“A full metal yo-yo the likes of which we haven’t seen before. ERCIM makes possible some pretty nostalgic tricks!
Have you ever seen a yo-yo mount on the outside of the body? Back in the day, this mod used an extra long axle that extended out from the sides of the yo-yo (a little bit like onedrop’s side effects), creating a new surface on which you could mount the yo-yo string. The ERCIM sports a set of special side caps that make this kind of trick possible. Not only can you mount the yo-yo normally, but with the unique body design, it’s possible to mount on the string on the “outside” surface peeking from the side face. This design is different from the original long axles that were used, and this means there’s plenty of potential for new trick development using the ERCIM. As an added bonus, this side face has another special property that makes it great for practicing a newer kind of trick: fingerspins. The cone-shaped cap zeroes in on your fingertip and centers itself immediately, so even players who have never landed a fingerspin before can hit it easily.
We’re not sure how well this design would serve on a contest stage, but that doesn’t seem to be its intended purpose. The ERCIM is a novel, unique yo-yo meant for casual play, trick development, and a fun exploration of the possibilities of yo-yo.
You might be wondering what the name means; it’s an acronym for “Electro Retro Combobulator Interdimensional Machine.” This design lets you play on several different planes, bringing back an old idea in a new and exciting way. Despite its gimmicky appearance, we think the ERCIM is going to leave a lasting mark on Sengoku’s history.
*If you’re having any difficulty opening up the ERCIM, be sure to use your palms to apply some pressure to the protruding side caps as you unscrew them. Otherwise they may seem to spin freely without coming apart.”
“Sengoku’s first titanium model with all-out effort.
Sengoku, which has been tackling various new challenges such as the use of A7068, tri-metal designs, and even perforated metal, has finally released their first high-end titanium model.
It adopts an H-profile shape with a polygonal, finely graded tilt angle. It has a modest diameter that fits nicely in the hand, but has tremendous horsepower. During play, you can always catch the center of the yoyo, and even when you are playing with a lot of momentum, you can control the yoyo firmly without losing sight of it.
Both the bearings and string are specially made for the Ieyasu. The high-precision V-shaped bearing keeps the string in a centered position and keeps it in control during play. The thicker string that comes with the yo-yo is a special string handmade by a team member. The package is also handmade by the owner. There are no future plans for the string and package, making them rather collectible.
This Ieyasu is also a one-time special production, with no plans for any future runs.
This is the first titanium model, and is a high-end model that Sengoku has poured a lot of effort into producing.”
“Based on the Kenshin, with an undeniable power-up thanks to its bimetal design!
Based on Sengoku’s monometal Kenshin, with the addition of a stainless steel outer rim, it has exactly the effect you’d expect: a major power-up in speed and stability.
The major point is “acceleration,” which is especially felt at first throw and the moment you mount the string, but put on just a little speed and the smoothness will amaze you. The playfeel is very light and nimble, and can move quickly at your slightest command.
The actual weight is only 63 grams, making it a lightweight model to begin with with the deliberate decision to use the slightly less-dense 6061 aluminum body, to shave a wee bit of mass from the body, concentrating more force in to the weight ring. This is a great reliable throw.”
Taking the M-shape body profile of the Sengoku Samurai, this variation enters the stage with even more design consideration for weight distribution through its use of three different metals for its construction. Shinobi wraps its aluminum body with both steel and brass weight rings, which combine with its unusual profile for a truly unique playfeel!
The inner rim provides additional balance and stability, while the thin outer rim gives additional power that gives the Shinobi a slightly more fierce spin than the Samurai. With the added weight and power boost, the Shinobi is ready for exceptionally long combos and horizontal tricks. It holds its planes very well, with lots of control without losing its posture. This means the Shinobi isn’t just ready for long combos, but it’s ready to help you push the entire genre of trick to the next level. Take your role in the evolution of trick design!
This level of power and performance is immediately apparent; you’ll notice the difference at first throw and catch. Sharp, hard, and tight, are all words that come to mind. The limits of metal yo-yos are there for you to push further!”
The Kenshin is the first yo-yo ever made of the 7068 aluminum alloy.
From YoYoExpert:
“Uesugi Kenshin was a pioneer and one of the most powerful lords of the Sengoku period remembered for his prowess on the battlefield and famed for his honourable conduct and military expertise.
Sengoku, tasked with creating a yo-yo unique and powerful enough to live up to the Kenshin name, sought out a completely new alloy to create their latest design – 7068 Aluminum. 7068 Aluminum is an amazingly strong Aluminum alloy that actually has a better weight/strength ratio than grade 5 Titanium! This allows for weight distribution that feels similar to Titanium without the crazy Ti price tag.
The Kenshin is the first mono-metal yo-yo Sengoku has made and it fits perfectly in their lineup alongside all the high performance multi-metal designs. It plays fast, stable, and has a light presence on the string. Comfortable in the hand with a feel that just begs you to keep throwing, the Kenshin is a serious game changer!“
