Yo-yos
From YoYo Wiki
This page is meant to be a collection of all the basic information regarding yo-yo hardware and maintaining it. If you are looking for a review of a specific yo-yo, take a look at the reviews page.
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[edit] What is a yo-yo?
A yo-yo is a skill toy made of two discs connected together by an axle, with a string attached. Some styles of play are different to this (such as offstring but these begin to blur the line between the yo-yo and the Diabolo.
[edit] What is a yo-yo trick?
A yo-yo trick is one or more moves of a yoyo put together that result in a series of movements. It doesn't have to start with a throw or end with a catch (for example a regeneration is from a sleeper to a fresh sleeper). Examples of simpler tricks include inside loop, and longer, more complex tricks include superman.
[edit] Types of yo-yo
Different types of yo-yo are suited for different styles of play. Factors such as the shape, the response system and the string used are crucial in determining how well the yo-yo will perform in that style.
[edit] Shape
Yo-yos typically come in three shapes; butterfly, classic and modified. For a more in-depth discussion of yo-yo shapes, please refer to yo-yo shapes.
[edit] Material
Most yo-yos are made of wood, plastic and/or aluminum. See Yo-yo Materials.
[edit] Axles
These can be fixed axles (usually wood or polished metal) or transaxles. The latter come as sleeve bearings (basically a loose plastic sleeve around a metal axle) or ball bearings. For advantages and disadvantages see axles. Most modern yo-yos can be screwed apart at the axle for maintenance and to remove tangled string.
[edit] Response
Response determines how easily the yo-yo returns to your hand. If a yo-yo just requires a light tug, like most fixed axle yo-yos do, it is said to be responsive. Some yo-yos, especially those with ball bearings or transaxles, have little or no response and thus require a bind in order to make them come back.
[edit] Yo-yo Parts
The following is a list of yo-yo parts that serves as an index to the respective detail pages. If you are missing something, you might also want to try the Glossary.
- Axles
- Ball Bearings
- Counterweights
- Halves
- Hubs
- Response Systems
- Rim Protectors
- Shims
- Spacers
- String
- Weight Rings
- Full Anatomy
[edit] Maintenance
In order to work properly, a yo-yo requires constant care and maintenance. Things you can/should do include:
- Replace the string - This is probably the one most important maintenance you should do regularly.
- Clean and lube your ball bearings.
[edit] Modifications
See Also Modder
Sometimes people like to change their yo-yos. These modifications are usually referred to as mods. Common mods are
- Recessing - keeping the friction stickers away from the string
- Shaved O-Ring Mod - making the O-ring flush with the walls (recessed)
- Silicone O-Ring Mod - filling the O-ring gap with silicone
- Sanding - reducing surface friction for better grinds
- Adding Shims - widening the string gap
- Changing the bearing - for example putting in a Dif-e-Yo KonKave bearing.
- Adding Side Cap Bearings - allows to perform matador style.
