Haven’t been throwing tops as much because it’s crazy hot and I have spent the short time it’s tolerable outside practicing club juggling stuff. But I did manage 50 sewing machine regens today which is pretty good for me, plus I found another 4 leaf clover 
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That’s cool!
Just getting into tops, wish this forum was more active!
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Are you kidding? This forum is on fire 
I am comparing this group to the yoyo groups in this forum. Way more active there, but there is definitely plenty of posts to dig through here. Lots by you that I have read…good info!!
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It seems that just recently quite a few people were ordering their first tops. I was hoping to hear more from them, but tops can be difficult and frustrating.
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Yes. That was actually a lame attempt at a joke. Welcome to the high stakes, fast paced world of spin tops (seriously).
And please start topics and post stuff, because tops are the best kept secret of the yo-yo world.
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I had ordered a few tops during yoyofactories amazyzing sale last year. They were cool, but just seemed super basic and they ended up in my drawer. Picked up a 3 pack of some plastic trompo space tops - bearing and fixed. They were cool, but I wanted heavier and ended up getting an Alice and I was hooked on derlin and weight! Bought all the Strummol8 that YYE offered. Really cool, but definitely working on the learning curve! Just starting out though and having tons of fun with them!
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I’m glad this thread got bumped, it reminded me to grab the Alice and get back out there. Learned how to throw it on the ground and in a boomerang, then took a breather. Time to get back to it and have fun
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Well, what I would say is that it takes a lot of practice, maybe more than you might expect if you are comparing it to yo-yo skills. I posted links to some great top tutorial channels, pick out a few tricks and hammer away.
And as a reference point, I can tell you that when I decided I really wanted to learn regens, it took me over a year to get decent at a few of them. Hopefully you are not as old or burned out as I am, but the point is that you can do it, it just might take a bit longer than you expect. Don’t think you can’t get the hang of tops just because progress is super slow.
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I love trying two handed stuff. Maybe a little nerdy, but I’m super excited about this one!
…
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That is so impressive!!!
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Probably shouldn’t have waited for a heat wave to get this out again, but I am revisiting the Chonkakegoma after learning regens with traditional tops. It’s a workout!
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@DaneMartin , hey I finally found a top I can snap start 
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This is from a YouTube group of 12 vids that are all great if you are starting to learn to throw one of these things. It’s hard work compared to smaller tops or yo-yos, it’s fun to try though. I am looking forward to cooler weather!
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Thanks for sharing this
What is your preferred shape to recommend to a beginner?
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If I am trying to show a beginner how to throw, I start with a YYF Short Circuit, for a few reasons. They are inexpensive, the tips are not hard and sharp, the top itself is almost indestructible, although you can break the tips if you are dropping on a hard surface.
The Short Circuit tops also handle a lot of the tricks most people start with very nicely, they wire walk like crazy.
It’s a lot like yo-yos, everyone will develop a preference, and if you are working on a certain trick, one top may feel better than another, but I found that some of the tops I use a lot now felt awkward and heavy until I got much better with practice on the smaller tops like the SC and the Jumbo Cobras.
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Okay, this is a great reply. Thank you. @kevinm
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Also… of what’s available for the price of the SC… the other options may have their appeal but none are as tough as the Short Circuit. And when first learning (unless you’re naturally gifted) your top will be smashing into things… you want it tough.
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That’s fair
I have started and retired. It’s been top a few times. I’ll dig out what I have and get back to you.
I tend to work on it outside in warmer months and I’m well past due trying it again this season.
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