Comparative review of the Sturm Panzer SY-003 Schneider/YOYO Laboratory Elan Steampunk
Sturm Panzer SY-001 Stealth Ogre
Weight 68.7 g
Diameter 57.37 mm
Width 42.32 mm
H-Profile, C-bearing, IR-pads
Sturm Panzer SY-003 Schneider
Weight 69.1 g
Diameter 57.26 mm
Width 42.57 mm
V-profile, C-bearing, IR-pads
YOYO Laboratory Elan Steampunk (EOM Schneider proto)
Weight 66.9 g
Diameter 57.23 mm
Width 42.73 mm
V-profile, C-bearing, YYF-CBC slim pads
Some basics: I’ve been putting off this review, despite me having promised it, waiting on a second unit. Then the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Schneider came out, the Elan Steampunk and so instead of purchasing a second Schneider I bought one of these proto throws instead. And so my plan is to try and put together some comparative info on these throws, and compare to the first Sturm Panzer release the Stealth Ogre. In part this review will focus on addressing some of key components of previous Sturm Panzer reviews, both the pro’s (stability, spin time and so on) and the con’s (vibe, QA), but it will also address the key differences between the OEM and production versions of this throw, which I always find interesting. The reason for putting in the Stealth Ogre info " This yo-yo is based on the YoYoLaboratory’s Elan Prototype. based on the Stealth Ogre, but the materials used have given this yo-yo a completely new personality." - from the store website.
The pics and stats tell their own tales. All three of these throws are similar in concept. Mostly revolving around some big ole brass weight rings on the rims, accounting in the Schneider for nearly 60% of the total weight. Therefore without further ado:
Packaging and production: It’s all pretty nice honestly, each of these throws come in a clear plastic box, with the production versions coming with a brass polishing cloth and spare pads. Which is a nice touch. The OEM version didn’t have those two items, but it’s a bit cheaper too, and it’s a proto. Having said that, both the Schneider and it’s proto were not in the best of condition out of the box which was a little disappointing. On the production version the rims were pretty tarnished and the ano has a strange wash effect on it in the cups which you can see in the second pic above. Having paid a pretty exorbitant price for the throw those things are a little disappointing. The OEM I expected to be rougher around the edges so to speak, and indeed it was the brass rims and the one cup have a few little pinpricks. Both look cool in different ways; I probably prefer the coloring of the OEM version, but I do also like the central Schneider logo. Horses for courses at this stage.
On to the good stuff, the play: OK, so let’s start with confirming some suspicions, both these throws have some vibe. BUT neither have wobble, or anything like that kind of vibe that makes your fingers go numb, and interestingly the proto has less vibe. Whether this comes from just a difference in production between the two versions I don’t know, but I also don’t know where the weight change was made, and I know there were axle changes. Again if these effects added/removed vibe who knows. Once you get past this, which you surely should with any yoyo, the Schneider plays like an absolute fiend. The Stealth Ogre is a thing of pure yoyoing joy; stable, and absurdly long spinning, with weight enough to be precise but relaxed. It’s not a speed freak. And the Schneider is heavier. Oh boy.
But wait…it plays faster! (Don’t quite get it but it’s true) It maintains the SY-001 spin times and stability, maybe not as extreme in either case, but it gives a little bit more speed back and crazy precision, and with a more traditional V-shape it’s easier to play with in general. I don’t quite know how it does all these things, but I love it. Really I do, but then I loved the SY-001, and so for sure I’m biased. The OEM version plays just as well, and despite the fact that there are supposedly large changes in play between the proto and the production versions, I’m mostly at a loss to see them, except that the proto is a little speedier. I’ll happily play either. Also of note is that often V-shape throws like this have tilt issues that they don’t easily recover from, but I don’t notice these pronounced problems here, which is great.
Closing statements: Basically what all of this boils down to is that if you don’t/didn’t enjoy the Stealth Ogre then you probably won’t like this SY-003 because it’s basically an advanced version of the SY-001 with similar pros and cons, but with the added bonus of a bit of speed. If you are buying this, perhaps what you shouldn’t expect is something with a perfect finish. It doesn’t have that CLYW quality. But as a throw, using this actually, you know, as a yoyo, you can’t go wrong. I’ve heard a lot of positives about the Draupnir and so I’ll be interested to see how they stack up. This comparison should be a compliment to both yoyos.
solid thanks for sharing and your discs will be ready soon!