One Drop Benchmark Series Specs:

Diameter: 56 mm
Width: 42 mm
Gap Width: 4.34 mm
Weight: 66.2 grams
Bearing: One Drop 10-Ball Size C (.250 x .500 x .187)
Response: One Drop Flow Groove Pads

One Drop’s Benchmark Series is a unique series of yoyos designed to give players the performance of One Drop’s higher end models in a budget package. The Benchmark Series features One Drop’s unique “Side Effect” axle system, which allows players to alter the look, weight, and weight distribution of the yoyos to suit their own taste. Normally only available in as part of their premium offerings, the Benchmark Series brings this unique design feature to the $60 price point. Even cooler, the Benchmark Series features three yoyos with completely different body shapes, but identical specs! Each Benchmark model has the same diameter, width, weight, response, bearing and gap, allowing players to strip away the variables and truly decide what shape yoyo works the best for their style. Poring through hundreds of models and trying to figure out what you like or don’t like can take forever…by setting a baseline for the specs and allowing the shapes to speak for themselves, players can more easily narrow their taste and spend time worrying about their tricks, and not their equipment. 

PLAY

All three Benchmark Series models play smooth and true, with the quality that One Drop is known for producing. The lack of variance in specs means you can really experience what each shape offers as a benefit to your own style of play.

The Organic shape is the most traditional, with a soft, rounded curve that fits nicely in the hand and has that comfortable, traditional feel. On the string it moves through tricks easily, and handles string rejections the best of the three shapes.

The H-shape is the most stable of the series, with the most pronounced rim weighting of the three shapes. Able to hold its spin through any kind of play including long horizontal combos, the H-shape is probably the most competition-oriented of the series.

The V-shape is the perfect all-around player…it features a more comfortable profile than the H-shape, but with a more competition-minded weight distribution than the Organic shape. It’s a comfortable enough shape for an everyday carry, but with everything you need to win the contest of your choice. It’s the perfect mid-point of the Benchmark Series, and rounds out the series in a way that truly allows One Drop to offer something for all tastes.

All three models feature One Drops Flow Groove Pads for response…one of the longest lasting response systems on the market. Perfect for a serious player on a budget, once these pads wear in they hold their sweet spot longer than any other response pad on the market and give you smooth play and snappy binds.

LOOKS

The Benchmark Series is an affordable line, and that means keeping the yoyo’s looks simple. While One Drop does offer the Benchmark series in special editions, the bulk of the Benchmark models ship in solid colors with no engraving…keeping the cost down for serious players, and keeping the yoyos from being so precious and collectible that you’re scared to scratch them up in pursuit of the perfect trick. The finish is smooth well applied, and the bare bones look of these models is a great, industrial aesthetic. These are players, not shelf candy, and the plain silver finish and clear anodizing hides damage well.

VALUE

The One Drop Benchmark Series models retail in solid colors for only $60 each, making them some of the most affordable metal competition-grade yoyos on the market. This low pricing for a metal yoyo made in the US is unheard of, making the Benchmark Series an incredible deal for any player looking to stock up on their favorite model for competing. Special editions retail for $80 each, if you want something with special finishes and multi-color anodizing.

WIN THESE YOYOS!

Want to win a full set of One Drop Benchmark Series yoyos? We’re going to pick ONE lucky winner to get ALL THREE YOYOS! Just respond to this post with three reasons that you love One Drop…and on Monday, July 28th at noon EST we’ll pick one lucky winner to get the full set!

Congratulations to our winner….Scott Card!

THIS POST SPONSORED BY ONE DROP YOYOS