Thanks! I appreciate your opinion.
I did an informal experiment with the Free Solo, LT, Wyvern and Thorn, testing the number of repeats I could manage with the non-reverse-GT verion of this trick:
For this excersize, I simply repeated the trick until the yo-yo could no longer contine to spin (no bind). I tested each yo-yo on multiple throws (up to dozens), depending on how many it took to hit what seemed like a comparable high-water mark for the particular yo-yo. I rotated among the four pretty randomly, trying to see if hitting a high number on one would translate to another (i.e. it was just a matter of getting into a groove with the trick).
All yoyos have a factory bearing and string. The LT is set up with spike SEs.
Obviously, all of these results represent only what one individual observed in a one hour session:
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I had the best results with the Wyvern. I hit the highest number of reps (24) in the fewest throws (<10).
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Next best was the Thorn at 23 reps. Also with fewer throws than the next two.
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With the Free Solo, 16 was the reliable max before the tilt kicked in too much. I could squeeze in a couple extra, but only by working around more tilt than I would normally bother with. The Free Solo also exhibited the most precession (up to 45 degrees).
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With the LT, 16 was the point where it would just run out of gas. Tilt was less of an issue than with the Free Solo.
YMMV!
Interesting! I only have the FS and the Wyvern, but the comparisons between those two does not surprise me. I felt that while the FS possessions some good traits, it’s not as stable as some others.
I’m interested in what others think.
Agree, that’s why I’m interested to see how the Free Solo plays finished with Cerakote and approximately 1 gram heavier
Is OD doing a Cerakote FS?
My bedtime prayer to the yoyo gods every night is for a white cerakote FS and Panorama
I haven’t heard anything, just dreaming
Fyi - these Kamuraijus are now up in OD’s store.
UPDATE:
First and foremost, I want to thank everyone for their input, I really appreciate it.
Since my last post, I’ve acquired the Thron and the Virtuoso.
They’re completely different animals and both are keepers.
Here’s my list, so far:
Free Solo
Thorn
Virtuoso
And I’m on the prowl!
Cheers,
Danny
Sounds like a Kamuraiju should be next then
You read my mind.
Hey all I’ve been reading this thread because I’m in the exact same boat here but still a little on the fence. I’ve played a free solo at a meet and it was awesome, but I never got around to getting one. I like a more solid feeling and heavier throw so I’ve been looking at the Wyvern since it’s over 66 grams, but I also really dig the Kamuraiju lol. I’m honestly just gonna cop them all at one point but for right now what’s the one for me?
You can’t go wrong with either the Free Solo, or the Thorn. I haven’t played Kamrajiu or the Wyvern, although they’re both on my list. Hint, hint, for anyone out there looking to trade.
Between the Free Solo and the Thorn, I feel like the Thorn has more string presence. My guess is that it’s because it has more center-weight. But, don’t let that fool you, the Thorn can really move around on the string, it has a great mix of power and agility. I’m not a speed player, but no matter how I push it, it always responds. Also, it’s very stable and not very picky, it will play through my mistakes. All of that being said, the Free Solo is just as great, but if it’s string presence you’re looking for…
The Thorn.
Sounds like the Wyvern is your next one. Similar dimensions to the FS, but with a bit more stability and weight. It has a bit wider gap too, but the FS is 7075, if that makes a difference to you.
The Kamuraiju is awsome too! It feels solid as well, but more midsized (54 × 42 mm) and of couse you get Side Effects.
Oh I love the Thorn man I was one of the people to recommend it to you! My favorite current throw actually.
Do side effects create a more center-weighted feel?
Yep Wyvern it is then!
Good question, but maybe a little hard to answer because there’s no dirrect comparison. I would think that it would add a little center weigh, as the axle is long.
I remember. You’re definitely one of the main “influencers” regarding the Thorn. Thank You! I can see why it’s your favorite, it has such a great feel. I have a shelf in my closet. On the top shelf, I keep all of the yoyos that are my absolute favorites, I call this my “blind reach” shelf, any yoyo that I grab from that shelf is an absolute ace. However, there are days when I consciously select my first yoyo of the day. I call those My “first reach.” As a matter of fact, I think those would be great yoyo names, the Blind Reach and the First Reach. But I digress…
The Thorn is my number one First Reach yoyo. I feel like it really gets me warmed up, focused and ready to play.
I still can’t believe there isn’t more buzz around the Thorn.
Yeah it’s a great throw, it just has so many characteristics that I look for in one. I’m not sure why it’s not more popular, Spence mentioned the “niche” look and feel to it and I can see that for sure, I also don’t think many believe it plays as good as it does. I was definitely shocked when I first got it, wasn’t expecting the amount of performance it has