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Top 5 Stocking Stuffer Yo-Yos

2020-11-25T09:48:00-06:00

As experts in yo-yos and kid fun, we have compiled a list of our best-selling yo-yos for holiday gifts this year. Whether your kids will be playing in your house or outside, these yo-yos will keep your kids entertained through the winter. As a bonus, they have a ton of benefits including helping build fine motor skills and critical thinking!

Our top pick, the yo-yo will make you more popular than Santa with your kids this year. Since yo-yoing is about finding the best yo-yo for your skill level and cool trick interest, we suggest one of the four options below.

The Imperial® is the original, All-American classic. A timeless favorite, the Imperial® features a narrow string gap, steel axle, and durable plastic body in bold colors. It is great for learning the basics of yo-yoing! Price $4.49 Buy Here

The Butterfly® is best selling string yo-yo of all time! A favorite for over 60 years, the Butterfly® offers a wide shape that makes landing the yo-yo on the string much easier. It features a flared shape, steel axle and durable plastic body that can withstand impact. It's great for learning the basics of yo-yoing! Buy Here

Based on the world-famous Butterfly®, the Butterfly XT™ is a classic design with modern technology. It features a ball-bearing axle, offering 10x the spin time of the original Butterfly®. It boasts a take-apart design for easy knot removal and a starburst response design for snappy returns to the hand. These features make Butterfly XT™ perfect for a beginner to intermediate player looking for high performance at a great price! Price $5.99 Buy Here

The Reflex™ is the easiest yo-yo for new players. It returns to the hand without having to tug the string! In the center of the yo-yo is a centrifugal clutch. As the yo-yo loses spin, this clutch engages around the axle and the Reflex™ automatically snaps back to the hand. Price $9.99 Buy Here

The Pulse features special LED light-up technology. It is designed with a ball-bearing axle for long spin times and friction stickers for easy returns. Used by world champions! Price $11.99 Buy Here

Use FAMILY25 for a one-time 25% off on your entire purchase when you check out. Limited time only!

Top 5 Holiday Gift Ideas

2020-11-24T09:19:00-06:00

As experts in toys and kid fun, we have compiled a list of our top five picks for holiday gifts this year. Whether your kids will be playing in your house or outside, these fun toys will keep your kids entertained through the winter. As a bonus, they have a ton of benefits including helping build fine motor skills and critical thinking!

Our Top Gift Pick

Our Second Favorite Pick

After discussing with Santa’s helpers, we have picked the QuickCube as our second favorite toy this year. A long time favorite, puzzle cubes engage all ages.

We feature two options to choose from depending on your age and skill level. The Quick Cube™ 2 x 2 is the perfect size for your beginner puzzle solver. It is not only easier to learn, but large blocks feature quick turning mobility for faster speeds. Whereas the Duncan® Quick Cube™ 3 x 3 features a smooth, easy turning design to allow the user to "corner cut" for superior performance and play. Ideal for novice to pro! Price $5.99 Buy Here

Our Third Most Popular Toy Pick

The Pop 'N Hit Bat, puts a new twist on baseball playing! You can easily pitch to yourself or your friends with this special bat and ball! The pop-up self-pitching mechanism at the end of the bat launches balls 5' to 10' in the air to allow for a full swing. Features a 28" length and a durable, high-impact plastic construction. Price $16.99 Buy Here

Rounding Out Our List

To help engage your kid's minds with beneficial brain training that is fun, we suggest the Mental Block or Magnetic Block. All of us suffer from occasional mental block, but Duncan provides relief with the new Mental Block brain twister.

Fun for two to four players, this game is easy to learn, but a challenge to win! More fun than two-dimensional games, with the Mental Block you can go around corners and over walls. With alternating turns, simply be the first player to connect four pegs in a row, and you win! Other game variations included! Price $6.99 Buy Here

Our Magnetic Block uses 7 different colored block “bundles”, stack together to create shapes, or solve for a perfect cube. Great for spatial awareness, memory, problem-solving, and creativity stimulation, the 120 magnets lock pieces together in hundreds of different configurations. Perfect gift for any age or gender! Price $14.99 Buy on Amazon

Use FAMILY25 for a one-time 25% off on your entire purchase when you check out. Limited time only!

Team Duncan at the 2020 Japan National Yo-Yo Contest, Yoshihiro Abe Won the 5A Division!

2020-10-27T09:27:00-05:00

This past weekend, the Japan national yo-yo contest took place. As this was one of the only in-person contests to happen this year, the results were highly anticipated and the yo-yo players in attendance knew they had to give this all they had: it was their only real chance to compete this year, after all. It was a fierce competition, which makes us extra proud of just how well team members Yoshihiro Abe and Hajime Sakauchi performed there. Hajime came in third place in the 2A division, and Yoshihiro snagged the gold in the 5A division!

We say this after every time he competes, but Hajime's 2A performances just keep getting better and better. Seriously. Last year at the World Competition in Cleveland, Hajime grabbed the bronze in the 2A division, and, although he also placed third at this competition, he has made notable strides in his stage presence and trick cleanliness since then. What impresses us most of all about Hajime is that he continuously improves and hones his craft: we are always on the edges of our seats waiting to see how he does next. His performance at this year's Japan nationals is really exceptional and, as usual, we cannot wait to see what Hajime does next.

Now: let's talk about Yoshihiro's performance. Some yo-yo players just make you want to pick up a yo-yo and do some tricks; to make some new crazy tricks and to land them and be satisfied. Yoshihiro is a perfect example of this. His tricks are exceptionally difficult yet Yoshi presents them in a way that makes them seem effortless. He breaths so much life into his tricks, and it is such a pleasure to watch him play yo-yo. Not unlike his team member Hajime Sakauchi, Yoshihiro continues to improve and improve and just when you think he's done leveling up, he goes ahead and blows your mind one more time.

In his performance, Yoshihiro is using the new and improved silky smooth YoshicudaX and a brand new signature counterweight! The YoshicudaX we released last year was great and nearly perfect: it played like a dream and was perfect for Yoshihiro's 5A tricks, but there were machining difficulties with this design that left all of the batch as b-grades due to some vibe. Working hard with our machine shop, we not only remedied this problem, but we produced one of the single smoothest bimetal yo-yos that we've ever really experienced. Silky. Smooth.

As a cherry on top of this Yoshicuda silky-smooth goodness, Yoshi is also using a new signature counterweight which we're kinda obsessed with. It was designed with one thing and only thing only in mind: speed, speed, and more speed. Yoshihiro was never satisfied with how slowly his counterweights moved: he felt a little restricted. Yoshihiro noted how it was a lot easier to make a counterweight move fast if he was using something smaller and denser: we took note of this and made Yoshi a counterweight that leaves ample room to go as fast as anyone could ever want. A delrin shell with a brass core, Yoshi's new counterweight is a compact powerhouse. Just check out how fast Yoshi makes that thing move in his winning freestyle!

On the whole, we are super proud of both Yoshihiro and Hajime. This year was a tough one, and young yo-yo stars like Yoshi and Hajime bringing such hot tricks to this competition signals hope for the future of yo-yo tricks and competition. We cannot wait to see what they have in store for the championships of tomorrow.

Put a New Spin to Your Next Family Game Night

2020-07-27T13:56:00-05:00

As the second oldest toy in history and one of the most known generational toys, Duncan is excited to release a new game activity for families! We call all parents to take a trip back to their childhood and pull out a favorite American toy, the yo-yo. We challenge you to show off your yo-yo skills to your kids! With our new Family Yo-Yo Contest guide, you can compete against your kids and maybe even increase your cool factor! Will Dad be better at Walking the Dog or Mom?

Implementing our Family Yo-Yo Contest could not be easier. Each participant just needs a yo-yo. Contestants line up against a wall and step forward into a designated box to attempt each trick. We suggest the trick box is 4-6 feet to allow for big tricks like "around the world." Hold your contest in the living room, game room, or outside.

Once your family masters their skills, challenge your neighbors from across the street! Our family yo-yo contest is a fun activity that allows for social interaction but at a safe distance of six feet or greater. Plus, you do not share typical game pieces or equipment. Each contestant has their own yo-yo to use.

There are ten tricks to be completed following these game rules:

Each family member steps forward for his or her tricks.
Each will have two attempts at each trick.
Landing a trick on the first try will award two points, and landing it on the second try will award one point.
Players may use any kind of yo-yo to compete but must use the same yo-yo for all tricks.
Each trick must end with the yo-yo back in the player’s hand, with less than three inches of extra string hanging out.

Each competitor will need to try and complete these ten tricks:

The member with the highest total score is the winner. That is, it! To get started, download our complete family contest guide and watch trick tutorials here: https://www.yo-yo.com/family-contest-2020

Seven Cool Toys for Summer Fun by Duncan Toys

2020-07-07T08:04:00-05:00

Summer Fun Toys

As experts in toys and kid fun, we have compiled a list of our top seven picks for summertime fun. Whether your kids will be playing in your yard, a pool, or at a campground, these cool toys will keep your kids entertained while you kick back and relax.

Splash Attack Full Court Pack

Starting our list with a big splash, is our Splash Attack Water Skipping Balls and Action Net. Great for any outdoor fun in the water! Whether at the pool, beach, or park, the Duncan Splash Attack ball will quickly skip across any water for loads of fun. Add an extra element of fun by turning this into a sport with a net. With Duncan's new Splash Attack Action Net, you no longer have to just "play catch". The Action Net opens an array of gameplay with water skipping balls. Simply inflate, place in water, and the competition begins! Both are available for purchase individually or as a full kit!

Versa Hoop Set

For every basketball fan and future All-Stars, our Ultimate XL Kit is the most portable and durable indoor and outdoor mini hoop experience! Quickly hook it on dorm doors and then switch to the clamp on feature for tailgating. Clamp-On, vertical or horizontal pole like a trampoline, pop up tent, flagpole, or RV ladder. Plus, our SnapUp Breakaway Rim helps prevent damage (not like bent metal rims), and the rim can also be replaced when abused.

New Summer Toy: Pop 'N Hit

A great training tool for the future baseball player, this baseball bat has a unique patent-pending design that pops balls out one at a time for perfect practice. With the Pop 'N Hit Bat, you can easily pitch to yourself or your friends! The pop-up self-pitching mechanism at the end of the bat launches balls 5' to 10' in the air to allow for a full swing. It includes four easy-load foam balls that are conveniently stored within the bat.

Outdoor Booma

Bringing back a classic toy from your childhood, we have chosen the boomerang as our number four pick. Made from soft and safe Memorang polymer, the Outdoor Booma will make you look like a pro with a flight range of 50-70 feet!

Phoenix Diabolo

Do you have a child that dreams of running away to a circus? This toy might be the one for them. As seen in amazing feats under the big tent, our number 5 pick is the Diabolo. Our Phoenix Diabolo features high-speed roller bearing technology for low string friction and long spin times. The Phoenix is the only Diabolo for both beginner and pro players alike!

Blaze Light-up Disc

Summer would not be summer without the fun of campfires, flashlights, and things that glow. Lighting up the basic flying disc is the Blaze. This light-up disc meteorically streaks across the night sky with its embedded LED's brightly illuminating even the darkest night. The on/off switch allows you to play during the day or have full flashing lights at night. The official 135-gram weight and large diameter rest well in hand, ensuring long, stable flights and hours of fun. https://www.yo-yo.com/blaze-light-up-disc.aspx

Duncan Yo-Yo Kit

Rounding off our list is our oldest and best-known toy, the yo-yo! Calling out Scouts, campers, and future sports stars, the Duncan's Yo-Yo Survivor Pack will help your child go from a beginner to a pro by the end of the summer. This kit includes two yo-yos' designed and used by actual World yo-yo champions. They will also go in style with Duncan sunglasses, extra string, a trick book, protective tape, counterweight, and the Yo-Tility Holster featuring a string cutter and bearing removal tool. As a future yo-yo sport star, your child can join our free Duncan Toys Yo-Yo Scout Program, which includes video tutorials, trick level cards, and achievement badges.

World Yo-Yo Champion Story Part Two

2020-07-07T07:59:00-05:00

Part 2 - My World Tour

When I look back over my career as a yo-yo demonstrator and all the experiences that I had, it feels like I have lived multiple lifetimes. If I had to pick a favorite time during my career, it would be during my time as a member of Team High Performance, which began in the fall of 1996.

One evening as my family and I were about to sit down to dinner; we received a phone call from a man in Hawaii. He briefly introduced himself, said he had heard about me from Dale Myberg, one of my mentors and a Grand Master. The next thing he said was, "how would you like to go to Japan"? My eyes grew huge, and my parents stopped what they were doing.

The next thing I know, only a month later, I am flying by myself to Japan. I had never met this businessman (Alan Nagao) nor flown anywhere by myself. I was to meet him and two other demonstrators Paul Buethe and Noel Popham. At the time, this was just another yo-yo performance in a cool place. I did not realize that this was the start of the biggest world yo-yo craze in history. A boom in which I would become one of the main stars and at the forefront of promotional events and advertisements.

Many have heard of Team High Performance, been a member of it, or have tried to join over the years. Alan Nagao of HPK Marketing had developed a marketing plan to market yo-yos to kids by using kids as demonstrators. Historically speaking, this was a new venture. Before THP, demonstrators and marketing promotions for yo-yo companies were always adults except for a few talented kids used on occasion.

His idea was to create a team of yo-yo players comprised mainly of kids ranging in age from 6 – 16 years old. However, to train these kids and build the team, he needed to hire professional demonstrators and mentors.

My first trip to Japan was one of several test promotions that they implemented in which we had little initial interest from Japanese spectators. Performing on the streets and in crowded public spaces, we put on daily yo-yo shows and pulled volunteers from the audience for contests. Most of the time, we had to drag them on stage as they were reluctant.

Soon after my first trip to Japan, HPK flew me to Hawaii to teach the kids hat they had in their local toy store yo-yo club. The goal was to help them learn several levels of predetermined trick play needed to put on a yo-yo show. But it was also to teach them how to be on stage and perform. I remember being excited about finally being with a group of kids around my age. The first team member I met, a key player, and soon to be the team captain and star of the team was Alex Garcia. Other teachers and pros brought out included Dennis McBride, Paul Buethe, Dale Myberg.

My position on the team was unusual because I was not an adult professional, nor was I just one of the kids.While most kids had to earn their spot to be on the team, I was a contracted professional demonstrator and team member. Of course, I, as well as any other Pro, had to complete all the tricks and skill levels required.

Following this, we were all rounded up and shipped off to the first-ever yo-yo training camp. Like a sports training camp, this was in what seemed like the middle of nowhere on the Island. We were divided into cabins and small mini teams of 3-4 and expected to follow a strict training schedule.

So, what does one do or learn at a yo-yo team camp? Not what you would expect. While we did have time to practice and learn yo-yo tricks, the camp focused on team building activities, learning how to present and choreograph a yo-yo freestyle performance. We also learned daily touring skills like washing clothes in a sink, ironing our uniforms, and being on time. Yes, as a team of kids who were about to travel with only 1-2 adults on a concert like tours, these skills were crucial to our day to day operations.

Over time as our team grew and we became known as the "teal tide." A nickname that was bestowed upon us by competitors because whenever we showed up to an event, we came as one unit decked out in our teal THP shirts. But also because we usually dominated the competitions.

What made us such a strong team was our skill set and how we functioned as an actual team. While we all had individual personalities and styles, we worked as one unit. We also started team freestyles in which we performed creative, perfectly synchronized tricks to music. A team bond, mentality, and unique skill set that formed at these camps.

Officially becoming Team High Performance, we began a world tour starting with Japan. Bandai, one of the largest toy distributors in the world, formed a partnership with us, setting up performances at retail and large event venues, creating commercials, and various other advertisements. We even had trading cards, yo-yo music, and hyper yo-yo apparel and accessories.

Yo-Yo play and the members of THP quickly rose to fame in Japan. We started receiving crowds of several hundred to a few thousand with a growing circle of "groupies." At some point in 1997, we were performing at one of our biggest venues to date. We stepped onto the stage to be welcomed by this massive crowd of kids cheering for us. However, it was not until after our performance that we realized how popular the yo-yo and our team had become. We had left the stage event area only to turn around and see a massive crowd of kids sprinting towards us. We ran up the escalators and stepped into the first elevator to hear kids banging on the elevator doors once they closed. This was the beginning of the boom!

Our performance venues and stages grew to mega concert like stages, large projector screens, and sound systems. We had professional MC's, security, and crowd control staff. At each event, we were welcomed by our regular followers and by new fans who often showered us with backstage gifts.

After most performances, we would often greet our fans and sign autographs. Unfortunately, because fans pushed and became uncontrollable with excitement to meet us, our signing sessions were often cut short. Sometimes they would spot us in a backroom before our performance, run to tell their buddies, and then quickly be faceplanted against the windows.

During all of this, I began practicing for the National and World yo-yo contests. As a member of THP, I had been sponsored to compete at these events with all expenses paid. That year, 1997, was my first time at the National Yo-Yo contest in Chico, California. I had been practicing for hours every day, along with demonstrating and traveling on these tours. Like most, I was so nervous I barely slept and could not stomach food in the morning. But I was also incredibly focused and determined to win. Performing one of my best freestyles, I scored high with no deductions for errors and won the title.

What followed was a whirlwind of press interviews across the country, ranging from newspaper and TV news to radio talk shows. I was the first girl to win the National championship and the only girl competing in that division. I remember waking up at 5:00 am to take interviews and coming home from school at lunch or leaving school early to do more.

The following year, I went on to win the World Yo-Yo Contest. Immediately after winning, we went on a world yo-yo tour promoted as "the tour of champions". From Las Vegas to Los Angeles, South Korea, to Japan to France and England, I was on a 4-week victory tour. This time, it was not just local or national press calling for interviews. We had press conferences and news interviews in each of the various cities and countries I visited.

The most creative press conference was in London. They held a special press event at this venue meant to be a "yo-yo champion experience." As the press entered the first floor, our staged staff fitted them with the perfect fitting yo-yo. We helped them pick out a yo-yo and cut their string, but created the experience to be like getting fit for custom sports equipment. Next to the "fitting room," we had a visible "sports locker room," where we were warming up like athletes before the main event.

After this, Journalists walked into the main arena, filled with special yo-yo zones, yo-yo practice cages, and more. Any time a string broke or a yo-yo had an issue, a repair expert/yo-yo ninja-like person would drop from the ceiling mission impossible style, change the yo-yo, and quickly disappear back into the ceiling. We were, of course, the main event and soon went on stage to perform our freestyles. I had a set song I liked to freestyle to, but just as I stepped onto the stage, the DJ mixed up the tracks and wound up playing "Macho Man" by the Village People. I was mortified for about two seconds when the audience went crazy for the song and seemed to feel it fitting for me. I was the first female to win the Worlds, beating all the boys—a fact heavily marketed to the media.

Eventually, the hyper yo-yo craze reached a peak. We were in a full yo-yo boom in Japan with the first Japanese yo-yo event drawing over 45,000 kids. We had become superstars in this country for kids. As the craze grew, our promotions and performances in other countries did as well. I spent the next year traveling 3-4 weeks at a time and returning home for only 1-2 weeks. I kept this schedule for a year until I started college. At that point, the craze started dying, and thus the marketing tours eventually ended.

We sold millions of yo-yos, and the marketing promotions during this time ultimately helped grow yo-yoing into an actual sport. Our team grew from the original dozen based out of Hawaii to a few hundred members spread across multiple countries. After the boom died and promotions ended, most team members like me started high school or college. Although the team eventually came to an end, we made bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime.

The memories and stories I have from these years are enough to fill a book. Eventually, I hope to write and post photos for each of the countries I visited as each tour was unique. My yo-yo collection is not just pictures, video, and yo-yos but also gifts and keepsakes that fans gave me during these tours. Memories and friendships that will always be a nostalgic part of my life.

Duncan Yo-Yo Buyer's Guide

2020-06-23T07:15:00-05:00

Different yo-yos serve different needs, and we at Duncan Toys take pride in our wide selection of quality yo-yos. Whether you are just learning how to play yo-yo, or are a world-class yo-yo competitor, we offer the perfect yo-yo just for you. We are certain we can help you find just what you are looking for in our 2020 Yo-Yo Buyer’s Guide!

Never played yo-yo before? You can’t go wrong with the Reflex or Butterfly XT models!

Reflex Auto Return

The Reflex makes learning the fundamentals of yo-yo play easier than ever! Featuring technology that makes the yo-yo return to your hand automatically after spinning for about 4-8 seconds, the Reflex will help you hone your yo-yo throwing, spinning, and catching skills to perfection. This yo-yo is especially recommended for kids under 6 years old because of how user-friendly it is: young yo-yo enthusiasts will be big fans of just how easy this yo-yo is to learn with, all the while developing key fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Butterfly XT

The Butterfly XT effortlessly bridges the gap between beginning and intermediate yo-yo player, which is just one of the reasons why we think it is the best entry-level yo-yo on the market today. Featuring a ball-bearing that allows for extended periods of spin time and a wide profile that makes this yo-yo sturdy and reliable, the Butterfly XT is a very versatile yo-yo in that it is accessible to even the most inexperienced beginner while also being capable of handling some of the more sophisticated intermediate (and even expert) level tricks with ease. We highly recommend this yo-yo for any budding yo-yo players ages 6 and up.

First Metal Yo-Yo

Metal Racer | Metal Drifter

As you continue in your yo-yo journey, you may find yourself wanting more out of your yo-yo than what you are currently getting: perhaps you want something that spins longer, plays more reliably, or is more durable. It sounds like a metal yo-yo is just what you are looking for! Due to its physical properties, metal lends itself very well to yo-yo design, allowing for optimization of spin time and other aspects of playability that will help take your yo-yo play to the next level. And, frankly, metal yo-yos are just some of the most satisfying yo-yos to play with: the way they spin on the string is just so much smoother than any others. Give one a try—you will see what we mean!

What is an “unresponsive” yo-yo?

The unresponsive yo-yo allows the yo-yo player to do any tricks they want; then, when they’ve finished, they simply need perform a “bind” technique to return the yo-yo to their hand. So long as the yo-yo player does not perform a bind, the yo-yo will remain spinning, even after tugging the yo-yo up! This allows for the yo-yo player to let their creativity run free and discover the wonderful world of string tricks, unhindered by a volatile and unpredictable yo-yo. If the responsive yo-yo gave you hours of fun, the unresponsive yo-yo will give you years of fun.

Interested in giving it a try? Read on about our selection of plastic and metal unresponsive yo-yos!

First Plastic Unresponsive Yo-Yo

Freehand NextGen

When you first get into unresponsive yo-yo play, it is inevitable that you will damage your yo-yo a little bit—maybe even a lot. For that reason, we suggest a plastic yo-yo as your first unresponsive yo-yo, because plastic yo-yos are a little more affordably priced, so that when your yo-yo takes a big hit, your wallet takes less of a hit. But just because plastic yo-yos are more affordable does not mean that they are lower quality! In fact, we take pride in our history of providing the yo-yo community with some of the most competitively priced yet highest-quality unresponsive plastic yo-yos on the market. Take a look at our selection of unresponsive plastics and start your voyage into unresponsive play off right!

First Metal Unresponsive Yo-Yo

Windrunner

As you progress in your unresponsive play, you might find yourself wanting a little more out of your yo-yo experience than what is provided by a plastic yo-yo. Although plastic yo-yos are certainly very capable, plastic as a material has its limitations. Whether you are looking for longer and stronger spin, less tilt and more stability, or an entry-level competition yo-yo, you can’t go wrong with any of our unresponsive metal yo-yos.

First Premium Bi-Metal Yo-Yo

Grasshopper GTX | Orbital GTX

Yo-Yo players are always trying to innovate and optimize yo-yo design, constantly searching for ways to improve existing yo-yos or just find something entirely new: bi-metal yo-yos is a prime example of such an innovation. Made from two metals, one denser than the other, bi-metal yo-yos allow the yo-yo designer to optimize various facets of the yo-yo by giving them more freedom to distribute the yo-yo’s weight to various, key parts of the yo-yo. For example, some bi-metal yo-yos have stainless steel rings on the rims, which concentrates the most of the weight on the outer part of the yo-yo, promoting extremely long spin time, high stability, and low tilt during high-intensity yo-yo play, making bi-metal yo-yos very popular for competition. On the other hand, the bi-metal placement can be positioned in unique parts of the yo-yo, which makes for a unique and interesting user experience that simply cannot be replicated by a yo-yo made of a single material.

That said, producing bi-metal yo-yos is more costly, due to the manufacturing process being a bit more delicate and involved, which is why bi-metal yo-yos tend to be a bit more expensive and are usually considered more premium. If you are a serious yo-yo player, however, then perhaps a premium bi-metal yo-yo would be a sound investment for you to make, as bi-metal yo-yos spin performance is simply unmatched by other yo-yo designs. Duncan bi-metals are particularly excellent because we offer some of the most affordably-priced bi-metal yo-yos on the market while simultaneously improving the manufacturing process to bring you some of the highest-quality and premium bi-metal yo-yos on the market. Peruse our wide collection of bi-metals: we’re sure you’ll find something you will love!

First Freehand (5A) Yo-Yo

Freehand NextGen | Freehand AL

We at Duncan are strong supporters of all non-1A divisions, but freehand, also known as 5A, holds a very special place in our heart. We love freehand yo-yo players: we love their energy, their style, their individuality, and we believe that there is something special about freehand yo-yo play that helps yo-yo players think outside the box. Freehand yo-yoing works like this: instead of tying the string down to your finger, you simply affix the string to a counterweight instead, so that you have the ability to literally throw the yo-yo and counterweight into the air! By attaching the string to a counterweight, the yo-yo player opens up a whole new world of yo-yo trick potential and exposes themselves to a different dimension of yo-yo; one that is still largely unexplored and full of opportunity.

What makes freehand yo-yoing even better? Just how accessible it is to even the newest of beginners. So long as you know the fundamentals of yo-yoing (throwing, catching, and the basics of string tricks), you can learn how to play freehand! In fact, we recommended that beginning yo-yo players learn freehand because it helps accelerate the learning process and exposes the beginning yo-yo player to some fairly complex concepts in a very friendly way, making them all the better for it. We seriously, seriously, seriously love freehand, and we know you will to.

There are a few things that we think are desirable in a freehand yo-yo that you should know about when selecting your first freehand yo-yo. For example, due to the yo-yo player’s ability to let go of the yo-yo and counterweight, it is not uncommon that the yo-yo player will drop the yo-yo, causing some damage to the yo-yo. For that reason, it is important that a freehand yo-yo be durable: it needs to be able to take a few punches! Moreover, a freehand yo-yo should be able to handle some pretty extreme maneuvers with ease. With that in mind, we now gladly direct you to our line of freehand yo-yos that can roll with the punches while also being able to handle even the craziest of tricks! Start your freehand journey right: find the yo-yo that’s right for you.

All-time Classics!

Tournament | Butterfly | Imperial

Duncan has been around for a long time—like, really long. In fact, we recently celebrated our 90^th anniversary, making Duncan the longest continuously operating yo-yo company in the world—by a long shot. Our history is ripe with yo-yo design innovations, legendary yo-yo players, and, of course, some all-time classic yo-yos that you simply must try. From the Duncan Imperial, one of the best-selling yo-yos of all time, to the Duncan Butterfly, the mother of modern yo-yo design, there is just so much history for you to literally get your hands on. Experience the yo-yos that made Duncan the original world’s #1!

Duncan Program Starter Kits

2020-06-18T11:05:00-05:00

Equipping Future Champions & Leaders with the Best Yo-Yo Gear

As experts in yo-yo play, we have created unique yo-yo kits designed specifically for each of our programs. Our starter kits feature the yo-yo’s and accessory gear needed to complete program objectives. Whether you are a scout, a student, or a teacher these starter kits will ensure your success as you learn.

Thanks to the help of our Duncan Yo-Yo Pros, we have compiled a pack of the specific yo-yo’s and equipment you will need per their recommendations. These are just a few of the starter yo-yo’s that helped them achieve their goals.

We have broken our program starter kits into three categories, Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Imagination. The Scouts and Cub Scout kits are set up to match your needs with the Scout Program and Cub Scout Adventure. The Imagination kit contains the equipment if you are starting from one of our school programs. Each Kit contains two yo-yo's, colored string, and our popular trick book. Since cub scouts and our school kids are probably just getting started, we include our beginner level yo-yo's in these kits.

The Scout kit is a step up with more advance yo-yos included. Known as a "scout survivor pack" this option includes a few extra things like sports tape, a cool carrying holster, Level 1 trick card, and a pair of Duncan Sunglasses. Representing Duncan as a soon to be champion, each Scout can master their moves with the included “long spinning” Freehand and “quick response” Hornet Yo-Yo.

All our kits come with everything you will need for your new yo-yo passion! Start your journey now by choosing your program and kit.

Impacting Lives with Positivity, Creativity & Fun

2020-06-17T07:57:00-05:00

How an Ancient Toy has become a Modern Tool for Positive Emotional Development

As the second oldest toy in history, the yo-yo has traveled the world and transformed into a tool that helps develop positive emotional concepts with our youth. Although the purpose of most toys is entertainment, the yo-yo is not your ordinary toy. It is an extraordinary tool that helps children and adults emotionally with things like stress, anxiety, self-expression, and confidence.

As the leader in yo-yos for 90 years, and a partner of Disney® and Scouts, our primary goal is to provide today's youth with an easy to learn sport that promotes positive emotional development, fun, and friendship. Over time we have watched generations of kids pursue yo-yoing as a regular sport. A sport that ultimately helped them improve in their academics, social relationships, and self-expressionism.

Yo-yoing has also helped kids find a place to belong, fight depression, manage ADD and ADHD, and other emotional struggles, such as overeating and social anxiety. It is a sport that can be carried in one’s pocket and played individually or as a group. Now, with social media kids can also connect with others around the world, finding new ways to express themselves with new friends who are just as unique as they are.

As a sport, the yo-yoing thrives on creativity and constant growth. Competitions ranging from local to world level introduce our youth the chance to compete individually on stage but with the support of a group or team in the audience. They encourage goal setting, self-expressionism, and determination while encouraging kids to overcome shyness and social anxiety in a fun positive way! Key emotional development concepts that translate directly to improvement in daily life experiences that ultimately lead to future success in all areas of their life.

From finding direction to purpose to personal identity, kids of all ages (even the big ones) can benefit from this fun toy. Just as there are no limitations on the yo-yo tricks one can do or create, there are no limitations in life on who you can become or what you can do.

To understand how the yo-yo impacts lives, check out this special video compilation we created to reach students during our Imagine school assemblies:

We hope this inspires you to find your “extra-ordinary” self and join our much-loved sport of yo-yoing.

From Baby Boomers to Millennials, An Iconic American Toy Celebrates its Heritage on June 6th - National Yo-Yo Day

2020-06-05T14:48:00-05:00

Once an Ancient Toy, Yo-Yoing is Now a World Sport Enjoyed by All Ages

Middlefield, OH – (June 5, 2020) – Duncan® Toys, one of the oldest and best-known toymakers, celebrates National Yo-Yo Day on June 6th, 2020. From Ancient Greece in 440 B.C. to Nasa Space Missions, the yo-yo has traveled through time and transformed from a leisure toy and science instrument to a global sport. First popularized in the U.S. by Donald Duncan during the Great Depression, the story of the yo-yo is unique: one full of curiosity and invention that could only be fueled by the entrepreneurial spirit of America. In recognition of Donald Duncan's contribution to American history, his birthday of June 6th has been designated as National Yo-Yo Day.

Believed to have originated in Greece in 440 B.C., yo-yos can be traced throughout history. From artifacts in Egyptian temples, to photographs of King Louis XVII to historical documents from the French Revolution, and Napoleon. The yo-yo then continued its journey to America and eventually into space aboard the 1985 Space Shuttle Discovery.

However, Yo-yos are not just fun or something to past the time with, they have become a tool of expressionism that fuels everyone’s creativity. Today, thanks to the design innovation by Generation X, Generation Y and Millennials now enjoy yo-yoing as a sport. Originally made from wood and plastic, yo-yos have evolved into high-tech ball bearing, precision air crafted aluminum versions.

“From schoolyard demonstrators selling hand-carved wooden yo-yos, to modern champions touring the globe, the way we play is always changing, but the reasons we play are not,” says Michael Burke, Duncan Toys National Sales and Marketing Manager. We are committed to developing high-quality precision-crafted yo-yos that allow children of all ages to enjoy this both as a toy and as a sport.”

(L-R: 1980’s Roller Skating Yo-Yo Players, Generation Y Yo-Yo Player, Millennial Yo-Yo Player)

As one of the few multi-generational toys, the yo-yo continues to provide hours of fun, laughter, and memories passing from one generation to the next. Ultimately, bringing people together no matter their age, where they are from or what language they speak to enjoy this unique subculture and sport.

About Duncan Toys Company:

Duncan® is one of the oldest and best-known toy makers. Founded during the Great Depression, the story of Duncan® Toys is unique: one full of curiosity and invention that could only be fueled by the uniquely entrepreneurial spirit of America.

For over 90 years, we have crafted classic skill toys for every generation. From schoolyard demonstrators selling hand-carved wooden yo-yos, to current champions touring the globe, the way we play is always changing, but the reasons we play are not. We are committed to engaging children of all ages and all generations with top quality toys. Whether you are shopping for your child or your inner child, we believe that our toys will help you find your inner fun.

Top 5 Best Skill Toys by World Champion Jennifer Baybrook

2020-05-20T07:53:00-05:00

Improve your child's fine motor skills, concentration, and problem-solving

As a professional yo-yo demonstrator and instructor, I have spent more than 30 years perfecting and playing with skill toys. Looking back, I realize how the hours I spent having fun with these toys directly contributed to the positive development of key life skills. Skills and concepts that include things like problem-solving, creativity, independence, and self-esteem. Having fun with these toys have also helped develop a high level of fine and gross motor skills.

Skill toys, like yo-yos, puzzle cubes, and kendamas, encourage children to solve problems, teach persistence, promote imagination, and help teach thinking outside of the box. A skillset that directly resulted in my personal academic success through all grade levels.

As a firm believer in the benefits of skilled toys, I have compiled a list of the top five skilled toys your child can use for development. These are toys that require minimal space and are great activities during quarantine!

#1 Pick - The Yo-Yo

To start our list, we are going back to the basics to the yo-yo! Yo-Yoing helps boost confidence, improves hand-eye coordination, builds character, and serves as a medium to express the artistic side of you.

Over the last 90 years, the design of a yo-yo and what can be done has drastically advanced into awe-inspiring yo-yo maneuvers with high-tech, fast spinning and easy to use designs. With these technological improvements’ kids can learn to yo-yo easier than ever.

Our pick for the beginner is The Reflex™. It is the easiest yo-yo for new players. Once the yo-yo loses too much spin, it will return to your hand without having to pull the string or get the timing right! In the center of the yo-yo is a centrifugal clutch. As the yo-yo loses spin, the clutch engages around the axle sending the Reflex™ automatically back to your hand. Consider this like a bike with training wheels. Once you learn proper timing then you can move on to the next level. Price $9.99 Check some of our yo-yo masters in action: www.yo-yo.com/product-videos

#2 Pick – The Kendama

The classic Japanese skill toy meets modern innovation. Players hold the 'ken' and perform tricks catching and tossing the 'Tama' (ball). Kendamas are the second most popular toy that we have. Each Komodo™ Kendama is constructed from high quality, durable beechwood. The surface of the tama (ball) is perfectly coated with a high quality, glossy paint designed to withstand extended play without chipping. Perfect for any skill level, the Komodo is easy to learn and exciting to master. Price $7.99

#3 Pick – Game Cubes

Our list would not be complete without a few game cubes and puzzles that everyone will love! Both you and your child can challenge your problem-solving skills while having loads of fun in the comfort of your living room.

Want to try a non-traditional cube puzzle? Try the Color Shift Puzzle Ball. This one requires you to match all the colored balls with their corresponding colored rings. There are 12 with only 11 filled with a colored ball. Utilize the empty hole to shift balls around to find their matching hole. Once all balls match their colored outer rings, the puzzle is solved! Price $7.99 In addition, the Duncan Jr. Color Shift offers a simplified version for younger users.

Prefer the traditional Cube puzzle? Check out The Duncan® Quick Cube™. It a features smooth, easy turning design to allow the user to "corner cut" for superior performance and play. Quick Cube $5.99

#4 Pick - Spin Tops

If you did not play with a yo-yo growing up, chances are you probably played with a spin top. Another classic toy, tops have been a standby since the creation of toys.

Designed with the child in mind, the Imperial® Spin Top is a light and durable. It is also designed with a no-mar tip, so you will not have to worry about the top scratching up your floors! Price $3.99

#5 Pick - Phoenix Diabolo

Every child has seen a circus performer do amazing feats with one of these. Toss it in the air and catch it or throw it under and over your leg and watch it climb the string! Although this might be best used in a room with high ceilings or in the front yard, I could not leave it out. As my second favorite skilled toy of all time, you may even find yourself competing in skills with this.

Like the yo-yo, this too has evolved in design. Traditionally these toys had a fixed axle requiring more force to make it spin but now they feature bearing axles. Bearing axles allow for easier and longer spin times. Combining both worlds, Duncan® offers both in a single diabolo with the Phoenix! By hand tightening the knobs the player can quickly switch axles back and forth for variations in play and to accommodate any skill level. The Phoenix is the only diabolo for both beginner and pro players alike! Price $19.99

Ready to get started? We offer free yo-yo tutorials and a trick accomplish badge program on our website www.yo-yo.com. Join us in the family fun by following our Blog at yo-yo.com/blog and Facebook Live @DuncanToys posts.

Understanding the Sport of Yo-Yoing

2020-05-18T10:51:00-05:00

Understanding the Sport of Yo-Yoing

The skills and proper techniques that will help you or your child be successful

Yo-Yoing has been around since 440 B.C. as a toy and now as a sport thanks to the advancement of design. Like any sport to be successful, you must have the proper equipment, learn how to use it, and understand how the sport works.

As one of the oldest and best-known toy makers we are experts at what makes a good yo-yo great. But we are more than just a toymaker, we are a team of yo-yo champions and enthusiasts. We have compiled this guide to help you and/or your child be successful in the sport of yo-yoing. Broken into three parts, you will learn about yo-yo types, yo-yo accessory equipment, and the important/proper techniques needed.

What type of yo-yo is right for me?

To get started, you will need to find the perfect yo-yo for your level. Are you a beginner or do you already know how to make the yo-yo sleep? If you are just starting out, we recommend a beginner yo-yo with a winged wide body shape like the Duncan Butterfly XT™ because of its versatility. Having a wing-shaped body allows “string tricks” to be done with ease. These yo-yo’s also sleep easier than a non-wing-shaped yo-yo.

However, if you are under 8 years old, we recommend a more traditional rounded shape. These yo-yos are usually much more responsive and will help a young child feel successful with the simple up and down tricks. You can make these yo-yo’s sleep and complete basic tricks like walk the dog and rock the baby. They are also the primary shape for looping tricks and two-handed yo-yo play.

Now that you know what shape to choose, let us break down why some are listed as beginner and others advanced. Why do they look similar but are different in cost from $5 vs $20? The answer to that is, it is the design. To complete intermediate to advance level play you will need a yo-yo that has long “spin time” and provides a “smooth” feel as you transition through trick movements. Think about it like a car. A beginner or basic yo-yo is like driving an economy car vs a sports car. The ride is either very bumpy and loud or exceptionally smooth and quiet. The engine power is minimal or is powerful.

A yo-yo that will deliver this is one with rim weight (heavier around the outside than the inside) as well as an overall weight difference. In addition, the bearing or "guts" play a big part in how long it will spin and how smoothly you can transition from one trick to the next. There are a few additional design factors that matter to advance players, but we can talk about those another time.

What about the size? Most beginner to intermediate yo-yos has a size that works for a child of any age. However, as you really get into the sport, we encourage you to try various yo-yo is and find the one that feels best to you. Being that we all have different hand sizes and styles of yo-yo play, our needs are different.

What additional equipment will I need?

Now let us talk about yo-yo string, bearings, and other accessories like bearing oil. Half the battle is having the right string and string length. When you are first getting started, we recommend that you cut your string to the waist/belt level. You do that by placing the yo-yo between your feet and holding the string up. If it is slightly below your belt line, do not worry. If it is above the belt line you need to cut it and tie a knew top loop. You can view how to do that here: Getting Started

As you practice you will need to replace the yo-yo string. String becomes dirty, knotted, and loses its bounce. They also eventually break. Replacing a string is up to the user, but we recommend changing it often especially when it gets dirty. Playing with an old string only prohibits progression in skill level and will often leave a child frustrated. When I was practicing, I would often change my string every 30 min – 1 hour of yo-yo play. Think of it like a rubber band, with so much stretching or use it loses its elasticity. If your child is really into the sport, go for the bundle of 100 strings. They will need them! If this is the first time picking one up, buy a small pack to get started.

Oil is important to. You will need to add oil every once and a while to the bearing. For example, if your child has been playing with the yo-yo for a while and it stops coming back up, you may need a little oil. You can learn about this in the tutorial video link above.

Proper Yo-Yo Technique & Coaching

First and foremost, you need to watch the yo-yo instructors’ hand and finger movement not the yo-yo. There are three parts to learning tricks or maneuvers. Hand and finger movement, yo-yo positioning and timing, and the actual string/trick pattern. If you are not able to get a trick, you need to step back and troubleshoot. Are you doing all three parts correctly? Is your hand position and starting point correct? Where is your finger placement and where is the yo-yo supposed to go? If you are learning from a video watch it in slow motion paying attention to all these areas.

When you first throw a yo-yo, you should be throwing the yo-yo so that you wind up with an open hand/palm up. Once the yo-yo is down there spinning, then you turn your hand over. Are you throwing the yo-yo down, but it just comes back right away? You are probably turning your hand over too soon.

If you can master a solid long sleeper you should be able to achieve most tricks once you learn the patterns. So, focus first on getting that perfect sleeper. Last, pay attention to finger and string placement. Most yo-yo tricks use thumb, index, and middle fingers only with the ring finger and pinky usually tucked or out of the way.

What is the best way of learning? Independently with videos or through actual lessons with a yo-yo professional? Having an in-person coach always makes learning something easier. But you absolutely can learn from videos. Most of my beginner years were spent learning from a yo-yo trick book, yo-yo tutorial videos, and then when I could an in-person coach. Now thanks to the internet you can even do private lessons via a video session. Checking in from time to time so that a coach/yo-yo pro can evaluate your technique is also a great idea. Like any sport, you do not want to develop bad habits.

For more info and video tutorials on all the above check out our tutorial page at www.yo-yo.com/tutorials.

Duncan Programs Now Available!

2020-05-13T07:38:00-05:00

Make it Your Own with a Custom Yo-Yo

Whether you are a youth focused organization or a corporation, we can customize yo-yo’s that represent your company or message in a fun way! From fund raising, promotional giveaways and advertising to kids’ parties, school stores and summer camps, we have an assortment of custom yo-yo options perfect for every type of event.

Boy Scouts – Building Character with a New Sport!

The Duncan Program is for Scouts who want to learn about modern yo-yoing. Each scout will be challenged to learn five levels of yo-yo skills, earning badges as they go. Building character and coordination with each level, a Scout will be recognized as an expert with a unique wings badge at program completion.

Duncan helps feed Cub Scouts’ curious minds through Yo-Yos!

Crafted by Duncan and the Scouts leaders, Cub Scouts can embark on an exciting Yo-Yo Preview Adventure that will improve their coordination while engaging their curious minds! Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts will have the opportunity to learn how yo-yos and pendulums work, while learning how to do basic yo-yo tricks. Older scouts will also learn how gravity and friction affects yo-yos. Through participation, Cub Scouts can earn a Belt loop or Adventure Pin to satisfy their requirements to move up to the next level.

Impacting the Future Generation at Schools

Our Imagine program is a motivational assembly combined with fun classroom activities for PE and Science classes. Our yo-yo program presenters use the yo-yo as a tool to empower youth with key life skills like confidence, goal setting, creativity, and positive thinking! Following our visit, teachers can implement their own yo-yo class activities with our additional FREE program resources.

Empowering Teachers with a Fun New Tool

Teachers and school Counselors can now learn how to implement their own yo-yo club and/or yo-yo learning activities through our new Yo-Yo University Webinars. Our webinars train educators and youth leaders how to teach and implement a yo-yo skill building unit in their class and/or use it as a tool to support positive emotional development.

Program Starter Kits – Get Equipped with the Best Gear

Special Yo-Yo Case Packs for Groups, Troops and Classes

Need more than one yo-yo for a group, troop, or school class? Our yo-yo case packs offer an assortment of colors that are budget friendly! Case packs comes in 12 or 24 qty and can be bought at our special group/organization discounted pricing. Ranging from our very basic beginner yo-yo, the ProYo to our popular intermediate level yo-yo, the Freehand, simply choose the best case pack for your needs.

For more information, please visit www.duncanprograms.com.

10 Brain Benefits from Skill Toy Play

2020-05-05T12:54:00-05:00

How Yo-Yoing Can Help Build Key Brain Skills Youth Need for Life

Childhood is a critical time for brain development. From the moment a child is born, they begin making connections that develop their brain. From behavior, awareness, and self-control to focus, these are just some of the essential skills that need developing. These connections are key to a child’s emotional health and ultimately their future.

In addition to emotional brain development, your child also needs to develop overall gross and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills are those used to move daily functions like walking, jumping, and throwing a ball. They use the large muscle groups. Fine motor skills refer to the coordination of the small muscles in your hands with your eyes. For example, eating, getting dressed, writing, and picking up small objects.

Setting time aside for a child to play is important in developing the brain for the above reasons. To help build gross and fine motor skills introduce engaging activities. Activities can be as simple as throwing a ball or frisbee to more challenging activities like juggling, yo-yoing, or learning to play an instrument.

So why and how are activities like yo-yoing and juggling instrumental in building the above skills? We have compiled a list of 10 specific skills a child can build by playing with a yo-yo that answers this exact question!

Develops hand-eye coordination
Promotes bilateral integration (The ability to use both sides of your body together in a controlled manner)
Expands crossing mid-line function (The ability to reach across the middle of the body with the arms and legs crossing over to the opposite side.)
Builds hand finger strength
Helps teach hand division
Develops hand dominance and/or ambidexterity
Improves spatial awareness
Builds concentration
Teaches determination
Plus, it is a positive activity that a child can carry in their pocket that may help fight overeating, anxiety, or nervousness!!

“Playing with a yo-yo throughout my childhood has helped me in numerous areas in my life. I excelled in school because of a high level of focus and determination that I gained from daily yo-yo practice. It also helped me develop the ability to problem-solve, multi-task, and excel in any physical activity that involves coordination. Check this video out of me in action with two yo-yos to see what I mean,” said Jennifer Baybrook, a former World Champion.

Since the idea of playing with a yo-yo is probably bringing out your inner child, we encourage you to pick one up too! As an adult you can also improve your fine motor skills like hand-dexterity, hand division, strength, and mental benefits like memory.

Reducing Your Child’s Video Game & TV Time with Yo-Yo Play

2020-04-24T12:29:00-05:00

Why Yo-Yoing is one of the best non-electronic activities for kids

Over the last few years, we have seen a growing concern about the number of hours our children are in front of electronics and how much they are exposed to "screen time". With families unexpectedly stuck at home, there is an added need for activities that reduce their screen time while delivering either educational or physical health benefits.

With over 90 years of experience entertaining kids with yo-yo play and other skilled toys, we are experts at activities that keep kids engaged. This cross-generational toy allows children to have fun while improving fine motor skills and emotional concepts like hand-eye coordination, hand dexterity, self-confidence, and concentration. It can even be used as a tool to help fight over-eating, anxiety and lack of determination.

Photo credit: Drew Tetz

Children can use their imagination to walk the dog and take a trip around the world to see the Eiffel tower. We encourage parents and children to get creative during their yo-yo activities and involve the entire family. Much like a family game night, your family can hold weekly yo-yo contests in the living room or yard with our family contest guide.

Are you looking for a fun way to teach a science or history lesson? Try using a yo-yo to teach science concepts like rotational inertia, mass distribution and friction. Or engage your child with a history research project about the origins of the yo-yo which has been traced back to 440 B.C. Chart a course around the world and learn about various countries as you follow the yo-yo through time and into space!

To add to all the fun, we have a free yo-yo club and trick completion program in which your child can earn badges of achievement as they build their skills. Not only will they find a new sport they can play at home they may also make new friends from all over the world.

Visit us online at www.yo-yo.com or follow us on Facebook @DuncanToys to get your child plugged into this world sport! We feature free tutorials and all the yo-yo gear you need to get started.

Family Fun at Home!

2020-04-20T09:02:00-05:00

Everyone Can Have Fun with Our Free Online Yo-Yo Lesson and Hold A Family Contest with Our New Yo-Yo Contest Guide!

Do you need a new activity that will engage your family and get them away from the TV? Duncan® has developed a program that is great for the entire family, adults included. Ranging from free online yo-yo tutorials to a family yo-yo contest, our program will inspire your kids to start a new sport. You may even find your inner child again and dust off your childhood yo-yo!

As the number one toy of all time and the second oldest toy in history, Duncan has been teaching our youth about yo-yoing around the world for nearly 90 years. Our youth program will provide hours of fun and numerous fine motor skill-building benefits including developing hand-eye coordination and concentration. Participating in the sport of yo-yoing will also help your child build self-confidence, determination and creativity.

Go back to the basics and share some of your best childhood memories with your family by starting with our free online yo-yo lessons. Our tutorials taught by actual yo-yo champions feature multiple tricks divided into five trick levels. For each trick level completed, your child can earn cool achievement patches. Who will be the yo-yo champion in your family?

Calling All Scouts

Our program was originally created for the Scouts. If you are a Scout, you can sign up and submit your troop information at www.yo-yo.com/scouts. Or if you have a child in the Cub Scouts, we have a special “digital adventure” they can participate in!

Duncan's exciting Yo-Yo Preview Adventure gives Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts the opportunity to learn how yo-yos and pendulums work, as well as basic yo-yo tricks. Duncan offers great tutorials and instructional videos to help you deliver this adventure and get Scouts started with basic yo-yoing. For more information, visit www.yo-yo.com/cubscouts

Download the Family Yo-Yo Contest Guide Here.

Ready to get started? Click here to go directly to our yo-yo lesson tutorial page. Need a yo-yo? Visit our main page at www.yo-yo.com to order or to watch videos of our team of champions showing off their cool skills! Use FAMILY25 to receive 25% off your Duncan Yo-Yo’s at checkout.

World Yo-Yo Champion Story Part One

2020-04-15T07:34:00-05:00

In 1987, on a warm summer morning in Vermont, a six-year-old girl discovered the yo-yo and what followed was an unusual journey around the world. This is the story of Jennifer Baybrook and her 30+ years of yo-yo demonstrations, competitions and the friends she made along the way.

Part 1 - The Beginning

One summer day while camping with my family, I picked up a simple toy called a yo-yo. At the time I was too young to know that what I held in my hand was not just a toy, but a tool that would change my life.

It all began in 1987 at a little campground in Vermont called Kampersville. At this camp they had daily and weekly activities for adults and kids to participate in each year. One of my favorite activities was shuffleboard and competing against the other kids at the camp. Not only did I have fun playing, I was great at it!

Every weekend, I would play and win an ice cream or something at the camp store. We had already been camping for a couple of weeks and I was ready to play and win for my third weekend in a row!! When the weekend came, I put on my six-year-old game face and my parents brought me to the courts. When we arrived, the courts were empty. The shuffleboard game activities had been canceled. Much to my dismay, the only activity they had that day was learning how to yo-yo.

I had seen the yo-yo teacher showing off his skills at the family entertainment night the weekend before. Although I had been amazed by his tricks, I didn't have much interest in learning. Despite this, my parents tried to convince me the yo-yo activity would be fun and then sent me on my way. I slowly walked over and put out my hand to receive this orange Duncan yo-yo. I listened and watched the yo-yo man show me my first trick, the gravity pull. I did that with ease and still not impressed asked him what was next. He then showed me the sleeper, which I also did within a couple of tries. Still not wowed with the yo-yo, the yo-yo man took things up a notch and challenged me to do “walk the dog”. Finally, he had my attention.

It was at that exact moment, that my life changed, and I began a journey that would send me around the world. A journey that would immerse me in a subculture based on one of the oldest toys in history.

By the end of the summer, my entire family had learned how to yo-yo. My sister, father, and my foster-brother. We packed up and went back to our home in a quiet town in northern Vermont. We had taken to yo-yoing as a regular activity and even became hooked on this TV comedy show called “The Smothers Brothers”.

On this show, was another yo-yo man called "The Yo-Yo Man". ?? He would wow us with tricks we didn’t know. I would watch with attention and as soon as the commercial came on, I ran into the other room to try the trick I had just seen.

The days and weeks passed quickly and soon the winter and spring. Finally, summer had come, and we prepared for our journey back to "Kampersville". I couldn't wait to see our camp yo-yo man and show him all that I had learned. Not only was he good at yo-yo's, but he had also been a professional "Cheerio" yo-yo demonstrator in the 1950s. Naturally, with more than 30 years of experience himself, I knew he would have more tricks for me to learn!

I went home again that year having mastered what seemed to be most of the one-handed tricks and thinking that was it. But what I didn't know was that my teacher had suggested that my parents order two special yo-yos' so I could potentially learn two-handed yo-yoing. At the time, this was the natural progression of yo-yo skills. But only a skill level that seemed doable by adults not seven-year-olds.

(The Smothers Brothers)

Well, I’m sure by now you know what happened next. We received two-wooden yo-yo’s from a California company called “Tom Kuhn”. This company made yo-yo’s for the famous TV yo-yo man, Tommy Smothers and all the special “masters of yo” that they had on their TV show. Tom Kuhn, spoke to my parents and asked who they were for. Surprised that they had a daughter that could do two-handed, he shared this with the Smothers Brothers. I was soon invited to be on their show as a special guest.

(Live with Regis & Kathy Lee Morning Show)

Only two years after I had picked up my first yo-yo, I had my “professional debut” as a yo-yo demonstrator. Soon, local newspapers and TV news featured my story and then our phone began to ring. My parents started getting regular requests to have their daughter come to a local event, fair, festival, etc. and show off her cool yo-yo skills.

(Left to Right - Mark Sitton, Harvey Lowe, Stuart Crump, Dale Oliver, Bob Malowney, Donald Duncan Jr.)

The Early Years of my Career

In the years that followed, I found myself traveling around New England entertaining at schools and fairs with my first yo-yo teacher, Phil Morin. During the late 80's and early '90s, I was one of only three kids that were demonstrators. The other two were teenagers from California, Paul Buethe and Mark Sitton. We joined the ranks of experienced professionals who had all started in the 1950s-1970s. Professionals that included Dale Myberg, Dale Oliver, Harvey Lowe and Linda Singpiel.

I also became acquainted with a subculture of key influencers including Donald Duncan Jr., Stuart Crump, Bob Maloney and Lou Newmyer. You may know some of these people and you may not. But either way, what you should know is that they were all very influential in the growth of the yo-yo subculture that we have come to love.

In 1990, Donald Duncan Jr., had a company called Playmaxx. It was with his company that he created a traveling yo-yo museum and tour of champions marketed as “The Return of the Yo-Yo”.

The Return of the Yo-Yo was a museum exhibit put on display at various shopping malls across the country. Along with the yo-yo’s on display, the mall allowed us to put on regular yo-yo performances in the center of the mall on a stage that was a giant yo-yo. We were the opening act usually for more mainstream entertainers like Brenda Lee, a famous singer at the time.

It was on these tours that I met some of the professional yo-yo masters mentioned above. Each teaching me new yo-yo tricks or challenging me to one they had created. Although I was a shy child, I had a competitive side that made me determined to do every single trick that they showed me.

(Performing with my Sister at the White House Easter Egg Roll Event)

Soon after this, my sister decided to get into the act with me. However, she could not yo-yo to save her life. ?? She found her talent with another toy called a "paddleball". We combined our talents and hit the road as a variety show sister act. My father was our MC and my mom was our talent agent and tour manager. We traveled the yearly fair and festival circuit performing with every type of performer you can imagine from zoo shows and acrobatics to dancers and singers. Our biggest performance as a sister act was in 1994 at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll event. We continued with our sister act show for two more years until my next big career break came...

Part 2 - My World Tour

To be continued next week. Subscribe to our blog to be notified when we post it.

(In Japan performing with THP - Kenji Nakamura, Me, Sky Kiyabu, Yves Young, Ryan Lai, Ross Pascual, Cody Kiyabu)

A Rich History of a Simple Toy Called the Yo-Yo

2020-04-08T08:55:00-05:00

One summer day, 33 years ago, I picked up my first yo-yo and learned my very first yo-yo tricks. At the time, I was too young to know that what I held in my hand was not just a toy, it was one of the oldest toys in history. As the days and years passed, I joined the ranks of a global subculture that found themselves fascinated by a simple toy. A toy that has been dated back as far as 440 BC. It is believed that the yo-yo originated from one of three countries: China, the Philippines and Greece. However, the oldest historical mentions and artifacts that have been found are from Greece. These artifacts included a painting from 440 BC that shows a boy playing with a yo-yo and writings that describe them as discs made from wood, terra cotta and metal. The terra cotta discs were likely used as an offering to the gods when a child became of age. Likewise, similar drawings have also been found in Egyptian temples.

(Source: Museum of Yo-Yo History www.yoyomuseum.com)

Like many things in history, it is believed that people carried the yo-yo with them to other parts of the world including India and France in the 1700s. A picture of King Louis XVII shows him playing with a yo-yo as a child. Historical documents reveal that yo-yo was a popular past-time during the French Revolution. This tradition carried on to the 1800’s in which paintings show Napoleon throwing a yo-yo prior to entering the battle of Waterloo. From there the yo-yo continued its journey around the world becoming a pastime in England and then finally reaching America and eventually into space Seriously, in 1985 the astronauts of the Space Shuttle Discovery, brought it with them on their mission!

Check out the YouTube video of this mission here:

(Source: Museum of Yo-Yo History www.yoyomuseum.com)

As one of the few multi-generational toys, to truly appreciate history it is important to learn about the subculture as much as the cool historical facts. It is a subculture that
came about because of the keen foresight by the American businessman, Donald F.
Duncan.

One day in 1928, Donald Duncan found himself standing on a street in San Francisco curiously watching a man named Pedro Flores entertaining kids with a round object that was tied to the end of a string. The entrepreneurial spirit in Mr. Duncan helped him to
immediately see the marketability of the new toy. A fuse was lit that helped yo-yoing to quickly become one of the most popular toys in history.

(President Richard Nixon Yo-Yoing 1974, 1935 Duncan Contest Winners, Photos from Museum of Yo-Yo History – www.yoyomuseum.com)

Soon after he set his marketing idea in motion when he approached William Randolph Hearst--owner of the nation's largest newspaper chain. Duncan’s idea to launch the yo- yo was to feature ads in newspapers around the country of yo-yo contests. He proposed that if Mr. Hearst gave him free ad space, he could increase the circulation of his newspapers through advertisements of his yo-yo contests. To enter the contest, kids needed to sell 2-3 subscriptions to the newspaper. Hearst, skeptical at the time, started with his Chicago paper and in six weeks they sold 50,000 new subscriptions. Since it was so successful, Mr. Hearst gave Donald Duncan free ad space in all his papers around the country. At that point Mr. Duncan created teams of professional yo-yo demonstrators and sent them from city to city and school yard to school yard. Entertaining kids and promoting local yo-yo contests, these demonstrators and events made Duncan a household name.

(1980’s Roller Skating Yo-Yo Players)

From schoolyard demonstrators selling hand-carved wooden yo-yos to modern champions touring the globe, the way we play is always changing, but the reasons we play have not. "Yo-yos are not only fun and something to pass the time with, they are a tool of expressionism that fuels everyone’s creativity and inner child. It is a sport that you can play individually or as a team. The best part is that it literally fits in your pocket!

It is for this reason and from Donald Duncan creating and sending special yo-yo demonstrators around the county that this subculture came to be. My own love for yo-yo play began when I watched a professional demonstrator at a summer youth camp in Vermont. Each weekend, this man who had been playing with a yo-yo for 40 years put on a yo-yo show. He then taught the kids a few tricks like walk the dog and rock the baby. My very first yo-yo was a Duncan and like most kids, I played with it every day. As the years went by, I soon became immersed in this unusual subculture with a language of its own. From yo-yo trick names to technical terms and secrets of fine tuning a yo-yo, I absorbed it all. From waxing, sanding, and string making to finding the ideal weighted yo-yo and the perfect combination of friction and string material, these tools of the trade became my world. Like my teacher and all those before me, I was hired to be a professional demonstrator. I soon began traveling to schools and various family-type of venues showing my awe- inspiring feats with a yo-yo. From encouraging kids to compete in local yo-yo contests to teaching as many kids as I could, this became my life. As the years passed, I watched kids and adults of all ages also take to this as either a hobby or as a sport. The yo-yo is a universal toy that brings people together. No matter where they are from, what language they speak, what they do for work or what type of personality they have. It provided hours of fun, laughter and memories that truly are passed down from one generation to the next.

If you want to learn more, I encourage you to watch our “Heritage: The Duncan Yo-Yo Story” on your YouTube channel. You can also read about the historical origins and view a collection of yo-yo’s at www.yoyomuseum.com. Plus, you can read about how yo-yo’s have evolved from simple wood versions to high-tech roller bearing and precision crafted versions. If you want to read more about my own story of traveling the world as a yo-yo champion, please follow me on social media at the links below and watch for my future blog posts!

Freehand AL 2020

2020-04-06T09:05:00-05:00

A year in the making and too many revisions to count; we funneled it all down to one beautiful, powerful, and iconic design. Our newest yo-yo, the Freehand AL!

We updated the Freehand design many times over the years. So what is different this time? We added an aluminum cap, improved the shape and weight distribution. The result? It's a massive upgrade! We initially thought that aesthetics is the critical factor here, but it turns out that the spin-time is equally essential. We flattened the area near the padded seat to hold intricate long combos, as well as designing the body to be a semi-organic shape to accommodate changing directional tricks to any style of play. Using an aluminum cap really separated the Freehand AL from any of the current yo-yos in the market right now.

A bang for your buck and a must yo-yo to add on your collection. Freehand AL comes with a licensed Dif-E-Yo KonKave Bearing and Rapid Ball counterweight (color may vary).

Specs and Pricing:

Weight: 65.5 g
Width: 41.30 mm
Diameter: 55.90 mm
Body Material: A6061
Cap Material: A6061
Pads: 19mm Duncan Pads
Bearing: Licensed KK Bearing

MSRP starts at $49.99

Release Date:

USA: April 16, 8 PM EST

Asia: April 16, 8AM EST

Ten Toys Under $10 to Keep Kids Busy

2020-03-23T11:00:00-05:00

Are you a parent at home asking yourself how you can keep your kids entertained during school closures? As experts in skilled toy activities for kids, we have compiled a list of 10 toys under $10 that will keep your child entertained while helping them continue to develop their fine motor skills, overall concentration and focus.

To start our list off, we are going back to the basics to the third oldest toy in history, the yo-yo!

Yo-Yoing is one of the few skill toys that reach many aspects of life. Aside from learning excellent skills with a fun activity, it helps boost confidence, improves hand-eye coordination, builds character, and serves as a medium to express the artistic side of you.

Over the last 90 years, the design of a yo-yo and what can be done has drastically advanced into awe-inspiring yo-yo maneuvers with high-tech, fast spinning and easy to use designs. It has also become a new sport, one you can carry in your pocket, or backpack, and take anywhere…or do at home!

#1 Pick – Yo-Yo

As technology has evolved, so has the yo-yo. Today, there are many options to choose from ranging from the traditional wing shape to oversized yo-yos. Our pick for the beginner is The Reflex™. It is the easiest yo-yo for new players. Once the yo-yo loses too much spin, it will return to your hand without having to pull the string or get the timing right! In the center of the yo-yo is a centrifugal clutch. As the yo-yo loses spin, the clutch engages around the axle sending the Reflex™ automatically back to your hand. Consider this like a bike with training wheels. Once you learn proper timing then you can move on to the next level. Price $9.99 Buy Here

For kids that already know a few tricks and want to learn more advanced styles of yo-yo play, we suggest trying the Freehand or Off-string method. With the introduction of Freehand came a new way to perform tricks by attaching a counterweight to the end of the string. The string is no longer attached to your finger, allowing you to perform a new range of very cool tricks. Off-string is the opposite, while the string remains attached to your finger, it is not attached to the yo-yo. This allows cool maneuvers like what you would see with a diabolo…the giant yo-yo you often see during a Circus performance. Both are cool innovative techniques that will keep kids entertained for months!! Check out our fun videos here to see what can really be done with a yo-yo. www.yo-yo.com/product-videos

Join an Online Yo-Yo Club

The great thing about the sport of yo-yoing, is that it can be done at home but still allow kids to be a part of a club online. And since you are probably pulling out your old yo-yo right now or ordering a new one, add joining a yo-yo club to your list of activities.

Our yo-yo club youth program is an easy way to learn about modern yo-yoing. It is fun, collaborative, and builds a foundation for learning new skills! Kids around the world can visit our website or app to get free tutorials on our Yo-Yo Program tricks and earn patches as they learn! For more information about this visit us at www.yo-yo.com/scouts

#2 Pick – The Kendama

The kendama originates from early 18th century Japan. Players hold the ‘ken’ and perform tricks catching and tossing the ‘tama’ (ball). Kendamas are quickly becoming a staple for us at Duncan and are the second most popular toy that we have. Want to add a high-tech twist that your child will go crazy about? Check out our light up Kendama called The Torch™. Price $9.99 Buy Here

#3 Pick – Spin Tops

If you didn’t play with a yo-yo growing up, chances are you probably played with a spin top. Another classic toy, tops have been a standby since the creation of toys. We’ve kept the top around by creating durable and attractive versions w

hile keeping the same basic concept and style as homage to the tops early origins.

Designed with the child in mind, our Imperial® Spin Top is a light and comfortable in size. We've also designed the top with a no-mar tip, so you won’t have to worry about the top scratching up your floors! Price $3.99 Buy Here

#4 Pick – The Boomerang

While “sharing is caring” right now, our kids need fun sports activities that they can do without another child having to touch the object. The boomerang is a cool toy that a child can throw which returns to them unlike a frisbee or a ball. Made from soft and safe Memorang foam, the Indoor Booma is soft enough to throw safely indoors and has a flight range of 15 – 20 feet! We also have an outdoor version for those with yards to play in. Price $7.99 Buy Here

Race! Stack! Spin! Battle! The new version of a top, kids of this generation absolutely love gyro racers. Featuring a heavy-duty gyroscope within each collectable character, a child can simply rev up the Gyro Racers with only one or two thrusts. Play solo or with siblings. You can spin them upright, upside down, on top of each other, or on the special ring or cone. Price $ 5.99 Buy Here

#5 Pick – Footbags

Footbags are classic form of outdoor or indoor entertainment! Your children can use this to play competitive games against each other or to simply show off their dexterity skills. We’ve created three different styles to accommodate all levels of players, and styles of play. Made of durable pellet-filled synthetic leather, Daredevil™ footbag is great for BEGINNER footbag players learning the sport/hobby of footbag. Its 5-panel design makes learning easier and more fun! Price $5.99 Buy Here

#6 Pick – Juggling Balls

Juggling is another back to the basics activity that you probably tried at some point, but have your kids? To master the basic skill of juggling, using or finding the perfect three items to juggle is key. Tennis balls, apples and scarves can all be used but children and adults find it easier to juggle balls or bags that are filled with plastic beans, making catches comfortable and eliminating bounce when dropped. Our juggling balls also come with brightly colored vinyl shells that will make a child feel like the next circus star. Price: $8.99 Buy Here

#7 Pick – Gyro Racers

Our list wouldn’t be complete without a few game cubes and puzzles that everyone will love! Both you and your child can challenge your solving skills while having loads of fun in the comfort of your living room.

#8 Pick – The Color Shift Puzzle Ball

The Color Shift Puzzle Ball can be solved by matching all the colored balls with their corresponding colored rings. There are 12 with only 11 filled with a colored ball. Utilize the empty hole to shift balls around to find their matching hole. Once all balls match their colored outer rings, the puzzle is solved! Price $7.99 Buy Here

Prefer a more traditional Cube puzzle? Check out The Duncan® Quick Cube™. It a features smoo

th, easy turning design to allow the user to "corner cut" for superior performance and play. Quick Cube $5.99

#9 Pick – The Mental Block

All of us suffer from occasional mental block, but Duncan provides relief with the new Mental Block brain twister. Fun for two to four players, this game is easy to learn, but a challenge to win! More fun than two-dimensional games, with the Mental Block you can go around corners and over walls. With alternating turns, simply be the first player to connect 4 pegs in a row, and you win! Other game variations included! Price $6.99 Buy Here

#10 Pick – Ultimate Disc

Whether a competitive Ultimate player, or simply a backyard thrower, the Duncan Ultimate is precision weighted for smooth, accurate flights. At 175 grams, the high performance Ultimate meets the official weight and size specifications for the Olympic Ultimate Games. Price $9.99 Buy Here

About Duncan® Toys

Duncan® is one of the oldest and best-known toy makers. Founded during the Great Depression, the story of Duncan® Toys is unique: one full of curiosity and invention that could only be fueled by the uniquely entrepreneurial spirit of America.

For over 90 years, we have crafted Yo-Yos for every generation. From school yard demonstrators selling hand-carved wooden yo-yos to new champions touring the globe, the way we play is always changing. However, the reasons we play are not. We are committed in engaging children of all ages and generations with top quality, durable Duncan® Yo-Yos. Whether you are shopping for your child or for your own inner child, we believe that our toys will help you find your inner fun.

Connect with us on social media at @duncantoys or visit www.yo-yo.com/blogs

Duncan Imagine School Program - Jennifer Baybrook

2020-02-17T10:44:00-06:00

Last year, we worked with Jennifer Baybrook to create a new school yo-yo program that is fun, inspirational, and empowering for today’s youth, leaders and teachers. Our main goal is to motivate kids with a hands-on skill building activity that instills positive emotional concepts with physical education benefits.

Link: https://www.yo-yo.com/schools

Students can learn fun yo-yo tricks while engaging in laughter and storytelling.

We call the show "Imagine". All school performances are done in South Florida to Central Florida. We have plans to expand, but for now, we want to focus on where we have plenty of human resources. A little introduction, Jennifer Baybrook is a National Yo-Yo Master, and the first-ever women World Yo-Yo Champion! Throughout her career, she traveled throughout 15 countries and 32 states, promoting yo-yos and empowering the youth.

Quick Q and A with Jennifer below!

Why are you doing it?

Because I love motivating children and showing them that in the word impossible is "I'm possible!”. We can do anything we imagine, we just need to believe that we can. I love yo-yo's and they have changed my life for the better. I hope that I can share my experiences and my passion to help change the lives of kids. I believe that with the Duncan Imagine program we will be able to empower youth with a world of possibilities, friendship and a new sport!

How long have you been playing yo-yo?

Too long. Not to age myself but ….over 30 years. Demonstrating? 30 years.

What inspired you to do the imagine show?

I've always loved motivating and inspiring kids but now it's my passion. Our society and today's youth are struggling with such high levels of bullying, self-esteem problems, anxiety and more. We have the ability to reach kids with a positive message in a fun way that they can relate to. I hope that it is a message that they won't just hear but that they will remember each time they throw their yo-yo.

Imagine the impossible because in the word impossible is I’m Possible!

How yo-yoing can help kids around the globe?

By giving them a community of friends and people who embrace being unique and being creative. This is a sport that any child can be a part of and they can do it at their own pace. It is especially great for kids with ADD, ADHD, anxiety, eating disorders, social awkwardness and other things that may prevent them from participating in the "normal" school sports or activities.

Spotlight: Rick Rentz the Yo-Yo Historian

2020-01-16T08:32:00-06:00

Retired Special Education Teacher Rick Rentz spends his time talking about the Duncan Yo-Yo history. It is heartwarming to see people like Rick spreading the love of yo-yoing. He could’ve spent his time on the beach sipping a margarita or traveling across Europe or Asia. Still, he chose to spend most of his retirement going to the museums, schools, and hospitals demonstrating old school/modern yo-yoing and teaching the history behind it.

Check out some of the photos from his recent museum and after school visits!

Thanks for your contributions to the community!

2019 Yo-Yo Recap

2020-01-09T08:24:00-06:00

Last year was a lot of fun: a lot of product launches, events, new members and news. Last week, we wrote an article about our brick and mortar efforts - when you get a chance, please check it out here!

Moving onto the 2019 Yo-Yo Recap, we released a total of ten metal yo-yos. It's a lot of work, but worth it! Our ultimate goal is to release different types of yo-yos with unique characteristics for you to like at least one or two or all. We made monometals, different bi-metal placements, made in the USA, and designed by champions & engineers around the world. It's crazy, but we are thrilled because your support inspires us to keep moving and forget the noise and negativity around. Let's break it down one by one!

Mayhem | Made in USA

February 2019

(Photo by YoYoExpert)

Our first release of 2019 is the Mayhem. It's just right to have another Made in the USA in our line, and we would be happy to do it again. This throw is incredibly fun, organic in premium feel.

Grasshopper GTX

March 2019

A year-long of testing and the yo-yo that helped win multiple yo-yo contest even before releasing. Grasshopper GTX is one of the best bi-metal out there. It's a fact. We'll keep this as long as we can because it's that good.

Yo-Yo Day | Windrunner 7068, Metal Drifter XL, Exit 8

Early June 2019

We take Yo-Yo Day very seriously. We released three GREAT Yo-Yos for an incredible price.

Windrunner 7068 – A lot of people requested it, so we obliged. The first Windrunner is 6061-grade aluminum. Our goal is to keep it economical, while the performance is top-notch. However, many people suggested running the same model in a premium-grade metal to complete the package. The result is fantastic, our favorite $40 range throw to-date.

Metal Drifter XL – if we are talking about and XL size yo-yo with a TON of fun, it is the Metal Drifter XL. A lot of people mentioned that it's huge and plays like a standard size yo-yo. It's crazy to think that way, but it's true.

Exit 8 – the reborn of a great yo-yo, in bi-metal. Working with Takeshi Kamisato, the master of all skill toy is just a dream. Reworking the original Exit 8 design with his idea is just mind-blowing. This yo-yo is in a little undersized, but don't be deceived by its size, because it plays good and spins for a long time!

Yoshicuda X

Late June 2019

Yoshihiro Abe is gearing up for contest season. He's a big fan of all the Barracuda line from the very start, but as he grows up and polishing his tricks, he requested that he wanted the same design, in a smaller and more full width. The result? It's a BEAST. We only released around 300 pieces total.

Barracuda X

July 2019

Working with Rafael Matsunaga, the founder of Barracuda line-up, is always an adventure. Barracuda X is a 7075 bi-metal with a price tag of $80, but it feels so luxurious.

Tourney, Orbital GTX, Butterfly AL

August 2019

World Yo-Yo Contest in Cleveland.

Tourney

Oh, man. This Yo-Yo. We knew the feeling and design we wanted, but getting the right tolerance took us four revisions. It's worth it. Having the stainless steel in a unique area gave it such an original feeling. I don't think I ever played with something similar. The looks are very similar to our other yo-yos, but the feeling is so different.

Orbital GTX

We had this design a long time ago, but we felt like the design is too futuristic, so we ended up releasing it in 2019. The yo-yo looks enormous but feels smalls when you hold, and it's light but long-spin time. It's just hard to explain, so try this when you have a chance!

Butterfly AL

I had this idea years ago. It's a yo-yo that people will judge you why did you do this? Why is the design like this, and the look is that? Those are the questions I feared the most, so we waited a bit. It ended up being one of our most in-demand Yo-Yo last year!

Special mention is our Butterfly XT. We remodeled this Yo-Yo last year, and we've gotten a lot of support from everyone. Redesigning this yo-yo is one of our proudest moments.

I hope you enjoyed the ride, and we thank you for your incredible support! It's crazy how all the yo-yos I mentioned above, nearly all the comments I hear are good things. It's very heartwarming how we are getting in touch with the community again. After releasing all these amazing yo-yos, we shifted our goal to only design a high-performance yo-yo. Writing this article made me excited to show you guys what we have in 2020.

Jonathan Sitanggang featuring Grasshopper GTX

2020-01-06T10:55:00-06:00

An incredibly talented person located in Indonesia, Jonathan Sitanggang released a new video concentrating on trick innovation and density, it is also trick focused so that you can enjoy the entire combos with fewer camera angle switch. It's so amazing - I have to watch it multiple times!

Jonathan will rise this coming contest season in Asia, and possibly the world. His fantastic flow, innovative tricks, and dense combos will give him a huge advantage to win this year.

Yo-Yo used is Grasshopper GTX. Available worldwide!

Duncan Toys Presents: Javier August x Sebastian Lavin

2020-01-02T12:27:00-06:00

New Year. New Video.

A cinematic approach with a trick focused video. We present to you, Javier Augusto x Sebastian Lavin!

These two are a great tandem. Javier is a Team Duncan veteran with a National Champion title under his belt, and Sebastian, who just started playing yo-yo three years ago and a rising Mexican star with a very competitive mindset. What else can we ask for?

In a serious note, Javier is working hard to train Sebastian as he sees a bright future ahead of him. He's been coaching Sebastian for two years now, and he's not going to stop to help him become a top tier competitive player.

From Javier..

Sebastián Lavín is an incredibly talented and passionate person in the world of yo-yo. Ever since I met him, I noticed his passion for becoming a yo-yo champion. I did not hesitate to give him my advice and my help so he could grow more every day. Now he is not only my student and one of my best friends.

Yo-Yo Used: Duncan Barracuda X

Blog

Top 5 Stocking Stuffer Yo-Yos

Top 5 Holiday Gift Ideas

Team Duncan at the 2020 Japan National Yo-Yo Contest, Yoshihiro Abe Won the 5A Division!

Put a New Spin to Your Next Family Game Night

Seven Cool Toys for Summer Fun by Duncan Toys

Summer Fun Toys

World Yo-Yo Champion Story Part Two

Duncan Yo-Yo Buyer's Guide

Never played yo-yo before? You can’t go wrong with the Reflex or Butterfly XT models!

First Metal Yo-Yo

Metal Racer | Metal Drifter

What is an “unresponsive” yo-yo?

First Plastic Unresponsive Yo-Yo

First Metal Unresponsive Yo-Yo

First Premium Bi-Metal Yo-Yo

Grasshopper GTX | Orbital GTX

First Freehand (5A) Yo-Yo

Freehand NextGen | Freehand AL

All-time Classics!

Tournament | Butterfly | Imperial

Duncan Program Starter Kits

Equipping Future Champions & Leaders with the Best Yo-Yo Gear

Impacting Lives with Positivity, Creativity & Fun

How an Ancient Toy has become a Modern Tool for Positive Emotional Development

From Baby Boomers to Millennials, An Iconic American Toy Celebrates its Heritage on June 6th - National Yo-Yo Day

Top 5 Best Skill Toys by World Champion Jennifer Baybrook

Understanding the Sport of Yo-Yoing

Understanding the Sport of Yo-Yoing

What type of yo-yo is right for me?

What additional equipment will I need?

Proper Yo-Yo Technique & Coaching

Duncan Programs Now Available!

Make it Your Own with a Custom Yo-Yo

Boy Scouts – Building Character with a New Sport!

Duncan helps feed Cub Scouts’ curious minds through Yo-Yos!

Impacting the Future Generation at Schools

Empowering Teachers with a Fun New Tool

Program Starter Kits – Get Equipped with the Best Gear

Special Yo-Yo Case Packs for Groups, Troops and Classes

10 Brain Benefits from Skill Toy Play

How Yo-Yoing Can Help Build Key Brain Skills Youth Need for Life

Reducing Your Child’s Video Game & TV Time with Yo-Yo Play

Why Yo-Yoing is one of the best non-electronic activities for kids

Family Fun at Home!

Everyone Can Have Fun with Our Free Online Yo-Yo Lesson and Hold A Family Contest with Our New Yo-Yo Contest Guide!

World Yo-Yo Champion Story Part One

Part 1 - The Beginning

The Early Years of my Career

Part 2 - My World Tour

A Rich History of a Simple Toy Called the Yo-Yo

Freehand AL 2020

Specs and Pricing:

Weight: 65.5 gWidth: 41.30 mmDiameter: 55.90 mmBody Material: A6061Cap Material: A6061Pads: 19mm Duncan PadsBearing: Licensed KK Bearing

MSRP starts at $49.99

Release Date:

USA: April 16, 8 PM EST

Asia: April 16, 8AM EST

Ten Toys Under $10 to Keep Kids Busy

#1 Pick – Yo-Yo

Join an Online Yo-Yo Club

#2 Pick – The Kendama

#3 Pick – Spin Tops

#4 Pick – The Boomerang

#5 Pick – Footbags

#6 Pick – Juggling Balls

#7 Pick – Gyro Racers

#8 Pick – The Color Shift Puzzle Ball

#9 Pick – The Mental Block

#10 Pick – Ultimate Disc

About Duncan® Toys

Duncan Imagine School Program - Jennifer Baybrook

Spotlight: Rick Rentz the Yo-Yo Historian

2019 Yo-Yo Recap

Jonathan Sitanggang featuring Grasshopper GTX

Duncan Toys Presents: Javier August x Sebastian Lavin

Weight: 65.5 g
Width: 41.30 mm
Diameter: 55.90 mm
Body Material: A6061
Cap Material: A6061
Pads: 19mm Duncan Pads
Bearing: Licensed KK Bearing