Spenser of Dreamcraft, maker of the Asora, shot the Archive over a box of throws. Inside this box were the Asora 01, Asora 02, the Production Asora 03, and two other early prototypes, the FUWA 01 and the FUWA 02. In my mind, this box makes up the Asora family of yo-yos, as the FUWA shares some design features of the Asora line that led up to the production release in October 2024. Each was from Spenser’s collection and showed lots of love and play.
Spencer’s goal for the Asora was to create a modernized version of the AnY Free Rider, most evident in the Asora 01. The addition of Side Effects, and further modernization, can be found in the Asora 02 and the Asora 03. When playing all three so close together, you can feel the progression, though the 02 and 03 both play wonderfully and feel more different than the 03 being “better” than the 02. I wasn’t as much of a fan of the 01. The 02 and the 03 are amazing and are some of my favorite yo-yos I’ve ever thrown. If forced to choose between the two, I’d go with the 03, as it’s the production model, though I’d love to have both in my collection.
The Asora is an organic throw that encourages a laid-back play style. It rejects string beautifully. The ability to modify its weight with Side Effect and Freehand compatible caps is also a huge plus for the throw, giving players a choice in how they set up their Asora for their preferred play style.
Asora 01Asora 02Asora 03
As a high-walled organic, the Asora is not meant for performance. It’s not a competitive yo-yo. What the Asora is, however, is a work of art. It’s a great-looking yo-yo that’s comfortable to hold, stable if your throw is clean, and an absolute joy to play. Spin times are better than you might expect, and it certainly was able to handle the intermediate set of tricks at my disposal. The Asora is a passion project from a creative individual; it is meant to be enjoyed. To that end, it excels in its purpose.
Now I can’t talk about the Asora without talking about the Asora goodies. Dreamcraft has some cute stickers, a pin, and even an aluminum case available for purchase, all with the Asora/Dreamcraft vibe. One of the coolest things is the full art card included with the yo-yo. The front features Asora, the character designed by Spenser to go along with the yo-yo, and some specs and stats on the back, including the production number of your specific yo-yo. As a special thanks to the Archive for taking a look at the Asora, I received a custom art piece with a lovely thank-you note on the back.
So we’ve come this far, but I still haven’t mentioned the two FUWA prototypes. The FUWA 01 and FUWA 02 are yo-yos that didn’t make it past the prototype stage yet feel similar to the Asora. They’re a bit larger in diameter and width, though they feel lighter than the Asora. Each uses Side Effects, and there was a definite difference in feel between the 01 and the 02. As with the Asora, the FUWA 01 didn’t do much for me. The FUWA 02 was a lot of fun, but certainly not something I would go out of my way to pick up if a production run saw the light of day. In the end, the Asora is where it’s at.
Offset’s Outlier 5, Brandon Vu’s latest signature yo-yo, dropped over the weekend.
From Offset:
“The OUTLIER 5 is our most powerful and wide competition yoyo, built for Brandon Vu in 2024.
Featuring extreme overhang bimetal rings and a super wide 55mm width, this flagship yoyo delivers unmatched catchability and power for competition.
Made from high-grade 7075 aluminum with stainless steel rims, the OUTLIER 5 combines speed with an aggressive weight distribution that allows for incredibly long spins.
Every aspect of the design has been meticulously refined to deliver maximum stability and power in every throw.”
The Turner Return Tops Scrub is coming out Friday, November 1st at 7pm Eastern. The announcement from TRT released is as follows:
“We’re proud to present our latest top, the Scrub! A performance packed soft H shape that’ll give you what you want from a modern mono-metal design. Stability, spin time, snappy response, a profile for snug finger grinds, and fat lips for inner ring grinds. Scrub even boasts an M4x12mm axle that ensures a smooth spin, even after taking a beating. Those TRT nipples aren’t just for show, you know!”
Specs:
-6061 Al -55.6mm Diameter -45mm Width -66g of Power -4.4mm Gap -C bearing -19mm FPM Pink Pads -M4x12mm Axle
This post is originally from the YoyoExpert Forums, and is republished here with permission from Cody (Pun1sh3R.)
It is posted here in its original format, with no editing from The Yoyo Archive Team.
As memtioned above, I purchased the ‘Merica Edition. I also opted for the “Delivery In Person”.
“The author will take a paperback copy of the book to the gun range, shoot a hole in, then take it to a burger joint where he will eat the largest burger on the menu with fries and get ketchup stains on the book to prove it happened.”
So after I purchased the book, Mr. Mark @popartmogul sent me a email asking for scheduling a meeting time for the delivery.
I purposed that I could “Aid” in ‘Mericanizing my order. He told me that that was a special edition and that he had not sold one. Then he realized he had, and I was the buyer.
After several emails, we set a meet up at a undisclossed Ranch in Southern California that is pro 2nd Ammendment.
Mr. Mark met my kids and we had some fun yoyo chat and trick sharing before the Shenanigans began.
We decided to also ‘Mericaize some yoyos.
This red one is my Son’s.
My daughters purple yoyo literally vaporized. We only found splinters of one half, the axel and some string. Mr. Bullseye Mark Mcbride hit dead center.
My kids and I signed a Yoyo for Mr. Mark also, prior to ‘Mericaization.
So neither of us really “Knew” what would happen with shooting a book. Neither of us had previous experience with this. But Mr. Mark came prepared with a ream of paper.
Once we completed our “For Science” experimentation, we chose our tool, made some practice shots, then Mr. Mark ‘Mericaed the Book.
One Shot – Bullseye into the center of the yoyo!
First stage of the special edition – Complete!
Next step – Burgers.
I had originally picked out a favorite burger joint, but on the way there, realized it was closed.
We shifted gears, found a new place and headed there.
We had an amazing dinner. Great conversation about yoyo and life.
Mr. Mark is amazing! Humble, Funny! It was an honor to meet and hang out with him!
So here is the final pictures of the ‘Merica Edition book and yoyos.
Here are some takeaways;
Dont hit in the center (Purple).
There were a total of 4 yoyos today that faced the firing squad.
Maybe Mr. Mark will share a picture of his Mericaized yoyo, we just barely grazed the edge. Precision Marksmanship!
On the last yoyo, the yoyo itself remained intact. Targeted only the cardstock.
@GnarlyCharlie Was Mark already a precision shooter or did you coach him a bit?
Mr. Mark had previous shooting experience, but we had to knock some rust off.
I would say I gave him a few tips and suggestions. “Coaching” seems excessive. This implies that I am qualified to do so…
I will say the equipment we used had a lot to do with it too.
I am still trying to rationalize this!
My kids and I got to hang out with a Yoyo Hall of Fame Legend and have an amazing experience.
In todays social climate; Mr. Mark said “Lets do it!” To a total stranger!
Sure, I’ll meet you in the middle of nowhere, no cell service and go shooting.
