Which yo-yo should I choose?

Which yo-yo is best for beginners?

For a first yo-yo, choose a responsive model. It comes back to your hand with a gentle tug on the string, which makes the first attempts much easier. Plastic models are light and survive drops well, while metal ones usually spin more steadily.

If you want a yo-yo you can keep using as you improve, choose a model with two bearings. Start with the responsive one, and once you have the basics and are ready for harder tricks, swap it for the unresponsive one.

Which yo-yo should I choose for a child?

A yo-yo for a child should be light, sturdy and easy to control. For beginners, a responsive model that returns with a gentle tug works best. Always check the recommended age on the packaging.

Yo-yo for children under 6

At this age children are still developing their coordination. If they are interested in the yo-yo, choose a light plastic model suitable for their age and supervise them while they play. The YoYoFactory ONE can be an option if it matches the manufacturer’s age guidance.

Yo-yo for children aged 6–8

This is a good age for first steps with a yo-yo. Choose a light, responsive plastic model such as the YoYoFactory ONE. A second bearing is included, so the child can keep using it for their first bind tricks.

Yo-yo for children aged 8–12

At this age children often pick up the basics quickly and start getting interested in tricks. The YoYoFactory Arrow and Axolotl are excellent choices because they come with two bearings and switch between responsive and unresponsive play. If the child already has some experience, the V3 Responsive is a good step up to a metal yo-yo.

Which yo-yo should I choose for a teenager?

Teenagers are often interested in harder tricks and combos they can show friends or share on social media. That is why it is worth choosing a yo-yo with steady, long spins that matches the player’s experience.

• Has never played: YoYoFactory ONE or V3 Responsive. Both suit beginners, and with the second bearing they become unresponsive yo-yos for harder tricks.
• Knows the basics: YoYoFactory Arrow or Axolotl. Two bearings and a fingerspin hub for first DNA tricks.
• Already does tricks: V10 or YoYoFactory California 2025. Unresponsive metal yo-yos with long, stable spins.

Which yo-yo should I choose for tricks?

For harder tricks, the best choice is an unresponsive yo-yo with a wide bearing. It keeps spinning at the end of the string and comes back to your hand with a special technique called a “bind”. This gives you more time for tricks and combos. Weight placed towards the outer rim makes the spin steadier and longer.

• K2P Crystal: an affordable unresponsive yo-yo for your first tricks.
• V10: a metal yo-yo machined from a single piece of aluminium, weighing 66 g. An excellent first serious model.
• YoYoFactory Bullseye: a metal yo-yo with a special hub for DNA and fingerspin tricks.
• YoYoFactory California 2025: an aluminium yo-yo for bind and 1A tricks and long combos.
• V13: an aluminium and polycarbonate yo-yo that comes with a large set of accessories.

Responsive or unresponsive yo-yo: which do I need?

If you are not sure which type to choose, go for a model with two bearings: YoYoFactory ONE, Arrow, Axolotl, V3 Responsive or V13. Both types are included, so you can swap the bearing when you are ready for harder tricks.

What are the different yo-yo play styles?

Yo-yo descriptions often mention labels such as 1A, 2A or 3A. These are the different yo-yo play styles.

The most common style is 1A, and it is the one used for most popular tricks. If you play for fun, you will most likely never need the other styles. Still, so you know what the labels mean, here is the difference between them:

• 0A0A – Classic play: traditional tricks with a responsive yo-yo or a fixed-axle model.
• 1A1A – String tricks: the most popular style, using one yo-yo for string tricks and combos.
• 2A2A – Two-handed looping: two responsive yo-yos, one in each hand.
• 3A3A – Two-handed string tricks: two unresponsive yo-yos for complex string combos.
• 4A4A – Offstring: the yo-yo is not tied to the string and can leave it during tricks.
• 5A5A – Freehand: the string is tied to a counterweight instead of your finger, which allows extra tricks.

If you are just starting out and want to learn yo-yo tricks, go for 1A. This is the style most models in our shop are made for.

Metal or plastic yo-yo: which should I choose?

For a young child, a plastic yo-yo is usually the better choice. For a teenager or adult who wants to learn harder tricks, a metal model is a good investment. The V3 Responsive is metal but returns with a gentle tug, so it also suits beginners.

Which yo-yo makes a good gift? Ideas by budget

Every yo-yo from our shop comes with 5 spare strings, so the recipient has everything needed to start playing right away.

Yo-yo gifts under €15

Yo-yo gifts under €25

Premium yo-yo gifts over €25

Which yo-yo should I choose for competitions?

Competition players often use bimetal yo-yos, which have an aluminium body and steel rings on the outer rim. This moves more of the weight to the edge, giving steadier and longer spins during fast, complex combos.

The YoYoFactory Bimetal is our bimetal model for advanced players and competitors. For professional tricks we also offer the YoYoFactory Shutter. Both are made for experienced players and are not suitable for complete beginners.

What are the benefits of playing with a yo-yo?

A yo-yo is more than a toy. It is an activity that builds a range of skills, and every new trick takes coordination, concentration and persistence.

The most common mistakes when choosing a yo-yo

1. An unresponsive yo-yo for a complete beginner. It does not come back with a simple tug, which can make the first attempts frustrating. Start with a responsive model or a yo-yo with two bearings.
2. A heavy metal yo-yo for a young child. For children under 8, a light plastic model is usually better because it is easier to control.
3. A yo-yo without a bearing. Fixed-axle models are fine for classic play, but for modern tricks and long combos, choose a yo-yo with a bearing.
4. The wrong string length. With the yo-yo touching the floor, the string should reach roughly your belly button. If it is too long, cut it and tie a new loop.
5. No spare strings. Strings wear out over time and need replacing. That is why every yo-yo from us comes with 5 spare strings.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best yo-yo for beginners?

A responsive plastic yo-yo such as the YoYoFactory ONE. If you want a model you can keep using as you improve, choose the YoYoFactory Arrow or Axolotl, which come with two bearings.

What age can kids start playing with a yo-yo?

Most children start to manage the basic moves at around 6–8 years old. Always check the recommended age on the packaging, and younger children should play under adult supervision.

Can an unresponsive yo-yo be made responsive?

Yes, on models that let you change the bearing. The YoYoFactory ONE, Arrow, Axolotl, V3 Responsive and V13 come with two bearings in the box, so you can switch between responsive and unresponsive play.

How much does a good yo-yo cost?

In our shop prices range from €14.99 to €59.99. A model under €15 is plenty for a beginner, and a quality metal yo-yo for tricks costs around €20–35.

How long does it take to learn the yo-yo?

Most people learn the basic throw and return in a day or two. First tricks such as the Sleeper can be learned in about a week of regular practice, but progress varies from person to person.

Still not sure?

Tell us who the yo-yo is for and we will help you choose: zdravei@yoyobg.com