Goodbye, YoYoJam

We are sad to announce that YoYoJam is officially closing their doors on December 30th, 2015. And while they certainly slowed down tremendously in recent years, I’m still really sad to see them go. I’ve always been a huge fan of the risks they’ve taken on design (even if I’ve never been a fan of their art and packaging, ha ha), and it can truly be said that YoYoJam was one-of-a-kind, in an industry that almost prides itself on recycling ideas. From the SpinFaktor (hybrid metal/plastic) to the MiniJam; from the Ben Jammin’ (rubber bodied loopers!) to the Aquarius (first truly popular offstring yoyo), YoYoJam has always either been at the forefront of yoyo design or failed spectacularly on their way there, and I’ve loved watching every minute of it. YoYoJam owner and founder Dale Bell is truly a tinkerer of the first order, someone who is never more at peace than when he’s chasing a new idea. He’s a good guy, he’s always been terribly kind to me (even when I was unbearable), and I’m damn sad to see him go.

But hey…it was one hell of a run. To Dale, Valerie, and everyone else who helped make YoYoJam the company that it was, I would like to thank you on behalf of the entire yoyo industry and community. You folks sure kept it interesting, and we were better off for your contributions.

Check out the official company press release below, and if you were on the fence about picking up anything from their current product line…now is the time.

For nearly 17 years YoYoJam has provided patents that revolutionized the industry, designs that changed the direction of modern yoyo play, products used by multiple World Champions and National Champions from all across the globe, and a team that has included some of the most incredible players and innovators in the industry.

But on December 31, 2015 YoYoJam® will officially close it doors forever bringing an end to a legendary brand, a legendary team, and perhaps one of the most influential companies in modern yo-yoing.

The decision did not come easily. However, company owner and chief design engineer Dale Bell has suffered from very poor health over the last several years. Doctors have advised him to avoid stress as much as possible. So Dale has made the difficult decision to close the company that he has put his whole heart into building. He is looking forward to just relaxing and enjoying retirement with his dog, Billy.

Dale’s daughter, Valerie Aaron (Vice President of the company) stated “This decision has not come easily – it is truly the end of an era for our family and for the team that has become part of our family. We thank everyone who has been a part the brand – we appreciate you and will miss you all.”

YoYoJam will be liquidating inventory for the remainder of the month. The official last day of business will be December 30, 2015.