I really like Ed Haponik’s videos, they’re wonderful. And I’ve been following the fixed axle contest and I’ve enjoyed it a lot (great work guys!).
So here I am, now I’m planning to buy a Butterfly Optic Star No Jive and I have a couple of questions:
Is it necessary to do any modifications to the yoyo or do you play stock?
Is it advisable for a new player who is now in the advanced part 1 of this site, and starting with unresponsive yoyoing, to get into fixed axle at the same time? I guess there’s no problem but I would like to read your words.
As I wrote in my introduction, I had a great time with the two first sections and it’s so reassuring when your yoyo comes back to your hand with a simple tug! I think I love old classic responsive yoyoing (or this “modern progressive” fixed axle you play nowadays)
Fixed axle is a hoot. Personally, I prefer the TMBR throws. A Sullivan is a great throw that does a lot. A John Higby ProFly and an OUT Just for fun are essential for Fixed Axle shenanigans.
It’s good to go back and forth IMHO. Gives you a break from repetitive play, let’s your mind get creative.
I normally add shims to a no-jive. Keeps them from diving for me. I use cardboard or thin packaging cellophane/plastic. Never found that those add significant weight, nor would I assume an o-ring would.
super cool that you’re into it! i’m glad the vids have been useful. they were fun to make.
everybody will have slightly different responses to those questions. here’s how i’d address them:
1.) i play my fixed axle yo-yo’s stock for the most part. with no jives, i used to do more adjustment with shimming and/or stickers, but lately i find i have more consistent control without making a lot of changes. if you have a good one and some axles that feel right, shimming won’t do that much for you. i’ve had some no jives where it was necessary though. i’ve never had to mod a tmbr yo-yo beyond sanding the axle sleeve a bit if they come too long and unresponsive.
2.) in my vids i think i suggested that if you were through expert, you should be poised to jump right into some advanced fixed axle. that’s just on the basis of your familiarity with the yo-yo and your ability to control it though. i would say having the looping basics are just as important as the 1a basics (if not more so). but there’s no pre-requisite. jump right in and play how you want!
As far as modding goes it comes down to the yoyo you choose and your preference. For the most part I just live the first or second string so I don’t but the axles on the first throw. But it comes down to trial and error and what feels right for you.
The tricks them selves come down to managing string tension and using the right string (if your using a wood axle cotton or 50/50 blend) I’m old enough that I learned most of those tricks through advanced on fixed axle.
I wouldn’t really call myself “new” to fixed axle play as that’s what I actually learned on. Following the Fixed Axle Challenge and even attempting some of the tricks has actually sparked my interest in rediscovering the 1990s all over again and looking at yoyos of the era.
I have a No Jive 3-in-1 in the shopping cart, just looking around at a few other items before I complete my order.
Last weekend I decided to pick up a ProFly just for the fun of it and that’s actually a good cheap start if you want to get into fixed axle to see if it’s for you. Actually, I’d recommend anyone and everyone into yoyoing to go back to the roots and try a fixed axle regardless of skill level.
For me and what “feels right” all lies in the string tension. I do prefer wood axle over steel fixed axle though, has a smoother response for me and less ‘slippy’, as well as a slightly narrower gap for pulling off stalls and regens.
I think I love old classic responsive yoyoing (or this “modern progressive” fixed axle you play nowadays) 