FAQs

What are some tips on buying a yo-yo for the first time ... ? 

CHOOSING A YO-YO. Scores of models exist ranging in price from $2.00 to over $150.00. Pick a model based on the skill level of the player.

DON’T DAMAGE A CLASSIC. Before letting junior use grandpa’s old yo-yo check it’s value. Yo-yos are now one of the hottest toy collectibles and many models have values in the 100’s even thousands of dollars. The current highest price paid for a collectible yo-yo is $16,029.00.

KNOW YOUR YO-YO. Two main innovations have dramatically changed the yo-yos of the past. Auto-return mechanisms- tightens on the string as the yo-yo slows its spin returning the yo-yo to the hand before momentum is lost. Transaxles – The string does not touch the axle but wraps around a moveable sleeve on the axle. This decrease in friction increases the spin time dramatically up to four fold. The ultimate transaxles have ball bearings and have ultra long spin times as well as ultra high prices.

SELECTING FOR A BEGINNER. A standard axle yo-yo is a good start but one with an auto-return mechanism speeds the learning curve. Check also for models that can be taken apart which is a necessity for dealing with frustrating string tangles.

ADVANCING UP. Once you know the basics move quickly to a transaxle. Longer spin times make learning tricks easier. When you know you’ve got the skills, check out the high-end ball bearing transaxle models and be the envy of the gang.

Here's a Tip...

Remember to buy spare strings when you purchase the yo-yo. Nothing fouls up play more than a worn string. String length should be between the belt line and the navel with the yo-yo resting on the floor.

Why does a yoyo 'sleep'...?

Before yo-yos were called yo-yos they were called bandalores and these did not sleep as the strings were tied to the axle of the yo-yo. These are call fixed string yo-yos. When the modern yo-yo was introduced by Pedro Flores in 1928 some were made so the string could be easily replaced. The yo-yo’s axle rested in a loop at the end of the string. Although this yo-yo could sleep (free spinning) the importance of this was not apparent for at least one year. Buyers of yo-yos were told to twist the loop tight as the only tricks at that time did not require the yo-yo to sleep.

If the string loop around the axle is tight the yo-yo will not sleep. If the loop is very loose it will make the yo-yo difficult to return. The yo-yo when sleeping requires a slight tug on the string to get it to return. The tug allows the string to catch on itself resulting in it winding up the string. Some yo-yos have ridges on the inside face of the yo-yo near the axle to help the string catch on itself when you give the tug. Other yo-yos have internal “clutch” mechanisms which work by centrifugal force that clamp down on the string when momentum is lost and the tug is not required.

For a good book on science projects with yo-yos and tops read “Tops and Yo-Yos” Models in Physical Science by Bernie Zubrowski. It can be ordered online at amazon.com Also you may want to check out the article “The Yo-Yo, A Toy Flywheel” American Scientist March/April 1984: 137-142 this discussion of the physics of the yo-yo is very high tech.

Learn how to throw a sleeper here