The Deep State and the Heist are my two favorite pocket throws.
Of the two, the Deep State has WAY more potential.
The only thing about the DS, is if you want it to be truly responsive, a little bit of modification will be required. The “semi responsive” flat bearing that it comes with is not nearly responsive enough for it to return when you want it to. Not without thick lube like Vaseline, which reduces spin time.
The Deep State has a very recessed bearing seat, so just slapping in a standard thin responsive bearing leaves NO room left for the string. Shims are required. I was able to get my boss at work to 3d print some “customizable washers” for me. (if buying, make sure to get the thicker model shim. good luck finding them!) I made sure to get the inner diameter correct, and had to use scissors to cut down the outer diameter, and sanded the tip of my Side Effect axle an almost unnoticeable amount to account for the thinner bearing, so it didn’t bottom out before being fully tightened. I also use the shims when I want to use a standard unresponsive bearing, to get the gap width closer to standard and so it doesn’t snap back unexpectedly.
Let me know if you’d like pictures.
Theres a guide on the forums here for more detailed instructions.
The “Deeper State” requires less work to get running responsive/unresponsive, but IMO the OG Deep State has the superior pocketable shape.
The Heist is just so small and actually performs decently as an unresponsive yoyo. I don’t think i’ve ever tried it responsive, but it’s a solid yoyo in its own way. Also solid because, you know stainless steel haha.
Another run of el Tio is in the works as per a comment @jeduardo made on the zgrt thread.
el MiJo any version is great responsive, but the polycarbonate is probably my fav.
Weekender, Pltpus and Thing by doc pop are amazing and all responsive
Plasm and rbw are fantastic responsive throws.
Deep state and alley cat as well.
Those are my fav responsive in my collection.
I only play responsive 5A (not responsive 1A) and the PLTPS is my favorite for that style. But as @Captrogers said, the YYR First Yoyo is surprisingly performant and satisfying to throw, especially if you like that A-bearing snappyness.
Also, if you play unresponsive 1A at all, don’t discount unresponsive slimlines! There are so many good ones that can slip into your pocket and are totally capable. My favorite right now is the YYR Tricklab Hardmode: only 30 mm wide and all catch zone.
Ya gotta have at least ones they are very fun imo, hitting a trapeze stall feels like an accomplishment, and they are unbelievably comfortable to just throw gravity pulls and loops with
pockeht if you have huge hands and pockets… ive been carrying my og alleycat around a lot recently too. my real suggestion though is the hildy bros currier, i think its 54-55mm. comfiest fixie i have by far
also seconding the heist just in general even though its unresponsive because it shreds and can usually fit in the watch pocket of your jeans
From my private collection, Metal Slim Responsives (in order - slim to not so slim). W/ so much recent El Mijo family love, I figured I’d take acknowledgements into participation trophy level.
I’ve always just assumed they were crappy. Is it worth picking one up?
