Dear Yoyo freaks… thanks very much for stopping by to read this review.
Fortunately, I had the opportunity to try out both the first edition Rockstar and new edition side by side so that I could make up my mind and in the end… I got the 2012.
2012 Specs:
Diameter: 56.43 mm / 2.22 inches
Width: 42.81 mm / 1.68 inches
Gap Width: 4.84 mm / .19 inches
Weight: 67.0 grams
Bearing Size: YYF SPEC Bearing
Size C (.250 x .500 x .187)
Response: CBC Slim Pad Size 19mm OD
Appearance: The front profle is the same as before, keeping the famous Protostar shape but the sides are from the Genesis. You could say this is a hybrid Rockstar that takes elements of two models and molding them into one.
This yoyo has a wonderful Blue/Black Acid wash tumble finish that seems to darken or lighten depending on the angles and how intense the light is. It’s really fascinating to look at, I just keep turning it around and around. Very captivating… And It feels lush and super smooth.
There is a new logo on the side. The first edition has the gem star logo and this one has a lateral profle of a rock gem. I did not like it at first, but now it kinda grows on me. Aside from practical reasons…the infamous 2012 number gives it a certain appeal.
Play/Feel: The shape is comfortable enough. If you are familiar with the Protostar, Starlite or Northstar,that is what this feels like, only that it’s metal of course. I find it very solid, Rock solid in fact…hehe. Also thick and beefy. Like real beefy. This is the beefiest feeling throw in my collection, just so much beef. No need to ask where the beef is here.
This yoyo is real smooth and I feel that it edges out the first edition in this regard. The new weight distribution really seems to have helped out. As you will see from the pics below, this yoyo has an exposed axle to keep center weight at a minimum and maximize the rim weight.
Thanks to its smooth finish, finger, palm and arm grinds are easy! If you own the protostar then you know what a poor grinder it is therefore the Rockstar is the ONLY choice if you love this shape.
Where the 2012 is weak is in the IRG dept. The first edition Rockstar has an excellent inner rim perfect for IRGs and the 2012 has a much smaller lip, same as in the Genesis and Yuuksta. You have to position your thumb just right. I suppose if you’re a kid or younger teen with smaller hands this might be a non issue, but to an adult it is rather uncomfortable. This is really the only thing I don’t like about the 2012.
On the String the 2012 plays fast or slow, anyway you want it. And at 67 grams it has a good overall feel for its size to weight ratio with a ton of stability.
The catch zone is nice and wide for easy catches, plus there is a wide low walled gap for more unresponsiveness, Zero Drag, and for layering string segments with no snagging. This yoyo also boasts very very good balance with virtually no tilt at all.
The 2012 has decent float too, around 2 full seconds and can handle absolutely anything you throw at it! Intermediate to Master Level tricks, long combos etc as it offers excellent spin time and tight binds. This yoyo is definitely in the top 5 of my collection.
To conclude: for the price, this is a great deal!!! and an excellent choice in it’s price bracket.
And again, if you LOVE the Protostar, the Rockstar 2012 is that times 10! Smoother, more Stable, more Solid and offers Longer Spins!
Have fun!!
