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[Trip]

1. How do I know how long the string should be?

2. Why does my top always hit the floor sideways?

3. Are these related?

Sorry for the extra question :-P

[kevinm]

Read the sticky on the YYE spin top forum, 'getting started with spin tops', it explains some string length issues.
Your top being sideways could be the string length if it is consistently hitting the same way, or it could be your release.
So... yes, they may or may not be related.
The string I am using on my Short Circuit is a few inches shorter than the sting that came with the top, which is 64" but the string I am using is a little thicker, so it actually comes up a tiny bit higher on the top when it is wound up. The 64" string works well though, yours might have come with a shorter string.
You can learn more about spin tops at your local library, or attend your neighborhood yo-yo club!

[Trip]

Yeah, but my yoyo club is full of weirdos :-P

Edit - found it. Thanks!

[Jeremy McCreary]

Yeah, but my yoyo club is full of weirdos :-P

You should hear what they say about top players.

BTW, my tops never land vertically enough, either. Figured it had something to do with the space-time vortex in the basement.

[ta0]

Here is the link to that nice write up by Neff on yoyoexpert: https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/getting-started-with-spin-tops/23363

That you are a tall guy doesn't mean that you need longer string. It's not like a yo-yo: the string length (actually, length-thickness combination) depends on the top, not the player height.

[the Earl of Whirl]

I was answering this but then I see ta0 is giving good tips and guiding you to excellent advice from Chris Neff.  Since I already have this typed out, I will post it anyways.

As I have worked with people, here are the main reasons I see that cause tops to not land upright.

-the string is too long
-the arm is bent and not straight
-the throw is more of a scoop which makes the tip point backwards
-you might be starting with the point up but it tilts back before the release
-after the throw you may be raising your hand instead of keeping it aimed out toward the ground

You can throw with a longer string but then one needs to compensate with a point that is more forward.  You can also throw with a bent arm but then you need to compensate to make sure the point is released at a different angle.  I often see people make the mistake of throwing with the point too far back rather than too far forward.  Good luck!!!

[Jeremy McCreary]

Thanks, ta0 and Mike! I'm going to try all those things.

[Trip]

Awesome!
Thanks guys! I'll try that out this afternoon!

[kevinm]

Yeah, but my yoyo club is full of weirdos :-P

I don’t know if that is an insult or a confession, seeing as you and I are the founding members...

[Trip]

Yeah, but my yoyo club is full of weirdos :-P

I don’t know if that is an insult or a confession, seeing as you and I are the founding members...

Shhhh....

[Jack]

the correct length of string is the one that works for you budd.
I use a 90 something inch long line, others use way shorter.
depends on you and depends on the top

as far as the top landing sideways, all you have to do is change how you throw the top. how you move your arm, the angle the top leaves your hand and when you let go. string length doesn't matter man