Is the Duncan First Yoyo the right choice for a 7th bday or is there a better option?

General Yo-Yo
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I was thinking about grabbing a couple of the Duncan First, soft silicone yoyos for my son’s upcoming 7th birthday. He’s the type that gets frustrated with himself if he can’t figure things out right away, but has been happy with swinging one of mine around over his fingers and calling it all “cool tricks.”

I’m thinking silicone here because I don’t want him to smoke himself in the face or hurt someone if it comes off his finger. I also remember having a Yomega that automatically came back in sleeps. Is the silicone one a fixed axle or bearing type? I’m just hoping to get him in a habit to be able to throw, sleep, forward pass, and walk the dog. He’d be thrilled to have those down. I know I was back then.

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The First Yo is ok but I’d rather give someone a Recess First Base, YYF Whip, or YYF Spinstar as a first yoyo for a 7 yo. Much less chance of getting frustrated with one of these vs the First Yo.

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Duncan First is fixed axle. I haven’t played one but I presume they return fairly easily, otherwise it would be a bad first yoyo :man_shrugging:

The Yomega that returns is The Brain. I see them for sale on a large online retailer for $15 USD apiece. I’m not sure if you were grabbing them as a party favor situation, but that would price me out (honestly the same retailer offers the Duncan First for $9 and that would price me out too for that situation; we usually do $5-$7 Lego poly bags as a favor).

A cheaper option would be Butterfly XTs, which are avaible at Target in the US for $5. These are bearing responsives and they are good starters, but might be frustrating for 7 year olds (it is for mine).

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Duncan’s got a kit in a plastic pouch With a couple of throws and extras for a fair price. I’d bet it’s for sale here.

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The YYE branded starter is the SnapBack. It’s pretty awesome.

The Ooch variant even looks a little cooler IMHO.

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Definitely not for party favors. We have a board game and a small LEGO kit for him. I was thinking something in the $10-15 range to add to his gift.

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I might have an extra Whip somewhere. I assumed that the Duncan First would be softer and lessen injuries and damages. Maybe I just need to let him figure it out and deal with the inevitable. I definitely don’t want to get him something that’s so frustrating to try he wouldn’t care to try again.

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Well, if your child is the kind that would helicopter the throw over his head, then the First is the best option :rofl:

I say this without judgement, My kids are those kind of kids.

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SnapBack is the best starter yoyo in the $12 range!! :100:

Less than that, do a Duncan Butterfly XT from target for $6.

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I’ve had that little set on my radar for a while now. I have a Hornet that I love and thought the Free Hand would be fun to try. It also has a trick book, sunglasses and holder. Maybe I’ll get that and swap out the Free Hand for another easy throw.

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Am I seeing any difference between the two SnapBacks besides color?

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My 5yo really got the hang of yoyoing once he got his hands on a Snapback. I highly recommend it for a first yoyo.

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Are these the same as spin gadgets?

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No. Different brands, but comparable models.

The SnapBack is literally a Spinstar with a ball bearing and slightly different spacing to accommodate. That is what makes it so good, the others are trans axel.

I think thats why I like the Butterfly XT, its a ball bearing yoyo as well.

The trans axel yoyos are fun too. I actually have a soft spot for them, its hard not buying them all i have to stop myself lol. Ive tried a handful and SnapBack takes the cake in my book.

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