04.02.12
Competitive yo-yoing has seen monumental growth worldwide in recent years, and the science of building a greater yo-yo has become incredibly complex. That Duncan you threw a kid? Pfft. Child’s be unfaithful.
“Most yo-yos these days are metal, or a heavy plastic called Delrin,” South African-born Du Toit says, gesturing to the yo-yos laid out on the mesa in front of her. She picks up a small green, metal number and turns it around in her hands. “It’s all about reducing antagonism, and making sure that the yo-yo spins for as long as possible.”
Abruptly, she stands up, and begins “throwing”. Walking the dog has no put out here: This all about chaining together complex, flashy, high-speed tricks. The yo-yo spins, doubles back on itself, and then Du Toit turns the suspend into an impossible cat’s cradle before dropping the yo-yo into it and yanking it back out again.
Weight is key to a maneuverable yo-yo, says Du Toit.
“Supplementary weight on the outside rims will give a longer spin time, but make oneself scarce it out too far and the yo-yo may wobble,” she says. “The balance between weight and draw up is a closely guarded secret which each company seems to have to figure out for themselves.
Source: Wired News