# Best yoyos to START learning counterwieght with? **URL:** \ **Category:** Looking for Help/Recommendation\ **Created:** [March 13, 2013, 7:43pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-yoyos-to-start-learning-counterwieght-with/50763 "2013-03-13T19:43:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Bcmaddog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/bcmaddog/32/1170_2.png) [@Bcmaddog](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Bcmaddog)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 6:21pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-yoyos-to-start-learning-counterwieght-with/50763/21 "2013-03-15T18:21:26Z")
> [@MYNAMEISZen](#): > > I think yoyos shaped like die nasty 888 DNA Canvas (not specifically this throws) are good for 5a The classic shape and H shape is great as well. H shape is easier to catch, I mean your hand fits in it vs a 888/DNA shape doesn’t. You just hold it. ---
**Author:** ![anonyo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8baadc/32.png) [@anonyo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/anonyo)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2013, 2:52am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-yoyos-to-start-learning-counterwieght-with/50763/22 "2013-03-16T02:52:34Z")
> [@Bcmaddog](#): > > > [@Studio42](#): > > > > > [@gart](#): > > > > > > Im thinking maybe the duncan freehand? But i literally know nothing about counterweight. Price point doesnt really matter because i figure if i want to get good ill probably end up buying a bunch of em for fun anyways haha > > > > > > EDIT: Probably should add that i already know a good bit of 1a play 😛 > > > > It really depends on what you like and want to use and want to spend. > > > > If you want to go cheap, a FH2 or Freakhand with a cleaned bearing is a nice cheap start. I cleaned out the bearings in mine and the went full unresponsivie. At under $15 usually, these are good way to go. The Metal Drifter, when the bearing is properly cleaned, also goes dead unresponsive, is all metal and around $20-25 or so. Metal isn’t the best way to go when learning 5A though but the Metal Drifter is cheap enough to not have to care about. > > > > The FHZ is another CW-oriented yoyo, but I find that stock it’s not so hot but it includes CW’s. > > > > I found the YYJ Pinnacle to just not be weighted properly for me, but as a 5A package, it’s pretty decent, it just wasn’t a good fit for me. I upgraded to the Destiny and I’ve been super pleased. I think the Destiny weighs less than the Pinnacle, but due to how it’s weighted, it feels heavier and plays a lot better in my experience. > > > > The Classic is a pretty decent model, just use a C bearing and and the CW of your choice and you’re done. Other YYJ models you can just add a CW to and get going I’d say would be the Legacy II and DM2. I think even the Vexed would be good too. The Duncan CW kit works just fine and I like the bouncy ball CW. The Takeshi dice is nice too. > > > > There’s loads of other great stuff to learn 5A with. The stackless Grind Machine is a good one too. > > > > I just recommend PLASTIC for getting started. Mostly due to durability and resistances to dings and nicks, as well as less cost. You’re gonna drop it a lot, so just get used to it. > > I used the PGM to start, but the Classic, and Metal Drifter sound good. I think the PGM is a great shape for 5A, but I feel the stackless PGM is the better choice only because of the lack of stacks. I have my DieNasty(glowing) set up for 5A. I prefer my Destiny, but yeah, the DieNasty/PGM shapes seem very well suited for 5A. ---
**Author:** ![chrisbeatsyoyo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9c0ed/32.png) [@chrisbeatsyoyo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/chrisbeatsyoyo)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2013, 3:10am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-yoyos-to-start-learning-counterwieght-with/50763/23 "2013-03-16T03:10:36Z")
> [@yooldman](#): > > What, no love for the Die-Nasty? Nope!! There’s only space for the “stars” so Protostar, Northstar, Starlite, but no “Die-Nasty” DUH! ---
**Author:** ![anonyo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8baadc/32.png) [@anonyo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/anonyo)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2013, 5:28am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-yoyos-to-start-learning-counterwieght-with/50763/24 "2013-03-16T05:28:24Z")
> [@Bcmaddog](#): > > > [@Studio42](#): > > > > > [@gart](#): > > > > > > I actually already own a classic with a one drop Bearing and flowable in it (very unresponsive). So just throw a counter weight on and that’s a good starting point? > > > > I don’t think I’d hesitate to recommend that combination. > > Of course you wouldn’t, your a classic fan. I will absolutely NOT deny that statement!! A lot of people want to learn 5A on the cheap. I don’t blame them. I think the Classic is a well rounded performer. It’s versatile(1A,3A,5A), adjustable(thin/wide bearing), easily modded(silicone or pads or #11 rubber rings), durable, rugged and super affordable. I started learning 5A on a FHZ and I didn’t like it. I’m better throwing now so that’s been a major improvement. The glowing DieNasty was my next 5A, but I am matching that up with a super heavy CW, so that doesn’t help much and actually works against me. The YYJ Pinnacle, along with the Freakhands are just too light. Someone I know uses his Protostar and Trigger for 5A, of which I feel the Trigger is a slightly better shape. Another friend of mine set his stackless grind machine up for 5A and I think that’s a great inexpensive configuration. As for me, for now, the YYJ Destiny works good for me. As I improve there, I will drop back to my Pinnacle, then my Freakhand, then my FHZ and FHZ Pulse, and then my DieNasty with a proper CW on it. I might put a better CW on my blue DieNasty. I do not want to use metals for 5A play until I get a lot better, so no way my Roll Model is going to be used for 5A for a LONG time! ---
**Author:** ![augmentedloyalty](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/augmentedloyalty/32/1218_2.png) [@augmentedloyalty](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/augmentedloyalty)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2013, 11:33am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-yoyos-to-start-learning-counterwieght-with/50763/25 "2013-03-16T11:33:56Z")
The severe(2012) is my current setup for 5a, it works great, but if you want to buy the severe it cost at least 40$, play like a metal and is delrin(machined plastic) but the price is worth it. ---
**Author:** ![augmentedloyalty](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/augmentedloyalty/32/1218_2.png) [@augmentedloyalty](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/augmentedloyalty)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2013, 11:37am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-yoyos-to-start-learning-counterwieght-with/50763/26 "2013-03-16T11:37:50Z")
> [@Studio42](#): > > > [@Bcmaddog](#): > > > > > [@Studio42](#): > > > > > > > [@gart](#): > > > > > > > > I actually already own a classic with a one drop Bearing and flowable in it (very unresponsive). So just throw a counter weight on and that’s a good starting point? > > > > > > I don’t think I’d hesitate to recommend that combination. > > > > Of course you wouldn’t, your a classic fan. > > I will absolutely NOT deny that statement!! > > A lot of people want to learn 5A on the cheap. I don’t blame them. I think the Classic is a well rounded performer. It’s versatile(1A,3A,5A), adjustable(thin/wide bearing), easily modded(silicone or pads or #11 rubber rings), durable, rugged and super affordable. > > I started learning 5A on a FHZ and I didn’t like it. I’m better throwing now so that’s been a major improvement. The glowing DieNasty was my next 5A, but I am matching that up with a super heavy CW, so that doesn’t help much and actually works against me. The YYJ Pinnacle, along with the Freakhands are just too light. Someone I know uses his Protostar and Trigger for 5A, of which I feel the Trigger is a slightly better shape. Another friend of mine set his stackless grind machine up for 5A and I think that’s a great inexpensive configuration. > > As for me, for now, the YYJ Destiny works good for me. As I improve there, I will drop back to my Pinnacle, then my Freakhand, then my FHZ and FHZ Pulse, and then my DieNasty with a proper CW on it. I might put a better CW on my blue DieNasty. I do not want to use metals for 5A play until I get a lot better, so no way my Roll Model is going to be used for 5A for a LONG time! isn’t the roll model design for the father of 5a?so it should be use for 5a. ---
**Author:** ![xxjohnsonxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/b782af/32.png) [@xxjohnsonxx](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/xxjohnsonxx)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2013, 12:30pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-yoyos-to-start-learning-counterwieght-with/50763/27 "2013-03-16T12:30:38Z")
My favorite set up i saw was a Duncan rubber ball cw with a mighty flee. One kid did it at my yoyo club it worked very well and he was good with it. Also mentioning the cw was bigger then the yoyo lol ---
**Author:** ![augmentedloyalty](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/augmentedloyalty/32/1218_2.png) [@augmentedloyalty](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/augmentedloyalty)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2013, 12:44pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-yoyos-to-start-learning-counterwieght-with/50763/28 "2013-03-16T12:44:23Z")
> [@xxjohnsonxx](#): > > My favorite set up i saw was a Duncan rubber ball cw with a mighty flee. One kid did it at my yoyo club it worked very well and he was good with it. Also mentioning the cw was bigger then the yoyo lol using that setup in a completion will make the audience and judges say wat. ---
**Author:** ![Bcmaddog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/bcmaddog/32/1170_2.png) [@Bcmaddog](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Bcmaddog)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2013, 1:08pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-yoyos-to-start-learning-counterwieght-with/50763/29 "2013-03-16T13:08:21Z")
> [@augmentedloyalty](#): > > > [@Studio42](#): > > > > > [@Bcmaddog](#): > > > > > > > [@Studio42](#): > > > > > > > > > [@gart](#): > > > > > > > > > > I actually already own a classic with a one drop Bearing and flowable in it (very unresponsive). So just throw a counter weight on and that’s a good starting point? > > > > > > > > I don’t think I’d hesitate to recommend that combination. > > > > > > Of course you wouldn’t, your a classic fan. > > > > I will absolutely NOT deny that statement!! > > > > A lot of people want to learn 5A on the cheap. I don’t blame them. I think the Classic is a well rounded performer. It’s versatile(1A,3A,5A), adjustable(thin/wide bearing), easily modded(silicone or pads or #11 rubber rings), durable, rugged and super affordable. > > > > I started learning 5A on a FHZ and I didn’t like it. I’m better throwing now so that’s been a major improvement. The glowing DieNasty was my next 5A, but I am matching that up with a super heavy CW, so that doesn’t help much and actually works against me. The YYJ Pinnacle, along with the Freakhands are just too light. Someone I know uses his Protostar and Trigger for 5A, of which I feel the Trigger is a slightly better shape. Another friend of mine set his stackless grind machine up for 5A and I think that’s a great inexpensive configuration. > > > > As for me, for now, the YYJ Destiny works good for me. As I improve there, I will drop back to my Pinnacle, then my Freakhand, then my FHZ and FHZ Pulse, and then my DieNasty with a proper CW on it. I might put a better CW on my blue DieNasty. I do not want to use metals for 5A play until I get a lot better, so no way my Roll Model is going to be used for 5A for a LONG time! > > isn’t the roll model design for the father of 5a?so it should be use for 5a. It is, but metal hurts and he is not good enough for a metal. It will bust his knuckles. ---
**Author:** ![MYNAMEISZen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@MYNAMEISZen](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/MYNAMEISZen)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2013, 7:59pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-yoyos-to-start-learning-counterwieght-with/50763/30 "2013-03-16T19:59:03Z")
I use my 3yo3 Capella ---
**Author:** ![anonyo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8baadc/32.png) [@anonyo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/anonyo)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2013, 4:12am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-yoyos-to-start-learning-counterwieght-with/50763/31 "2013-03-17T04:12:20Z")
> [@Bcmaddog](#): > > > [@augmentedloyalty](#): > > > > > [@Studio42](#): > > > > > > > [@Bcmaddog](#): > > > > > > > > > [@Studio42](#): > > > > > > > > > > > [@gart](#): > > > > > > > > > > > > I actually already own a classic with a one drop Bearing and flowable in it (very unresponsive). So just throw a counter weight on and that’s a good starting point? > > > > > > > > > > I don’t think I’d hesitate to recommend that combination. > > > > > > > > Of course you wouldn’t, your a classic fan. > > > > > > I will absolutely NOT deny that statement!! > > > > > > A lot of people want to learn 5A on the cheap. I don’t blame them. I think the Classic is a well rounded performer. It’s versatile(1A,3A,5A), adjustable(thin/wide bearing), easily modded(silicone or pads or #11 rubber rings), durable, rugged and super affordable. > > > > > > I started learning 5A on a FHZ and I didn’t like it. I’m better throwing now so that’s been a major improvement. The glowing DieNasty was my next 5A, but I am matching that up with a super heavy CW, so that doesn’t help much and actually works against me. The YYJ Pinnacle, along with the Freakhands are just too light. Someone I know uses his Protostar and Trigger for 5A, of which I feel the Trigger is a slightly better shape. Another friend of mine set his stackless grind machine up for 5A and I think that’s a great inexpensive configuration. > > > > > > As for me, for now, the YYJ Destiny works good for me. As I improve there, I will drop back to my Pinnacle, then my Freakhand, then my FHZ and FHZ Pulse, and then my DieNasty with a proper CW on it. I might put a better CW on my blue DieNasty. I do not want to use metals for 5A play until I get a lot better, so no way my Roll Model is going to be used for 5A for a LONG time! > > > > isn’t the roll model design for the father of 5a?so it should be use for 5a. > > It is, but metal hurts and he is not good enough for a metal. It will bust his knuckles. Steve Brown said something along the lines of the Roll Model was designed to be a good daily carry, casual throw, competitor and a 1A and 5A beast. It seems Steve Brown’s yoyos all have a very similar profile. As far as me not being good enough for a metal for 5A: No argument. I’m in complete agreement. When I improve, I might move to a metal. [Previous page](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-yoyos-to-start-learning-counterwieght-with/50763.md?page=1)