Sometimes it comes down to having the right tools, like even though say I have access to a Bridgeport mill, and a lathe doesn’t mean I have everything I need to make yo-yos. I might need different bits or a tilt head mill. But if you needed me to machine a head for a 383ci SBC I could.
You have to think, most US based machine shops are more than likely not set up as a spin toy factory. As well as the issues of the equipment costs for these machines.
A prime example of this, when Duncan wanted to make a Mayhem, they could have chosen any number of shops in the USA. They have the resources to pay a shop to retool just for them. They however found a US yo-yo manufacturing company who was already set up to do it.
Another thing, if I have a line of like 200 people beating down my door to machine heads that I know I am going to turn a much larger profit on than a company wanting a run of 400-500 throws that I’d need to retool my machines for. I’m going to pass up on that Yo-Yo company.
Interesting and very relevant perspective. Ive heard people say that One Drop is the only US yoyo machine shop, and if more US manufactured yoyos are to exist, there would have to be other shops willing to do the work. Yoyo companies really can’t be faulted too hard for making their yoyos in the US when the resources to have their yoyos manufactured here don’t really exist.
I agree, but while there are still shops that DO make them in the USA. Let’s support them. Because, if we don’t we WILL loose them.
That’s a fact.
Just like with the places we purchase our stuff. Sure amazon may have this or that cheaper. I however would rather see @AndreBoulay have my money so he can pay @YoYoExpertGarrett, and pay for this forum service.
Quality on both is on par. Difference (from when I received quotes) was that the Chinese companies will go through and only send you their A grades, they scrap the B and lower grades. With the US companies you get everything they make, and the vast majority of the B grades are due to ano not the machining. (edit: should say I have not received a quote from One Drop, so I don’t know how they work and fulfill orders)
For me, overall, I believe in supporting people. So if G2, CLYW, etc make a move I trust them enough to know that they’re not choosing sweat shops to make their yoyos. And know that not only is my money helping them, but also helping someone across the globe to earn a decent wage as well. As far as One Drop, I’ve supported them since I started with modern yoyos in 2013. I’ve owned almost every yoyo they have made, and I think they are a great company and people. IF (a big if) they one day decided to make something overseas, I would support them 100% as well, knowing that they had a good reason and ultimately I’d still be supporting them and the people they choose to work with by purchasing that product.
Again, it’s not about the shift itself. Or quality of “x” vs. “y”.
But how the shift was done.
Something made in “x” was labeled that it was made in “x”, was touted, was prided, was used for marketing. Did not have to guess, wonder or ponder.
Then the switch to “y” just sorta happened, low key, hush hush, under most radar; leaving you (the consumer) with the responsibility to ask where something was made.
IMO Transparency is key here. Shouldn’t have to wonder where something was made. Especially if you’re dropping a decent amount of coin on an item.
Good example right here in this thread, the influencer / designer of the OG Wolf thinks the Reaper is made in the US, I don’t think it is. IMO There shouldn’t be any questions. We should know.
Transparency. Without it just feel like I’m being slightly manipulated.
One of the biggest appeals to One Drop is they make the yoyos themselves, they’re a machine shop first, then a yoyo company, much like Magic Yoyo and YoyoEmpire for example. Many Chinese shops make some super high quality products, but One Drops are something else too.
One thing that irritates me about this “One Drop cutting corners to compete with Chinese manufacturing” argument… I kinda suspect that’s why we haven’t seen any Side Effect compatible yo-yos from them for the entirety of 2018 or 2019 to date.
Maybe they’ve been removing Side Effects to cut manufacturing costs and keep their price down and more competitive?
Personally I’m happy to pay more to get my beloved SEs! And I would hope One Drop has such a great track record (and the whole “made in America” thing) that a price premium is worth it for most buyers?
There is no particular underlying reason for that. At least two new SE yoyos coming out this year. I appreciate that you dig Side Effects and want to support us
I feel like if you didn’t know Jake was producing yoyos in China now, you weren’t paying attention. He’s been doing it for at least a year, probably more like 1.5 years and has been up front about where he is getting them machined when asked. Was he supposed to prostrate himself in front of the community and beg forgiveness for changing his process to one that is more successful at producing quality parts?
Thanks @da5id I guess I’m just a Side Effects addict and if I don’t get my fix every year I get the shakes, ya know
Yeah that’s the key bit of info. It isn’t that Chinese manufacturing was cheaper, it is that it was also better! Meaning, they got more A grades… a whole lot more! Jake confirmed this several times.
I mean, it’s hard to argue with cheaper and better. Awfully hard.
Basing it off of my own personal experience as well as the experience of many others in this community. G2’s A-grades are notoriously smooth because of the quality control, while YYF throws (the ones priced around ~$45) are known to have a bit a vibe. Generally, less vibe = more QC.
It is known that Jake is suuper strict and persnickety about QC on his stuff, and anything that isn’t absolutely glass smooth and totally perfect does not get an A grade. I think he actually used to trash all of the rejects…
Yeah, he has plenty of videos talking about his QC and having to trash numerous A-grades for not being G2 smooth. I remember one video where he was talking about the transition from American to Chinese manufacturing. The A-grade rate was much higher from the Chinese manufacturer.
