# One Drop Flat Bearings Are Outdated: Change My Mind **URL:** \ **Category:** Yo-Yo Mods and Maintenance\ **Created:** [May 17, 2019, 3:57pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430 "2019-05-17T15:57:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 31
**Author:** ![zslane](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/zslane/32/19816_2.png) [@zslane](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/zslane)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2019, 4:54pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/603 "2019-09-17T16:54:35Z")
How can you tell the post number? I don’t see it in my web browser. ---
**Author:** ![da5id](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/da5id/32/48214_2.png) [@da5id](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/da5id)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2019, 5:34pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/604 "2019-09-17T17:34:28Z")
So we should make everyone buy a second bearing? I think it’s better for those who want to change it to have the option to do so and to choose the exact bearing they want. Even if we put two bearings in, there will be people want to use something else. Something else people forget: bearings are a replaceable wear part. And it’s a very subjective choice. Therefore, the stock bearing is mainly a placeholder. Reminds of when Kyle Weems released the Senza Nome way back in 2010 or so. He had some ganky super lubed bearing in it. When people complained, he said “Whatever. You guys are going to put another bearing in there anyway.” ---
**Author:** ![da5id](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/da5id/32/48214_2.png) [@da5id](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/da5id)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2019, 5:35pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/605 "2019-09-17T17:35:07Z")
I love this 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Ryanm7277](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/82dd89/32.png) [@Ryanm7277](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Ryanm7277)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2019, 5:50pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/606 "2019-09-17T17:50:52Z")
I use flat bearings all the time but I do find that I wind up with shorter spin time and more precession from my string friction…I think life is easier with a centering bearing but flat makes you have to work the throw ---
**Author:** ![andy569](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/andy569/32/1256_2.png) [@andy569](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/andy569)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2019, 6:39pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/607 "2019-09-17T18:39:56Z")
Yeah even if we push the whole tilt/turn/precession/stability thing to the side, one thing I always notice is my combos can’t be quite as long with a flat. If you guys actually test this I can’t be the only one that experiences this Spin slows down quicker and dies much easier at low RPMs than a centering bearing. This is clearly noticeable and apparent while something like tilt or precession may be a little harder to observe(it’s still there though, I assure you) ---
**Author:** ![zslane](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/zslane/32/19816_2.png) [@zslane](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/zslane)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2019, 6:42pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/608 "2019-09-17T18:42:00Z")
> [@andy569](#): > > one thing I always notice is my combos can’t be quite as long with a flat. I’m waiting for someone to tell you that you don’t need such long combos… 🙄 ---
**Author:** ![Durfee](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/durfee/32/593280_2.png) [@Durfee](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Durfee)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2019, 6:45pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/609 "2019-09-17T18:45:14Z")
> [@da5id](#): > > Senza Nome way back in 2010 or so I owned this yo-yo lol. ---
**Author:** ![da5id](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/da5id/32/48214_2.png) [@da5id](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/da5id)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2019, 7:01pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/610 "2019-09-17T19:01:34Z")
We still have ours in the collection. #028. It’s mint. Even has the greased bearing in it LOL ---
**Author:** ![d34dj3d](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/d34dj3d/32/105169_2.png) [@d34dj3d](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/d34dj3d)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2019, 5:53am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/611 "2019-09-18T05:53:55Z")
> [@da5id](#): > > So we should make everyone buy a second bearing? I think it’s better for those who want to change it to have the option to do so and to choose the exact bearing they want. Even if we put two bearings in, there will be people want to use something else. You are depriving me of the opportunity to complain about getting 2 bearings I don’t want with my yoyo! 🙄 What if I’m feeling contrary and I want a convex bearing that makes darn sure my string is jammed right up against the response all the time, because I love response roulette (@smileypants707) and I need all the extra challenge I can get in my yoyoing? More important, let’s get back to this hubstack side effect idea. What do I need to do to get you and Ben together on this? I want to hubstack my markmont classic, I want to hubstack all the side effect compatible yoyos. I’m not sure if I’m kidding or not. I’d certainly try it if I had the chance. I actually really enjoy the variety different types of hubstacks provide, kinda like side effects. I’m telling you it could be the reeses peanut butter cup of yoyo accessories. ---
**Author:** ![ThrowButcher](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/throwbutcher/32/54388_2.png) [@ThrowButcher](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/ThrowButcher)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2019, 10:58am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/612 "2019-09-18T10:58:01Z")
I like organics just as much as bimetal V’s. The Marco gets as much play as the MC. When I’m learning something new I go for a V or W; when it’s time to smooth and perfect I go for organic with the flat. Then when it’s down pat, go back to the performer and see how far I can push it. Oh and I’d love to hubstack my MC, that’d be super serial sweet. ---
**Author:** ![Boostin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c2a13f/32.png) [@Boostin](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Boostin)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2019, 11:19am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/613 "2019-09-18T11:19:32Z")
Grovved bearing all day long on everything for me. ---
**Author:** ![edhaponik](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/edhaponik/32/150896_2.png) [@edhaponik](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/edhaponik)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2019, 12:00pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/614 "2019-09-18T12:00:37Z")
Seems like this thread has kinda metastasized into a 2-headed beast, and some continue to see the heads as the same. Head 1 asks with “Are flats qualitatively inferior to correcting bearings?” The 2nd asks “What should One Drop do?” In 600+ responses, I haven’t seen anything in response to the first question which implies any answer to the 2nd beyond “whatever they want to do”. Even if the answer was “100% categorically yes, flat bearings are terrible, and Ceramic 10-Ball Boss Rage Buddha-Ripple bearings are clearly superior along every criteria”, One Drop is still totally within reason doing what they’ve always done and letting consumers choose. You’ve got the patience of Job, David, for sticking with this thread. ---
**Author:** ![skklexie](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/skklexie/32/42925_2.png) [@skklexie](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/skklexie)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2019, 3:13pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/615 "2019-09-18T15:13:51Z")
oh wow! i’m the total opposite! i usually start off with an organic throw first, there’s something about forcing myself to take things slow that helps me focus on all sorts of things like tilt, string economy etc etc then when it’s the night before i go out to shoot my trick for trick-a-week, i’ll switch it up to a V shaped yoyo. ---
**Author:** ![da5id](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/da5id/32/48214_2.png) [@da5id](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/da5id)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2019, 9:04pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/616 "2019-09-18T21:04:15Z")
Thanks Ed :heart::heart: ---
**Author:** ![da5id](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/da5id/32/48214_2.png) [@da5id](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/da5id)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2019, 9:07pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/617 "2019-09-18T21:07:29Z")
Ok so time for a math word problem. Facts: \*60% of people who buy One Drops keep the stock 10Ball bearing in the yoyo (based on poll taken on YYE) \*The most popular “nudging” bearing is a DS at 31%, slightly edging out a CT at 30%. (based on poll taken on YYE) So if the goal is to choose a stock “nudging” bearing that has the least amount of swapping and customers end up with their preferred bearing, clearly we go for the DS. If we did that, 60% would swap for a 10Ball based on fact number 1. But for the 40% that prefer a “nudging” bearing, 69% of them would switch to a different nudging bearing (that’s a total of a 27% change rate). 60% + 27% = 87% change rate. We would go from 40% to 87% of people swapping out their stock bearing if we started using the most popular “nudging” bearing. QED. :joy: Not worth. ---
**Author:** ![d34dj3d](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/d34dj3d/32/105169_2.png) [@d34dj3d](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/d34dj3d)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2019, 4:13am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/618 "2019-09-19T04:13:10Z")
> [@ThrowButcher](#): > > When I’m learning something new I go for a V or W; when it’s time to smooth and perfect I go for organic with the flat. Then when it’s down pat, go back to the performer and see how far I can push it. I do the exact same thing. I find it a great way to measure my progress. I also swap between centering and flat bearings for the same reason. > [@ThrowButcher](#): > > Oh and I’d love to hubstack my MC, that’d be super serial sweet. A man of taste and refinement. ---
**Author:** ![codinghorror](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/codinghorror/32/8052_2.png) [@codinghorror](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/codinghorror)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2019, 6:03am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/619 "2019-09-19T06:03:58Z")
> [@andy569](#): > > Spin slows down quicker and dies much easier at low RPMs [with a flat bearing] than a centering bearing. This is clearly noticeable and apparent while something like tilt or precession may be a little harder to observe (it’s still there though, I assure you) As I recall @EOS44 _literally_ tested this and found exactly what you describe? Or am I misremembering? Didn’t someone test this? > [@da5id](#): > > We would go from 40% to 87% of people swapping out their stock bearing if we started using the most popular “nudging” bearing. You’re applying selective logic to get your preferred result – the difference between various centering bearings is far, far smaller than the difference between flat and centering of _any_ type. So it’s kind of a specious comparison. You could start a poll and ask this: > A) You receive a yo-yo with a generic flat bearing. Do you swap it out? > Yes > No and then this > B) You receive a yo-yo with a generic CT bearing. Do you swap it out? > Yes > No and possibly this, _just to be sure_ > C) You receive a yo-yo with any bearing. Will you swap it out with your preferred bearing, if it is not already your preferred type? > Yes > No I’d be willing to bet a whoooole lot of 🤑 the answer to question A is dramatically higher “Yes” than Question B. And the answer to Question C is pretty interesting as well, as a baseline for overcoming inertia. To me, it’s interesting that you’re willing to discuss this _at all_ since the answer has obviously been “One Drop can do whatever the H E double hockey sticks they want and there’s not a single ding-dang thing anyone here can do about it” all along. ---
**Author:** ![EOS44](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/eos44/32/47059_2.png) [@EOS44](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/EOS44)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2019, 6:18am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/620 "2019-09-19T06:18:38Z")
Both @andy569 and me tested this. Well, as much as something like this can be tested on video lol. Also, gosh darn Coding you made me open this thread. Edit: HECK I READ THE WHOLE +200 COMMENTS ON THIS THING. ---
**Author:** ![ThrowButcher](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/throwbutcher/32/54388_2.png) [@ThrowButcher](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/ThrowButcher)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2019, 11:04am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/621 "2019-09-19T11:04:18Z")
I feel you; I think I would possibly take that approach if I had more patience with myself. As it is, my main objective at first is to just land it once. After I know I’m doing it right, I can do it over and over, not really thinking about it, just building and polishing muscle memory. ---
**Author:** ![da5id](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/da5id/32/48214_2.png) [@da5id](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/da5id)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2019, 5:20pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430/622 "2019-09-19T17:20:19Z")
Yeah my math problem is largely in jest. And it relies on the customer ending up with their preferred bearing in the yoyo. Not sure why you are talking about polls with generic bearings? I’m talking specifically about _our_ situation. And in the specific situation, 60% of our customers keep the stock bearing. That poll result is really all we need to know. And I already knew that before the poll because I listen to what my customers tell me. Why am I talking about this? I think it’s worth exploring. In this 600+ comment thread I haven’t yet seen a convincing argument to switch what we are doing. [Previous page](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430.md?page=30) [Next page](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/one-drop-flat-bearings-are-outdated-change-my-mind/302430.md?page=32)