# Lightweight small yoyos for Street performance

**URL:** <https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547>\
**Category:** Looking for Help/Recommendation\
**Created:** [January 17, 2021, 6:57pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547 "2021-01-17T18:57:31Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Runabout](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/22d042/32.png) [@Runabout](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Runabout)\
**Post date:** [January 17, 2021, 6:57pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/1 "2021-01-17T18:57:31Z")

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Hey all, I am brand new to yoyoing. Had one as a child and it was fun but I didn’t learn very many tricks. Now gearing up for my retirement years and getting back to the simple things in life.

I plan to travel the world with one smallish backpack. During my travels, where it is legal, or a non-issue, I plan to do a little bit of yoyo Street Performance AKA busking.

Both ounces and total size are very important.

Living out of one small backpack for a year or two years requires you to make very precise decisions and focus on ultra lightweight and compact gear.

So for street performing, highly technical tricks are not necessary, but pizzazz and tricks that will be awe inspiring to people who don’t yo-yo is what I’ll be doing. I won’t be doing any 4A because well I don’t need any lawsuits from whacking a foreigner in the head!!

With this in mind:  
general flashy tricks,  
lightweight and  
smaller,  
versatile  
Preferably under about 35 US bucks per yo-yo

I like the idea of being able to do 2A and 3A tricks but I’m not sure I’m coordinated enough LOL. And again no off string tricks while traveling.

I’d like to only carry two, maybe three yo-yos at most – if that’s reasonable. and like I said I’m a complete beginner.

Right now I have a velocity and and N8 that I am learning on.

Many thanks for any advice you all have on a two or three yoyo set that I could travel with.

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**Author:** ![Exmime](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/exmime/32/40143_2.png) [@Exmime](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Exmime)\
**Post date:** [January 17, 2021, 7:06pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/2 "2021-01-17T19:06:12Z")

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A simple good YoYo at that price point I would suggest the California

> **[California](https://shop.yoyoexpert.com/products/california-yoyo-by-yoyofactory)**
>
> YoYoFactory's latest release is a summer fun yo-yo for 2019. With the success of CONFUSION last summer they brought back another redesigned favorite from their classic lineup - The California! The California is a high wall design with a comfortable...

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**Author:** ![zslane](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/zslane/32/19816_2.png) [@zslane](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/zslane)\
**Post date:** [January 17, 2021, 7:18pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/3 "2021-01-17T19:18:27Z")

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> **[Top Yo](https://shop.yoyoexpert.com/collections/top-yo?variant=31127428431946)**
>
> Top Yo is a company based out of China making some pretty cool new designs with a focus on form and function!

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**Author:** ![RABid](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/rabid/32/71864_2.png) [@RABid](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/RABid)\
**Post date:** [January 17, 2021, 7:18pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/4 "2021-01-17T19:18:27Z")

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If busking is the goal I would worry less about size and weight, and more about choosing the yoyo you perform best with, and a color that shows up.

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**Author:** ![Mystik](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/mystik/32/83294_2.png) [@Mystik](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Mystik)\
**Post date:** [January 17, 2021, 9:40pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/5 "2021-01-17T21:40:22Z")

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I agree. A bright bold color(maybe orange or blue, no engravings or symbols) and of a good size- something that will draw attention from across a courtyard or street.

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**Author:** ![Flyinghippo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ea666f/32.png) [@Flyinghippo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Flyinghippo)\
**Post date:** [January 17, 2021, 9:42pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/6 "2021-01-17T21:42:28Z")

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If you _truly_ serious about weight, Aceyo Air is the absolute lightest modern yoyo coming in at a ridiculous 52g and is around $34 USD shipped. Great performer–fast, nimble, and stable especially considering it’s weight. It’s one of my favorites, even after trying and owning titanium yoyos costing over 10 times as much. The only drawback is it’s limited availability. The only place I know that has it, is an online retailer from China, so shipping would take a few weeks.

That said if you are a complete beginner it may take a while, a few months at the very least, for you to be able to get to the “pizzazz” level you are referring to. And by that time you may find that you develop a style of play / preference for a heavier yoyo. I’d submit that you are over-thinking carry weight. Most yo-yos are currently in the 62-65g range to get a decent balance of spin time, stability, and maneuverability. We are talking about a weight savings of around 3g to 12g if you go from heavy to light or superlight. That’s the equivalent of just one or two euro coins. If carry weight is an issue, I’d go with fewer yoyos; you’d be better off having just two 66g yoyos that you really like and enjoy using vs three yoyos under 60g that don’t really click with you and that you have to push hard to complete your harder tricks.

Below is a list of lightweight yoyos (most are above $35 retail):

> [@Throws under 60g](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/throws-under-60g/321350):
>
> I love light yoyo’s, anybody else? Are there any modern unresponsive sub 60 gram throws you can think of not on this list that I could add? FULL SIZED (51mm+ diameter) AceYo Air - 52g AceYo Air 2 - 53g Dressel Designs Kanto (Stainless Steel) - 59.4g Dressel Designs Kanto (Brass) - 60.77g Duncan Metal Drifter - 58.5g Duncan Metal Racer - 59.5g Duncan Raptor (Capless) - 58.6g Free2Throw The LiV (Stainless Steel) - 56.4g Free2Throw The LiV Rival Edition (Brass) - 57.9g G2 Campaign Easy - 55.5g G…

Review of Aceyo air:

[![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/yoyoexpert1/original/4X/9/f/7/9f72068708d72598a79ab472cc8d84b493f1cccf.jpeg "AceYo Air full review") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GHZRTKKorA)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Shwa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/shwa/32/108351_2.png) [@Shwa](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Shwa)\
**Post date:** [January 17, 2021, 9:48pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/7 "2021-01-17T21:48:53Z")

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You’ll want to find the right “cup” too. You’re probably going to want one that’s good for finger spinning!

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**Author:** ![Runabout](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/22d042/32.png) [@Runabout](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Runabout)\
**Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 1:21am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/8 "2021-01-18T01:21:19Z")

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Yes I’m hoping to master the finger spins!!!

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**Author:** ![Runabout](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/22d042/32.png) [@Runabout](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Runabout)\
**Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 1:33am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/9 "2021-01-18T01:33:07Z")

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Yes you’re right. now that I went back and had time to do the math, 30 grams difference for three yoyos is still only a little over an ounce more, and while I am counting ounces( literally) I think I can go an ounce without being a big deal to get better yoyoing. My flashlight weighs just under .5 oz. Packing for a couple years on the road and keeping it under 25 lb including the backpack is a little bit of work! Things weigh more than you realize!!

Thanks for the suggestions I will look through them!

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**Author:** ![Runabout](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/22d042/32.png) [@Runabout](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Runabout)\
**Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 1:33am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/10 "2021-01-18T01:33:54Z")

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I had no idea there was a yo-yo called the California! I lived in California for about 24 years!!

Thank you

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**Author:** ![Runabout](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/22d042/32.png) [@Runabout](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Runabout)\
**Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 1:36am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/11 "2021-01-18T01:36:23Z")

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I think that I heard someone say that the neon green string is fluorescent and glows in the dark. is that true of all neon green string?

any suggestions on what colors you think would actually show up best besides for red there are some cultures in which red is just not something you use for any old thing.

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**Author:** ![Runabout](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/22d042/32.png) [@Runabout](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Runabout)\
**Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 1:37am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/12 "2021-01-18T01:37:34Z")

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I have to stick with smaller yo-yos because I’m just not going to have room in my backpack as it is. I don’t have enough room, lol without yo-yos, swimming Hampton get rid of something that I kind of maybe need to take the yoyos!!!

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**Author:** ![RABid](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/rabid/32/71864_2.png) [@RABid](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/RABid)\
**Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 1:39am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/13 "2021-01-18T01:39:57Z")

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Get you a yoyo hook that normally goes on a belt loop and attach it to the outside of the backpack.

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**Author:** ![Runabout](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/22d042/32.png) [@Runabout](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Runabout)\
**Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 1:44am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/14 "2021-01-18T01:44:30Z")

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dang I like the idea of actually carrying one on my belt loop what a great thing to spend time doing waiting on a flight or train or something, thank you. Do you normally buy all your stuff off the internet or are there stores around that tend to carry a decent selection of yoyo stuff? I live in a smaller Midwestern City but I’m only a little over an hour and a half from two big cities.

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**Author:** ![ChrisFrancz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/chrisfrancz/32/48992_2.png) [@ChrisFrancz](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/ChrisFrancz)\
**Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 3:03am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/15 "2021-01-18T03:03:26Z")

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Colossus V is an amazing yoyo. Not too big, not too small and in my pocket everywhere I go!

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**Author:** ![ChrisFrancz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/chrisfrancz/32/48992_2.png) [@ChrisFrancz](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/ChrisFrancz)\
**Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 3:05am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/16 "2021-01-18T03:05:02Z")

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Stores don’t really sell these yoyos. The yoyoexert shop has fast service and is a pleasure to deal with.

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**Author:** ![Flyinghippo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ea666f/32.png) [@Flyinghippo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Flyinghippo)\
**Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 5:42am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/17 "2021-01-18T05:42:33Z")

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> [@ChrisFrancz](#):
>
> Stores don’t really sell these yoyos.

Agreed. You’re basically stuck ordering online. I’d also echo a recommendation for [yoyoexpert.com](http://yoyoexpert.com).

I’ve never tried to use the N8 but @Roy_Dodge has a [review](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/casual-throw-review-and-giveaway-myy-n8/325580) and throws down a few tricks with it. Unless you want to try something new, you could get away with just using your N8, which seems to be a good enough performer for what you are looking for. Looking at the specs, it’s going to feel heavier on the string than most given it’s small size (47.4mm dia) and dense shape. Most normal yoyos are in the 55mm range–which gives them more stability and spin time. If you want to stay small, I’d stick with what you have. If you want something better, I’d take a look at the Colossus V or the California, both in the 55mm dia range. They both seem like they’d be nicer and better balanced yoyos with more capability.

How long are you going to be on the road, a year or more? Thinking about your situation, I’d be concerned with how much string to bring. On the road, you won’t be able to buy yoyo string in a shop and you won’t be able to reorder replacements online. If you are yoyoing everyday I’d think you’d need a pack of 50 strings. This is also going to take up space in your pack.

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**Author:** ![Shwa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/shwa/32/108351_2.png) [@Shwa](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Shwa)\
**Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 12:06pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/18 "2021-01-18T12:06:42Z")

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> [@Flyinghippo](#):
>
> On the road, you won’t be able to buy yoyo string in a shop and you won’t be able to reorder replacements online

I was just going to mention STRING. It goes quicker than you think. After a couple of hours of play you’ll notice tension loss and fraying. Other maintenance items might be extra bearings, bearing tool (yoyofactory has a nice combo tool), lubrication (Thin and Thick depending on your yoyo), Response pads, cleaning agent for bearings. If any one of these items it required and you don’t have it your yoyo might not perform! I’ve had afternoons where all I wanted to do was throw and every one of my yoyos was “acting up” for some reason.

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**Author:** ![Abide](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/abide/32/63541_2.png) [@Abide](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Abide)\
**Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 12:30pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/19 "2021-01-18T12:30:25Z")

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If you can take a full-size yoyo you might want to consider the MagicYoyo Aurora - it’s a light-up yoyo which looks very cool in dim light:

> **[Aurora](https://shop.yoyoexpert.com/products/aurora-yoyo-by-magicyoyo?variant=28635140751434)**
>
> The latest design from MagicYoYo is a fantastic light-up yo-yo with an equally fantastic price. The Aurora! The Aurora has a rounded step v-shape profile that offers a fast and maneuverable feel in play with vibrant 5-color changing lights on each...

For small throws the N8 is a decent choice. Another option might be the YoyoFactory DV888 (with the upgrade kit) - it doesn’t get a lot of love on here because it ships as a very snaggy responsive, but with the upgrade it’s a decent throw and quite bomb-proof:

> **[Starter Sets](https://shop.yoyoexpert.com/collections/starter-sets?variant=18890139908)**

And a couple of loopers for doing 2A:

> **[Starter Sets](https://shop.yoyoexpert.com/collections/starter-sets?variant=27561569032)**

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ChrisFrancz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/chrisfrancz/32/48992_2.png) [@ChrisFrancz](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/ChrisFrancz)\
**Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 1:38pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547/20 "2021-01-18T13:38:04Z")

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After having an N8 for a couple of years…and not to disagree as these are all opinions - it’s kind of heavy on the string, too small, and not the most comfortable yoyo for extended play. But there’s so much personal preference that comes into play because of height, hand size, skill level, etc. For ME the Colossus V may just be the perfect EDC. For yoyo maintenance supplies on the move, a small cosmetics case can hold all of it.

[Next page](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/lightweight-small-yoyos-for-street-performance/332547.md?page=2)
