Review of the One Drop “Cabal”
By: Yoyo-sommelier
Hello to all yo-yo enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a review of one of the legendary yo-yos from One Drop — a true pinnacle of engineering in plastic yo-yos: the Cabal.
A New Plastic Chapter
After a long three-year break, in 2016, One Drop returned to plastic with a new project. The Cabal is their second plastic yo-yo, but their first made from Delrin. The initial run came only in black and white with gray Side Effects, but later runs introduced more color options. Let’s go over the official specs from the One Drop website:
Specifications:
- Weight: 67.1 g
- Width: 44.7 mm
- Diameter: 56.6 mm
- Response System: One Drop Flow Groove
- Gap Width: 4.25 mm (some sources list 4.70 mm)
- Bearing: Large (C) Stainless Steel (One Drop 10 Ball Bearing)
- Material: Machined Delrin
- Axle: Custom machined inserts and hubs, 12 mm
In-Hand Feel
The Cabal feels extremely comfortable to hold. It’s a large, smooth, and rounded plastic yo-yo. One of the standout features is the material — Delrin — which feels pleasantly soft and dense in the hand, and that sensation translates directly into how it plays.
Playability
The Cabal performs with great stability. One Drop clearly focused on rim weight distribution here. It’s very well balanced and stable, thanks in part to a central ridge. It doesn’t feel heavy at all. The thick silicone Flow Groove response pads provide an ultra-clear sense of bind control and yo-yo feedback without sacrificing performance — a signature trait of this response system.
The play experience is truly unique — a blend of Delrin’s soft, dense feel and the yo-yo’s organic shape gives the Cabal a smoothness that’s hard to match. Interestingly, Delrin performs better in rounded shapes than in V-shapes, which contributes to the Cabal’s signature feel both in hand and in play.
Also, while it’s a plastic yo-yo, the Cabal is CNC-machined just like a metal yo-yo — yes, you heard that right and it was in 2016. And the result is impressive: virtually no vibe, on par with high-end metal throws.
Any Downsides?
Of course, nothing is perfect. If I had to point out weaknesses, they’d be the Side Effects and the bearing. The One Drop 10 Ball Bearing is arguably one of the best in its class, but not everyone will appreciate the flat bearing feel — it’s more of an old-school challenge.
The Side Effects are a bit tricky. Just like with the Rally (One Drop’s first plastic yo-yo), regular Side Effects don’t fit the Cabal. Rally and Cabal don’t have unique replacement parts sold separately, and the Side Effects that come with them tend to sit loosely and fall out easily. If you lose them, you’re in trouble — either you toss the Cabal or find someone who can machine replacements, which isn’t easy.
Still, these drawbacks are minor compared to the overall joy the Cabal offers.
Who Is It For?
What do you get with the Cabal? The precision of a metal yo-yo, the softness of premium plastic, and One Drop’s unbeatable build quality. If you’re strictly after maximum performance, it might not be your best bet. But if you want a daily throw with soul — something fun, high-quality, and comfortable — then Cabal is absolutely the one.
It’s especially ideal for seasoned players who no longer obsess over performance specs and just want to enjoy the art of yo-yoing.
Final Verdict
Should you buy it without hesitation, think twice, or skip it?
My verdict: Buy it without hesitation if you get the chance.
If you enjoyed this review, don’t forget to show some love with your likes and comments!
If you’re into this kind of content, I’ve got plenty more review ideas lined up for other iconic and cult-favorite yo-yos — stay tuned, stay in the yo-yo.
