Recreational Revolution has certainly been putting out a fair amount of yoyos just recently. Implementing their new STAX axle system, the @ and Silly Goose are two of the three throws now which have the system (third being the Sine//Saw). I thought I should do a Side-by-Side comparison for those who have been looking at all of their new throws. I will review each one, and then explain the main differences at the end. May add pictures tomorrow. So, without further ado, let’s begin!
RecRev @
Diameter: 56.8 mm
Width: 42.8 mm
Weight: 68 grams
Bearing Type: Buddha Bearing Ripple
Bearing Size: C Size (.250″ x .500″ x .187″)
Response System: CBC Pads (Central Bearing Co)
Shape: Modified V-shape
Shape:
The shape is a pretty strange design. One does not usually see a double step seen in the catch zone as there is no substantial reason for it. Regularly, such steps are taken out of the cup instead as to not manipulate the shape of the catch zone. I’d have to say this is what separates the @ and makes it totally unique compared to other throws out there. It has a bizarre yet fully functional shape which may appeal to some. The steps are so small that they do not effect play and are essentially cosmetic.
On the Throw:
The @ is very smooth and comes to the end of the string with a very graceful thump. Just enough you will be aware of it. On that regard, it also moves with a very balanced feel between float and stability. Off axis motions do not cause it to tilt much at all, and the stock bearing and response does this company the justice it deserves. Tricks I would expect to have issues with like Over Under Boingy Boing do not snag with the string I was using. At 56.8mm, it pushes my preferences on diameter but its size is quite justifiable. I have found it to be pretty much middle of the road in all respects.
RecRev Silly Goose (Diameter and Width Guesstimated)
Diameter: ~56 mm
Width: ~42 mm
Weight: 68 grams
Bearing Type: Buddha Bearing Ripple
Bearing Size: C Size (.250″ x .500″ x .187″)
Response System: CBC Pads (Central Bearing Co)
Shape: Organically Shaped H
Shape:
Essentially, this throw is an H shape with a seriously rounded catch zone. Certainly the most extreme combination of classic and modern yoyo design. Feels different in the hand, but that’s not a big deal. On the throw, feels like an H.
On the Throw
Out of the container, my Silly Goose had a bit of a vibe. Once I unscrewed the yoyo and re-tightened it, the vibe was entirely gone. It is pretty tough to knock it off axis, as many H shapes are. Similar to the @, there were very few issues I had with snag while doing tricks I would expect it to on. Feels very much like an H shape as I already mentioned, and is very much a middle of the road throw.
For Both!
Looks:
I purchased both in the Purple/Gold Paisley colorway. The feel on each is fantastic: just as smooth as both of them play. The colorway is put on through a Hardcoat process if I’m not mistaken, and Spencer Berry does a fantastic job of explaining it.
[quote=Spencer Berry]The hardcoat means it can take a lot more abuse – but it can be scuffed a lot easier.
[/quote]
The day of receiving both of my throws, I managed to scuff my @ on a rough carpet. It took a layer of color off one half, revealing purple underneath the gold, and left a line that could not be felt whatsoever on the other half. These babies will take a beating.
STAX Axle System:
The new axle system is a fresh change and I am glad they are taking the jump. Similar to OD Side effects, one cannot simply unscrew the yoyo entirely without removing the black caps and handling the actual axle system. My Silly Goose came loose (honestly the word I thought of, no rhyming intended), but once it was I could not get it to come apart any further without removing the caps. I did manage to fix a fair bit of vibe by simply unscrewing it and retightening it without removing the caps, and it may be an advantage to the system. I am excited to see where they take it.
UPDATE: The STAX system seems quite interesting. To inform a bit more: the black nubs on both halves have the parts that hold the axle in place. I had a slight issue with my Silly Goose after unscrewing it a few times. I do believe the black nubs have spurs on them as well which allow for more grip to the surface. However, there seemed to be a bit of finish stripped from where the spur would meet the aluminum of the yoyo.
Compare & Contrast:
-Both middle of the road
-The @ felt a smidge faster
-The Silly Goose felt more stable (I am prone to liking H-shapes)
Seriously though, with their weights being so so so close together, they are very similar and the change in feel only comes from the shape of the catch zone itself and the minute differences in weight distribution/feel.
http://i1313.photobucket.com/albums/t557/ArchersAxe21/IMG_20130611_194731_755_zps61f2564b.jpg
Left: @ Right: Silly Goose
http://i1313.photobucket.com/albums/t557/ArchersAxe21/IMG_20130611_194813_890_zps24df85eb.jpg
Top: Silly Goose Bottom: @
Accompanied by the container each of them come in
Tell me what you think of the reviews! As I mentioned at the beginning, I may add a few side-by-sides so you can see how similar these throws are. Also, I wouldn’t mind doing some on the fly comparisons if you have a throw. Feel free to ask on this front and I’ll happily post a list of throws I have at my disposal.
- Chad
I’m basicly saying that the cuts wouldn’t be there if they could be skipped to cut manufacturing costs and time CAD-designing.
