Studio42,
Thank you so much for that indepth analysis! You mention that you have bought several of each, and I have heard similar practices by many other spinners. Why buy several of the same one? I can understand 2 to dual wield, but why have so many of the same top?
Why buy more than 2?
Well, the reasons range. Different colors. One to play, one to tweak around with... have multiples set-up so you can practice longer between winding them up. Sometimes you just see a good deal you can't pass up!
As far as the QSH, I have 1 of each. I'd like 2 of each. For the Hornets, 1 of each kind.(2 total). Trompo Grande? 2. Trompo Bearing, 1. I have 2 Sophia tops, 2 Love tops. I also have 10 BK's, 2 of each color(8 total), half set up as fixed tip, half as bearing tip, plus 2 more clears(bringing the total to 10) that are also set up bearing tip. I got great deals on them, most were 50% off, a couple were free.
If it comes to yoyos, I have multiples of several. Loopers of course you have to have in pairs. Off-strings I like to have 2-3 of a model I really like. Others, I have 10 DM2's in different colors, 10 YYJ Classics(each configured differently and different colors). Other multiples were the result of good deals.
Buy what you like, but don't spend more than you can afford. Have fun, be happy and try not to hit yourself in the head(too often!)
Let me address the best:
I have Strummol8 tops and I seriously enjoy them. Can't say anything bad except they can be a bit loud but I don't care about that. But, I read what Jack said about the QSH and had to buy one, and I did and I can see what he's talking about. In my opinion, despite the lower retail cost, I'd say it's performance is up there with the best of the best. It's seriously a viable option worth exploring. If I have to choose between my bearing tip QSH and my Guilia, I choose the Guilia because I like how the delrin feels. But the QSH feels amazing in play. In some cases, it feels more solid than the Guilia.
Don't always equate "best" as a function of price. Some items simply cost less to produce, for whatever reason, and the costs or savings are passed along to us. I must say I've been very pleased with the Spintastics products. At the same time, I do enjoy my Sophia, Love, STB 2.0, STB 2.5 and Guilia tops as well. Preferences are key. I mean, is a $289 Anglam superior to the $55 Shutter? Maybe. Both won World Championships. Many top players are using those inexpensive Cobra tops. Hard to question that!