I’m really not into hubstacks. My skill level isn’t that great yet. By that, I mean it does take me a LONG time to get down new tricks. I have a PGM for a hubstacked example and was given a Duncan Momentum(which has Z-stacks). A friend I throw with on the weekends likes stacks. Pull starts sure are fun, as well as the ability to change the orientation of the yoyo if you can grab the stacks and then holding the stacked yoyo on your thumb or finger as it spins.
I played my friend’s SuperStar, which he had set up with a Crucial Grooved bearing and Rice Stacks. The yoyo was very very smooth and played really nice. I didn’t take advantage of the stacks for play options so I just played it for regular 1A stuff and it was very smooth, pretty much non-existant vibe and felt really good in the hand. It’s not a great grinder, but it’s not a smooth as glass surface so it will allow for grinds, but I’m not sure about IRG’s. For what you pay for it, it easily feels like the cost could be higher, say $120 or so. So, as a result, I’ve been adding some hubstacked yoyos to my list of yoyos I am interested in.
My only tip is that the bigger the stack, the easier it is to catch but at the same time, the vibe COULD increase. Larger stacks, such as Z-Stacks, are MUCH easier to grab and catch.
Also, ignore the people who say you get bored with Stacks after say, 30 minutes. While it’s worth listening to, each individual is unique and your experience might vary from that of others. I see lots of potential in stacks, but it’s just not something I’m into yet. It’s nice to have options.
It’s hard to say where to begin. The Superstar at around $100 has the basic stacks, which of course can be upgraded. The G5 features G-Stacks and is at $90, so $10 less gives you bigger stacks, but I haven’t played it. The Genesis + is also right around $100 and is stacked as well. I have those 3 YYF’s on my list of stuff I am interested in.
If you’re not sure about hubstacks, the PGM is really the only choice. Yes, it’s plastic, but it’s fun too. It’s meant to do darn near anything, but for being a “grind machine”, I don’t see how you can do IRG’s. But other than that, yeah, a fun, affordable yoyo.
Of course, there are many other options. YYF kinda has the exclusive on stacks