Ball bearing sare designed to reduce friction between two objects. The the introduction of ball bearings to the Yo-yo world, yo-yoing has evolved at an unbelievable rate. Tricks that were once thought to be impossible are now common and relatively easy to achieve.
Unfortunately these little ball bearing things require maintenance here and there to achieve optimal performance. Fortunately YoyoJam has released a great tutorial on how to properly maintain your ball bearing. The methods used in this tutorial may seem a little extreme to some people however they really are the best way to deal with ball bearing maintenance.
If this kind of maintenance isn’t up your ally you can always buy a new bearing! Check out our selection:
I was lucky enough to visit the National Yo-yo Museum over the holidays while up in Chico, CA. What a great little place it is…
The museum was started in 1993 and showcases over 2000 yo-yo’s old and new. The museum also provides bunch of great history on the yo-yo.
The NYYM is directed by Bob Malowney who was nice enough to answer some of my questions for this Blog. Bob also organizes the National Yo-yo Contest in Chico every year. The contest allows all divisions of play to compete in. Divisions include:
1A division players use one long-spin yo-yo to perform intricate string trick manipulations of both string and yo-yo.
2A division players use two looping yo-yos simultaneously in looping tricks that require quickness and timing.
3A division players use two long-spin yo-yos to perform intricate string tricks simultaneously with both yo-yos.
4A or Offstring players use a yo-yo that is unattached to the string but is still required to come back to the hand.
5A or Free-hand players use of a counterweight griped in the hand instead of tying the string to a finger.
Posing next to the Big-Yo. Largest “working” yo-yo in the world.
Weighing in at 256 pounds, Big-Yo is the worlds largest working wooden yo-yo. Designed by Tom Kuhn, the yo-yo now resides in Chico, CA on display at the National Yo-Yo Museum.
If you’d like a free yo-yo lesson, show up at the museum any Saturday between 12-2pm. You’re sure to have a great time.
National Yo-yo Museum
320 Broadway
Chico, CA 95928
Phone: (530) 893-0545
Hey! Sorry we haven’t posted anythig in the past few weeks. The Holiday rush hit us hard this year. Thanks everyone for all the business and support in 2009. We have big plans for 2010 so please stay tuned…
We received a few awesome yo-yos over the last few weeks. It’s tuff to say which one we like best. Check ‘em out and decide fro your self.
This G5 is from the YoyoFactory Evolution Series. This G5 features a exclusive patent pending hubstack triple bearing design. Percision machined aluminum body, with the wheel Z-stacks.
The Lunatic is a great balance between rim weight, balance and agility. A well balanced and very agile yo-yo. Features Small SPEC bearings and YoYoFactory Silicone Pad response system.
The Tactic features a smooth feel and a rounded body design. A perfect choice for those looking for a agile and manoeuvrable Yo-Yo. The Tactic features a laser engraved design with a very unique groove rim design. Feels great in your hand, and perfect for intermediate to advace play!
The ENEME is the full metal jacketed version of the Xconvict, over-tweaked, redefined, and packed with play. It may look like a different beast, but you’ll find all the similarities of the Xconvict on your first throw, with even better grinds, slacks and stalls than ever before.
The Eneme is a must have any any yo-yo enthusiast. It’s pretty, it’s tough, and it performs. It’s close to perfection.
Offstring or 4A yo-yo play is a style of play where the string is tied to your finger but not attached to the yo-yo. “Butterfly” or “Wing” shaped yo-yo’s with a wider axle gap are most commonly used for this style of play. I found a great clip on YouTube. It’s a little dated and the quality isn’t the best but check out the tricks performed. Amazing!
Did that grab your attention?
If you want to join in the fun, check out the YoyoFactory Offstring yo-yo. Our staff favorite!