“A top in the hand is worth two in the bush” . Some 15th century falconer. Paraphrased I’m sure.
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What do you think about the Cobra’s? I just like how they look, no idea if they are good for a beginner.
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I like the Jumbo Cobra very much, I think there are at least 3 sizes they call cobra. It does some things better than the SC, but you have to have a gentle touch with the string because for the size, they are light, but I always keep some, they are good tops. I haven’t tried the smaller cobra tops, but the size and the tips on the Jumbo are better for advanced tricks.
The experience I had when learning was I couldn’t throw a fast enough boomerang to get the most out of the Cobra, so it seemed sluggish. Once you learn how to throw a fast spinning boomerang, they really wake up.
Agreed. I keep a fresh three pack of jumbo cobras 
because I like to do the finger spin and some wire walky stuff with them. They’re cheap for a 3pk on Amayzon.
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Thank you for that reply! So you would still recommend the Sort Circuit over the Cobra I take it then for a complete beginner that’s never thrown a trompo in their life then I take it.
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@GnarlyCharlie I absolutely love that you’re on here asking the exact same questions I was.
I got the three pack of jumbo cobras and a short circuit. I’m trying to figure this one out too. Haha
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Ok ok, another follow up question. Are metal tips better?
Metal tips are stronger so they last longer, but they can be rough on your hand if you are catching the top. Where plastic wears down smooth or may even break, sometimes a metal tip will get rough or sharp.
The biggest practical difference between the tips is not so much the material as the shape. The tip on the Short circuit is a good size so you can keep it engaged with the string, and a good diameter for powerful wire walking tricks. The tip on the fixed tip Quick Silver Hybrid is awesome for regens but slower for wire walking. The metal tips on the smaller plastic tops in general tend to be a little smaller than comparable plastic tips.
If you throw to the ground a lot and you are not spinning the top on your hand, metal may last longer outside, but it can really mess up some wood furniture or floors, plastic is much nicer inside the house.
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Ari gato, sensei
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Meow.
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Do spin tops make you insane? I spent about 20 minutes failing at the same thing over and over, always expecting a different result. I finally started hitting the trick and changed from using the SCs to the Jumbo Cobra, got about 4 catches with those, and switched to an S8 Augusta.
Hit the trick first throw, but the top got sideways on the return to my hand so I awkwardly grabbed at it and knocked it into my face. That’s the yo-yo trick equivalent of hitting the trick but missing the bind, then hitting yourself in the face with the yo-yo. Anyways, I got around 9 catches in all, so who’s crazy now?
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Thank you for the reply! Super insightful and helpful.
I have endless question. How do you feel about the Alice ?
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I can tell you I love the Alice. Mind you I am pretty much a throw down, sky rocket up, spin it out in your hands kind of guy, but in comparison to the others I have I just love it. It’s cute!!! I just like holding it and feeling its hefty solid presence in my hands kind. It feels great to throw. I’ve been throwing tops for close to 3 years so I’m not just starting out. If I look back to when I was first learning 
… I would have steered away from it the first time I sent it flying out of control and put dings in the walls/furniture/everything… yup
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The Alice is in a unique category. They are smooth, well balanced, nicely finished tops with a somewhat unconventional tip shape.
It forces you to be a little more accurate because it is smaller.
In yo-yo terms, it reminds me of the OneDrop M1, it has the quality build and materials of a higher end yo-yo, but it is smaller and less expensive. I feel like they are worth getting while you still can.
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100% get one while you can!!
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I’m gonna vouch for the Alice as well. It’s actually the first trompo I was successful at drumbeats with. Not sure why, maybe that puts it in a sentimental category, but now that I’m marginally more mediocre, I feel like they regen very well
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Alice is a cool top. I don’t use mine too often, but it was my first delrin top and that is what got me hooked!
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Alright, I took the plunge! Listed to your advice and went with a starter top before diving straight in. I’m stoked and can’t wait to try it. I’m positive it going to be a massive learning curve.
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I’m thinking about ordering both the fixed model and the ball bearing model cuz both of them with shipping only comes up to 20 bucks
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