Short version:
I dipped my toes into the modern yoyo game and realized that unresponsive play is just not for me. Who wants a Hertz?
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Long version:
So I recently picked up my son’s yoyo and was quickly reminded of the joy of swinging a chunk of plastic through the air and having it zip cleanly back to my hand. Meditative. Dopamine. Magic. I needed my own.
So I got a K2 Crystal and I loved it. I then followed what seemed like the natural progression and picked up a Y-03 Hertz … and you know what? The magic disappeared.
For a while I thought it was just because binding was tricky, but no. There is just something inherently joyful for me in a responsive throw that I don’t get with unresponsive play.
And I’m ok with that. Really, I think I just want a decent yoyo in my pocket that I can toss around, throw a couple loops, and land a few simple tricks. Eventually, when the budget allows, I think I’d like to pick up something like a Confusion (seems like it would be a perfect casual everyday throw). But I’m on the “gotta feed my family of 6” budget, so it’ll have to wait for a birthday or something.
That all said … what’s it cost to ship a yoyo? $5 or so? Anyone want a Y-03 Hertz? I’ll trade you for something responsive and pocketable. Loop 720? Wooden fixie? Deep State?
When the budget allows, find a RBC. You’ll have the best, in my opinion, for casual responsive yoyoing. There ain’t be a need to go any further down the rabbit hole (but if you can’t help yourself, grab a Weekender as well)
I’ll second the RBC as an amazing yo-yo for casual responsive play and beyond. You also can’t go wrong with a three dollar Duncan butterfly from the bargain bin at Target. Their new mold is just really good. The Freehand One is also really fun.
I felt this way when I first got into yo-yoing and am now the opposite… once you learn more tricks unresponsive is king IME… I really only touch fixies if I’m going to do responsive
If you still want the Modernish 1A Style, The YYF Arrow or Sage are good. They both are responsive out of the box. Both accept Full bearings if you decide to get froggy. Some buying options come with both bearings. However, I dont care for them for “Looping”.
Modern Responsives (This is where I am currently Happiest).
The YYF Confusion is a good gateway yoyo in this realm. Probably the cheapest cost New. I have carried one in my pocket for a couple months. Fits well and easily replaceable. I do find it a little heavy compared to other options in this class. But still fun.
The Red Blood Cell (RBC) I would consider the Cadillac of this class. Love it. But also one of, if not the most expensive of the Class. In this case, you definitely get what you pay for.
Deep State/Deeper State- Great Throws, In the “Slim Line” category, very pocketable. For mine, I got them off the BST. They dont come up often, but usually good prices.
This can be said for the other “Out of Production” yoyos of this class. Monitor BST. Sliver, Moonshine, Weekender, Daytripper, Gamer… are all players in this class.
Markmont Black Canon- Last I checked, B-Grades are still available. I have a half spec bearing in mine and it is one of the most pocketable throws behind the Confusion.
ZGRT Janus - Very pocketable. Just got it and getting familiar with it. The small size is interesting.
Plastics, like the Snap Back are decent. I just find myself playing with the Aluminums more.
Fixed Axels-
As mentioned in a previous post - $3.00 Butterfly. These “Accidentally” fall in the cart at Target from time to time.
Artisan Wood Fixies - Wildwood and Spinworthy are the active Makers that I am aware of. I Love the feel of the Woodies, but in my case, I already broke one. They are really fun to play though.
Thank you for this info-full reply! Yeah, I really think my tastes will fall into the modern responsive camp. A couple loops and a couple easy string tricks … that’s all really I need.
I love the looks and concept of the slimlines. The Confusion is definitely on the shortlist. The RBC looks rad, but I honestly just can’t see a day when I’ll have room in my budget for a $90 yo-yo. Maybe someday.
Realistically, next up on my list to try is likely a wooden fixie and/or a loop720 (because cheap and pocketable).
I did ask him first! He didn’t seem to think he’d want it though. He tried it and learned to bind as well, and we both really just like the magic of a responsive yoyo coming back so effortlessly.
