About
The Hyper Raider is a yo-yo manufactured by Yomega and released by Bandai in Japan in April 1998 as the flagship ball-bearing model of the first Hyper Yo-Yo line. Retailing at ¥5,000 — roughly $50 USD at the time and one of the most expensive models in the lineup — it was among the first yo-yos available in Japan to feature a full ball bearing, enabling sleep times far beyond any fixed-axle or transaxle model. The packaging reads “Yomega-Bandai 1998 Made in USA Hyper Raider.” Its rounded modified shape, starburst response, and cover-type spacers deliver a responsive looping feel. Team High Performance Japan members used the Hyper Raider in demonstrations, cementing its status as a prestige model during the yo-yo boom.
