@kretzschmar @Captrogers @Tshou
Thank you, brothers. I appreciate you all! 
The main downside to ordering my yoyos is shipping: it costs relatively high ($15), and takes 2~4 weeks. Not much we can do about that. 
But I’m really happy that I can finally ship to the US again.
Quick side note, what string is everyone using on their Ardeus throws?
Just gotta say… I remember asking this exact question on GReg’s Infinite Illusions board 20+ years ago and getting a combination of deafening silence and a couple “But why?”
It’s so gratifying that people HAVE real informed opinions on this now, that makers have pushed the quality and variety into new directions, and that there’s a style which people can approach and get into which makes real use of throws like this.
For my money - apparently, as I’ve put a lot into it - the No Jive will always be closest to my heart (and tattooed on my arm). Qualitatively, in terms of playability/versatility/consistency, I think Colin from TMBR has made the best wooden fixies ever. But BC, Gates, Wildwood, Cavemam Go, Spinworthy, Ardeus, Boise - these are all terrific options I could be happy with forever.
Also remember that a big part of throwing fixed is embracing the limitations of whatever you’re throwing and finding creative freedom in that space. So you kinda CAN’T go wrong.
Mine had rattle, was able to eliminate it. Turned out to be one of the weight rings inside. I removed the pog, was able to carefully bend the ring out some as it’s not welded at the ends, fit snugly back in place. I bought mine I believe last year.
Not gonna lie, mine did pick up some rattle after this lol
As they say, wood is good, plastic is fantastic… Metal is special… 
TMBRs are my favourite wood fixies but they are getting harder to find. I also like Spinworthys a lot, also getting hard to find. I haven’t tried the DLC or Boise ones.
Honestly though, the newest version of the Duncan butterfly really jams and I hear there are more at Target again for Easter.
Edit: I also have 5 of @Ardeus’ yo-yos and I really cherish those. They are amazing pieces of art and the best 3D prints that I have seen!
Personally though, I have oriented to playing fixie-modded metal modern responsives (I call these post-modern fixies 
) because they are consistent and durable/reliable with silicon response and take apart designs. My favourite is the SW/MK1 RBC with a ZGRT centre-track blank. It performs amazingly well in the setup. You just need a thin string because the RBC has a fairly narrow gap. The MR85 yo-yos lend themselves really well to fixie setups because the blanks are a similar size (7-8mm diameter) to most fixie axles.
The RBC in my opinion is a lot like a metal No Jive if you hibrid the imperial and butterfly setups into one. Very similar in size and weight.
But as everyone has said here, there isn’t one best option. We are instead privileged to have a whole plethora of great options out there!
Did the yoyo suffer any damage after that? Sounds like it took a pretty gnarly slam!
Definetly lol. One weight ring went flying and into the yard (haven’t found it yet.). Ripped out the other weight ring to balance it out and sanded down some scuffs. It’s very lightweight without the weight rings but excellent for practicing kickflips on.
My other one is mint, smooth and without any rattle and absolutely shreds.
I may consider getting a few new mantas just to compare at some point
