YoYo Related News From Around The World
The GoPro is one of the greatest technological boons to modern yoyoing that I can think of…being able to watch other people’s tricks in first-person is probably the biggest advance next to slow-motion when it comes to yoyo video.
So, take a moment and enjoy this technological marvel…or just enjoy some tricks from Sean Ng.
Yoyo used is the Monkeyfinger Ape-X.
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.
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.
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.
Monkeyfinger sent us a new video from Tony North showing off the Ape-X, the new model they recently shipped to retailers. Fans can expect the Ape-X to be available soon at YoYoExpert and YoYoZ.co.uk.
Tony is an accomplished player with a smooth and enjoyable “old man style” of play…not the most cutting edge tricks out there, but plenty of thought and polish and his tricks always look like they feel good to do. Great work!
Monkeyfinger has announced their next model, the Ape-X. We got an advance production sample and the yoyo is really fantastic! Full details below direct from their Facebook page.
Introducing Ape-X. Starting from scratch is never an easy task when creating a new return top but thats exactly what we decided to do with the shape of the Ape-X. At MonkeyfingeR we never rush to our next project. Drawing on all our experience in the last 3 years to carefully placed the rim weight for outstanding spin times. We then moved the balancing weight to create the perfect movement and speed. Making sure the gap is the exact width to give the player the ability to perform the most complex tricks. We couldn’t be prouder to say that our products are 100% Canadian. The printing, packaging, and stickers. The single throw bags are all sewn here in Canada. The machining, strings and silicone all creating by MonkeyfingeR here in Canada. Its time you stopped monkeying around and reached your potential!!
What you get with every purchase of an Ape-X
- Newly designed MonkeyfingeR box!
- Grade A Ape-X return top
- Hand made newly designed MonkeyfingeR string.
- MonkeyfingeR triangle sticker.
- MonkeyfingeR products brochure.
- Ape-X mini graphic novel.
- Improved street cred amongst your peers.
- Hand sewn single return top pouch
Diameter – 55mm
Width – 42 mm
Weight – 67.5 grams
Retail – $100.00 USD