I watched G2 Jake’s yoyo flights multiple times and I always had my eyes on the Rainier. In the video, he highlights its comfort, which is what I’m most interested in. After stating how comfy it is though, he commented on its stability and momentum, which is understandable since the Rainier isn’t a competition yoyo. Nevertheless, does the boosted version address these minor things? And do you think it’s worth it over the original?
Can’t speak for the boosted, but the standard Rainier plays quite well for a 6 series monometal when you put a beveled bearing in it. I like mine quite a bit! Good stability and power in general, not just for a performance organic. You can get through a 30 second combo and have it coming back to your hand with no trouble at all.
The statement about comfort is also true. The Rainier generally has a bit of hang time to it, gently encouraging you to chill out during play. I say generally because this can change based on the setup you use (bearing & SEs).
I have heard that the only difference some have had between standard & boosted versions of the Rainier is that the boosted one feels more aggressive in play. So you may want to go with the standard if comfort is your highest priority. That said, my theory is that the boosted will also have a bit more power based on the increased density of 7075. OneDrop claims that the boosted has more power than the standard one, which has good power already.
Edit: this’ll help:
boosted for sure, and IMO the stability of the rainier is good given the fact that it’s a side effect yoyo.
boosted is more stable and has more power but loses some of the playfeel that the original has, but I think that trade off is worth it
I have the boosted but have not tried the original. After switching to a centering bearing, I do not notice any issues with spin time and stability. I am typically pretty critical of spintime and do not have any issues with the boosted rainier. It’s a very comfortable and fun yoyo. It is on the lighter side but maintains power in play. I definitely recommend it.
I’m a big fan of the boosted. Started calling it the brainier because it’s a mouthful. Have not played a regular, but honestly, I think they’re both going to be good. Both will be reallly comfy. What’s more important to you? Color? Price? Durability? If it’s color, get the one that pops up and you’re excited about. If it’s price, get the rainier, 6061 is less money. If it’s durability, get the brainier. 7075 is a little more stout than the 6061. I can speak to this, I accidentally threw mine into concrete in a slippy bind the first day I had it, and it’s still smooth. Ding is pictured. Broke anno, but it’s stout, that’s for sure.
Boosted for sure! The regular plays very well but I like the boosted one better!
Dang, guess if a bRainier PIF ever happens I’ll hop on then. ![]()
I have the normal, my friend has the boosted
The normal feels free and bouncy, it handles smooth tricks, like yoyoing in a meadow with tranquility around you.
Boosted feels glued to the string very fast and powerful like you can go through longer combos, like yoyoing at a car race as you crave the speed.
Both need a center grooved bearing, both are amazing yoyos though but they feel like 2 different yoyos
interesting. my boosted was one of the one drops that is stable and performance oriented enough that i can’t even tell the flat is in
ive not tried the reg rainier but i find the boosted to be a phenomenal yoyo and it’s one of my favorites
Have experience only with the Boosted and I find it a very performant monometal. It has a similar shape as the Duncan GTR-JS, a rounded H-shape, and has a Schmoove Groove. Not as performant as the Wilderness 7075 but hardly any other monometal can get near that, and that one’s wide with beefy rims. Rainier Boosted has good stability with an Ultralight and is balanced for speed and very enjoyable, partly because it is also very comfortable. Easily one of my faves I pick up regularly.
I kept the OD flat because that’s how they meant it to be, and it spins plenty long enough. But I imagine if you don’t play clean or want to do competition routines, then a concave can help.
rainier does not have a schmoove
I started putting a concave bearing in it, and remember that it felt a little different, but now that you say it, I’m going to go back and see what it’s like with a flat. I think I agree with your statement, it is super duper stable.
You’re right, it’s a slightly projected bearing/response seat.
Thank you for the reply! I think I’m going with the normal Rainier even though the Boosted is definitely a better performer. I’m looking for comfort first and performance second, plus the Rainier I found is just a bit prettier than the Boosted one.
Thanks for replying! I think I’m biting the original. I was just worried that those minor stability issues weren’t so minor after all.
Yeah, I REALLY wanted the Boosted version, and I also get hung up on spin time, but I think the normal version should do just fine. Plus the one I found looks sick!
Yo you’re that dude with the Green White Halfswap B. Rainier! That triple yoyo deal was really tempting for 95 bucks! I got really close to biting but I’m not really interested in the Moonlight even though the Wizard and B.Rainier looked so cool. Hopefully you find someone willing to buy!
I’ll definitely keep an eye out for that B. Rainier in the future! @washyjoshe ’s offer was so tempting but I just couldn’t spend that much money for the 3 yoyo bundle even though its such a good deal.
Yeah, I think I want the more relaxed Rainier, just as long as it’s not too relaxed. I also thought that the difference between the two would be on the subtle side. I hope I get to compare the two in the future.
Hopefully I’ll get to try both of them in the future, and I’ll consider using both types of bearings. Also, I just searched up the GTR JS and it’s @KirbyRobot’s top yoyo! I’ll keep an eye out for that one too.
