trade show

YoYoFactory Booth Video @ 2013 International Toy Fair in New York

February 18, 2013 By Steve Brown

Japanese yoyo star Takahiko Hasegawa was the best source of yoyo news and pictures at the 2013 International Toy Fair in New York this year, and he just posted this video tour of the YoYoFactory booth. This is our first really good look at the new Ricochet, a titanium yoyo coming soon from YoYoFactory. Release date and price have not yet been finalized, but we hear it will be available in Spring 2013 in the $200 – $300 range. And from the engraving, it appears that these will be a limited edition of only 500 pieces. Enjoy the video!

YoYoFactory at 2013 International Toy Fair in New York (Booth 4845)

February 11, 2013 By Steve Brown

YoYoFactory always has the best brand presentation of any yoyo manufacturer, and this year is no different. Check out that light-up sign!

YoYoFactory’s offerings for 2013 are less focused on new product, and mostly find them refining their brand offering and offering new packaging that is specifically more retail-friendly. One new model is definitely of note, however…a new titanium yoyo called the Ricochet. Still no word on price or release date.

New packaging is available for the ONEStar, FAST 201, WHiP, Loop 360, and other models (as seen at the Hong Kong Toy Fair), giving most of the YoYoFactory line the same packaging footprint.

With their new packaging, brand direction, and amazing promotional tours, I think we can expect big things from YoYoFactory this year. With placement in Toys R Us and movement towards other mass market outlets, they’ve successfully made the transition from player’s favorite to major competitor in the world market.

Swing by Booth #4845 to check out their wares and pick up the 2013 catalog.

Yomega at 2013 International Toy Fair in New York (Booth 967) UPDATED

February 10, 2013 By Steve Brown

*UPDATED* Thanks to YoYoExpert‘s Andre Boulay for additional booth pictures! See below!

Yomega is showing off their new Star Wars license at the 2013 International Toy Fair in New York. In addition to Star Wars versions of existing models, they’re also showing “Yo-Men”, a sculpted action figure yoyo stand. We found some pictures on Takahiko Hasegawa’s Instagram feed…check out the images and Yomega’s official press release below!

YOMEGA PUTS A GALACTIC SPIN ON YO-YOS WITH INTRODUCTION OF ITS
NEW STAR WARS(TM) COLLECTION

Yomega Corp. puts the power of the Force in the hands of kids and yo-yo fans with a new collection of yo-yos based on the legendary Star Wars saga. For the first time, Star Wars characters will be featured in a line of high performance yo-yos that will have yo-yoers and Star Wars fans scanning the galaxy to collect them all.

“We know that many yo-yo enthusiasts are also avid Star Wars fans,” said Todd Rywolt, Co-President of Yomega. “The Yomega team has really put a lot of passion and care into developing high performance yo-yos that would deliver upon the essence of Star Wars and appeal to both audiences.”

Details of Yomega’s Star Wars yo-yo line will be unveiled at the International Toy Fair, beginning February 10 in New York.

Star Wars Yomega® Fireball™
Yomega has merged its popular Fireball yo-yo with some of the most popular Star Wars characters, including Darth Vader and Yoda. The Star Wars Yomega Fireball patented transaxle system allows for high speed and smooth spins that are over three times longer than an ordinary yo-yo. The yo-yo’s design will feature character imagery and will include String Bling™, a collectible ring molded in a Star Wars character’s likeness. The yo-yo string attaches to the String Bling ring for added comfort while performing classic as well as advanced looping yo-yo tricks. Wave 1 of the Star Wars Yomega Fireball will include Darth Vader, Clone Trooper, Yoda and Boba Fett. (MSRP: $10.95; Recommended for ages 8 & up; Available in Fall 2013)

Star Wars Yomega® Yo-Men High Performance Yo-Yos and Action Stands
Yomega’s Yo-Men are the newest, coolest way to play and display your yo-yos and favorite Star Wars characters! Yomega Yo-Men come with a Star Wars Yomega Fireball yo-yo cradled in a highly detailed Yo-Men Action Stand sculpted in the character’s likeness. The yo-yos feature a bold character image and Yomega’s patented transaxle system that allows for high speed and smooth spins. Star Wars Yo-Men Wave 1 will include Darth Vader, Clone Trooper, Yoda and General Grievous. (MSRP: $15.95; Recommended for ages 8 & up; Available in Fall 2013)

Yomega® Elite Metals Glide™: Star Wars Special Edition
Yomega brings its heralded new competition-level Glide yo-yo to a new level with a sleek, sophisticated Star Wars Special Edition. This showcase piece features laser etching and is for the most discerning Star Wars and yo-yo collector and for the yo-yo player looking to make a statement. The Yomega Glide is the result of more than a year of engineering and technical refinement and is the first introduction in Yomega’s new Elite Metals collection. The Glide has been engineered for the perfect weight and dimension at 66 grams without string, 2.25 inches in diameter and a string gap of .163 inches, and features a silicone pad return system and the legendary Dif-e-Yo KonKave bearing. The Yomega Glide: Star Wars Special Edition Wave 1 will include Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, Boba Fett and the Rebel Alliance and Imperial symbols. (MSRP: $149.95; Recommended for ages 8 & up; Available in Summer 2013)

Be sure to swing by their booth and pick up their show exclusive, a limited edition Yomega Brain yoyo made just for the 2013 International Toy Fair.

Duncan Toys at 2013 International Toy Fair in New York (Booth 1340)

February 10, 2013 By Steve Brown

Duncan Toys is busy getting set up at the 2013 International Toy Fair in New York (Booth #1340), and we were able to get some pics from their booth!

Not a lot of new products this year, but they are showing a new soft-sided canvas yoyo case and the new STRIX, a signature model for Kohta Watanabe! We originally covered the teaser that Brandon dropped, but now we have a first look at the packaged prototype. Retail still isn’t finalized, but it will be under $60. They’re also showing the Yo-tility Holster and new looping yoyo the Hornet, both of which will be available this spring.