Looks like the Freehand is finally getting its first real upgrade in almost ten years! Precision made in Japan, the Freehand AL is definitely more of a high-end model than we were hoping for…I think players would absolutely kill for a reliable aluminum Freehand with modern bearing/response in the $60 range. But at $110 – $120, I don’t think these are quite the Freehand revolution we were hoping for from Duncan. These being produced in Japan definitely bodes well for the quality control, though, as Japanese factories have an incredible reputation for quality control…especially for small, precision objects like these.
The Duncan Freehand, the original counterweight yo-yo, has been a player favorite for over a decade. It’s a model that has seen many different versions such as the FH Zero, Metal Zero, Hyper Freehand, and Freehand MG to name a few. A popular request has been to produce an aluminum version based on the original Freehand, fitted with original Freehand/FH Zero style side caps and to have a modern response and bearing system. Freehand AL gives the players what they have been asking for with a large ball-bearing axle and SG Sticker response for unresponsive play! Freehand AL will be available at the 2013 U.S. National Yo-Yo Contest in limited quantities and will begin shipping to retailers November 1st!
Duncan Freehand AL Specs:
Diameter: 57 mm
Width: 39.95 mm
Weight: 64.60gm without caps, 70.2gm with caps
Gap: 4.05 mm
Bearing: Size C
Response: SG Sticker
Price: $110 – $120
Colors: Red, Black, Silver, Nickel, Blue
Comes with 1 Counterweight Die and 2 Sidecaps
$110-120 is way too much for the Duncan AL.