Your dad is in for a treat once he gets introduced to a Modern Responsive yoyo.
2 Likes
Happy New Year!
Fun little project today, Yoyo Lanyards.
It had been a while since I played with Paracord, but it came back quick.
Not to be out done, Daddy had to make one too. Obviously it had to be betterâŚ
Updates;
Daughter (7-Years-Old); Not sure what I am going to do with this one. She has managed to loose a Spinstar, Arrow and a Butterfly recently.
Luckily she located the Snapback she just got, but it was Missing in Action for 3 days.
The annoying part, she just grabs one of my throws whenever she wants. Its lovely to hear a ding when a metal yoyo bounces off the floor.
Not much progress trick wise, but she is still throwing almost daily. Hoping the Lanyard project âMayâ help.
Son (9-Years-Old); He is preffering the Arrow over the One now days. I have noticed he always has a Yoyo with him now. Surprises me sometimes when we are out and about and he starts throwing.
Example- We visited the Aquarium of the Pacific and hes cruising around looking at fish and throwing.
Progress- He still has a few tricks left in Level 1, but I dont think it will be long. I have ordered his Metal Resposive yoyo for when he completes his task.
He has started working on the mechanics of the front bind.
Me; 1A - Primarily Front style right now. I can hit Brain Twister more often than not now, and bind it back when playing with the Unresponsive. Working on Split Bottom Mount, Breakaway throws and Trapeeze also.
0.5A- Modern Responsive- I have been really enjoying this style. Having Tug responsive to just chill and throw has been amazing. But also being able to sleep for a while, I can still practice a lot of Level 1 Trick too.
I am working on the Teapeeze Stall currently. I land about 1 out of 8 tries. I am looking forward to learning other stalls and regens. YAD over the last two weeks has been in this style.
Have Fun.
14 Likes
Update-
Still throwing fairly consistently.
The DV888âs have arrived and are on display for when the kids complete Level 1.
Both my Daughter and Son have created a trick;
Daughter - Pearl - She throws a sleeper, raises her hand over her head, then rotates the yoyo 360 degrees around her body and returns the yoyo.
Son - Backwards Walk the Dog - He reverses the Yoyo in his hand, throws normal forward style (Yoyo is spinning toward you, not away). He then proceeds with walk the dog in the new direction.
My Progress- Not much. Working on Split Bottom Mount in Forward. My key issue is remembering to tuck the string on my middle finger into my hand, before trying to do the mount on my pointer finger.
Trapeeze - This is a double edge sword for me right now. On one side; Just landing the yoyo on the string and keep it from tilting out in both responsive and unresponsive seems to be a challenge. On the unresponsive side, I still dont have the bind mechanics down yet.
The other side is learning this while doing Trapeeze Stalls in 0.5A. I am starting to get more consistent with this. Starting to figure out ways to come out of it.
I am still Favoring 0.5A style. Ill work with Unresponsive for a bit, go responsive then finish up with the Modern Responsive.
Multiple yoyos ready to go is awesome for switching up.
I tend to keep a modern responsive on me at all times now. I came to the realization that the side pocket on Carpenter pants is for a yoyo.
Guess âCarpenter Pantsâ is the wiser marketing strategy verse âYoyo Pantsâ.
Have fun.
9 Likes
String Theory; In physics, string theory is a theoretical framework in which the point-like particles of particle physics are replaced by one-dimensional objects called strings. String theory describes how these strings propagate through space and interact with each other.
One String to Rule them All?
âWhat is the best string?â While this may seem like an âEasy Questionâ, I have found it is more complicated than a simple answer. If there was a âbest stringâ; wouldnât it be the only one available? The âOneâ everyone uses?
Yet, we have a multitude of Manufacturers, Material Types, Thicknesses, Lengths, etc.
So what as beginners should we purchase or use?
Yoyo String Theory
The simplest answer I have found is; Whatever works for you, your style, and the Yoyo you are throwing. Again a vague answer.
String is a consumable item. Each string type/size, like each yoyo, has its own personality. So finding what material and thickness works best for you and âthe yoyoâ it is on, is the goal.
âWe wonât know unless we try.â
My recommendation to anyone starting out is to get several sample packs of different material types and sizes. This is âwhyâ sample packs are made. Donât do what I did and purchase several bulk string packs, only to find they donât perform with your yoyo of choice or to your expectations.
In the beginner yoyo area, 100% Poly String standard size, seems to work great across the majority of the Yoyos. Donât be afraid to change your string often.
When I started to learn to bind, I found a Thicker/Fatter string aided in learning to bind on a wider gap yoyo. However, that Thicker/Fatter string would snag more in the responsive yoyos I was playing with.
We tend to focus on the Object (Yoyo) and progression (Skills/Tricks), but I think we can lose sight of the interaction between us and the object (String).
Find the string that works with your yoyo and plays the way you want it to. Remember, this is for our enjoyment. When you have found this mythical string, then look into purchasing it in bulk.
Have Fun.
3 Likes
Blast from the past!
Was going through some tubs in the garage. Found my old YoyoExpert Travel case.
Inside a YoyoJam Hitman and a Yoyo Factory DV888, Some string and a Bearing.
I used to fly every three weeks to and from work. This was attached to my carry-on at the time.
Guessing the Date on this time capsule is Pre- 2010. Corrected - Date on the DV888 is a 2011.
What an exciting find.
Have Fun
15 Likes
Responsive has come a long way and there is so much to learn and be excited about, if you learn some simple binds youâll get so much more enjoyment out of your unresponsives!
1 Like
Front Style Bind is coming along well. I am very comfortable getting the yoyo back now. Not always on the first try, but getting there.
Side-style bind has been more challenging. I did complete my first one this past week. The transitioning from Trapeze to the Under mount is not very gracious. Also working on figuring out the tail length, pinch point and the motion to get the bind and back to hand is what I am trying to figure out.
One of the lessons I learned with Trapeze was adjusting the yoyo on the string. More often than not, the yoyo would land funky, but I am able to change the yoyo orientation once in the Trapeze by adjusting the strings. I know as I get better, I wont have to do this as much.
My current Play Styles;
- Unresponsive - Front Style play and practice. Trapeze and Bind (Not succesful yet). Once frustration starts, I put it down and move to step 2.
- Responsive 1A - Typically YYF Arrow or TBS Sage. I continue Practicing with the Modern Shape. Again once frustration starts to occur I move on.
- Modern Responsive 0.5A - This is my current area of joy, relaxation, and fun. Comfortable designs, tug response. Gravity Pulls, Sleepers, Forward Pass, Breakaways, and still working on the Trapeze Stall. I usually carry my YYF Confusion everywhere I go now.
Children Update;
Daughter - She is in a little Lul right now. Hasnât played much recently. But when she does, she enjoys taking Daddyâs Modern Responsiveâs off the shelf and bouncing them off the floor ( 
).
Son - Has started trying Trapeze.
Have Fun.
I am planning on taking a break from the above next month. Going to give Fixed Axel February a go. Not sure what it will look like yet, but excited.
6 Likes
Fixed Axel February!
So I am now a few days into Fixed Axel February. I had the pleasure to be able to purchase a Wildwood Gnomad from Mr. Eric ( @Eric_Newlin ). The craftsmanship is amazing. This has been the only Yoyo I have thrown for the last week.
Mr. Nate (@yomartyo) is hosting Fixed Axel February Challenges. I have learned so much about this style from this thread; Fixed Axle February-WEEK 1 - #27 by TryCatchThrow
Some of my Key Learnings so far;
Responsiveness of the Fixed Axel âISâ important. Increasing String Torsion helps to increase responsiveness.
As Mr. @CaptainFoxxButt said in the above link âGonna wanna do a lot of sidewindersâ
Very helpful information from Mr. @TryCatchThrow about which sidewinder to do; âRegardless of which hand you throw, if your sidewinder has your hand left of the throw, it loosens tension. Just like a screwdriver. Righty tighty, lefty loosie.â
The use of Chap Stick on the end of the string that goes around the axel can also help to increase responsiveness.
I also am learning about Bearing Blanks, being able to replace the bearing in the yoyo with this âBlankâ will make the yoyo play like a fixed axel. Some of these are pre-machined and drop-in replacements. Others require shimsâŚ
I had a nice Conversation with Mr. Alex @Xanadu about modifying bearings to make a âBlankâ.
I am very thankful to this community and all the people (like above) that take the time to explain the âWhysâ of things and not just the âHowsâ. THANK YOU
Currently - My Only Goal right now is to be able to complete a Trapeeze Stall and Catch it back to the hand for my Week 1 Entry.
This is so much fun. I am hoping to get a Blank or Modified Bearing/Blank into some of my 0.5A Yoyos. I have committed to not throwing any Bearing Yoyos for this Month.
This is a personal challenge, being fresh to yoyo, changing my routine has been difficult. Typically I would practice Unresponsive, Responsive, and then Finish with Modern Responsive. 0A will definitely be in the rotation when I get back to this in March.
Here is the latest Yoyo Wall. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I got bitten by the Yoyo Acquisition Bug hard.
Kids - Nothing new to post about them at this time. Not a lot of string time lately with extra curricular activities.
Have Fun.
Update- With the help of my 7 year-old camera woman, we final got a Fixed Axel February Week 1 Trapeeze Stall captured.
This was about take 28. I had a better performance before this⌠âI forgot to record it Daddy.â
9 Likes
Just stumbled upon this thread and it immediately brought back warm memories of when I was a kid learning the ropesâŚor the strings. I learned the basics on your basic Duncan and having a Fireball as an upgrade was about as much as I was able to have back then. This was around the yoyo boom/just before. Life got in the way and I set the whole thing aside as I never got past the level 1 stuff. Wouldnât be until 2010 when I rediscovered things and realized how much yoyoing had evolved. Yoyo acquisition syndrome is definitely real and I hit it hard for quite a few years after as now I could afford what was at the time, very unheard-of ball bearing throws.
Enjoying reading the progress and hope the kiddos stick with it!
2 Likes
Glad to entice some nostalgic memories!
I think the Similarities are uncanny.
It has been a few months now. I still have not completed Level 1 of the Yoyo Expert List yet. There are 2 tricks I still need to learn. But this is on purpose. When the kids want to work on their trick list, we do it together.
I know a couple in Level 2. This is where my 1A practice was prior to Fixed Axel February. Curious to see what a 1 month break makes when I get back to it.
I still have a few throws from my 2009 - 2011 era.
Life still gets in the way. Family, Job, Kids School/Sports. I think this is why 0.5A and now Fixies are my current go to. I now always have a Yoyo in the pocket and can play this style anytime, anywhere.
I still want to be able to do the 1A stuff, but have recognized that this will be a long road.
âIts not about the destination, its about the Journey.â
Have fun.
2 Likes
Broken HeartedâŚ
I am such a bone head!
I am going to reach out to Mr. Eric for advice on fixing.
Now I need to figure out a throw for Fixed Axel February.
I do have a Current Duncan Butterfly, I am not a Fan of it currently.
I have a Luftverk Bearing Blank, But currently do not know which of my 0.5A Modern Responsives it will work in.
Any advice is appreciated.
Thank You
3 Likes
PMâd 
2 Likes
How did that happen?
So trying the Luftverk blank on the Deeper State.
I had to put a shorter axel in.
It doesnt feel like a Fixed Axel. I can hear/feel the blank turning like a bearing/trans axel.
Any advice?
Thank You.
2 Likes
I had it in the carpenter pocket of my Jeans. I am guessing when I was bucking hay this morning, it got pinched. Totally my fault.
Mr. Eric has offered to repair it for me. Hoping to ship it out tomorrow.
That is good service indeed!
1 Like
Fixed Axel February was a blast.
I was able to use .010 Shims with a Luftverk Bearing Blank in my Deeper State to continue with the festivities. I also received a ZGRT Albrije that I was able to play fixed for the 2nd half of the Month.
Gnomad was shipped back to Mr. Eric and is undergoing surgery.
While I was only able to get one entry for the month. Watching each week and continuing to try new tricks has been a lot of fun. Fixed Axel Fridays âWillâ be a thing moving forward.
I am working on Tape Measure right now. I think it is a cool trick that I want to be able to do.
Plans for March;
0A - Consistent Trapeeze Stalls, Tape Measure and Planet Hops.
0.5A- Trapeeze (Still inconsistent on the Catch)
1A- Split Bottom Mount Tricks. I have become confident with Brain Twister. Going to work on Split Bottom Mount and associated Tricks (Boingy Boingy, Split the Atom, Mach 5?). Trapeeze to Undermount Bind.
Kid Updates-
They havenât played much lately.
My Son finally landed Rock the Baby. He has struggled with this one for a while. Getting the right grab length above the yoyo and getting the base of the triangle wide enough for the yoyo to fit and rock. I think he is two tricks away now from earning his first metal yoyo.
Daughter, I am still envious of, she has no desire to complete the trick list. She just loves to throw and play. This sets a great example, I think, of the pure joy you can have just throwing.
Have Fun.
7 Likes
It has been a busy Month! Not a whole lot of âPlay Timeâ.
Progression as far as tricks came to a screeching halt this month. I did make an effort to throw every day though. Mostly Gravity Pulls, Forward Passes, and Breakaways. If time allowed, I would reinforce some of the picture tricks and if I was feeling Froggy a Brain Twister.
This month was primarily Modern Responsive. I think I pulled the Unresponsives out a few times, only practicing binding.
Top 5 Throws this Month;
- Red Blood Cell
- Alebrije (Slim Bearing installed)
- Doc Pop Thing
- El Mijo
- Gnomad
I did receive the Gnomad back from Mr. Eric. The original Gnomad had a Walnut axel and Mr. Eric asked if I was ok if he tried different axel materials. He had several new wood types come in; Ipe, Cumaru, Black Locust, and Hickory. I absolutely volunteered to be the Crash Test Dummy on this.
After extensive testing, Mr. Eric decided on using the Hickory. He also increased the diameter of the Axel slightly. During his testing, he noticed that the Yoyo behaved/played better with the Spectra ply slightly misaligned. After asking my opinion, I asked that he glue it for its best performance.
He then promptly shipped it off to me.
As of now, this is my most unique yoyo. Per my request, Mr. Eric lasered a Bandaid on it. It has a story behind it and is truly one of a kind now. Dare I say it is my favorite yoyo? I would also say with the updated axel it seems to play better than it did before. (Remember take this from a beginner perspective that only started playing it in February.)
No new updates on the kids. School, Baseball, and Gymnastics have eaten most of their time this month. Hopefully, they will pick up their yoyos again soon.
Have Fun.
7 Likes
The band aid is rad! I shoulda thunk of that.
Eric put the same Hickory 5/16 inch axle in to repair mine and it does play a little better in my opinion. Spinworthy Glen uses this axle diameter too and made a comment about it being more peppy. Should be way stronger now at least⌠gonna try not to obliterate it again making stupid attempts at tricks its not really meant for.
2 Likes
Absolutely love the bandaid idea. A great way to add personality and indicate a repaired (read well-loved) item.
2 Likes