“JT Nickel joined the One Drop player’s team in 2013. It has been our honor to have him with us for the last 13 years and going forward. He’s an amazing and passionate yo-yoer with an encyclopedic knowledge of tricks.
As good as the Top Deck is, we all felt it was time for JT to get a new signature yo-yo. We thought it would be the Top Deck Gen 2, but as it turned out, it was different enough to be considered a brand new throw. Here is how JT describes the design process:
“When David and Shawn asked me to start brainstorming ideas for a Top Deck Gen 2, I had absolutely no vision for which direction to go. I wanted to ‘modernize’ the old design but only had surface level improvements such as ‘wider’ and ‘more organic.’ What really got the ball moving was the goal of using many subtle design choices from previous models across One Drop’s history and applying them to a wider Top Deck. Then came the big crossroads: side effects or no side effects? Upon making the decision to design new side effects and adjusting the profile to make the yoyo light but powerful, it became clear we were not making Top Deck Gen 2, but something totally new by comparison. Enter The Crucible, a yoyo built on the interaction of different design elements leading to the creation of something new. 7068 alloy, brand new side effect design, all while incorporating numerous designs and lessons from One Drop’s many models over the years. My lovely wife Marie created the box art and engravings, making this a very special project for me involving many of the most important people in my life. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.”
This is our first 7068 aluminum alloy yo-yo and it’s shipping with a brand new Side Effect called “The JT”.”
Sharing the exact same shape as I ALUMINUM, this titanium edition transforms the experience through material alone. The higher density and rigid feel of titanium create a powerful, commanding presence on the string. Every throw feels intentional. Every landed trick carries weight and satisfaction.
To preserve balance and playability, At Design Lab engineered a hollow hub structure, maintaining the iconic BSP-inspired hub design while optimizing weight distribution. The result is a uniquely pleasant float paired with unmistakable titanium solidity.
The perfected flat rim shape maximizes spin efficiency and stability, all within a refined 62 gram profile. It is precise. Focused. Uncompromising.
The I TITANIUM stands as both a performance instrument and a collector’s statement.”
“I ALUMINUM is built for those quiet sessions. The moments when the world pauses and it is just you, the string, and the rhythm of your throw.
Crafted in the exact same silhouette as its titanium counterpart, I ALUMINUM embraces the softer side of performance. The smooth, mild feel of aluminum offers a gentle response in hand, inviting long practice sessions and effortless flow. Tricks feel natural. Movement feels unforced. Your thoughts begin to clear as the spin settles into a calm, steady rhythm.
The iconic hub colorway and groove design pay tribute to the legendary BSP lineage, now reimagined with a modern cap structure. The flat rim profile, refined over generations, delivers clean spin power and stability within a lightweight 62 gram body. It is timeless design meeting present day precision.
A beautiful finish of vintage coating, the I ALUMINUM carries a subtle luxury that feels as good as it looks.”
“The Luxury of Spin Power. The Simplest Answer to Improvement
To you, who yearns to get better.
When challenging yourself with new tricks, do you ever find yourself thinking: If only it would spin a little longer, I could calmly land this mount. That feeling is not a mistake. In fact, beginners and intermediate players aiming to improve are the ones who need Spin Power the most.
Achieving Spin Power Rivaling Bi-Metals with a Mono-Metal Flat Rim Shape
To get long spin times, I have to buy an expensive bi-metal yoyo. This is a common belief, but there is a design approach that achieves this with mono-metal. That is the adoption of the Flat Rim shape. By designing the body’s rim to be extremely flat and thick, we can concentrate weight at the very edge of the yoyo’s diameter. This shape is the most efficient and functional design for maximizing the Moment of Inertia that creates rotational persistence.
The confidence that It’s Still Spinning accelerates your progress.
The intense spin power created by the Flat Rim gives you the peace of mind that it’s still spinning, so I’m okay. This removes the panic from your fingertips and grants you the margin to surely land tricks. We know you want to stack up as many I did it! moments as possible in your limited time. This yoyo is the partner that most efficiently supports your busy daily practice.
Recommended for
Those who want spin power but are afraid of dinging an expensive bi-metal yoyo, preventing them from practicing fully.
Players who want to focus on mastering tricks.
Those who often fail during long combos or new trick practice because the spin dies out mid-trick.”
“It’s been a while. How’ve you been? We’ve been busy.
We’re pleased to announce our next major release, the Turtle is here!!!
The first of six colorways this release is classic clear, the master, the rat!
4 pieces of precision machined 7068 aluminum have been fitted together to form each of these terrestial terrapin terrors.
Light and fun, this return top will truly test your meddle. It feels wide in the hand, but the catch is narrow and requires attention to detail. This turtle is ready for training with precision control.
This is also our first release to come in our new standard #turnertube packaging. A custom papercraft tube lined with 3 separate pieces of sponge to ensure your top arrives in the same condition we packaged it in! This package also features our TRT logo cut window in the top for your viewing pleasures.”
