right now i still think the DM2. the Sr-71 is too unstable imo and the mini motu is too small. others i havent played with long enough or i havent tried. you guys?
EDIT: i recently got a days worth of throwing the new breed, which is probably the most beginner friendly metal rimmed. similar to the dm2. and if the phenomizm is considered metal rimmed, that would acually be my fav!
DM2 works great for me though. I have plenty of YYJ’s to choose from and that’s one of the plastic/metals with a metal rim that I will reach for most often. I also have the Speeder, Speeder 2and the Hitman Pro, all of which see plenty of use.
I started out on the original Dark Magic and still I love the thing. Granted I accidentally stepped on it and the whole axel system came out but I still have it! . By far my favorite Metal rimmed yoyo.
PHENOMizm and X-Con PRO are my current faves. Would love to try a Vexed and Inspire as they both look nice.
I find the DMII to be totally overrated. Seems like its popularity is more because of Andre and YYE than performance. SpinFaktor X plays noticeably better and is even slightly cheaper.