There was a “contest” a while back surrounding this topic of discussion, so instead of reviving that thread, I decided to start a new discussion for the sake of, well… discussion.
So what are some habits/rituals/or obsessive compulsions that you have in regards to yoyos?
I’ll start:
I ALWAYS, and I do mean every day/all day MUST have a yoyo with me; usually in my pocket or on my desk while I work if I’m not playing it.
I also have this habit of storing my “plugs” [for the gaping 5/8" holes in my ear lobes] in the cup of the yoyo that I carried that day. I empty my pockets in one of two spots every evening- on top of my dresser, or inside my “man-cabinet” (lol). The yoyo I carried that day goes next to my wallet, and my plugs go into the yoyo.
I use wood plugs too, so they never ever get stinky or “cheesy” like with plastic or metal plugs- so it’s not gross.
I do the same with kendama and yoyo, always end on a high note for any throw I may be using, so that frustration isn’t the thing I think of when I pick it up again
I have a recurring dream that I’m on a plane that’s getting hijacked. For some reason the hijackers single me out. I end up stopping the attack with a red FH2. One strong loop disarms the first assailant. I get two perps at the same time with a mighty “around the world”.
The most unrealistic part of the entire dream is the fact that I’m using a prototype translucent red Freehand 2 that never leaves the house.
Edit: forgot to mention that right when the action starts that song “Holding out for a hero” starts to play, and that I’m still 20 years younger approximately when I started to have this dream.
I’ve developed a bit of a habit in collecting pretty much just green throws!
I don’t really have any specific habits or rituals or anything out of the ordinary that I can think of.
I do like to count things…but that’s not just with yos, that’s with everything.
When I get new strings I like to count them…just counted my green kitty fats today randomly (79 left lol).
I have too much spare time on my hands! >.<’
I keep a list of every yoyo, along with what string, bearing and response are equipped. Organized by yoyo brand and name alphabetically. I have over 150 throws so this list is getting long. They are likewise organized in cases.
I tend to prefer nylon or nylon/poly on bimetals. Poly on monometals. But this is more of a rule made to be broken, if I really like a throw its probably getting a nylon string. I have not been able to find a bulk string I really like. The way the string feels and responds has to match the yoyo or it bugs me.
I’ll swap bearings, strings and axles until I get just the feel I want from the yoyo. I keep every different kind of bearing and a variety of response pads and silicone on hand so I can tweak until I’m happy. This is kinda crazy since I’m not a great player. I’m just particular about the way they feel.
I try to put contrasting string on every throw, if I don’t have a color that suits me I go searching the various string vendors looking one that does in the right blend and thickness, I may order several different strings if I’m not sure. If I can’t find a string I like, I probably won’t throw it until I find a string. Even if its a throw I’m super excited to get. I’ll throw it just enough to make sure it plays right. It’s not much of a problem now, I have a ton of nice strings. I’ve thought about taking up string making, but I’m 100% certain that is a rabbit hole I should avoid.
I always check string tension and make sure its nicely wound before I put a yoyo down. I always do a safety throw first. I got compulsive about this after I smacked myself a couple times.
I tend to play a type of yoyo in groups, it might be organics for a while, then high performance bimetal V’s, then old school stuff, then relaxed monometals, then big throws, etc.
Another, I will probably never sell a yoyo. I hate dealing with selling things. The whole business of listing it, making sure I get the condition accurate, deciding on price, and then packing it and shipping it while hoping I got the address right, going to the stupid post office. I would have to really really be hurting for cash to bother.
On the other hand I’ve given away a lot of yoyo’s to friends and family who show interest. I picked up a bunch of b-grades during May and I’ve given most of them away, except the ones I wound up liking a lot. I was trying to decide on a good throw to give away earlier this week, and it was tough deciding what I was willing to part with. Time to watch the BST, and YYE’s bargain section for more give away material!
