My name is Jeffrey Jene. I picked up a Duncan Imperial top several years ago and never played with it. A few weeks ago I found it in a drawer and started working with it. I’ve really been “bit by the bug”, so to speak. I purchased a few more tops of different types. My favorites are the Jumbo Cobras (cheap but quite usable) and my Spintastics Trompos Grande and Bearing tops. I’m waiting on a Sidewinder and a cool looking wooden top that I hope works well. So far I can boomerang and balance the top on my hand a good percentage of the time (I pick up on things fast), and I’m ready to start exploring other tricks.
I’ve been a professional magician for almost 30 years. Many years ago I had the privilege of performing alongside a yo-yo and spin top expert named Mark Hayward at a Summer festival in Milwaukee. Not only was Mark skilled at what he did, but was quite entertaining, presenting his feats and tricks with well thought out patter and humor. It was not just a demonstration of a hodgepodge of stunts (not that there is anything wrong with that, it’s just a different thing). His act was just that – an ACT that had a beginning, a middle, and an ending. I’m hoping to bring spin tops into my street and Renaissance shows with the same goal in mind. I’d love to hear the experiences of other such performers.
I’m really enjoying this new hobby!
. Figure 8 and corkscrew are probably next on your list. Good luck!