“MOUNT is a standard-sized aluminum yo-yo designed to balance comfort, control, and performance. Carefully tuned weight distribution delivers smooth spin, strong power, and dependable stability without feeling demanding on the string. It handles regens with ease, responds cleanly to player input, and maintains control through longer combinations.
Built for both everyday throwing and high-level play, MOUNT feels natural in the hand and confident in motion. It is bold without being overbearing, refined without feeling fragile, and designed to move as a true extension of the player. A well-rounded first release that sets a strong foundation for Sputnik’s lineup.”
“Designed in collaboration with Martin Koprna, Slovakian National Champion, the Fora is the first model in our regional series – where we collaborate with local designers and players highlighting their unique styles, stories and perspectives.
A comfortable, performance-friendly form factor with design cue nods to the original Canopy lineup. The plastic double ring ensures a soft catch by covering the entire outer rim – without sacrificing power – while also enhancing durability. Fora blends a soft feel with a sharp image: bold yet minimal, fast yet grounded. It strikes the perfect balance between control and expression, with just enough spontaneity to let you get lost in the groove.”
FInally, the long awaited sequel to Hummingbird is here. Hummingbird is one of the all time classics not only for yoyofriends, but also the yoyo community. Back in 2017, we went all out with a wrapped around ring concept on a lightweight bimetal. It was at that time, fast and powerful. It’s performance was a standout among the yoyo community and we made multiple runs afterwards.
(yoyofriends Hummingbird)
Making it a sequel to a classic is a daunting task. Yoyoing has evolved and changed drastically over the years since 2017, and specs are totally different then what it used to be. We have to walk a fine line of making this yoyo perform well in modern standard, while not stray away too much from the hummingbird feel.
For our initial design, we first analyzed the iconic center hub that brings both aesthetic and center weight. We think this plays an essential role in the hummingbird’s identity. To keep that feel and essence, we decided not to change the cup. The gap width is increased to 4.54mm to accompany the thicker strings. We want to increase the width without changing the profile too much. We decided 48mm width would be a good sweet spot. Not super wide that could drastically change the feel of the yoyo. For the outer ring, we decided to upgrade the original wrapped around ring. Based on Tomoki’s second signature, Melzi. The ring slope is now a lot steeper for more extreme outer weight distribution.
Finally for the weight. We first thought of making it close to the original’s weight at around 63g. Then we felt that yoyo would clash with Melzi also at around 63-64g. To provide a more unique experience in our lineup, we increased the weight to around 65g to prioritize power and stability over speed. We gathered all these points and made the first prototype.
(Hummingbird II prototype 1)
The prototype one is made. There are some manufacturing issues. Although the yoyo plays great, the yield is not. It is not up to our utmost high standards.We then compare it to the original hummingbird side by side. No wonder the original Hummingbird is an all time classic. Although the new prototype plays great, we still feel it is missing something to truly warrant an upgrade.The project was temporarily put on hold. During this period, we communicated with many brand partners about material use. It became clear that 7075 aluminum is more widely favored by the market. Offering hardness and strength comparable to 7068. Therefore, we decided to use 7075 starting with Hummingbird.
The project was restarted in mid-2025, and we decided to use 7075 aluminum for the Hummingbird II.
Over time our manufacturer has mastered this material, making it possible to machine the walls almost as thin as 7068. We felt the weight is at a great spot, but the weight distribution is not extreme enough. So we reduced the curvature of the center hub design, then proceeded to put the weight saved to the aggressive SS ring. Prototype 2 is made shortly after.
(Hummingbird II prototype 2)
The yoyo finally hit the sweets pot. With the performance increase fully warrant an upgrade while not straying too far from the original. After multiple player’s testing, we greenlit this design to production.
(production Hummingbird II)
For the logo and naming, we decided to keep it simple. We still think highly of the original hummingbird and we want to keep the same elegance and pay homage to it.
Happy 10th Anniversary to yoyofriends! We always make an anniversary yoyo every year at a lower price to celebrate with the yoyo community. Now yoyofriends has made it for a whole decade, and we want to make this anniversary yoyo special.
In early 2025, we have started multiple projects as candidates for the 10th anniversary yoyo. One of the project ideas is to make a multi-material yoyo utilizing PC outer rings. It is very trendy in the yoyo scene and we think it will give a unique aesthetic. For the first design draft, we used a mostly V shaped yoyo body with huge inner/outer PC rings. Team yoyofriends players are OK with the idea , but worried about performance and the generic shape. We then went back to the drawing board.
(picture of all previous yoyofriends anniversary yoyo)
For the second attempt, we decided to redo the profile based on the Shortcut and the Vulture. We also decided to add SS rings to make this a trimaterial yoyo. The PC rings are now fully wrapped around the SS rings to give the yoyo a striking look, while drastically increasing power and stability.
We then send this design to the yoyofriends’ player team. Tony then had a great recommendation to bring the SS ring weight up by over 2 grams. This increases the overall weight of the yoyo to over 68g. We think this makes perfect sense as the current trend for competition yoyo is going heavier. Also with the huge outer PC rims, the denser weight distribution is not exactly on the outside. Making the yoyo play less heavy compared to a traditional bimetal construction at similar weight. After calculation, the total outer ring weight (SS+PC) is almost inline with our traditional bimetal yoyo. We then double checked with the yoyofriends team and they greenlit this design to be made.
The prototype 1 came just before the 2025 US National yoyo contest. The entire US yoyofriends team gets to try it and give feedback. We found out that the yoyo is fun, flowy, and powerful. It is also not as slow as we thought, even at over 68g. The outer PC ring definitely shifted the concentrated weight inward and made the yoyo faster. Along with the rest of the yoyofriends team, we decided to use the yoyo as our 10th anniversary due to its combination of fun, performance, and striking aesthetics.
(Picture of prototype 1)
As for naming, we got inspired by the hit cartoon series, Ben 10. A Lot of the yoyofriends’ players and the manu team all watched that show before. Clockwork is one of the most powerful aliens in Ben’s arsenal. Clockwork can fully manipulate time at will. Perfectly matching our time theme. Also it is the 10th anniversary of yoyofriends and it perfectly matches with Ben 10.
The clockwork is a tri-material yoyo focused on fun, aesthetics and performance. It is also a celebration for a decade of yoyofriends as a company. Thank you so much for a whole decade of support and we wish to celebrate with you.
