YoYoFactory Superstar Specs:

Diameter: 55.9mm / 2.20 inches
Width: 42.5mm / 1.67 inches
Gap Width: 4.76 mm / 0.18 inches
Weight:  67.25 grams
Bearing Size: Size C (.250 x .500 x .187)
Response: CBC 19mm Slim Pad

PLAY

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The 2014 Superstar is welcome upgrade from the original release, which was already a contest-winning and marvelously stable trick machine. YoYoFactory has come a long way since the initial release of the G5, and the latest Superstar seems to be the pinnacle of evolution of that early high performance metal yoyo from YoYoFactory. This full-sized yoyo is designed to truly be a competition model, with YoYoFactory’s “zero wall” response area and a tremendous amount of rim weight. The yoyo is a stable performer for standard and horizontal tricks, and the flat inner cup makes finger spins quite possible, although it’s not optimized for them. The new Superstar is all catch-zone, making it an ideal choice for body moves, which is why this model is the perfect signature edition for World Champion John Ando. While the Superstar is a great choice for any 1A player, it’s definitely optimized for Ando-san’s style of play and that’s where it truly shines. YoYoFactory’s standard white 19mm pads are installed, and as usual they work just fine but you’re probably better off swapping them out for your 19mm pad of choice. The John Ando signature model comes with a blasted surface, which is a welcome upgrade to the new Superstar. Having tried both the polished and blasted versions of this yoyo, the blasted version is the clear winner. This model comes with a special “Japanese spec” Center Trac bearing installed, designed to comply with Japanese import regulations. It’s visibly different from the CT bearings you normally see in YoYoFactory models, but the play doesn’t seem to be affected either positively or negatively.

LOOKS

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This latest edition of the Superstar comes packaged in YoYoFactory’s “display box” plastic packaging. Designed with wall-mounts built into the back of the box, this packaging actually locks together with other boxes to allow players, as they grow their collection, to create a unique wall display. We haven’t seen pictures of anyone doing this yet, however, as the number of models using this packaging seems to have been fairly limited thus far. The finish on the Superstar is solid, as you would expect, with a classy but minimal engraving on the inner cup. The engraving is a bit hard to read due to the splash anodizing, but that’s a problem with splash anodizing and not with the engraving, which is crisp and clear. The new Superstar logo is nice, although I personally prefer the horizontal version seen on stickers to the round version engraved on the yoyo itself. All in all, it’s a professional looking item that is up to snuff with the rest of YoYoFactory’s offerings.

VALUE

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Retailing for $80 – $85, the new Superstar is reasonably priced. While not a budget throw like the Shutter and CZM8, the Superstar is still affordable for being a high-end competition throw and definitely on the lower end of the high end price range, if that makes sense. And the display box, blasted finish, and Center Trac bearing are all welcome additions that help justify the price. Not a bargain, but not unreasonable.

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