“We wanted to return to the roots of the yo-yo and make one that was just about fun. A yo-yo that is happier going slow and taking it’s time. A yo-yo that prefers old school funk and drives 1973 Van with thick stripes painted on it. A yo-yo that enjoys chilling out with it’s friends. A yo-yo that stands alone in your case. A yo-yo with this much soul can only be called The DownBeat.
Many yo-yos recently, including ones we make, are focused on competition and speed. This is a noble cause and one we’ll continue to pursue because pushing the limits of performance is important and desired.
This isn’t to say we sacrificed performance. The DownBeat comes with Side Effects, performs to modern standards, and spins as long as your favorite DJ. What’s different in the play is that it weighs 70 grams with Ultra Light Side Effects. It’s not getting any lighter than that groovy 70g but it can go heavier if you’re in need of extra chill. Its weight distribution is designed to slow your play down and we hope this slowness gives you the time to rediscover the joy of yo-yoing.
The yoyo is big and curvy with a nice comfortable organic shape. The catch zone has machined 70s racing stripes that feel surprisingly good in the hand and create a new and refreshing look.
“We started the Benchmark Series in 2013. Our goal was to provide high-value Side Effect yo-yos that were our take on the standard shapes/ideas for that year. Three different shapes were released that all shared the same width, diameter and weight.
2014 is coming to a close and the new Benchmarks Series will be releasing.
The basic idea is the same, but we feel we have pushed the envelope even further in a few ways.
*This year there will be four shapes all sharing the same width, diameter and weight: W,H,O,V(left to right in photo). *They all feature a variation of the “Drop Step” weight distribution seen on the Cascade and Summit. *The width is 1 mm bigger. *The diameter is 1 mm smaller. *The shipping weight is 1 gram lighter. *They all come with a new Side Effect: Flat Caps, which weigh in at 3.3 grams.
In general the play characteristic could be described as faster than the 2013 models. Even though they might look similar from a profile view, the weight distributions are much different and they play a lot different. These aren’t meant to replace the 2013 models.
We admit that what we called the “V” in 2013 could have probably been more accurately described as a Wing shape. This year we have added a true “V” shape and are calling the shape similar to the 2013 “V” the “W” for Wing. Hope that isn’t too confusing 🙂 (2013 model names will not be changing).
We have found ways to make these even more efficiently (with no sacrifice to quality) so the starting price for solids will be $58!
“The Mk1 HD is a competition-focused bimetal yoyo, and the signature design of Connor Sheahan. It’s designed for smooth comfortable play, ultra stable, and fast pacing without going out of control.”
The first production of 190 units was released on June 21st 2024, at the US National Yoyo Contest.
“The Harbinger is a long-spinning aluminum yoyo perfect for the entire host of classic and responsive yoyo tricks. Designed by Mk1 Yoyos in collaboration with Spinworthy of Australia.”
