Dear Studio 42,
I am using tops for about 2 months, but very heavily. You know more than I do, so that is why I ask.
I have noticed that when switching between tops that there is a slight learning process to "relearning" every trick. Thank you for the advice!
I do like my Sophia as well and can whole heartedly agree with your comment on "best" and the importance of cost. Saying something is "best" is like saying a backhoe is better than a spoon.
Have you noticed any such "duds" in spintops? All of my spintops work very well, with no major complaints. I have never used yoyofactory myself, I prefer yoyojam. Do you have any opinion on yoyojam as opposed to yoyofactory? Most of my yoyo play consists of "yoyojam Pinnacle".
Ah, you are right. Would you give me your opinon on "duncan imperial"? I have not used my imperial since getting my LingDong. I cannot think of any advantages the duncan imperial spintop would have. I would be curious to know what you think about this top.
Thank you!
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You're doing stuff I can't do yet with spin tops. I don't pride myself on rapid progress because I'm typically quite slow to move forward.
Duds in spintops? Well, not a definite "yes", but stock, I'm not pleased with the Space Top. I had to add a #324 sized o-ring which fits where the crown meets the body(there seems to be a place it's supposed to sit) and then the top really started to play good. Before that, all I could do is clean the bearing and see what that did for me, which was also an improvement. It also took me a few days to realize the crown with the plastic ring(as opposed to the ridges) was the crown to use for tricks. The other crown is for battling. Also, it seems like it should have a fixed tip included. Bearing Kings, in bearing tip, I don't like out of the bag. I cut a longer string, then cut it to size, then also I clean the bearings so they'll spin longer. I have found for me, the stock string is too short. We ca go into the whole "string length" debate, but I know what works for me and that's what I'm sticking with. The smaller Spintastics I had a problem with at first because their rapid spinning speeds was difficult for me to control at first. I had to spend a few hours to get that figured out. I could tell right away what the problem was. So I wouldnt use the term dud, but I would use the term "not as pleased with".
YYF vs YYJ.... yoyo or spintop? I got lucky in getting a YYJ spintop. I like it a lot. The new YYF tops are really darn nice and I have no problem recommending them. Seriously, for $20 or less, you can get a Short Circuit and a Elec-Trick(non-LED). Talk about the best starter kit you can get. I haven't put the metal tips in yet. I have no issue with the Elec-Trick since it's a bearing tip. I don't like the burning feeling I get from the delrin fixed tip on the Short Circuit. I haven't played older YYF tops. But, if we talk yoyos, YYJ closed, as you know, due to the owner's health, while YYF is still running strong. Favorite YYJ? Hard to say, it can vary, but I am partial to the Phenom, but that's not to say I don't like others a lot too. I have over 80 YYJ yoyos, some in multiples(Unleashed, DM2, Feista XX and Tres, Classic). YYF, I forget how many I have, probably over 50, including some multiples, mostly in the form of pairs of loopers, but also 3 Flights, and 3 Shutters. Favorite? Equilateral, bit my 2nd run Shutter(US National Champion, blasted) is a good close 2nd. But that Replay Pro, can't be beat!
But back to the new YYF spintops. For the money, I wasn't expecting much. They certainly blew me away. I took them home from CalStates, photographed them(all new stuff gets photo'd before being played these days) and I was "oh wow, I wasn't expecting this". I was expecting crappy construction, poor spin times and perhaps some other issues. Considering I bought the Elec-Trick, Elec-Trick LED and Short Circuit with the tip kit, I can't say I was invested heavily from a financial point of view. For someone new to tops: these are fantastic. For those into tops: You'll like these. For the collector: You might want to stop playing them and leave them on display! For competitors... well, your call. I don't thing I'd compete with them stock, but you certain could and probably have no concerns. Super affordable, they feel durable, play nice and I think I'll be enjoying these for years to come.
I don't have a Duncan Imperial spintop, so no opinion. If I get one, I'll have to change that. For now, I don't have a need to get more tops. I'm pretty happy with what I have at the moment. That's not to say I'm not constantly looking. Currently, my STB 2.5 is seeing a lot of play. Currently, I'm spending money on a set of the 2016 Benchmarks or Boomerangs. As I'm fairly tight on funds, I really have to be selective in what I get this year.
