noir deux by empathy is the second signature model of European Champion Jakub Dolejš, developed through a long collaboration process to embody his precise, creative, and fluid style.
Taking a different approach from the original noir, the noir deux features a hybrid construction with a polycarbonate body and stainless steel rims. This combination delivers the powerful spin and stability of steel while preserving the light, responsive feel of plastic. On the string, it feels fast and effortless, reacting instantly to player input and making quick directional changes feel natural and controlled.
The shape has been refined with a slightly wider profile than its predecessor. This added width improves string mounting and consistency, supporting the acrobatic and technical tricks Jakub is known for. Despite the added width and rim weight, the overall feel remains light and agile, allowing for stress free speed play and smooth transitions.
Elegant, modern, and highly functional, the noir deux balances power, control, and comfort at a high level. It is built for high level competition play but remains approachable and inspiring for dedicated players looking to push their creativity and technique further.
It was 110 on enpathys website as well. I think hybrids are just getting a bit more expensive in general. Probably because of the amount of parts it has to machine with multiple different materials
YYR sells the SA for $90, JT has the Plactal, etc so this isn’t too crazy. Machining plastic must have similar cost to aluminum.
I think the price is really for market position reasons, they don’t want this to seem like a budget alternative to the original Noir, instead it’s a proper successor.
Also, do we know if any other PC/SS hybrids are player signatures? If I remember right, a player signature yoyo is a bit pricier because said player takes a cut of the money made on it. Not sure if I’m totally right here tho
The only other hybrid I’ve seen around this price is the H5 Leaf, and that was a colab between C3 & CLYW, so again, profits had to be divvied out to more parties
Inflation and tariffs are bound to be baked into the price to some degree.
I actually think that it is mostly a combination of @Tempura’s point about market positioning and maybe (hopefully) @NuroVolt7’s point that some portion of the price of these signatures is going to the player.
There are certainly people who will pay a premium for Gentry’s yo-yos.
CLYW commands a premium in general, and the H5 is an additional pedigree.
I mean hybrids have been about as expensive to make as bimetals all along just most folks have took lower margins on plastic cause of the “plastic is cheap” mentality but reality is it’s about as expensive to make. With that said yeah seems prices seem higher over all by at least 10% sense June.
Yes, Hiroyuki Suzuki back in the day had the Phenom and the Phenomizm, 1 was a bi metal about $139, the other a hybrid about $74.99 and they were both his signature yoyos. I got the Phemonizm back then, was my first expensive and unresponsive yoyo.
