FAQ's
We have gathered together a list of frequently asked questions to help answer any queries you may have. Whether you're seeking insights about our products, services, or general enquiries, our FAQs are designed to be your go-to resource for clear, detailed answers.
Here's some answers to our commonly asked questions.
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How do I choose the right yoyo for a beginner?
When choosing a yoyo for a beginner, it's important to bare in mind what you aim to use it for and what material you would like. If you're a budding yoyo enthusiast looking to learn tricks, we would recommend either purchasing a responsive yoyo with the option of making it unresponsive with one of our unresponsive kits, or buying an unresponsive yoyo if you're looking to dive straight into learning how to bind. All of our yoyos come in a variety of shapes and materials, so depending on whether you prefer the look of a plastic yoyo or metal yoyo, will determine which yoyo you choose. -
What are the different types of yoyos and their specific features?
Yoyos come in various types, each designed for different styles and skill levels:
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Responsive Yoyos
These are traditional yoyos that return to the hand with a simple tug. They're great for beginners and basic tricks due to their easy return mechanism. -
Unresponsive Yoyos
These yoyos require a special technique (a "bind") to return to the hand, allowing for longer spin times and enabling advanced string tricks. They're favored by experienced players. -
Fixed-axle Yoyos
These yoyos have a fixed axle, usually made of wood or plastic, offering a classic feel. They're often responsive but can challenge players due to less spin time and limited tricks. -
Ball-bearing Yoyos
These yoyos have a ball-bearing mechanism that reduces friction, allowing for longer spins and smoother play. They're commonly found in both responsive and unresponsive designs. -
Offstring Yoyos
These yoyos, also known as "4A" yoyos, are not attached to the string, allowing for tricks where the yoyo is tossed and caught mid-air. They have a unique shape and design for better control. -
Looping Yoyos
Designed for "2A" style play, these yoyos are optimized for loop tricks, where the yoyo repeatedly goes around the hand in rapid succession. They have a responsive design for quick returns. -
Butterfly/Butterfly-shaped Yoyos
Yoyos with a wider, butterfly-shaped profile offer more surface area for string tricks and are favored by players focusing on string maneuvers. -
Bi-metal Yoyos
These yoyos have a body constructed from two different metals, usually aluminum and steel or titanium, enhancing spin times and stability
Each type has its unique features catering to different play styles, skill levels, and preferences, making the yoyo world diverse and exciting for enthusiasts.
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What is the ideal yoyo string length for different skill levels?
Yoyo string length preferences vary, but generally, beginners often benefit from longer strings, around the belly button, for easier control. Intermediate to advanced players might opt for shorter strings, around the waist or slightly below, enabling better maneuverability and quicker play. Offstring yoyo players usually use longer strings for improved catching and control. Ultimately, the ideal length hinges on individual comfort, style, and the specific tricks being performed, allowing players to experiment and find their preferred length.
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Are there specific maintenance tips for keeping a yoyo in optimal condition?
Yes. It's important to keep your yoyo maintained to keep it working at optimal condition. Depending on how often you use it, you will need to change your bearing and axel from time to time, clean your yoyo, change the string and lubricate the bearing. You can find out more about how to maintain your yoyo on our blog How to clean a yoyo bearing.
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What materials are commonly used to make yoyos?
Yoyos are crafted from diverse materials, commonly including aluminum, favoured for its balance of weight and affordability, plastic for its durability and beginner-friendly nature, steel for added weight in some designs, titanium renowned for its strength and lightness albeit higher cost, and occasionally brass, copper, or biometal for specialised weight distribution in high-end yoyos. These materials each bring unique properties, influencing factors like performance, weight, durability, and cost, catering to a wide array of preferences among yoyo enthusiasts.
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Can I customise or upgrade my yoyo with different parts?
Certainly! Yoyos often allow customisation through various parts like bearings, response pads, axles, weight rings, side caps, and string. Swapping bearings alters play style and spin times, response pad changes adjust yoyo responsiveness, while different axles or weight adjustments can impact stability and play feel.
Some yoyos permit the replacement of weight rings or side caps to modify weight distribution, and selecting different strings can significantly influence performance. These customisation options provide avenues for players to fine-tune their yoyos to match individual preferences and playing styles, although not all yoyos allow extensive modifications, so compatibility should be considered before making changes. We currently offer a K2 Unresponsive Kit and a V3 Unresponsive Kit to change over the responsiveness of your yoyo. (We are also currently working on finding kits to amend other yoyo types!)
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Are there age restrictions for using certain types of yoyos?
There typically aren't strict age restrictions for using yoyos, but certain types of yoyos might be more suitable for different age groups based on skill level and safety considerations. For example, using an off-string yoyo may not be suitable for a very young child who's just beginning to learn to yoyo.
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How do I clean and lubricate the yoyo's ball bearing?
Generally, it's recommended to clean your bearing every 1 to 2 months, or sooner if you notice decreased spin times or a gritty feeling during play. Use a specialised bearing cleaner or isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt and debris. Ensure the bearing is completely dry before reassembling the yoyo. You can read more on how to clean and lubricate your yoyo bearing on our blog.
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What are responsive and unresponsive yoyos, and what's the difference between them?
Responsive yoyos return with a tug and are ideal for beginners, featuring a response system that creates enough friction for easy returns. Unresponsive yoyos, on the other hand, do not return with a tug and require a "bind" technique to come back to the hand. Their lack of immediate response allows for longer spin times and enables advanced string tricks.
The key distinction lies in their response mechanisms: responsive yoyos use friction to return easily, while unresponsive yoyos have a smoother response system, enabling prolonged spins and complex tricks but necessitating a specific technique to return.
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Are there yoyo competitions, and how can one participate?
Yes. Depending on where you are in the world will depend what local yoyo competitions are available to you. In the UK, the main yoyo competitions are held twice a year and you can apply through the British Yoyo Association. -
Can I design my own custom yoyo, and if so, how?
Not as of yet but we are looking into ways for you to be able to customise your yoyo to how you want it. Watch this space!
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What are the best practices for learning new yoyo tricks?
When learning new yoyo tricks, start with foundational basics, breaking complex moves into smaller parts for focused practice. Take your time, practicing slowly and persistently while staying relaxed. Use tutorials, observe others, and record your progress for valuable insights. Progress gradually, practicing stages of complexity as you improve, and don’t forget to take breaks when needed. Patience, persistence, and a positive attitude are key; enjoy the learning journey and celebrate each step of progress along the way. Our blog page has yoyo tricks tutorials with step-by-step guides to follow and we regularly share yoyo tricks posts on our Instagram page too.
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Are there any safety considerations or precautions when using a yoyo?
When yoyoing, prioritise safety by avoiding breakable objects or crowded areas, and ensure you have ample space to play. Regularly check your yoyo for wear and tear, especially the string and key components, to prevent accidents during play. Be cautious with unresponsive yoyos that require a specific technique to return and maintain awareness of your surroundings to avoid unintended collisions. Consider using protective eyewear for certain tricks or crowded environments and practice in controlled spaces to minimize risks associated with unexpected movements.