History
The Chain Reactor occupies a pivotal place in Custom Products’ history: it was the first production model to incorporate their ball-bearing axle and Performance Ring response system together, and it was developed directly from a player modification. Eric Wolff had converted a fixed-axle Reactor into a ball-bearing machine using Rubbermaid no-slip bathtub tread strips as improvised response pads. Custom Products formalized this design as the Chain Reactor and eventually rolled out Wolff’s response concept across their entire lineup.
In recognition of this contribution, a black Eric Wolff Signature Series Chain Reactor was produced. The Chain Reactor was very popular in the late 1990s yo-yo boom; Custom Products was subsequently sued by Playmaxx/ProYo over patent infringement related to the ball-bearing and response system design.
The Chain Reactor shares the AXL’s overall profile but in a compact mini form: 50 mm diameter × 26 mm width and 48 g weight, making it suitable for both looping and string tricks. Colorways: Red, Blue, Purple, Green (standard), and Black (Eric Wolff Signature). Retail ~$25–$34.99.
