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YoYo Review – YoYoFactory Superstar (John Ando Edition)

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YoYoFactory Superstar

YoYoFactory Superstar Specs:

Diameter: 55.9mm / 2.20 inches
Width: 42.5mm / 1.67 inches
Gap Width: 4.76 mm / 0.18 inches
Weight:  67.25 grams
Bearing Size: Size C (.250 x .500 x .187)
Response: CBC 19mm Slim Pad

PLAY

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The 2014 Superstar is welcome upgrade from the original release, which was already a contest-winning and marvelously stable trick machine. YoYoFactory has come a long way since the initial release of the G5, and the latest Superstar seems to be the pinnacle of evolution of that early high performance metal yoyo from YoYoFactory. This full-sized yoyo is designed to truly be a competition model, with YoYoFactory’s “zero wall” response area and a tremendous amount of rim weight. The yoyo is a stable performer for standard and horizontal tricks, and the flat inner cup makes finger spins quite possible, although it’s not optimized for them. The new Superstar is all catch-zone, making it an ideal choice for body moves, which is why this model is the perfect signature edition for World Champion John Ando. While the Superstar is a great choice for any 1A player, it’s definitely optimized for Ando-san’s style of play and that’s where it truly shines. YoYoFactory’s standard white 19mm pads are installed, and as usual they work just fine but you’re probably better off swapping them out for your 19mm pad of choice. The John Ando signature model comes with a blasted surface, which is a welcome upgrade to the new Superstar. Having tried both the polished and blasted versions of this yoyo, the blasted version is the clear winner. This model comes with a special “Japanese spec” Center Trac bearing installed, designed to comply with Japanese import regulations. It’s visibly different from the CT bearings you normally see in YoYoFactory models, but the play doesn’t seem to be affected either positively or negatively.

YoYoFactory Superstar

LOOKS

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This latest edition of the Superstar comes packaged in YoYoFactory’s “display box” plastic packaging. Designed with wall-mounts built into the back of the box, this packaging actually locks together with other boxes to allow players, as they grow their collection, to create a unique wall display. We haven’t seen pictures of anyone doing this yet, however, as the number of models using this packaging seems to have been fairly limited thus far. The finish on the Superstar is solid, as you would expect, with a classy but minimal engraving on the inner cup. The engraving is a bit hard to read due to the splash anodizing, but that’s a problem with splash anodizing and not with the engraving, which is crisp and clear. The new Superstar logo is nice, although I personally prefer the horizontal version seen on stickers to the round version engraved on the yoyo itself. All in all, it’s a professional looking item that is up to snuff with the rest of YoYoFactory’s offerings.

VALUE

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Retailing for $80 – $85, the new Superstar is reasonably priced. While not a budget throw like the Shutter and CZM8, the Superstar is still affordable for being a high-end competition throw and definitely on the lower end of the high end price range, if that makes sense. And the display box, blasted finish, and Center Trac bearing are all welcome additions that help justify the price. Not a bargain, but not unreasonable.

[button color=”light” link=”http://shop.yoyoexpert.com/product/1033/YYF-Superstar” target=”blank”]Click Here To Buy The YoYoFactory Superstar[/button]

YoYo Review – YoYoFactory CZM8

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YoYoFactory CZM8 Czech Mate

YoYoFactory CZM8 Specs:

Diameter: 56.9mm / 2.24 inches
Width: 42.5mm / 1.67 inches
Gap Width: 4.6 mm / 0.18 inches
Weight:  68.2 grams
Bearing Size: Size C (.250 x .500 x .187)
Response: CBC 19mm Slim Pad

PLAY

This production version of the CZM8 is YoYoFactory’s latest entry into the $45 metal price range, and as you would expect from YoYoFactory it’s a solid full-size contest performer. The signature model for 5x Czech National Champion Vashek Kroutil, the CZM8 (Czech Mate…get it?) is one of YoYoFactory’s quicker playing full-sized models. There are some slight differences from the prototype version that was released last April; the production version is 0.5mm larger in diameter, 1.2mm wider, 1.2 grams heavier, and the flat outer edge of the rim is about 1mm narrower. All very small differences, but the result is a more refined yoyo that throws and plays smoother, faster, and just generally nicer than the prototypes. The “zero wall” body design gives the CZM8 ideal weight distribution for both standard and horizontal play, and a large, flat cup area makes it an easy target for finger spins (although without any inherent centering mechanism). The CZM8 plays a bit lighter and faster than the specs would suggest, and while it feels quite different from the YoYoFactory Shutter, it has a comparable play value. The straight, flat aesthetic of the body doesn’t quite lend itself to the sexy hype machine that has sent the Shutter sales skyrocketing, but the CZM8 is every bit as good and is poised to be the sleeper hit of the $50 price point this year. It comes with a stock, flat bearing which plays acceptably, but like many YoYoFactory yoyos the CZM8 benefits GREATLY from the addition of their 10-ball Center Trac “CTX” bearing. We also found that the stock white pads lend the yoyo to weak or inconsistent binds, but that replacing them with YoYoFactory’s Blue or Natural 19mm slim pads was a tremendous improvement.

YoYoFactory CZM8 Czech Mate

LOOKS

Yoyo manufacturers traditionally catch a lot of grief from uninformed buyers about the quality of China-made yoyos, but the reality is that there are plenty of factories in China doing amazing machine work…and YoYoFactory certainly seems to have found them. The quality on the CZM8 is on-par with the rest of YoYoFactory’s offerings; generally more consistent than their US-made models, and every bit as good as you could possibly need. The machine work here is clean, the finish is lovely, and the two colors of this release (solid purple and a blue with pink splash) are, to my eyes, flawlessly done. The YoYoFactory word mark engraving on the side rim is a bit fuzzy, but the CZM8 logo and Vashek’s signature are crisp and clear, which leads me to believe it was an error with the art rather than an indication of engraving quality. The yoyo comes in YoYoFactory’s typical vertical box with the usual green string and instruction book. YoYoFactory has always paid great attention to the quality of their branding, so it’s no surprise that the CZM8 shares the same packaging quality as the rest of their line.

VALUE

As one retailer recently said, “It’s all going down at the $50 price point”, and truer words were never spoken. YoYoFactory seems to be working hard to dominate that price point with top-quality metal yoyos built for intermediate to World Champion-level players, and the CZM8 is another perfect offering for the budget-conscious player who still wants top quality. Retailing for $45 – $52 (depending on finish), the CZM8 is a competition grade yoyo at a great price.

[button color=”light” link=”http://shop.yoyoexpert.com/product/958/YYF-CZM84VK” target=”blank”]Click Here To Buy The YoYoFactory CZM8[/button]

YoYo Review – King Yo Star K!T

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King Yo Star K!T

King Yo Star K!T Specs:

Diameter: 57mm /  2.24 inches
Width: 46mm / 1.81 inches
Gap Width: 4.49 mm / 0.176 inches
Weight:  67.3 grams
Bearing Size: Size C (Large) (.250 x .500 x .187)
Response: KYS Pad (19mm slim pad)

PLAY

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The K!T is the latest design from China-based King Yo Star. It’s not an oversized yoyo, but it’s definitely on the larger side of “full size” and the shape and angles of the yoyo make it feel a bit larger than it actually is. It really feels big in the hands and on the string, and I had to compare it to several other yoyos that I use more often to convince myself that it’s really not oversized at all. If you are looking for something that feels big  but without the drawbacks of oversized yoyos, the K!T could be a great choice for you. Made from 7075 aluminum, the K!T has a solid and substantial feel, although it also comes across a bit clunky. It’s a fast player, smooth and fairly stable, but the gap is a hair wider than it should be and the pads seem to recess a bit, making it bind really loose with their stock pads. Luckily, they use a standard 19mm pad, so you have a ton of options to get the response dialed in the way you like it. Using a fatter string, the response is loose and inconsistent…with a slimmer string it can take multiple tries to bind. Not a deal breaker for something at this price, but something to be aware of. But unlike many yoyos from smaller China-based manufacturers, the K!T really does have a solid, quality feel to it and holds spin well.

King Yo Star K!T

LOOKS

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The machining on the King Yo Star K!T is quite good, although close inspection does reveal some minor flaws in the anodization. Nothing dramatic, just a few spots where the color seems to darken or lighten a *tiny* bit…nothing noticeable unless you’re really looking for it. The machined steps on the inner rim and hubs are purely aesthetic, and were a common design choice in a lot of random aluminum yoyos in the early 2000s. The effect is more often a cheapening of the yoyo’s appearance. The K!T could easily lose half those grooves and probably look better. Less is more! The packaging is the industry standard small, square plastic box with a one color print on the lid and the front. The art, to be blunt, is not very good. There is an image of a slot on the top of the lid with the text “Saving For a Dream!”, implying you should cut out the slot and use the box as a bank to save up for your next yoyo? Inside the box are two sets of pads in pink and blue (perhaps a grippier material that would increase the level of response), a spare axle, a string, and a King Yo Star sticker. Nice touches, except that the pink pads were not properly die-cut from the material. So what I got was a spare set of blue pads, and a rectangle of pink pad material that is of no use. This is exactly the sort of quality that people complain about with Chinese manufacturing, and it’s a shame to see a perfectly good yoyo fall short with simple things like this. The only art on the yoyo is an engraving on the rim of the K!T logo (which looks nice) and a plain text “KYS” that overlaps the K!T logo, thereby ruining it. The King Yo Star K!T had the choice to be good looking or good playing, and it chose the latter.

VALUE

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King Yo Star is a budget-friendly brand, and at $75 for a smooth, well-balanced 7075 aluminum yoyo, the K!T is a pretty good deal. But with so many amazing players coming in at the $50 price point these days, the K!T could stand an improvement in the response department, and possibly a drop to 6061 aluminum to hit that same $50-$60 price point. If you’re looking for a durable throw from 7075 aluminum that won’t break the bank, the K!T is a great choice.

Click Here To Buy The King Yo Star K!T

YoYo Review – C3YoYoDesign Speedaholic

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C3YoYoDesign Speedaholic

C3YoYoDesign Speedaholic Specs:

Diameter: 54.76 mm / 2.15 inches
Width: 45.86 mm / 1.80 inches
Gap Width: 4.23 mm / .166 inches
Weight:  67 grams
Bearing: Size C (.250 x .500 x .187)
Response: 19mm Slim Pad

PLAY

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The C3YoYoDesign Speedaholic is a competition-quality plastic yoyo in the <$15 price range from Hong Kong manufacturers, C3YoYoDesign. Known mostly for their higher end models, C3YoYoDesign produces some truly great metal yoyos for modern players…but making good yoyos out of aluminum and good yoyos out of plastic are two very, VERY different things, and while their previous attempt at plastic (Alpha Crash) brought mixed responses from players, C3 seem to have really locked down the performance plastic market with the Speedaholic.

The yoyo plays like much of the C3YoYoDesign releases…fast. From the moment it hits the string, this yoyo really wants to move and it handles complicated play extremely well. It’s a very well-balanced design, both in that it spins smooth and also in that it plays quick and light while still feeling solid and substantial in the hand. It holds spin really well for a plastic yoyo, and the stock response works great. The wide, comfortable body shape holds up nicely to string rejections and even horizontal play, although being an all-plastic yoyo it’s obviously not ideal for horizontal. For a young player looking to move up the competition ladder, the Speedaholic is a fantastic bridge into the world of higher-end, unresponsive yoyos.

LOOKS

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The C3YoYoDesign Speedaholic is a beautiful plastic yoyo. Available only in translucent colors, the clarity of the actual yoyo halves is fantastic and makes for a very attractive yoyo that shows up well on stage (particularly the red and green versions). The hub and rim stickers are hand-applied during assembly, so you will get some occasional variance from one Speedaholic to the next, but nothing noticeable unless you’re really looking for it. The art and graphics are well done, and C3YoYoDesign is one of the very few small manufacturers who really brand and present themselves with a lot of style and polish. Even using a typical small plastic square box as packaging, C3YoYoDesign opts for a heavier grade of plastic, matte printing, and a much more professional layout ultimately giving their products a premium look.

C3YoYoDesign Speedaholic Yoyo

VALUE

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The C3YoYoDesign Speedaholic retails for $13 – $15, and is an absolute category killer. Stacked up against similarly priced plastic yoyos from much larger manufacturers, the Speedaholic holds it own against the best and completely decimates the rest.

Click Here To Buy The Speedaholic

YoYo Review – Monkeyfinger Ape-X

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Monkeyfinger Ape-X YoYo Review

Monkeyfinger Ape-X Specs:

Diameter: 55.21 mm /  2.17 inches
Width: 41.6 mm / 1.64 inches
Gap Width: 4. mm / 0.15 inches
Weight:  67.9 grams
Bearing Size: Size C (.250 x .500 x .187)
Response: Monkeysnot Flowable Silicone (compatible with 19mm pads)

PLAY

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The Ape-X is the most accessible, “all-around” design yet from Canadian manufacturer, Monkeyfinger. With a more conventionally-shaped body and a comfortable feel in the hand, the Ape-X handles modern play easily while giving the player a more “classic” yoyo feel. It’s not the most stable throw out there for plane-bending tricks, but it has a solid, reassuring feel in the hand and plays lightly and quickly on the end of the string. The profile is a classic, rounded shape with a v-shape accent that give it a more modern look and feel. In an era where “zero wall” yoyos are becoming more and more popular, it’s a nice change of pace to use something that features a more classic, organic body shape.

With a bead-blasted finish on the catch-zone, the yoyo grinds well and feels great in the hand. As you’d expect of any modern aluminum yoyo, it spins dead smooth. The Monkeysnot response works fine, but as with all flowable response applications it’s difficult to maintain consistency of play and can quickly become the impetus for #yoyodamage. The binds started off smooth and reliable but an air bubble in the response quickly turned into a tear, and I replaced the silicone with a standard 19mm pad. If you like and can manage the variables of flowable silicone, Monkeysnot works great. If you prefer something easier to maintain and are a fan of instant gratification, stick with pads.

LOOKS

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The anodizing and finish on the Ape-X are beautifully done! While our review model is not a production color, the finish quality is the same on the final production. We’re quite fond of our earth-tone, olive green with gold and blue splash, but the production colors are notably brighter and bolder. Monkeyfinger seems to be in the process of replacing/overhauling their packaging, and our review model only came in the customary fabric pouch. So, zero stars for packaging, but that’s only a reflection of their transition and not an actual commentary on the quality of packaging.

Monkeyfinger avoids engraving on their yoyos, and instead opts for a subtle “ghost logo” anodized in a contrasting finish. The glossy Monkeyfinger icon on the matte portion of the yoyo is subtle but effective.

Monkeyfinger Ape-X YoYo Review

VALUE

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Retailing for $105, the Ape-X isn’t a budget throw by any means, but it’s still reasonable for a high-end yoyo made in small batches by a boutique manufacturer. It’s still more reasonably priced than quite a few lesser performing yoyos, though, so we’re going to say that if you have the money, the price is right where it should be.

Click Here To Buy The Ape-X

YoYo Review – Werrd Eighty-Six 400

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Werrd Eighty-Six 400 Review

Werrd Eighty-Six 400 Specs:

Diameter: 58 mm /  2.28 inches
Width: 42.8 mm / 1.68 inches
Gap Width: 4.5 mm / 0.177 inches
Weight:  67.3 grams
Bearing Size: Size C (.250 x .500 x .187)
Response: 19mm Pad
Material: 6061 Aluminum

PLAY

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Werrd has finally dialed in their design and manufacturing to be able to participate competitively in the mid-range metal yoyo market, and the Eighty-Six 400 is a contest-killer of a yoyo. This full size yoyo features nothing new in the shape, but it’s a refined V-type model with excellent weight distribution and stability. The rounding of the outer rim gives this very utilitarian shape a surprising bit of comfort in the hand, and the width allows for easy gap-access during high-speed play while fitting perfectly in the palm between throws. The response is a bit unpredictable with Werrd’s stock blue 19mm pads (I had a profound fear of #yoyodamage on a few overly snappy binds), but that’s easily remedied by replacing them with the pads of your choice. This yoyo is a remarkable step forwards for Werrd, and while it’s not as creative as their past efforts it doesn’t need to be…it’s a perfect workhorse of a yoyo capable of handling any and all modern play.

LOOKS

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The Eighty-Six 400 has very little in the “flash and bang” department. Packaged in the standard Werrd plastic box with just a string and no extras, it’s a no-frills experience. The raised step around their signature spike nub is a nice, subtle touch but it works against the engraving. The engraving itself is a nice bit of 3D art of clock or watch gears, but when used as a 2D engraving it becomes muddled and difficult to visually understand. The polished edge just before the rim is, however, a glorious touch that especially gives the darker hued versions of this yoyo a unique presentation.

VALUE

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With a retail price of only $65, Werrd has finally cracked the code of high performance at a lower price. While their Irony, TRE, and Sentinel are all $100 and up, they’ve managed to match that level of quality and play value with the Eighty-Six 400. For the serious player on a budget who is looking for a full-sized V-shape yoyo, look no further…Werrd has you covered with the Eighty-Six 400.

Click Here To Buy The Eighty-Six 400

YoYo Review – Monkeyfinger Forte

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Monkeyfinger Forte

Forte Specs:

Diameter: 56mm /  2.2 inches
Width: 35.6mm / 1.4 inches
Gap Width: 4.6 mm / 0.18 inches
Weight:  68 grams
Bearing Size: Size C (.250 x .500 x .187)
Response: Monkey Snot Flowable Silicone

PLAY

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The Forte is very much a vanity project for Monkeyfinger player Mike Montgomery. It’s not a yoyo that is going to have a wide player appeal…it was very obviously designed to a single person’s tastes and that comes across in the general play of the yoyo. The typically full-sized diameter combined with weighing 68 grams and measuring about 7mm narrower than most full-sized yoyos gives this a solid thwack as it hits your hand, and the threat of #yoyodamage with this bit of metal is very, very real. The yoyo spins dead smooth, but being both narrow AND heavy is a lot to ask of the average player. The yoyo does play quite well, though. Actually, it plays REALLY well. It’s remarkably stable and holds spin through pretty much anything you can throw at it. But the narrow profile makes it feel a bit awkward in the hand, and if you pull it back at full speed you stand a really good chance of regretting it.

LOOKS

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The Forte is machined nicely, but it’s not an attractive yoyo. Straight lines and hard angles all over, both in the profile and the inner cup area. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with plenty of straight lines…lots of yoyos go for that these days and it works wonderfully. But something about this yoyo being so narrow makes this look like a metal version of an early TMBR yoyo…very rudimentary. The black anodization is very uneven, appearing almost brown in places and looking worn through in others, both in the gap and the inner cup. I’m told this is intentional, but since it’s not a uniform finish the result is a bit odd. But to be fair, it’s not very noticeable unless you’re really inspecting it.

Monkeyfinger gets some points for unique packaging, and the fabric pouches that are packaged with the yoyo are a nice touch. But the box graphics are a mess! The box carries a dark argyle & skull pattern, but then has pseudo-graffiti blow-apart diagram of the yoyo that looks to be simply carried over from other packaging…in spite of not even matching the Olde English Monkeyfinger logo. There’s so much going on that it’s hard to get any idea of what you’re looking at, and it’s genuinely difficult to recognize if Forte is the name of the yoyo or the company making it.

Monkeyfinger Forte

VALUE

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At $125, this is not a casual purchase and it’s definitely not a bargain. At this price, it’s a commitment to a yoyo that plays well, feels odd, and looks…well, you can decide how it looks for yourself. I don’t care for the finish but opinions may vary.

The Forte plays really nicely, but feels weird in the hand. If you’re looking for something narrow, heavy, and stable, look no further! This yoyo can handle a lot in the trick department, and the narrow width admittedly makes it a good everyday pocket throw. But it’s an oddball, for sure, and carries a high threat of #yoyodamage due to its weight and narrow profile.

Click Here To Buy Forte

YoYo Review – Duncan Toys Strix

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YoYoNews Exclusive - Duncan Toys Strix YoYo

The Duncan Toys “Strix”

Specs

Diameter: 54.50 mm / 2.14 inches
Width: 42.40 mm / 1.67 inches
Gap Width: 4.15 mm / .16 inches
Weight: 66.1 grams
Bearing Size: Dif-E-Yo Konkave Size C (.250 x .500 x .187)
Response: Duncan SG Stickers (also compatible with CBC or K-Pad Slim/19mm)

PLAY

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The Strix really is a very nice everyday throw for the price. The Strix does not amaze in any way, but it absolutely out-performs all of the rest of Duncan’s current line of mid-range metal yoyos which is great news for players looking for something less expensive than the Barracuda. With a more modern and angular body, this and the Barracuda are without a doubt the two best metal yoyos that Duncan has to offer. I was nervous about the angular body hurting my hand, but it’s actually quite comfortable.

It has the very slight amount of vibe that is generally characteristic of lower-end metal yoyos…not at all noticeable on the string, but you can feel it on grinds. Duncan’s “SG Stickers” seem to bind rather inconsistently and drag a bit during play, but replacing them with nearly any other 19mm thin pad improves the play and response dramatically and decreases the chances of a surprise return resulting in #yoyodamage.

It excels at 1A and is better-than-average at counterweight play, but lacks the stability of a truly excellent counterweight yoyo.

LOOKS

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The yoyo is machined fairly well, but the finish is absolutely beautiful! Each yoyo is polished before being anodized, giving the finished product a shine that stands out in the market. This particular finish is absolutely a triumph for Duncan, as they’ve released a metal yoyo that doesn’t look like every other metal yoyo on the market…something that few have been able to accomplish.

Unfortunately, you have to get it out of some truly horrible packaging to get to that beautiful finish. The Strix logo is amateurish at best, and the packaging is the typically awful “kids think lightning is cool” nonsense that seems to indicate that Duncan’s graphic designers are taking their visual cues from 1998.

The engraving pattern is subtle and interesting, but a bit fuzzy due to the detail being a bit too small to be engraved in such a limited space. The overall effect is nice, though, as it adds a bit of texture without using up all the available real estate on the side of the yoyo.

VALUE

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With a retail price of $55 – $60, the Strix is a fantastic value for anyone looking for a competition-worthy yoyo from Duncan and inexpensive enough that if it becomes your main player you can afford a couple of backups.

The Strix is a solid offering from Duncan Toys, and it certainly beats their previous efforts in the mid-range of metal yoyos (Echo, Metropolis, Metal Drifter, etc). If Duncan maintains consistent quality across the full production run (which, according to them their new machine shop is doing a wonderful job with these) then the Strix could easily become the go-to competition throw for Duncan players, right behind the Barracuda. It will look great in your case and on the string, and at this price it’s most certainly worth picking up.

Click Here To Buy The Duncan Strix

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