In recent years, yoyofriends has ventured into innovative designs, particularly exploring unconventional configurations beyond their traditional bimetals. Renowned for their bimetals like the Tachyon, characterized by a combination of less dense material in the center and denser material on the rims, yoyofriends aimed to push boundaries further. Inspired by their successful models like Pheasant Bi-metal and Da Vinci, which feature large stainless steel rings for enhanced power and stability at lighter weights, the team embarked on an ambitious project.
The result is the Tankette, a radical departure in body-to-rim weight ratio. With an astonishing 75% of the total weight attributed to stainless steel rim weight, the classic V-shaped design ensures stability and power despite its remarkably low overall weight of around 50g. The Tankette’s design was rigorously tested by the yoyofriends player team and at the 2023 World Yo-Yo Contest in Osaka, Japan, receiving accolades for its unique playability and eye-catching aesthetics.
The name “Tankette” pays homage to its wide and large stainless steel rings, reminiscent of tank tracks, though the yoyo’s lightweight and nimble nature differentiates it from its heavier namesake. Designed for on-the-go fun, the Tankette offers a blend of lightness, power, and stability, making it an unconventional yet compelling addition to yoyofriends’ lineup.
