Shape U
manufacturer X³
Weight 64.5
Width 47.80
Diameter 49.15
Gap Width 4.40
Bearing size 5x11x5
Stock Response red flowable silicone
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2775/steamroller045.jpg
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/5004/steamroller046.jpg
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/6769/steamroller047.jpg
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/7136/steamroller048.jpg
http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/2470/steamroller049.jpg
The SteamRoller is a pretty uncommon throw. Extremely wide, aggressive edges and soft curves, definitely an UFO.
My version comes from the first run, limited to 50 and only available raw.
I must admit, I was very suspicious about this yoyo. But Xela, the maker, is a close friend and he thus has my trust. I bought him one before they were available…
On the first throw, it was awful. Disturbing in hand, wobbling and very painful to catch. For sure, it requires an adaptation’s time. After a few more throws, I was able to throw it perfectly, catch it with ease and play it with great pleasure!
The SteamRoller comes with red silicon applied to perfection, a concave bearing and a Highlight twist string. The finish is amazing. It is almost polished! When looking closely, there’s no sharp edges : they were eased from the manufacturing. Nicely done, no string breaking issues possible!
With only 64.5g, the SteamRoller is on the light side, but with a nice presence on string, without being floaty nor heavy. The perfect balance. It spins fast, and moves even more quickly! Binds are perfect, no need to say more.
During play, the SteamRoller is the more stable yoyo I know. I thought that nothing could beat a Falcon, I was wrong… Amazing! The shape is no worry, nor is the width. The SteamRoller reacts immediately, lands exactly where you want, and passes through the tiniest hole, no worry here!
I have only one complaint : I’m not skilled enough to fully enjoy the SteamRoller. I often need the whole catch zone of the yoyo, and the one of the SteamRoller is small. You may believe that it’s only catch zone, due to the shape. But only the curvy area is effective. If you land onto the flat area, the yoyo will slightly change axis. No tilting issue, but you’ll need to change your strings’ alignment once playing.
In the end, the SteamRoller seems to me to be an extraordinary yoyo. It is about a new sensation, a real originality, something that I appreciate above everything. But everything has a price, and SteamRoller intends itself to the more experimented players. I reassure the other players, the pleasure is there, but with the previously indicated slight drawback. Clearly, it is not a yoyo for learning purpose. My defects are exposed, and it urges me to improve myself, in order to be really able to enjoy it completely.
Because, I am convinced of it, I am in the presence of a yoyo of exception.
Great job, Xela!
edit : I totally forgot to talk about its grinding ability. Well, it’s raw, I had little expectation about this. I was so wrong! Arm and finger grinds are beasty. It takes a little practice, but because of the amazing stability of the SteamRoller, finger grinds are perfect. There’s no inner lip, so you have to lean the yoyo to do a thumb grind. Not the best in this case, I must admit, but still, it’s possible!
