Buying Guide for the Best Yoyos
Choosing the right yoyo can make a big difference in how much you enjoy the hobby, whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your skills. The best yoyo for you depends on your experience level, the tricks you want to learn, and your personal preferences. Understanding the main features of yoyos will help you pick one that matches your needs and makes learning or performing tricks easier and more fun.ShapeThe shape of a yoyo affects how it feels in your hand and how easy it is to land tricks. The three main shapes are butterfly (wide and flared), classic (rounded), and modified (a mix of both). Butterfly shapes are best for string tricks because their wide gap makes it easier to catch the yoyo on the string. Classic shapes are more traditional and good for looping tricks. Modified shapes offer a balance between the two. Beginners often do well with butterfly shapes, while more advanced players might choose based on the specific tricks they want to master.
Response SystemThe response system is what makes the yoyo return to your hand when you tug the string. There are responsive yoyos, which come back easily, and unresponsive yoyos, which require a special trick called a 'bind' to return. Responsive yoyos are great for beginners because they’re easier to use and help you learn the basics. Unresponsive yoyos are preferred by advanced players who want to do longer, more complex tricks. Choose a responsive yoyo if you’re just starting, and consider unresponsive once you’re comfortable with the basics.
MaterialYoyos are made from plastic, metal, or a combination of both. Plastic yoyos are lightweight, affordable, and durable, making them ideal for beginners and casual play. Metal yoyos are heavier, more stable, and allow for longer spin times, which is helpful for advanced tricks. Some yoyos combine both materials for a balance of durability and performance. If you’re new, plastic is a safe choice, but if you want to progress to more advanced tricks, you might eventually prefer metal.
Bearing TypeThe bearing is the part inside the yoyo that helps it spin. There are fixed axle yoyos (no bearing), transaxle yoyos (simple bearing), and ball bearing yoyos (most common for modern play). Ball bearing yoyos spin the longest and are best for string tricks and advanced play. Fixed axle and transaxle yoyos are more traditional and good for looping tricks. If you want to do modern tricks and have longer spin times, look for a ball bearing yoyo.
WeightThe weight of a yoyo affects how it feels and performs. Lighter yoyos are faster and easier to control for quick tricks, while heavier yoyos spin longer and are more stable, which is helpful for learning new tricks. Most yoyos fall between 60 and 70 grams. If you’re just starting, a medium-weight yoyo is a good choice, as it offers a balance of speed and stability. As you gain experience, you can experiment with different weights to find what feels best for your style.
SizeYoyos come in different sizes, usually measured by diameter and width. Larger yoyos are easier to catch on the string and are good for learning tricks, while smaller yoyos are more portable and better for looping tricks. Most modern yoyos are 'full-sized,' which is a good starting point for most people. If you have smaller hands or want a yoyo for looping, you might prefer a smaller size.
