aggressive. Im sure it can be set up to play real aggressive though. Hope this helps. ---
**Author:** ![jhb8426](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/jhb8426/32/631_2.png) [@jhb8426](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/jhb8426)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2015, 6:07pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/beginner-2a-yoyo-also-raider-cranking/76380/4 "2015-08-16T18:07:44Z")
If you are thinking of Raiders, buy the Raider Ex. Comes with an assortment of spacer so you can skip the cranking/breaking part. ---
**Author:** ![Gym\_Kirk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Gym\_Kirk](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Gym_Kirk)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2015, 6:34pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/beginner-2a-yoyo-also-raider-cranking/76380/5 "2015-08-16T18:34:43Z")
I should add that the 1080 has different markings on each side. I’m only using one Yoyo at a time until I perfect the movement, but I’m thinking of picking up a second Raider just to swap halves. It is helpful to know if the Yoyo is flipping properly.