What are people using for string, bearings, and CWs these days?

General Yo-Yo
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Just kind of curious since I’ve been out of the loop for a bit.

Are there any new bulk string brands that are hyped? Is zipline still the go to for the “boutique” side?

What are the popular bearings atm? I’ll probably stick to KKs regardless but I’m interested to know if there’s been any new developments in the race to circumvent the KK patent in unique ways.

And I see that gummyweights are a thing, but besides that is it still just porykon as the big CW brand?

I’m looking to do a personal string/accessories restock soon and just want to see if there’s anything I might have overlooked due to not being up to date on yo-yo happenings.

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String is definitely Zipline, bearings are ds nsk, and counter weight is fairy crystal lab.

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Mine may be biased:

  • String: 84String (5% nylon blend)
  • Bearing: YYR DS
  • Dice: Porykon
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  • String: Kitty First Class
    • the stock length is perfect for me so I can use it without cutting
  • Bearing: YYR DS (NSK Platinum ideally)
    • I’ve just had the best of luck with these bearings as far as them being quiet, staying quiet, and longevity.
  • Counterweight: Takeshi weights/gummy dice
    • this my loosest preference and is just what i happen to have on some throws right now.

is the patent still relevant or enforced? I know I bought about 50 concaves for a couple bucks each from china that look identical to KonKaves either last year or the year before and Remy/Dis is now selling some concaves they’ve sourced as well. Plus, well, Frank has passed now :pensive: so I don’t know if there’s anyone to enforce it anymore?

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For CW’s, I have quite a bit, but I tend to still gravitate a lot to the Log. Something about the patina it gets and little dents over time, and the general sound it makes on contact is just enjoyable.

Plus, easy string loop feature is always a plus.

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I like my log or a drilled d20, but I am only just starting 5a, so take with a salt lick. I use all kinds of string, partial to OT Normal Yellow, YYSL, and Kitty

Bearings, I have been preferring One Drop 10 Ball, and whatever G2 centertrack is in my Kamuraiju

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It was more of a salty jab than anything. I just thought it was funny to say in the moment.

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Honestly I avoid NSKs like the plague now because I’ve just had too many issues with them shaving down bearing posts (NSKs generally have a tighter fit than most bearings) and giving yoyos vibe, so I have a massive stack of bulk bearings that I just swap in and out of yoyos as they go responsive and then I’ll bulk clean them every once in a while.

to be on topic i love zipline strings and hollywood modern pads and ultra grey silicone

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Yeah I’ve been noticing the quality of my ds bearings seems to go pretty quick especially if u swap them into a different Yoyo. Other than the yo-yos they come stock in which I seem not to have any issues with. Once I put one in a dodferent Yoyo. A bunch of things I’ve noticed are the vibe for sure, it sucks cuz I really love the unique smoothness feel of the bearings. That is the only reason I like them, but it’s rare now for me to find a Yoyo that will actually stay smooth once I put em in. The other big thing I’ve noticed is they seem to make a lot of yo-yos feel sluggish, or slow. As if there’s something stuck in the bearing but even with cleaned or newish bearings it happens. It’s weird.

My best recommendation and all time favorite bearing remain, the topyo 5cut. It has all the benefits of the ds without any of the issues. In my experience. And they are ultra smooth

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String - zipline ZS Air. I’ve stopped buying bulk as this stuff lasts for months. Wash, rinse, repeat. I think the failure mode here is that after too many wash cycles they get a little bouncy.

Bearings - atmos. These are KK style and fit nicely into everything. They don’t have the death grip that the DS can sometime have and they run super smooth, properly maintained, very quiet.

Welcome back.

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String - make ‘em
Bearing - stock
CW - middle finger

…I’m no help…

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Throw-Yo, or no yo. :smiley:

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These markmont strings are unmatched for me tbh. I love em.

Whatever KK bearings Luftverk are using are my favourites, DS NSK after that.

those are my chosen tings.

Couldn’t have said it better myself :rofl:

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OT strings have been getting a lot of hype, and they are good, however their Normal is Fat and their slim is Normal and so on.

5 cut bearings like DS are becoming more popular and there are more companies offering this style now, so there are more economical options.

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For me I’m back on Kitty 1st Class, Ziplines are good, but the latest offering are nylon based. I just like 100% poly. I also perfer KK bearings and there are more options on these now, though the Duncan ones have been the most consistent for me, though Mowl and other Japanese versions I’ve been happy with.

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I’m lame, so I use Kitty Fat and Duncan Dice.

For bearings, my favorites are One Drop flats, Original Throw concaves, and NSK DS Platinums.

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Zipline ZS Air for string + NSK platinum bearings all day for me :saluting_face:

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String:

Just like yo-yo brands, there are plenty of amazing string companies out there too! Personally, I’ve been using YoYoStringLab strings for about 10 years, and they’ve always delivered consistent quality every single time.

I switch between their two main formulas: Venom and Ka-Pow!

  • Venom is perfect for yo-yos with smaller gaps.
  • Ka-Pow! shines with yo-yos that have wider gaps.

I love both because they hold tension exceptionally well, give extra kick to whips and slacks, and (in my opinion) are some of the softest strings you’ll ever use.

If you’re looking for a heavier nylon blend, YoYoStringLab Nytro or Nitro Plus are great options. Both formulas include nylon and are super soft, but the Plus version offers added thickness for a different feel.

Also Original Throw has come out with some great string as well including Signature Strings for National Champs, Jonathan Sitanggang and Izuru Hasumi! Both have a little bit of Nylon in them!

Bearings:

There are also plenty of great bearing options out there, and in the end, it really comes down to personal preference and cost.

Lately, my go-to bearings have been the new Crucial Grooved V3 Bearings. Even though this version is technically “flat,” the groove does an excellent job of keeping the string centered. I’ve been using mine for a while now, and it’s still running smoothly without needing a single drop of lube for maintenance. Absolutely love it!

Another favorite is the DS Bearing by YoYoRecreation and NSK.

  • If you’re after top-tier performance, especially for competition, the NSK bearings are unmatched.
  • The DS Bearing serves as a more budget-friendly alternative and is what I use in most of my unresponsive setups.

Lastly, there’s the Center Trac Bearing by YoYoFactory. This classic has been a staple for years, setting a new standard alongside the KonKave. The Center Trac comes stock in many yo-yos and is available in multiple sizes, including Size A, Size C, and my personal favorite—the smooth 10-Ball version. It’s versatile and fits a wide range of yo-yos.

Counterweights:

Duncan Counterweight set - pack of 3 including a rubber ball.

This is an ideal starter set for beginners or people just getting into counterweights. I personally love the Rubber ball since it hurts less on your hands lol and it is also cool to have a variety of the original dice as well.

YoYoFactory 6 Pack - might be the best bang for your buck counterweight wise. 6 total counterweights including a rubber ball. Mix and Match on your favorite color yoyos! Only $5

Premium counterweights would be Porykon for more experienced users. Really get to pick out which shape and weight you like and match up with your favorite 5A yoyos!

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String Ziplines
Bearing Tasmanian Tornados
CW Moth Ballz

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Haven’t heard of Tasmanian Tornados before lol

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