I would like to preface this post by stating that I have never played any of the other El MiJo models, the El MiJo SL (EMSL) being my introduction to the line.
Lately, I’ve become a big fan of slim, responsive yo-yos; the Workhorse and the Plasm being two of my favorites. When ZGRT announced the EMSL, I was immediately interested and reached out to see if they’d be interested in me doing a write-up for the Archive.
What I received was the beautiful green EMSL picture above with a slim D bearing installed, along with an extra full-spec bearing and a slim D bearing blank. Out of the box, the response was near-perfect, making me wonder if I’d never need the bearing blank. 0A play feels tight and snappy in its default configuration, I almost didn’t test the blank. Honestly, I’m not interested in unresponsive play with the EMSL, so I haven’t tried the full-spec bearing.
The EMSL is surprisingly light and nimble, with a finish (and dimple) that’s perfect for pull-starts. Its compact size makes it easily pocketable and an ideal everyday carry. As mentioned before, it performs beautifully with the installed slim D bearing, and with a blank installed, it truly shines in 0A play, especially paired with a slightly thicker string. Combined with its ultra-low weight, all these factors make the EMSL my go-to EDC throw lately.
The only major downside for me is the 6061 Al construction. I’m a very clumsy player and have already put a few good dings in the metal. Of course, I know a sturdier aluminum would affect the weight, and the low weight is a big pro for this yo-yo. It’s more of a “me” problem than anything else.
If you’re looking for a good on-the-go responsive. The EMSL is a damn good choice. Yes, there are cheaper options out there, but this is a throw that’ll last and offers a lot of play with the pack-ins included.