I quite like the DV888 - it’s pocket friendly and durable enough that I don’t mind letting other people have a go.
However, much of the criticism is valid. As sold I think it’s downright dangerous - the thick response pads are ridiculously grabby. Given its weight and solidity it’s a recipe for injury.
The price is also an issue - with a wide bearing, longer axle and new response pads it’s around $40 and there’s a lot of competition at that price point. I picked up a second one as a B Grade which came with slim response pads and a wide (albeit flat) bearing - this was actually a better option than the retail version and half the price!
For a few dollars more you can get a YoyoEmpire Little Fox 2, an undersized bi-metal which plays really well. It’s hard to recommend the DV888 on value.