Yo-Yos are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and construction. The traditional design (|-|), butterfly |)-(|, and various hybrid designs. Some of the more unusual designs include: pagoda |)-|) and midline 0-0.
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This model can be converted into 3 different configurations.
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 Tom
Kuhn No Jive 3 in 1 |
It is very difficult to say which type is best. Different designs lend themselves to different type of use and tricks. As a general rule, the wide gap of the butterfly design is best for string tricks.
Yo-yos are constructed from a variety of different materials. The most common is plastic. Wood, and different types of metals are also used. Within each class of materials, there are different grades and construction techniques.
Metal yo-yos can be either mass produced by stamping or individually carved.
In the wood category, there are different types of wood. Pine is used on inexpensive wood yo-yos while a precision wood yo-yo may used specially selected hardwoods such as maple. A popular line of yo-yos used a special multicolor laminate for extra strength and a very pretty finish.
The axle is the centerpiece of a yo-yo. The most basic design is a single fixed axle. The transaxle design consist of a fixed axle and an independent bearing.
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Most yo-yos do not get this complex. This is a very sophisticated adjustable transaxle design. It featured calibrated click stops for gap adjustments. |
Mondial |
The bearing is the heart of a yo-yo. Yo-yo bearings can be constructed of wood, plastic, Nylon, or metal. With the exception of entry level yo-yos and a few wood models, most yo-yos will have some form of bearing.
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Interchangeable axles made from brass, wood, and roller bearings makes the Cold Fusion an extremely versatile yo-yo.
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 Playmaxx
Cold Fusion |
Metal or roller bearings also come in different grades which identify the quality of the bearings. You may see a term called "ABEC". It is s a system for rating the manufacturing tolerances of precision bearings developed by the Annular Bearing Engineering Committee or Council (ABEC). Bearings rated under the ABEC system are typically called "precision bearings", and they are rated with a number from 1 to 9, with the higher number assigned to bearings manufactured against a higher standard of precision (high number = tighter tolerances = more expensive bearing).
Most yo-yos allow you to unscrew them and take the two halves apart. This features allows for easy string changes and cleaning. The majority of yo-yos feature a take apart design..
On some yo-yos, the width between the two halves can be adjusted. This allows the user to fine tune the performance characteristics of a yo-yo. This generally a feature available on high-end yo-yos. While most yo-yos allow you to unscrew the unit, this does not really mean that it is adjustable because the unit is loose and will fall apart. A true adjustable gap yo-yo will allow you to tighten the screw and still have a variance in the gap. The gap is usually adjusted using a special tool or built in mechanism.
Weight has an impact on the performance and handling of a yo-yo. As a rule, the more weight, the longer it will sleep. The distribution of the weight is also important. The further it is away from the center, the better.
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Super Light Weight These are generally small/mini or novelty yo-yos.
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 Duncan
KeyChain |
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Light Weight Lightest full size model. Very easy to handle. |
 Yomega
Saberwing Fireball |
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Mid Range This is the most popular weight with many models falling in this weight range. Most models are hollow or have an edge heavy bias.
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 Team
Losi Da Bomb |
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Mid Range Heavy These models still fall into the majority category but they have just a little more weight. Light weight metal yo-yos fall into this category.
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 Tom
Kuhn SB2 |
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Moderate Heavyweights Solid yo-yos in either plastic or wood, metal, and metal combo models fall into this popular category.
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 Spintastic
Tigershark |
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Heavyweights Steel, electronics, hardwood, and other materials makes these the heavyweights. A good design in this category would result in an extraordinary sleeper.
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 Playmaxx
Cold Fusion GT |
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Super Heavyweights Very few fall into this range. These are definitely on the heavy side.
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 Yomega
RPM |
