# noob questions **URL:** \ **Category:** General Yo-Yo\ **Created:** [June 8, 2009, 3:54am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/noob-questions/3023 "2009-06-08T03:54:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![drizzo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c57346/32.png) [@drizzo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/drizzo)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2009, 3:54am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/noob-questions/3023/1 "2009-06-08T03:54:33Z")
I used to yo back in the day, got pretty decent at looping tricks, then I broke my yoyo. I recently have gotten back into it, using all the funky new technology. These things sleep so long it feels like it’s cheating. But I like the results. Anyway, I bought a flying squirrel, and I had been loving it, but then the friction stickers wore down, and now it’s not at all responsive. I heard there was starbursts under the stickers, so I peeled them off. I was expecting to have to do binds to return the yoyo to my hand. However, things have gone disastrously wrong. I no longer can manage to get a decent speed from my sleepers. The string no longer gets tight enough to convert the yoyo’s downward momentum into spin. I’ve tried pulling a tight loop with a finger, then winding the string around, and that helps a little, but even when I manage to get a workable sleeper (though still far weaker than usual) I can’t get the binds to grab for the life of me. How do I make my yoyo work again? ---
**Author:** ![rsmod123](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/rsmod123/32/46_2.png) [@rsmod123](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/rsmod123)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2009, 3:57am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/noob-questions/3023/2 "2009-06-08T03:57:40Z")
Hey! Welcome to YYE! Firstly, i think you should try to buy new friction stickers, or you can buy some more yoyos. I don’t really recommend duncans for beginners, because of the maintenance needed for them. So just use the guide below to buy a new yoyo ;D Here is "Samad"s guide to buying a new yoyo! > [@Introduce Yourself!](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/introduce-yourself/51/462): > > Here is something to help with your entire first purchase: > > * * * > > Buying Guide: > First timer? Learning to throw? Can you already throw, and are just working on tricks? Are you advanced and ready for the next step? Or are you an expert, and just want to see the choices for you? Check this out! > > First Thrower: > There are several good yoyos out there. First of all, you will want to learn how to get a good throw, and sleeper. This yoyo is right for you. It can give you god control of the yoyo, and will teach you how to throw: [http://yoyonation.com/product.php?productid=16165&cat=0&page=1](http://yoyonation.com/product.php?productid=16165&cat=0&page=1) > > I have a good throw - What next? > At this point, there are several good yoyos out there for you. Most people will recommend the YoYoJam Plastic yoyos, and that is a great start for you! Here they are: > > The YoYoJam Kickside: [http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/kickside/](http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/kickside/) > > The YoYoJam Lyn Fury: [http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/lyn-fury/](http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/lyn-fury/) > > The YoYoJam Journey: [http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/journey/](http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/journey/) > > And possibly the best choice, and one of the best beginner yoyos of all time, and one heck of an advanced player as well, The YoYoFacory Velocity: [http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyofactory/velocity/](http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyofactory/velocity/) > > I am more advanced, and I feel I need something more: > > In this case, there are several yoyos for you. If you want an upgrade, YoYoJam Bi-Metals are for you! Check out some of the great yoyos here: > > First, the very popular YoYoJam Dark Magic: [http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/dark-magic/](http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/dark-magic/) > > Next, the YoYoJam Hitman: [http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/hitman/](http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/hitman/) > > Up after that, a good precedent to the Speedmaker, the YoYoJam Speeder!: [http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/speeder/](http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/speeder/) > > A great yoyo designed by Johnnie Delvalle, the YoYoJam X-Convict: [http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/x-convict/](http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/x-convict/) > > Like small yoyos? Try the YoYoJam Mini-Motu: [http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/mini-motu/](http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/mini-motu/) > > However, there is also a variety of high-quality plastic yoyos _NOTE_ these plastic yoyos will require a bind return to get it back to your hand, as do the Bi-Metal YoYoJams after time. > > The YoYoFactory Plastic Grind Machine: [http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyofactory/grind-machine/](http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyofactory/grind-machine/) > > The YoYoJam Legacy: [http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/legacy/](http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/legacy/) > > These yoyos are really all you need. You may want a metal, and that is okay, but these yoyos can preform the same tricks. > > Remember, a metal yoyo won’t make you a better player. Still, if you want to buy them, look below: > > Well, I want to look into buying metals. What now? > > Well, there are several good all-metal YoYo Manufacturers out there. I feel it is out of my duty to pick the yoyos for you, so I will simply name some good yoyo companies that make great all-metal yoyos. > > YoYoJam > Caribou Lodge YoYoWorks (CLYW) > > YoYoFactory > One-Drop > H-Spin > Iloveyoyos > Anti-To > > There are several more, but those are the main companies that spring to mind. > > Strings, Lube, and Bearings > > Don’t forget - You will always need string. Usually, there are many different varieties of string. You will first notice about the string is the material. In most occasions, cotton will be a horrible choice for you because it breaks easily and doesn’t last as long. We recommend you use either 100% Polyester Strings, or 50% Cotton and 50% Polyester string. They last longer, and are better for doing the new style of complex string tricks shown here at YoYoExpert. If you want to buy string, check here: _Note_ Right now YoYoExpert doesn’t have 100 packs of string, and they only have 5 packs. Don’t worry - over time, they will have 100 packs of string. > > Lube is not as needed, but is a good edition to have. If you want professional YoYo Lube, try some YoYoJam lube. If you want less response on your yoyo, use Thin Lube, however if you want more response, use Thick Lube. > > Thin Lube: [http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/thin-lube/](http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/thin-lube/) > > Thick Lube: [http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/thick-lube/](http://yoyoexpert.com/product/yoyojam/thick-lube/) > > Here is a video to show you how to apply luberication to your yoyo bearing: [YoYoExpert.com - Maintenance - Yo-Yo Lube](http://yoyoexpert.com/learn/410-maintenance-lube.html) > > You are all set to make your first purchase! ---
**Author:** ![drizzo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c57346/32.png) [@drizzo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/drizzo)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2009, 4:01am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/noob-questions/3023/3 "2009-06-08T04:01:40Z")
I was hoping for a response that didn’t involve replacing the yoyo that arrived at my house on Friday. My girlfriend is gonna tease me so much if I end up with another spinny toy. ---
**Author:** ![BrickM3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f17d59/32.png) [@BrickM3](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/BrickM3)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2009, 4:06am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/noob-questions/3023/4 "2009-06-08T04:06:54Z")
You can buy a pack of friction stickers: [http://yoyoexpert.com/product/duncan/stickers/](http://yoyoexpert.com/product/duncan/stickers/) If there is too much residue from the old stickers, you can use WD-40 to break down the old adhesive, it works nicely.  Just clean the plastic so it isn’t too oily. Hope this helps! ---
**Author:** ![rsmod123](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/rsmod123/32/46_2.png) [@rsmod123](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/rsmod123)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2009, 4:09am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/noob-questions/3023/5 "2009-06-08T04:09:00Z")
oh sorry ☹ Well, there is one thing you can Try. Do you by chance have trumpet oil, sewing machine oil or gun oil around your house? Don’t try anything else until you ask us first. Take some of the oil i mentioned above, screw open the yoyo, take the bearing and drop some of the oil on it. Watch this video here. > **[YoYoExpert.com - Maintenance - Yo-Yo Lube](https://yoyoexpert.com/learn/410-maintenance-lube.php)** > > Watch free yo-yo trick videos, learn from professional yo-yo players, and buy yo-yos from the YoYo Expert! > [@BrickM3](#): > > You can buy a pack of friction stickers: > [http://yoyoexpert.com/product/duncan/stickers/](http://yoyoexpert.com/product/duncan/stickers/) > > If there is too much residue from the old stickers, you can use WD-40 to break down the old adhesive, it works nicely.  Just clean the plastic so it isn’t too oily. > > Hope this helps! I don’t actually recommend wd40, it is known to ruin plastic and bearings. Not trying to bring you down Brick, but be careful if you are really planning to use wd40. ---
**Author:** ![drizzo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c57346/32.png) [@drizzo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/drizzo)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2009, 4:30am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/noob-questions/3023/6 "2009-06-08T04:30:49Z")
So if the fixing the response is going to fix my ability to throw a decent sleeper, how does one who habitually uses an unresponsive yoyo throw said decent sleepers? I’d certainly like to be able to sleep longer, and fit more strings into the gap without it popping back. ---
**Author:** ![rsmod123](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/rsmod123/32/46_2.png) [@rsmod123](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/rsmod123)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2009, 4:42am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/noob-questions/3023/7 "2009-06-08T04:42:03Z")
> [@drizzo](#): > > So if the fixing the response is going to fix my ability to throw a decent sleeper, how does one who habitually uses an unresponsive yoyo throw said decent sleepers? I’d certainly like to be able to sleep longer, and fit more strings into the gap without it popping back. Fixing the response is gonna help you to return it. The reason why you have problems with decent sleepers is probably because the yoyo isn’t winding up properly, probably due to the bad response. I highly recommend mastering your Binding skills. Make sure that you are winding up the yoyo tightly before you throw. > **[YoYoExpert.com - Intermediate - Bind Returns](https://yoyoexpert.com/learn/030-intermediate-bind-returns.php)** > > Learn how to return an unresponsive yo-yo using a bind return from the YoYoExpert. ---
**Author:** ![Pheenix](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/pheenix/32/65_2.png) [@Pheenix](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Pheenix)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2009, 5:14pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/noob-questions/3023/8 "2009-06-08T17:14:12Z")
New stickers is always a good idea. Silicone stickers lasts a lot longer than the regular ones. A lot of people also prefer to use dif-pads in Duncans. Both silicone and difs last long. Those pesky Suncan stickers sure wear out fast. Buy Duncan silicone stickers here: [http://yoyoexpert.com/product/duncan/stickers/](http://yoyoexpert.com/product/duncan/stickers/) Addment: There’s also a load of different pads you can try out there, find your favorite. ---
**Author:** ![Max](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/max/32/61_2.png) [@Max](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Max)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2009, 6:40pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/noob-questions/3023/9 "2009-06-08T18:40:24Z")
id go for a new yo. if you want to wrap the string arounds and make it fly like magic in your hands you need to, as you put it “cheat” with your spin times and get an unresponcive yoyo. id reconmend the legacy from yyj. great product i’ve had 2 break on my but thats because i used them for 4a (off-string, see the learn section on this site for that) on my brick back yard and… it broke lol. there great unresponcive and you really dont need another yoyo from there. of course it doeset stop anyone a new yoyo is a new feel and tahts how you get better is with diffrent tools. well not get better but thats how it works for me. alot of poeple here have all metal yoyos and thats all great i love them idk who doesnt. but in your case id get a yyj metal rimmed if you want to up from a legacy or a lyn. Maby a onedrop after? there a great metal and just came out with there p2. but thats obviouly further down the road. for the mean time have fun and dont get so fustrated with tricks. you can alway scome back to it its just a hobby. ~max ---
**Author:** ![drizzo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c57346/32.png) [@drizzo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/drizzo)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2009, 11:47pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/noob-questions/3023/10 "2009-06-08T23:47:13Z")
I ended up ordering a Lyn Fury, and I will deal with the teasing from the gf. I hope the shipping is fast, because I was having a lot of fun mastering the split bottom mount and other basics, I don’t want to lose those skills in the downtime.