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YoYo Spotlight – YoYoFactory Boss

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YoYoFactory Boss

YoYoFactory Boss Specs:

Diameter: 50.75mm
Width: 41.3mm
Weight: 66.8 grams
Response: 19mm pad
Bearing: Size C (.250 x .500 x .187)

The Boss is the latest entry-level metal yoyo from YoYoFactory, and is designed and intended to be a great first metal yoyo for players who are new to unresponsive play.

PLAY

The YoYoFactory Boss is stable and forgiving, two things that every beginning player needs. The small size makes it a fairly quick player, and the shape is comfy in the hand and easily maneuverable on the string. If you’re used to a full-sized yoyo, it will take a few minutes of play to get used to the smaller diameter and slightly different throw/unwind of the Boss, but once you’re dialed in even an experienced player will find that this is a small, zippy, and really fun knock-around yoyo.

Boss2

LOOKS

Available in solid colors with a simple engraving, the Boss has a clean, simple look. The anodizing is nice and the engraving is clear, and the YoYoFactory Boss is available in Red, Blue, and Black.

VALUE

The YoYoFactory Boss retails for only $30, making it a fantastic deal for any player looking for their first unresponsive metal yoyo or any experienced player looking for a beater they can throw in a jacket pocket and not worry about damage from Walking the Dog to impress the ransoms.

BUY THE YOYOFACTORY BOSS

The YoYoFactory Boss is available now at YoYoExpert.com.

THIS POST SPONSORED BY YOYOFACTORY

YoYo Spotlight – Tom Kuhn Silver Bullet 4

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Tom Kuhn Silver Bullet 4

Tom Kuhn Silver Bullet 4 Specs:

Diameter: 57 mm
Width: 42.55 mm
Gap: 4.85 mm
Weight: 64.5 grams
Response: 19mm CBC Slim Pads
Bearing: Size C (.250 x .500 x .187)

The Silver Bullet 4 is the first truly modern performance yoyo from legendary yoyo manufacturer and designer, Tom Kuhn. Designed and produced for them by the Chico YoYo Company, the Silver Bullet 4 brings a new level of performance to Tom Kuhn yoyos!

PLAY

The Silver Bullet 4 is the first bearing model in Tom Kuhn’s long-running Silver Bullet line to come with a fixed gap and a butterfly body shape, and the play greatly benefits. The Silver Bullet 4 plays up to modern standards, and is the first competition-grade yoyo from Tom Kuhn. Light in the hand and fast on the string, the Silver Bullet 4 keeps the classic feel of the original Silver Bullet (the first modern aluminum yoyo!) but brings a new level of performance to the table. Designed in conjunction with the Chico YoYo Company, the Silver Bullet 4 is a true modern player!

SB4_side

LOOKS

The first release of the Silver Bullet 4 comes in the classic polished aluminum of all Silver Bullet yoyos. A classic, iconic look from a classic American yoyo company. There are few things that look as nice as a well-polished, raw aluminum yoyo and the Silver Bullet 4 looks great in the hand, on the string, and under stage lights. The classic “bullet” hubs are present, tying the design in with all of the previous models. The first release was classic raw silver, but a new Cobalt Blue Mandala version is available now, only direct from TomKuhn.com.

VALUE

The Silver Bullet 4 retails for $145 – $150, and is definitely not a casual purchase. But with modern performance from a classic brand and small run sizes, this is a great combination of performance and collectibility.

BUY THE TOM KUHN SILVER BULLET 4

The Tom Kuhn Silver Bullet 4 is available at YoYoExpert.com.

THIS POST SPONSORED BY YOYOEXPERT

YoYo Spotlight – Radical Seas Set Sail

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SetSail

Radical Seas Set Sail Specs:

Diameter: 58.31 mm
Width: 43.87 mm
Gap: 4.23 mm
Weight: 70.04 grams
Response: 19mm CBC Slim Pads
Bearing: Size C (.250 x .500 x .187)

The Set Sail is the first full release from Texas-based manufacturer Radical Seas.

PLAY

The Set Sail is a big yoyo. It’s above the normal “full size” range and veering into “over sized” but still plays like a smaller and lighter model. The shape is heavy on the rim weight, but with enough surface area to spread out the force of even a full-speed return to your hand. It’s a comfortable yoyo, which is no small feat for its size. The spin times are fantastic, and the smoothed-out “H-shape” of this yoyo makes for a weight distribution that allows for long spin times, great stability, and an easy throw. The increased diameter means that the Set Sail benefits from a thicker string, like Kitty String Fat. If you like something a little larger that moves a little slower but can still handle the most cutting edge tricks, the Set Sail is a perfect choice. Don’t be fooled by the 70 gram weight…the Set Sail is quick and smooth both on the throw and on the string.

SetSail2

LOOKS

The Set Sail comes in both splash and solid colors, with quality anodizing and vibrant colors. The shape and size of the yoyo make it an immediate eye-catcher, and the overall surface finish quality is on par with yoyos in and above this price range.

VALUE

The Set Sail retails for just $85, making it an affordable first offering from this new company. With quality machining, smooth play, and good anodizing, the Set Sail is a great yoyo for the price and a unique addition to your collection, whether you want it for your shelf or for the stage.

BUY THE RADICAL SEAS SET SAIL

The Radical Seas Set Sail is available at YoYoExpert.com.

THIS POST SPONSORED BY YOYOEXPERT

YoYo Spotlight – Whimsy Roar

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Roar

Whimsy Roar Specs:

Diameter: 55.45 mm
Width: 41.65 mm
Gap: 4.80 mm
Weight: 67.2 grams
Response: 19mm Slim Pads
Bearing: Size C (.250 x .500 x .187)

The Roar is the latest budget metal performance yoyo from Hong Kong company Whimsy.

PLAY

The Roar packs a lot of play into a body shape that works great for both 1A and 3A. Profiles like this have become the industry standard for 3A players, and it’s great to see something catering to this style of play in the budget price range. The Roar is a stable yoyo that plays really fast…the wide gap gives you almost no friction on the string and this yoyo really zips around quickly when you get it moving. It’s got a stability that you don’t normally find in budget models, and feels spectacular in the hand.

The Roar might be the most universal, “all around” yoyo that Whimsy has produced yet, and it’s got the chops to be a great competition yoyo or just a top-notch everyday carry.

Roar_Profile

LOOKS

Whimsy has made a huge effort from the start to really focus on top notch graphics, and the Roar doesn’t disappoint. Our review model is a special edition created for 44Clash in Japan, with a great collaborative logo. The production model features a lion illustration that ties in better to the name of the yoyo, and looks equally awesome. The finish is top-notch and the graphic design from Whimsy has been consistently fantastic since their first release, the Pokerface.

VALUE

The Roar retails for only $50, making it a great deal for any level of player looking for an aluminum yoyo with great performance on a budget. It’s hard to believe that such a young company can put out a yoyo with this level of performance at this price, but here it is! The Whimsy Roar is definitely worth every penny.

BUY THE WHIMSY ROAR

THIS POST SPONSORED BY WHIMSY

Spotlight – Monkeyfinger Hybrid Monkey String

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Monkeyfinger Hybrid String

Hybrid Monkey String is a special “secret formula” hybrid string blend designed by Monkeyfinger to break in quickly but last players for a long time. The folks at Monkeyfinger have worked hard to bring you a super long-lasting string that feels great on your fingers and allows for fast, intricate string play. This fat hybrid string is great for all kinds of slack tricks, and holds its shape well even after hours and hours of play.

Available in plenty of bright colors like Bleach Bone White, Tennis Ball Yellow, Sun Flare Yellow, Shocking Pink, Nuclear Orange, and Pond Scum Green, you can buy Hybrid Monkey String in packs of 10, 50, or 100 strings. And if you contact Monkeyfinger directly, you can even commission a run of 50 or 100 pieces of a custom color, just for you!

Made in Canada.

CLICK HERE TO BUY MONKEYFINGER HYBRID STRING

THIS POST SPONSORED BY MONKEYFINGER DESIGN.

 

YoYo Spotlight – Monkeyfinger Caesar

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Monkeyfinger Caesar

Monkeyfinger Caesar Specs:

Diameter: 58.06 mm
Width: 42.97 mm
Gap: 4.50 mm
Weight: 69.07 grams
Response: Monkey Snot Flowable Silicone
Bearing: Size C (.250 x .500 x .187) 10 Ball Bearing

The Caesar is Monkeyfinger’s latest release, designed by their team manager Chris Allen.

PLAY

The Caesar is a new beast from Monkeyfinger, but it fits in nicely with the rest of their line. Always willing to try something new, Monkeyfinger worked with their team manager Chris Allen to design the Caesar, a monster of a yoyo designed with competition in mind. Featuring a massive catching area and a wide, scooped-out gap, the Caesar plays fast and light in spite of its 69 gram weight. This design has a tremendous amount of rim weight for maximum stability, and the profile lends itself well to slack and whip-type tricks.

Monkeyfinger is one of the few companies still offering yoyos stock with flowable silicone response, which gives the player the ability to really fine-tune the level of response for the Caesar…a great feature for players who like to tinker with their equipment.

Monkeyfinger Caesar

LOOKS

Monkeyfinger once again brings some incredible anodizing to the table…the colorways for the Caesar are on the cutting edge of crazy with color schemes like Iwazuru (pictured), Silverback Tiger, Laurel Crown, Gladiator’s Conquest, and the exclusive for the Monkeyfinger site, Galactic Blood. The anodizing on all of their releases is top notch, and the Caesar is no different.

VALUE

The Caesar retails for just over $100, making it a premium model. Collectors will love the unique colorways, and players will love the feel and build quality. If you want something that looks and plays like nothing else on the market, Monkeyfinger should be your go-to company and the Caesar is a great choice for players looking for something different to make their own.

WIN THIS YOYO!

Want to win the Monkeyfinger Caesar shown above? Just comment on this post and tell us why you want it…we’ll pick on winner on Monday, December 22nd at noon EST!

Congratulations to our winner, Jared Marcus!

BUY THE MONKEYFINGER CAESAR

The Monkeyfinger Caesar is available at Monkeyfinger.ca and other fine retailers. Click here for a full list.

THIS POST SPONSORED BY MONKEYFINGER

YoYo Spotlight – YoYofficer Orbis

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YoYofficer Orbis

YoYofficer Orbis Specs:

Diameter: 55.5 mm
Width: 45 mm
Weight: 64 grams
Gap Width: 4.3 mm
Bearing: Large Size C (Grooved)
Retail Price: $50 USD

PLAY

The YoYofficer Orbis is big, wide, and built for modern play. This full-sized yoyo features heavy rim-weight for long spins and great stability, a concave side area for finger spin tricks, and an angled and minimized response wall for long spin times and horizontal play. The Orbis design is pretty much a “greatest hits” of all of the design elements that modern players demand for competition-grade yoyos, and with a budget price of only $50! Yoyofficer has made a name for themselves with high performance at low prices, and the Orbis is the latest model to uphold that ideal.

YoYofficer Orbis

LOOKS

YoYofficer creates budget models for modern players, but they don’t cut corners on their anodizing. The color and finish quality on their yoyos is fantastic, and some of the best we’ve seen coming out of China factories. Multi-color fades and splashes are done well, and their color choices look great in the hand and while spinning. The Orbis doesn’t have any engraving, making it a no-frills yoyo built for players, not collectors.

VALUE

The Orbis hits shelves for only $50, making it a great deal for players looking for that perfect competition yoyo for their play style. The Orbis is a great player for the price, and is a great option for 1A and 5A players.

WIN THIS YOYO!

Want to win the Yoyofficer Orbis shown above? Just comment on this post and tell us why you deserve it! We’ll pick one lucky winner on Friday, October 24th at Noon EST. Good luck!

Congratulations to our winner, Jason!

BUY THE YOYOFFICER ORBIS

THIS POST SPONSORED BY YOYOFFICER

 

YoYo Spotlight – Monkeyfinger Gelada 2

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Monkeyfinger Gelada 2

Monkeyfinger Gelada 2 Specs:

Diameter: 57 mm
Width: 44 mm
Gap: 4.50 mm
Weight: 66.6 grams
Response: Monkey Snot Flowable Silicone
Bearing: Size C (.250 x .500 x .187) 10 Ball Bearing

The Gelada 2 is Monkeyfinger’s first “sequel” yoyo, and is a revised version of the Gelada, one of their earliest releases.

PLAY

The Gelada 2 is light, fast, and cuts through modern tricks easily. The yoyo itself has a slightly larger than average diameter (only by a millimeter) but the result is noticeable in the hand…coupled with the light weight of the yoyo this is one of the fastest throws currently available and if there was every something on the market that players could describe as “floaty”, the Monkeyfinger Gelada 2 is that yoyo. The extra diameter gives it some nice stability, and the blasted finish makes grinds so easy it feels like you’re cheating. Monkeyfinger is one of the few companies still offering yoyos stock with flowable silicone response, which gives the player the ability to really fine-tune the level of response for the Gelada 2…a nice feature for players who like to tinker with their equipment.

Monkeyfinger Gelada 2

LOOKS

Monkeyfinger has made a name for themselves with their crazy finishes, and the Gelada 2 doesn’t disappoint! Available in six amazing new colorways (shown above is the Sub Zero), Monkeyfinger once again distinguishes their line by making sure that if you see one of their yoyos…you know it’s from Monkeyfinger. Bright colors, multiple layers and finishes, and really nice anodizing work are what we’ve come to expect from Monkeyfinger, and the Gelada 2 delivers.

VALUE

The Gelada 2 retails for just a hair over $100, which definitely makes it a premium model. But for the quality of the machining and anodization, as well as the fantastic play and unique look and feel of this yoyo, it’s well worth the price tag. Collectors will love the unique colorways, and players will love the feel and build quality.

WIN THIS YOYO!

Want to win the Monkeyfinger Gelada 2 shown above? Just head over to Instagram and post a picture of yourself begging for it. Yup, no joke. Beg for this yoyo on Instagram and hashtag your photo with #yoyonews and #monkeyfinger. We’ll pick one desperate looking winner on Thursday, August 28th at Noon EST. (And make sure you’re following @YoYoNews because, well, we’re pretty awesome and stuff.)

BUY THE MONKEYFINGER GELADA 2

THIS POST SPONSORED BY MONKEYFINGER

YoYo Spotlight – One Drop Benchmark Series

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One Drop Benchmark Series

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.

One Drop Benchmark Series

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!

Screen Shot 2014-07-28 at 2.05.43 PM

THIS POST SPONSORED BY ONE DROP YOYOS

YoYo Spotlight – C3YoYoDesign Mo-Vitation

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C3YoYoDesign MoVitation

C3YoYoDesign Mo-Vitation Specs:

Diameter: 55.53 mm
Width: 43.40 mm
Weight: 67.7 grams
Bearing: Size C (.250 x .500 x .187)
Response: C3 Standard Silicone Pad

PLAY

The C3YoYoDesign Mo-Vitation is the signature model of C3 Team Member Ethan “MoMo” Wong Wing Hang, and has been optimized for horizontal and finger-spin tricks. This v-shape yoyo plays incredibly fast and light, while maintaining a tremendous percentage of rim weight for maximum stability. The straight-line v-profile is comfortable in the hand and moves quickly and easily through all styles of tricks, but this yoyo really shines at horizontal play. The dimple area in the cup is designed specifically for finger spin tricks, and as you can see from the video below, the Mo-Vitation is perfectly optimized for this type of play.

LOOKS

C3YoYoDesign has always paid great attention to making sure their yoyos look as good as they play, and the Mo-Vitation is no different. The anodization is expertly applied with a deep, perfect black and a vivid pink wash. The yoyo features a bead blasted finish that makes it perfect for finger spins and other grinds, and gives the yoyo a sleek, elegant look. The engraving is impeccable, with even the tiniest of details rendered perfectly, and the overall design is subtle and aesthetically appealing.

MoVitation_Side

VALUE

The C3YoYoDesign Mo-Vitation retails for $90, making it a lower-end premium yoyo. It’s a stable, solid player that will get you through any contest in the world, and it looks as good as it plays. It’s hard to argue with the quality that C3YoYoDesign brings to the table, and this yoyo is worth the price for any serious player.

WIN THIS YOYO!

Want to win this C3YoYoDesign Mo-Vitation? Just post a video of your best horizontal trick to Instagram, with the hashtags #yoyonews #c3yoyodesign #ilovemomo. We’ll pick our favorite trick on June 16th at Noon EST, and the winner will receive the C3YoYoDesign Mo-Vitation seen above!

YoYo Spotlight – Whimsy Poker Face

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Pokerface_Front

Whimsy Pokerface Specs:

Diameter: 56.68mm
Width: 40.97mm
Gap Width: 4.1mm
Weight: 66.1 grams
Bearing: Size C (.250 x .500 x .187)
Response: 19mm Slim Pads

PLAY

From new company Whimsy, the Poker Face is a well-made and incredibly smooth player from this first-time yoyo manufacturer. Heavily rim-weighted for long spins and tremendous stability, the Poker Face spins absolutely dead smooth – so smooth that it’s easy to underestimate how much spin you have left. The Poker Face has an almost organic body shape, but hold spin through regular and horizontal tricks like a more modern shape.

Pokerface_side

LOOKS

The Poker Face is one of the absolute best looking releases of 2014, featuring some of the best branding and packaging we’ve ever seen.The yoyo features a semi-flexible plastic sidecap that is securely mounted inside the halves, with custom art design to look like a playing card character doing a yoyo trick. The packaging mimics the look of the box of a deck of playing cards and the entire presentation is fantastic, especially for the first release of a new company. The anodization is dark and subtle, with a black and red acid wash (Hearts) or black and blue acid wash (Spades) that looks great up close. It’s even available in a Flocked edition that is basically velvet-covered, which is pretty awesome and hasn’t been seen on a yoyo since the 1970s!

VALUE

The Whimsy Poker Face retails for $100, and is a gorgeous collectible and top-notch player. If you’re looking for something truly unique in both look and feel, the Poker Face is a solid addition to your collection.

[button color=”light” link=”http://whimsyyoyos.myshopify.com/collections/all” target=”blank”]Buy the Whimsy Poker Face YoYo[/button]

BONUS – WIN THIS YOYO!

Comment on this post and tell us why you deserve to win this yoyo, and we’ll pick one lucky winner at random to win it! Winner will be chosen Thursday, May 29th at 9 am EST and announced shortly after. Good luck!

Congratulations to Micah W. (Zort Commander)…you win the Whimsy Poker Face! 

This post sponsored by Whimsy.

YoYo Spotlight – One Drop Format C

By

FormatC_ThreeQuarter

One Drop Format:C Specs:

Diameter: 56.75 mm
Width: 42.18 mm
Gap Width: 4.35 mm
Weight:  65.1 grams
Bearing: One Drop 10 Ball Bearing (.250 x .500 x .187)
Response: One Drop Flow Groove

PLAY

The Format:C by One Drop was designed to be a competition killer of a yoyo, and it lives up to that ideal. This full-sized throw is remarkably stable, and fully capable of performing at the top level of modern yoyo competition. It holds spin through any and all styles of play or tricks, and the combination of tremendous rim weight and One Drop’s 10 Ball bearing makes the Format:C feel almost unstoppable at times.

Weighing in at only 65 grams, the Format:C moves fast through any style of tricks and spins perfectly true out of the box, as you would expect of One Drop’s premium offerings. One Drop’s reliable 10-ball bearings spin smooth and nearly silent, and only get better as you break them in. Their Flow Groove response is some of the longest-lasting response on the market, and once broken-in it holds that “sweet spot” for a long time.

FormatC_Profile

LOOKS

The One Drop Format:C features concentric machined silver rings on the outer rim and inner rim wall, giving it an incredibly stylish and unique profile. It’s easy to fall in love with the simplicity of this yoyo…at first glance you see great solid colors and immediately identifiable machined rings, and the effect is quite fetching. The lack of overwhelming splash anodization is a welcome change of pace…while we love fancy finishes, the Format:C is a workhorse and gets right to the point!

VALUE

The Format:C retails for $120, and is a fantastic investment for a serious competition player. Made of incredibly durable 7075 aluminum, if cared for properly the Format:C should have no problems leading you up through multiple years of contest play.

[button color=”light” link=”http://shop.yoyoexpert.com/product/1076/One-Drop-Format%3AC” target=”blank”]Buy the One Drop Format:C YoYo[/button]

BONUS – WIN THIS YOYO!

Comment on this post and tell us why you deserve to win this yoyo, and we’ll pick one lucky winner at random to win it! Winner will be chosen Monday, May 19th at 9 am EST and announced shortly after. Good luck!

And the winner is Cory with his comment:

I will put a dice on the end of this thing and destroy it.

Congratulations, Cory! We’ve emailed you, please respond with your mailing address and we’ll get your Format:C in the mail!

This post sponsored by One Drop YoYos.

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