Congratulations to Spinworkx, Spingear and SPYY!

Both Spinworkx singapore (above)  and Spingear Japan have moved stores!

SpinGear even plan on having a lathe in the store for live modding!

Also Congratulations to Steve Buffel from SPYY who is now a proud father of 6lbs 15oz Nash Reid Buffel!

Reviews

People just haven't been writing enough reviews lately. With that in mind Last Wednesday we offered an incentive to the first 2 people to write MVP and LUNATIC reviews. Here are the results!

gidikh

skyline, mvp, superstar


skyline, mvp, superstar


guts

1st impression: It's a new and improved superstar. Its more angular, but the feel definitely reminds me of the superstar (which is by no means a bad thing). 

Play: Dead smooth and stable. This is by far the most stable yoyo I have thrown. Between the center trac bearing and the insane rim weight, you almost have to try to get it to tilt on you. Even after multiple reps of a braintwister/gerbil combo it just spins like you just landed a trapeze. Spin time is very impressive, after a couple chained combos I never feel rushed to return it.

Grinds: This is the only part that is kinda lacking. Definately not the best grinder, i would imagine that any sort of humidity would prevent any grinding. 

Final thoughts: I was initially worried about an uncomfortable catch, but the flatter rims are actually easier on the hands than the superstar. I really was impressed by how stable and smooth it is. If you liked the superstar you will like this even better. Also, a really cool feature of the wide gap is that you can pick out most knots without taking the yoyo apart.

MVP 

REVIEW BY:

1withforce

Hey guys, I thought I'd write a review on the new MVP yo-yo. Of the many new Yo-yo's being released by Yoyofactory this one caught my eye the most. Why??? Because it reminded me so much of a Superstar. The Superstar is my favorite yo-yo, it's just so good. Getting a new yo-yo is always exciting. I ordered a Red MVP as red is my favorite color. I was lucky with my red Superstar because I got it at Nationals in 2008. I had to wait it out for this one but it was well worth it. Man I thought the Superstar was great but the MVP is even better. There's been improvement's on the yo-yo that makes it different from a Superstar but also makes it even better. 


Size
The size of this yo-yo is a little bigger then a Superstar. It's a full size yo-yo. This makes it easier to catch and a tad bit heavier for increased spin times. The shape of the rims of this yo-yo is amazing. They feel good in your hand and seem to be easier to catch. The gapm og the yo-yo is nice and wide so you have absolute unresponsivness. The yo-yo's not heavy at all and tricks like Laceration are a breeze. One of my favorite things abut this yo-yo is the rims it feels good in your hands and feels very good to catch. The texture on this yo-yo is nice and shiny and smooth to the touch.



Appearance: I know the performance is more important then the appearance of the yo-yo but I must say it looks good. The shape is very attractive as well as the laster engraved MVP. MVP is displayed in bold as if shouting it is your Most Valuabled Player. The shape of the rims not only enhance the play but are stylish to look at as well. The yo-yo came in perfect condition, no marks from production or anything. They come in Red, Gold, and Purple as of now. I highly suggest the Red but everybody has a favorite color of course.



Play: This yo-yo is amazingly stable. I'm sure the shape, rims, and Centered bearing that is included contributes to this. It's hard to lose control on even the longest of combos. It stays nice and striaght on the string and spins FOREVER. The bearing feels nice and broken in but I did put some THIN lube on it before I tried it. The yo-yo works very well for almost everything except grinds. I'm not much of a grinder but it grinds up the arm if you really btry. I'm sure you could do anything with any YoYofactory if you really tried though, everything they make is so good. Im put in a regular spec bearing just for fun andn it still works very well. The new bearing however really makes it a power house. I'm sure that's why it was introduced. This yo-yo has a little something that others don't. It truly is a Most Valuable Player. I highly Recommend this yo-yo to any serious yo-yo player.



Bearing: What's awesome is that this yo-yo comes with a centered bearing. A center trach bearing that centers a yo-yo string in a way that a KK never could. As with all Yoyofactory bearings the bearing feels broken in or I at least think it feels like it but I did use THIN lube . This yo-yo bearing seems to take multiple wraps around the bearing without slowing down or snapping back and coming up and nailing your hands which really hurts. Even when your string gets tight it sill performs well. The response on this yo-yo is K pad the best of the best. The bearing spins for a super long time. More then enough time to do whatever you want to do. This is something worth looking into. The fact that it comes with the yo-yom is a great value. Maybe all future yoyofactoys will include them. You never know.

Value: This Yoyo is made to last. It's made by THE best yoyo company and is durable, hard to scratch, and just plain tough. No one wants to mess up a new yoyo. Especially if it's your favorite, but the MVP as with all Yoyofactorys can take a hit. At 110 dollars and a center trac bearing included, thats a deal. It's about 9 dollars cheaper then the Superstar was at release. This yo-yois made to play or look hot in any case. The price is well worth the added edge it will give you. I highly recommend it. if you were obsessed with the Superstar as I was You'll love this one. Get it, quick before they run out. And they will run out!!
!

LUNATIC

Review by:

HUMPHREY 

LUNATIC

Review by:

KUMO

----------------------------------------------------------------------|

Specs:

Manufacturer: Yoyofactory

Weight: 67.10

Width: 39.45

Diameter: 50.16

Gap Width: 4.85

Bearing Size: Flat YYF SPEC C-sized (.250 in x .500 in x .187 in)

Stock Response: Yoyofactory Silicone Pad

----------------------------------------------------------------------|

1st Impressions and Appearance: 

My first impression upon seeing the Lunatic (online and then in person) was that it was a smaller Severe and not too much else. That being said, I was very excited to try it since I loved the Severe and love smaller sized yoyo's. They have a range of 4 colors : Green, Red, Blue, and Purple. Naturally I went with my favorite color green (coincidentally my friend bought a Blue one so we'll probably end up making Bape colored Lunatic babies ). I was confident in the smoothness and playability of Yoyofactory metal products and the affordable Fundametal price tag of $69.99 definitely does not repulse the temptation to scoop one up.

I am not a big fan, however, of the logo laser engraving. I thought they could have been a bit more creative with a large flat surface to create a more compelling design than a simple LUNATIC lable and their trademark "Yoyofactory" stamped on there. Of course this does not affect play yet it does alter it's appeal a bit. 



Shape and Guts: 

The guts is typical of the new yoyofactory products. It sports a small recess area that comes stock with the white Yoyofactory silicone pads but also can be filled with flowable silicone (my favorite response). It features a large gap of nearly 5mm's which allows for lots of string wraps while cutting down on snagging. The tapered walls and the fairly large flat rims makes it easy to catch string as well as to snap start without having to fiddle to find a proper edge to grip. It has a stepped inner ring design possibly to increase thumb grindability.



Play and Performance:

Again I was not surprised by the smooth throw and the vibe-free play of the Lunatic. Yoyofactory has a strong reputation of smooth and reliable play. The Lunatic is just another throw that solidifies that rep. 

Surprisingly, for 67 grams the Lunatic feels pretty light and fluffy when thrown, probably due to the strong emphasis on rim weight. For this reason the yoyo plays very solidly. It is stable and is not prone to tilting, even without my usual KK replacement of stock bearings .

It is also quick. Smooth and fluid on the string while also being quick and maneuverable is a deadly combination for any competitor or just casual thrower alike.

The finish, although not being the perfect grinding surface, is very similar to that of the Severe or Dv888. It does allow for grinds, however, i found the tapered area a little too thin to fit my finger in properly without it grabbing it, making the yoyo turn. For IRG it's similar. Although it could be that i'm just not good at them, the stepped design of the IRG just did not seem to hold my thumb in any of the grooves and would slip out after about a second and a half or less. For me this is no big deal since I do not exploit the inner ring often and am not a big fan of IRG's.

Binds are tight even with the stock pads and because of the weight of it, the yoyo rolls up nice and tight and full. So your next throw somewhat "revs" as i like to call it. Not quite as tightly or rev so much as a Buddha King 2 (of course) or DNA/G5, but not as loosely as the C13. Somewhere in between, and it is a comfortable and efficient throw.

And finally the catch. There is something strangely satisfying about catching the Lunatic. Because it has those prominent flat rims it hits the hand smoothly. Another curious thing is that because it has a small diameter, my thumb and sometimes my ring and pinky fingers curl around the sides and feel a bit of the inner ring. Peculiarly enough I enjoy it 

Conclusion:

Overall the LUNATIC is a VERY solid throw. Extremely reliable, stable and smooth. Visually diverse with the multiple color choices (and for some, multiple color combinations :coolsmiley:).
I have to add that for me, it isn't the most exciting or different throw I've had, but that was my opinion when i first played with the YYF Superstar as well. I grew to like it, A LOT, and i assume I'll grow to like this with a couple more weeks of solid play. The Lunatic is bound to definitely be a keeper among my growing wardrobe, if you will, of favorite throws. And with such an affordable price how can you resist! One of the best bangs for your buck on the market today. 


Don't hesitate and grab yours now, before they disappear! They're so good, you'll be playing like a LUNATIC (had to do it )!

Italian Nationals Results

1A

1st
Lorenzo Sabatini (Ciccia)
2nd
Fabio Gallerani (Fabio)
3rd
Simone Capurro (Siminitto)

X Division
1st
Lorenzo Sabatini (Ciccia)
2nd
Andres Pegam (Pac)
3rd
Filippo Dalla (Ginopiddu)

AP
1st
Federico Fragapane (F3de), Marco destro (MDX)

Results found courtesy of Jumper at TYM.de

YoYoExpert Exclusive

YoYoExpert have done it again bringing you finally bringing YoYoFactory t-shirts to retail.

While stocks last!

They also listed Skyline !

FRIDAY

*SEVERE SEVERE WARNING*

Now at YoYoJoes

Brief News

I think Gacek is having fun. An sms received this morning started with 'I'm in Heaven' and ended with 'YAY!!!' so, yup, fun is a safe bet.

YYF production is in full swing trying to maintain supply for the coming holidays. The aim is to keep 888x, Superstar, Genesis, BOSS available while releasing SEVERE, MVP, LUNATIC and TACTIC... so there is a lot of work to be done.

Most impressive YYF collection I have seen in a while....

Belonging to BEN at YoYoNation forum

Spingear Japan have listed MVP

The raw silver is exclusive to them.

The Lunatic rainbow they have is also pretty sweet

Last but not least,

Happy Birthday Mr Augie Fash!

Speaking of Augie, there is a cool red/black BOSS exclusive to theyostore.com

Thursday

Vashek and Kentaro are headed to Italy.

Here is Vashek in prague before they depart

Kentaro Says:

"We did sightseeing today in Prague downtown .  And I went yoyo meeting . It' about 1:35am and we are going to leave Czech to Italy in 30 min"

Gacek reports:

"Hola Amigo!

Right now i'm going to warsaw and tomorrow morning i have a flight to Madrid :D. i didint knew its a spanish national contest lol they told me that last week;)
Its time to judge some spanish players! 

and check this video, its a promo vid of some random polish city and i dont know why its with a yoyo, 888proto i think lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANzQ7WdjmT8

i'll try to send you some pics when i'll be there.

gracias, gracias

Gacek"

In the factory it is time to show you production SEVERE.

67.8gm

43mm wide

56.4 dia

4.9mm gap

Flowable silicone response

Patrick Borgerding Says:

"I just got my package today and I am loving the Lunatic and MVP's. (Also the DNA is a dream!!) I like the MVPs, they don't feel much like a c13. Feels heavier, and a tad bigger. It also isn't as rounded as the c13. It feels a lot more solid then then c13 to me. The MVP spins FAST and HARD, it hurts to bring back to your hand after a nice throw. The thing is beast. I don't particularity LOVE it for 1A, but 3A... It's so perfect I have no words for it.

The Lunatic feels small in the hand despite it being the same width as the MVP. It's a beast and I'm loving it. The Severe doesn't quite bring the same kind of love to me. Just personal preference. 

Recap: MVP is a BEAST, love it for 3A. Lunatic is smooth and feels undersized (Maybe it's just because I'm large and tall). DNA is a DREAM. C13 is still a solid throw but after playing the MVP, it doesn't feel the same.

Overall, great products. I'm enjoying them!

EDIT: I am still deciding if I am ready to retire my Superstars and move to MVPs for 3A. We'll see!"

Wednesday

DV888

Only at YoYoExpert

Write a review and we will hook you up!

First 2 people to write a (quality ie include a couple of pictures) review of the MVP and the first 2 people to write a review of LUNATIC, post it on at least 3 yo-yo forums+ email me will receive a free prize pack from YoYoFactory (and you know we will hook you up with some good stuff :) ). 

Now at YOYOEXPERT

Tuesday

Kentaro in Prague

Kentaro has arrived in prague for a European trip that will see him visit both Czech and Italian Nationals. Jason Lee and Vashek will also be at both of the contests but Vashek will not be defending his Czech national title, opting to judge this year and focus on the European championship coming this January.

Kentaro on stage at Czech nationals in 2008

2010 is just around the corner and YYF have 2009 covered.

To guide you through it, here is a guide through the 10 hottest products YoYoFactory has on offer for the upcoming Holiday season

10. Velocity

Give a friend a gift of the best, or get one to keep one in your pocket at all times. OUT NOW

9. YYF Shirts

www.YoYoExpert.com is the place to look. COMING SOON

8. YYF vs Turning Point

December it goes down! DECEMBER 2009

7. TACTIC

FundaMETAL round 2 continues. Available Early December

6. Undeniable DVD

Europe, Asia, USA. YYF Contest team shows why it is #1 Undeniable. Shipping NOV 20.

5. LUNATIC

The greatest FundaMETAL thus far? you be the judge. This isn't trying to be anything but your new #1 yo-yo. OUT NOW

4. SEVERE

Heart and soul, Tyler Severence.  Tyler tested every prototype, picked out the colors, hand poured the silicone response, built the yo-yos with his hands. For the art, he turned to his friends who captured the essence of the yo-yo in a full color graphic. The only thing Tyler won't be doing is personally hand delivering them.  Friday 13th November

3. MVP

The next level is here. This one will be the hit of the 09 holidays because it is so, so, so stupidly good. OUT NOW (or real soon if your store doesnt have it yet)

2. Protostar

Plastic yo-yos have never performed like this. The ProtoStar is a product of John Ando and YoYoFactory not accepting 2nd best and pushing the boundaries of what a plastic yo-yo can do. Shipping to stores NOV 10.

1. 888x

The king is back. Eight8eight is a legend, and the 888x will see that continue into the future. The best finish an 888 has ever seen smoothness you expect. YYF contest team are calling this the best 888 yet and the surprise? The price! a sub $100 eight8eight for the 1st time ever!

Shipping to stores NOV 10.

Monday News

YYF in stores

MVP and lunatic have shipped. Skyline popping up in stores any day. Look out for colorways matching the 07 888 releases; pre-pro sticker, european and asian regional exclusives + in a few other colorways at individual store requests.

YYF product development

In 2009 the LOOP900 was used to win every major 2A title in the world. Competitive success isn't enough. Looking to go to the next level more prototypes are due in this week for evaluation. Having USA national champion Pat Mitchell in the office comes in handy at times.

YYF Team

Tyler Severance is off to Mexico city in a little over a week for a yo-yo training camp held by Mexican Yo-Yo Association. After placing in the top 10 in 1,4 and 5A at USA Nationals  Tyler certainly has the skills to share. Augie Fash was somewhere last week but has been too cool to tell us what went on :(